Top 10 countries focusing on health and well-being for expatriates

29 October 2025

When the decision is made to move abroad, whether to work, travel or both, several criteria come into play. For example, job opportunities, leisure activities, landscapes and affinities. However, an often underestimated but extremely important factor is health: it’s essential to find out about the country’s medical infrastructure and ask the right questions. In the event of hospitalization or emergency, is the country well equipped? And about health systems. Does it have a social protection system, and what about health insurance abroad? To help you make the right decision, here are the top 10 countries based on their healthcare structures, quality of life and the happiness of their inhabitants.

1- Taiwan

The country features prominently in various rankings. Whether it’s for the quality of care provided, its accessibility, or its general quality of life. This economically developing country offers numerous career opportunities. Taiwan is also renowned for its rich, open culture and low cost of living. It is said to be one of the happiest countries in Asia (along with Thailand and Vietnam). The country has a compulsory health insurance system, the National Health Insurance or NHI, which ensures that everyone, citizen and foreigner in residence, is covered.

Note: it is your employer’s responsibility to register you as soon as you start work. We advise you to find out about the health coverage best suited to your needs as an expatriate.

2- Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the countries with the longest life expectancy… Nestled between the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, it’s hard not to want to live here for a long time. All expatriates can take advantage of the “Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social” or caja national protection system. That said, it is still advisable to take out expatriate health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage. Finally, Costa Rica is one of the safest Latin American countries. Nature is still untamed and the population very welcoming.

3- Denmark

Expatriates pay a lot of taxes in Denmark… but enjoy a high quality of life, including health care. Over there, everyone has access to the same care and support (travelers or residents). And what’s more, all healthcare professionals speak English, which makes interactions much easier. And last but not least, this is one of the happiest countries in the world.

4- Finland

Yet another country where expatriates pay high taxes… in order to benefit from high-quality, comprehensive care. Primary, secondary and tertiary care are covered by the public health system. The majority of expatriates are happy with their experience. In fact, according to the Expat Insider survey (conducted among a global network of InterNations expats in 2017), three-quarters of expats rate the quality of healthcare positively.

5- Austria

When it comes to healthcare, and its accessibility, as well as the social protection system, it’s worth noting that Austria ranks as one of the front-runners. Some have even called it the best country in the world in which to receive healthcare. This European neighbor also offers an attractive, straightforward, pure environment

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6- New Zealand

New Zealand’s assets include a very pleasant quality of life with relatively favorable employment opportunities. The French also have a good reputation with companies. Indeed, finding work in New Zealand can be a simple matter for expatriates. From a health point of view, it is advisable to take out expatriate health cover to benefit from good quality care. There is a public system to which you can apply as an expatriate, but it remains complex and visa-dependent; for example, you won’t have access to it for a PVT in New Zealand. However, New Zealand is a developed country and expatriates face few health risks. Medical staff are highly qualified, and facilities are well equipped.

7- Moving to Canada

One of the first destinations chosen by the French when it comes to living and/or working abroad. It has to be said that in Canada, at least in a certain part of the country, there is no language barrier, and the population is very friendly. And 78% of expatriates consider medical care to be of high quality (again according to the same 2017 study). However, we strongly recommend taking out expatriate health cover to take care of all healthcare costs. In fact, this health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a PVT in Canada.

8- Expatriating to Switzerland

For a long time, Switzerland was considered the happiest country in the world. So it’s hardly surprising that many French people are thinking of moving to Switzerland. The country offers a high quality of life, a healthy economy with favorable working conditions and attractive salaries for us French neighbors. The Swiss healthcare system is reputed to be one of the best in the world. Health is not a preoccupation for its inhabitants. Staff are qualified, facilities are modern and expatriates are well looked after. It is advisable to take out supplementary expatriate health cover to benefit from full reimbursements.

9- Norway

We continue with the northern European countries with Norway. It’s not the sunniest country, but its inhabitants are among the happiest in the world. The country’s education, economic and political stability make it a safe destination for foreigners. Not to mention the beauty of its landscape. Publicly-funded healthcare services are available to everyone in the country. Expatriates are subject to the Norwegian welfare system from the moment they start working in the country, and it covers costs satisfactorily.

10- Living in Singapore

Last on the list, and yet the country offers many advantages: security, economic dynamism and a high standard of living, excellent education and a good healthcare system. Although expensive, the country offers a very attractive living environment for expatriates wishing to move to Singapore. It is therefore advisable to take out expatriate health cover to supplement the sometimes high cost of healthcare.

Expatriate well-being: what you need to know

Each country in this ranking has unique characteristics, but all share a commitment to quality healthcare and well-being. Whether in Taiwan, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Austria, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Norway or Singapore, expatriates can anticipate health and wellness issues. It is crucial to note that, whatever the final choice, it is advisable to enquire about suitable expatriate health cover to guarantee peace of mind.

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