In this article, We will be taking a look at the 5 healthiest countries in Europe. You can see more details and a comprehensive list on the topic by visiting 15 Healthiest Countries in Europe.
5. Netherlands
Insider Monkey Score: 5.5
The Netherlands is often recognized as one of the healthiest countries in Europe due to its robust healthcare system, high quality of life, and significant health-related expenditures. As of June 2023, the Netherlands was projected to spend about €51.5 billion on healthcare, with over half allocated to specialized medical care. The government also planned to spend nearly €7.6 billion on primary care, up from 2022. The life expectancy stands at 81.46 years.
4. Switzerland
Insider Monkey Score: 4.5
Switzerland boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at 84 years, and has the third-lowest obesity rate (12%) in Europe. In 2023, Switzerland’s healthcare spending is projected to be CHF 92 billion, a 4.1% increase from 2022, representing 11.5% of GDP. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute expects spending to rise to CHF 95.3 billion in 2024 and CHF 98.4 billion in 2025. In 2023, Switzerland’s compulsory health insurance costs also rose by 4.6% to CHF 4,513 per person. This increase is driven by a 5.5% rise in medicine costs, higher hospital and doctor bills due to a new tariff structure, and increased outpatient treatments.
3. Sweden
Insider Monkey Score: 3.5
Sweden stands third among the healthiest countries in Europe with a health score of 87.84. Sweden has the second-highest life expectancy in Europe, at 83 years. In 2022, Sweden’s healthcare expenditure was 10.7% of GDP, consistent with other high-income European countries. About 86% of this spending was publicly funded, mainly through regional and municipal taxes, with the national government contributing 2.5% in 2021. The remaining costs, primarily for dental care and pharmaceuticals, were covered out-of-pocket by households.
2. Iceland
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Iceland’s healthcare system is predominantly publicly funded and offers universal coverage to its citizens. Iceland has a life expectancy of 83.12 years, which is among the highest globally. There is a strong culture of physical activity in the country, with many people engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing and only 7.5% of the Icelandic population are smokers, which is the second lowest percentage in Europe. In 2021, Iceland’s healthcare spending per capita was $6,636, a 17.72% increase from 2020, but dropped to $0 in 2022. In 2019, total health expenditure was 269 billion ISK, or 8.9% of GDP, slightly above the OECD average. Public spending accounted for 7.4% of GDP, and private spending 1.5%. Despite recent trends, Iceland’s per capita spending has been similar to the EU average but represents a smaller share of GDP.
1. Norway
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Norway tops the list for being the healthiest country in Europe. The country has a high life expectancy of approximately 83 years, which is indicative of the overall health and quality of life in the country. Norwegians typically follow a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial for heart health. Norway has a lower-than-average obesity rate of 23%, which is relatively low compared to other European countries, and the country boasts a high ratio of healthcare professionals per capita, with 4.9 doctors and 18.3 nurses and midwives per 1,000 people. In 2022, Norway spent 8.1% of GDP on healthcare, totaling $47 billion or $8,637 per person. This is below the OECD average of 9.6% but remains among the highest globally. Norway’s spending peaked at 11.2% of GDP in 2020 before declining.
To learn more about healthy countries in Europe, visit 15 Healthiest Countries in Europe.
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