Countries With Universal Healthcare

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Introduction

Universal healthcare is a system that provides healthcare services to all citizens and residents of a particular country, regardless of their ability to pay. This means that everyone has access to healthcare services, such as doctor visits, hospital care, and medication, without facing financial barriers. The goal of universal healthcare is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and quality healthcare services, which is essential for promoting good health and reducing health disparities.

The implementation of universal healthcare varies from country to country. Some countries have a government-funded system, where the government pays for the majority of healthcare services, while others have a social insurance system, where citizens and employers contribute to a fund that provides healthcare services. In some countries, a combination of both government-funded and social insurance systems is used.

There are many reasons why some countries have implemented universal healthcare while others have not. Some of the factors that may influence a country’s decision to implement universal healthcare include the country’s political ideology, economic development, and healthcare needs. For example, countries with strong welfare states, such as Nordic countries, have implemented universal healthcare as part of their social welfare policies. In contrast, some developing countries have implemented universal healthcare to address the high burden of infectious diseases and other health challenges.

There are 72 countries in the world that have universal healthcare, with a Universal Healthcare Index score ranging from 43 to 89. The countries with the highest scores include Canada, Australia, and several European countries, such as Switzerland and Sweden. These countries typically have strong healthcare systems, with high levels of funding, well-trained healthcare professionals, and comprehensive coverage of healthcare services.

List of Countries With Universal Healthcare

CountryUniversal HealthcareUniversal Healthcare Index
AlbaniaYes62
AlgeriaYes75
ArgentinaYes73
AustraliaYes87
AustriaYes82
BelgiumYes85
BhutanYes62
BotswanaYes54
BrazilYes75
BulgariaYes70
Burkina FasoYes43
CanadaYes89
ChileYes80
ColombiaYes78
Costa RicaYes78
CroatiaYes73
CubaYes80
Czech RepublicYes78
DenmarkYes85
EgyptYes70
FinlandYes83
FranceYes84
GeorgiaYes65
GermanyYes86
GhanaYes45
GreeceYes78
Hong KongYes
IcelandYes87
IndiaYes61
IndonesiaYes59
IrelandYes83
IsraelYes84
ItalyYes83
JapanYes85
KuwaitYes70
LiechtensteinYes
LuxembourgYes86
MacauYes
MalaysiaYes76
MaldivesYes69
MauritiusYes65
MexicoYes74
MoroccoYes73
NetherlandsYes86
New ZealandYes86
North KoreaYes68
NorwayYes86
PakistanYes45
People's Republic of ChinaYes82
PeruYes78
PhilippinesYes55
PortugalYes84
RomaniaYes71
RussiaYes75
RwandaYes54
SerbiaYes71
SeychellesYes70
SingaporeYes86
South AfricaYes67
South KoreaYes87
SpainYes86
Sri LankaYes67
SurinameYes67
SwedenYes87
SwitzerlandYes87
TaiwanYes
ThailandYes83
The BahamasYes70
Trinidad and TobagoYes73
TunisiaYes70
TurkeyYes79
United KingdomYes88

Countries With Free Healthcare

The term “free healthcare” is often used to describe healthcare systems that do not require patients to pay directly for healthcare services. However, it is important to note that healthcare services are not actually “free” in these systems. Instead, they are typically funded through government taxation, social insurance contributions, or a combination of both. This means that while patients may not be required to pay directly for healthcare services at the point of care, they are indirectly paying for these services through taxes or other forms of contributions.

Several countries around the world have implemented healthcare systems that do not require patients to pay directly for healthcare services. For example, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare services to all residents of the UK, regardless of their ability to pay. Similarly, Cuba’s healthcare system is free for all citizens and residents, with healthcare services funded through government taxation.

Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have healthcare systems that are often described as “free”, but actually require patients to pay indirectly through taxes or other forms of contributions. In Canada, healthcare services are funded through government taxation and social insurance contributions, while in Australia, healthcare services are funded through a combination of government funding and private health insurance.

Universal Healthcare Countries

Albania

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Yes

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62

Ranked in the World

#114

Algeria

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75

Ranked in the World

#53

Argentina

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73

Ranked in the World

#62

Australia

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87

Ranked in the World

#3

Australia has a publicly-funded healthcare system called Medicare, which provides universal coverage to all citizens and permanent residents. The system is funded through taxes and provides a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications. While the system is generally well-regarded, there are some concerns about wait times for certain medical procedures and a lack of funding for mental health services.

