Europe has some of the best healthcare in the entire world, and the systems in some European countries are very highly ranked. While the UK’s NHS system doesn’t quite make it onto the top twenty list of best healthcare systems in the world, there are a number of European countries that do have systems on that list. Some of the best ranking include:
France
France ranks at number 14 on the list of top 20 health systems in the world, and it’s no wonder. The health services in France are second to none, and the average life expectancy currently stands at 82. In France, primary healthcare comes in the form of around 23,000 GPs, with a flat fee being payable to visit the doctor of around 23 Euros per visit. Patients are then reimbursed for the majority of their costs by their health insurance provider. When it comes to emergency services, A&E is part of the national healthcare system while specialist healthcare is provided by specialists across every branch of medicine. France has two kinds of hospital – state run and privately run and patients are able to claim most of their costs back with only a small amount of their hospital stay to finance themselves.
Sweden
Sweden scores very highly in the quality of lift rankings, and their life expectancy is very high. Swedish men have the fourth highest life expectancy in the world. Sweden ranks 10th in Europe for its impressive healthcare, and although patients make a contribution towards the cost, the majority of their treatment is free of charge. Care standards in Swedish hospitals is very high and everyone is entitled to treatment.
Netherlands
It was in 2015 that the Netherlands achieved the top spot in Europe when it comes to health care. With its network of over 150 acute primary care centres which are open every day, 24 hours, it is easy to get the essential healthcare that patients need. There are also over 120 general practice health centres and 94 emergency units with surgery facilities, and almost 100% of people in the country can be transported to a casualty ward within 45 minutes. Most of the Netherlands’ hospitals are private, but there are 8 teaching hospitals which offer the most specialised and advanced treatments. The Netherlands have had the top spot in Europe for 5 years in a row thanks to their excellent outcomes, prevention, patient information and patient rights and this is a situation which is likely to continue in the long term.
Norway
Norway, like other Scandinavian countries, offers an excellent quality of life and a long lifespan for its citizens. Children under the age of 16, however adults have to pay for their treatment. The standards are very high in Norway, however the country also spends more per head on medical care than any other country globally. The healthcare system in Norway achieved 11th ranking in the entire world for its overall performance by the WHO and the local hospitals offer an outstanding standard of care for patients of all ages and with a wide variety of conditions.
Germany
Although Germans may not be well known for their healthy lifestyles, they are still among the healthiest people in the world thanks to their impressive national healthcare. The average life expectancy in Germany is 81 years and waiting times for hospital and GP treatment is very low. The country has some outstanding university hospitals that offer the best possible cutting-edge treatment in all of the major medical disciplines, and as all employees in the country are obliged to have public health insurance, which ensures that medical provision is equally available to everyone.
Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its beautiful scenery and open air, and the local people are very healthy too. The country offers a universal healthcare system as every citizen is required to have health insurance to cover their costs, and this has led to excellent standards. Healthcare in Switzerland is not provided by the state free of charge, however as everyone is obliged to take out private insurance they are guaranteed excellent service. All medical treatment costs are covered along with hospitalisation and the insured individual can choose any provider that they like to handle their care. Switzerland also has more nurses per head, and is ranked as Europe’s second best healthcare system.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg, although small, has a truly impressive healthcare system. Their system is state funded and has the highest standards, offering medical coverage to every citizen. Anyone covered by the system can choose the doctor they prefer to carry out their care and can also attend a walk in surgery if they need to. All of Luxembourg’s hospitals are public, with many items being chargeable such as TV, bottled water and toiletries. The emergency care in Luxembourg is excellent, although only larger hospitals offer emergency facilities.
