What is Universal health coverage (UHC)?
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How Many Countries in The World Have Free Healthcare in 2025?
How many countries in the world have free healthcare? Explore the 2025 list, global systems, and tips on health insurance for foreigners.
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Is Free Healthcare Really Free?
That’s one of the most common questions people ask when looking at global healthcare systems. The idea sounds simple—walk into a hospital or clinic and receive care without paying. But the reality is far more complex. In most countries, what people call “free healthcare” is actually universal healthcare. This is a system where nearly everyone is covered, but the funding comes from taxes, mandatory insurance, or a combination of both.
This is why people often confuse the two concepts. Understanding the difference is crucial, especially if you’re considering relocating abroad, as the healthcare fees may be higher for foreigners. So, let’s find out how many countries in the world have free healthcare in 2025.
What Countries in the World Have Free Healthcare in 2025?
Hudson’s Global Residence Index reveals that only 43 countries in the world fail to offer free or universal healthcare to at least 90% of citizens. Notably, some of them are Afghanistan, Iran, Nigeria, Yemen, and the United States.
The United States, the most developed country, stands out for not having a universal healthcare system. Alternatively, medical costs are covered through private insurance, employer-sponsored plans, and government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.
Brazil, on the other hand, is the only country where the Constitution guarantees completely free healthcare for all citizens. In contrast, most other nations with universal healthcare systems cover at least 90% of their population but still require some form of co-payment, insurance contribution, or taxation to fund medical services.
Free Healthcare vs Universal Healthcare: What’s the Difference?
Free healthcare
It means no direct cost at the point of medical service. Citizens receive treatment and leave without paying. The underlying point is that the system is funded by their taxes or payroll taxes.
Universal healthcare
It provides everyone has access to the full continuum of essential health services from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. However, it’s not always free. The services may involve co-pays, mandatory insurance, or taxes. The goal is affordability and accessibility, not necessarily zero cost.
Universal health coverage (UHC) is defined as a system where the government takes its responsibilities of providing all citizens with essential health coverage.
Examples:
- The United Kingdom (National Health Service) is well-known for its universal healthcare. Residents don’t pay for most hospital and GP services.
- Switzerland has a universal system where everyone must buy health insurance. The government regulates prices and subsidizes low-income households, but it isn’t free. Check out how to choose health insurance in Switzerland if you’re planning to come here.
What Country Has Universal Healthcare?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each country follows its approach to achieving universal health coverage, determining what to include based on its population’s needs and the resources available.
Check out the updated list of countries with free or universal healthcare:
Europe
United Kingdom
Description It offers the National Health Service, which is funded by taxes and free at the point of use.
France
DescriptionThe public insurance system is applied with small co-pays.
Germany
DescriptionThe government applies a mandatory social insurance model.
Switzerland
DescriptionUniversal coverage is utilized through private, mandatory insurance.
Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland)
DescriptionHigh tax-funded medical care is provided with excellent outcomes.
Americas
Canada
DescriptionUniversal and largely free at the point of use for core services.
Brazil
DescriptionOnly the country that provides free medical care for all citizens and residents.
Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile
DescriptionStrong public systems supplemented by private options.
Asia
Japan
DescriptionIt has national health insurance that covers nearly all residents with co-pays.
South Korea
DescriptionAll citizens and residents must be enrolled in the Health Insurance System. They have to pay small costs when receiving medical care.
Thailand
DescriptionThree government coverage programs support all citizens. However, expats are required to pay for private insurance.
China
DescriptionThe government covers over 97% of its citizens through 3 insurance schemes, in which they still have to co-pay.
Kuwait
DescriptionIt offers free medical care for citizens. However, due to a long wait for the services, they tend to find private providers.
Africa
- Algeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Botswana expand universal systems, though quality varies. Rwanda, a small nation with a difficult history, has emerged as one of Africa’s leading success stories in universal health coverage. The government provides health insurance and primary care access for over 90% of its citizens.
Oceania
- Australia: Medicare provides free hospital care and subsidized physician services for citizens. Expats, international students, and temporary residents have to purchase private international health insurance.
- New Zealand: This country applies the Beveridge model, which requires co-payments for primary care visits and medications. However, medical care/hospital care is free for everyone, including tourists.
With this list of countries with free healthcare, we can see that in most cases, “free” means heavily subsidized rather than entirely without cost. Surprisingly, free healthcare is implemented successfully in unexpected places.
Is Free Healthcare Applied for Expats and Travelers?
In some countries that offer universal healthcare, citizens only pay a small fee or a deductible for medical services. Meanwhile, they are extremely expensive for foreigners. Expats and residents who are temporarily living overseas for work or study are mandated to hold international health insurance. It allows them to access a specific range of medical care, including hospital stays, doctor visits, emergency care, and medications. The coverage depends on which plans they purchase.
For example, in Switzerland, healthcare is universal but not free. Expats must buy insurance within three months of arrival. Discover the 3 Types of Swiss international health insurance.
Some countries with universal healthcare require expats, international students and foreign workers to purchase international health insurance.
Moving Internationally? Healthcare Checklist You Need
If you’re relocating, healthcare should be at the top of your checklist. Check out this moving internationally checklist:
- Research your destination’s healthcare systems and requirements for foreigners: Start with some reliable resources; for instance, this international list of healthcare systems.
- Check eligibility: Many systems cover only citizens or permanent residents.
- Secure private insurance: Choose the right insurance providers and insurance plan that meets your needs and budget. Remember to check out some tips for saving on health care costs. If you’re moving to Switzerland, read this guide: How to save on Switzerland health care costs.
- Bring your medical records: Pack your prescriptions and recent test results along to ensure you will have the right treatment while living overseas.
- Understand emergency coverage: Some countries provide free emergency care to all, while others don’t.
Being proactive ensures you won’t be caught off guard by hidden costs or waiting periods.
The Bottom Line
This article not only explains the difference between free healthcare and universal healthcare, but also provides examples of countries that apply each system. It highlights the complexity of global healthcare, where nations decide whether patients pay providers directly, rely on insurance, or contribute small fees at the point of care.
For expats and travelers, costs can often be higher abroad, making it essential to understand how each system works. Whether you’re curious about what countries offer free healthcare or preparing to relocate, knowing these differences helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected expenses.
Julie Favre
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