Browse Health Guides by Country
Select a country to understand its specific healthcare rules and access hospital lists.
Are you an Expat, Digital Nomad, or Resident? Understanding how to access healthcare abroad is crucial. We simplify complex government schemes, mandatory insurance rules, and public vs. private options across 20+ countries.
Healthcare is not universal. Moving across borders means changing rules.
The biggest mistake many expats and long-term travelers make is assuming healthcare works the same way it does back home. In the UK, you walk into a hospital for free (NHS). In the USA, that same visit could bankrupt you without insurance. In Dubai (UAE), your visa is tied to mandatory health insurance.
This directory is designed to break down these complex systems into simple, actionable guides. We explain who is eligible for public funds, when private insurance is mandatory, and how to avoid massive unexpected bills.
Select a country to understand its specific healthcare rules and access hospital lists.
Navigating foreign healthcare requires learning a new vocabulary. Here are the most critical terms explained:
A system where all residents get access to medical care, usually funded by taxes. It is often "free at the point of use".
Examples: UK (NHS), Canada (Medicare), Brazil (SUS).
The government forces every resident to buy a health insurance policy from private or non-profit companies. You cannot live there legally without it.
Examples: Germany, Netherlands, UAE (Dubai).
The amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts paying. A high deductible usually means a lower monthly premium.
Common in: USA, Netherlands (Eigen Risico).
A small, fixed amount you pay each time you visit a doctor or buy medicine, even if you have insurance.
Common in: France, Japan, Singapore.
Whether you get free care depends on your income. If you earn below a certain threshold, it's free. If you earn more, you pay.
Examples: Ireland (Medical Card), USA (Medicaid).
Public: Government-run hospitals. Cheaper/free, but often have long wait times.
Private: For-profit hospitals. Expensive, luxury facilities, fast access to specialists. Requires private insurance or cash.
A quick overview of how major economies approach healthcare financing and access for foreigners.
| Country | Primary Model | Cost at Point of Use (Public) | Rule for Expats/Foreigners |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | Universal (Tax Funded) | Totally Free | Must pay "Health Surcharge" (IHS) with visa application to access NHS. |
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | Market-Based Insurance | Very High | Must purchase comprehensive private health insurance. Extremely risky without it. |
| ๐จ๐ฆ Canada | Universal ("Medicare") | Free | Eligible after a waiting period (usually 3 months) of residency. Need private insurance until then. |
| ๐ฉ๐ช Germany | Mandatory Insurance (Dual) | Paid via Premium | Legally required to join a sickness fund (GKV) or get private insurance upon arrival. |
| ๐ฆ๐ช UAE | Mandatory Employer Insurance | Small Co-pay | Health insurance is linked to your residency visa. Usually provided by the employer. |
| ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore | Forced Savings (MediSave) | Subsidized + Co-pay | Not eligible for subsidies. Employer must provide basic insurance, but many expats buy top-up private plans. |
We are looking for doctors, policymakers, and experienced expats to contribute local insights to our directory. Share your knowledge with millions of readers.
Submit a Guest Post →Yes, absolutely. "Free" healthcare is almost always for citizens and permanent residents only. As a tourist, you are usually charged full private rates, even in public hospitals. Travel insurance is essential to cover these costs and medical repatriation.
There is no single "best." The UK's NHS is praised for being free and equitable but struggles with wait times. Singapore is highly efficient but requires personal contribution. France and Japan often rank highest for overall quality and access, offering a balance of public funding and low co-payments.
In countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or the UAE, this is illegal. Consequences range from heavy fines and back-payments of premiums to the inability to renew your residency visa or even deportation.
Generally, no. Most basic public health schemes (like the NHS or Dutch basic insurance) only cover emergency dental work or care for children. Routine dental and optical check-ups for adults usually require separate private insurance or paying out-of-pocket.