Austria

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82

Ranked in the World

#27

Austria has a universal healthcare system that provides access to healthcare to all residents. The country's healthcare system is funded through taxes, and services are provided through public healthcare centers and hospitals. The quality of care in Austria is generally considered to be good, and the country has a relatively high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate. The country has been recognized for its successful efforts to reduce health inequalities.

Belgium

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85

Ranked in the World

#15

Belgium has a universal healthcare system that is funded through a combination of general taxation and social security contributions. The healthcare system provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents, including primary care, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. Belgium ranks highly on the Universal Healthcare Index, with a score of 85, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The healthcare system is known for its high-quality care and accessibility.

Bhutan

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62

Ranked in the World

#115

Botswana

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54

Ranked in the World

#136

Brazil

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Yes

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75

Ranked in the World

#54

Bulgaria

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Yes

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70

Ranked in the World

#80

Burkina Faso

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43

Ranked in the World

#167

Canada

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89

Ranked in the World

#1

Canada has a publicly-funded healthcare system that provides universal coverage to all residents. The system is largely funded through taxes and provides a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications. While the system is generally well-regarded, there are some concerns about wait times for certain medical procedures and a lack of funding for mental health services.

Chile

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80

Ranked in the World

#31

Chile's universal healthcare system is known as the National Health Fund (Fondo Nacional de Salud or FONASA). The system is funded through general taxation and employer contributions, and it provides coverage to around 75% of the population. Private health insurance is also available, although it is not commonly used. Despite challenges such as high out-of-pocket expenses and long wait times for certain procedures, Chile's healthcare system is generally well-regarded. The Universal Healthcare Index for Chile is 80, indicating a high level of access to and quality of healthcare.

Colombia

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78

Ranked in the World

#38

Costa Rica

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Yes

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78

Ranked in the World

#39

Croatia

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Yes

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73

Ranked in the World

#63

Cuba

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80

Ranked in the World

#32

Cuba's healthcare system is known for providing universal healthcare to its citizens and its medical diplomacy efforts around the world. The system is publicly funded, and healthcare services are provided free of charge to patients. Cuba's healthcare system has achieved significant successes, including low infant mortality rates and high life expectancy. However, the system also faces challenges such as shortages of medical supplies and equipment due to the US trade embargo. The Universal Healthcare Index for Cuba is 80, indicating a high level of access to and quality of healthcare.

Czech Republic

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78

Ranked in the World

#40

Denmark

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85

Ranked in the World

#16

Denmark has a universal healthcare system that is funded through general taxation. The healthcare system provides free healthcare services to all residents, including primary care, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. Denmark ranks highly on the Universal Healthcare Index, with a score of 85, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The healthcare system is known for its high-quality care and accessibility.

Egypt

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70

Ranked in the World

#81

Finland

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83

Ranked in the World

#22

Finland has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded and organized. The system is based on a principle of equal access to healthcare for all citizens, and services are provided through public healthcare centers and hospitals. Finland has a relatively high healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and the quality of care is generally considered to be good. The country has been recognized for its emphasis on preventive healthcare and its successful efforts to reduce health inequalities.

France

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84

Ranked in the World

#19

France has a universal healthcare system that is funded through a combination of general taxation and social security contributions. The healthcare system provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents, including primary care, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. France ranks highly on the Universal Healthcare Index, with a score of 84, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The healthcare system is known for its high-quality care and accessibility.

Georgia

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65

Ranked in the World

#110

Germany

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Yes

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86

Ranked in the World

#8

Ghana

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45

Ranked in the World

#157

Greece

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Yes

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78

Ranked in the World

#42

Hong Kong

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Yes

Iceland

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87

Ranked in the World

#4

Iceland has a publicly-funded healthcare system that provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents. The system is largely funded through taxes and provides a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications. While the system is generally well-regarded for its commitment to providing free healthcare to all, there are some concerns about wait times and funding issues.

India

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61

Ranked in the World

#120

Indonesia

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Yes

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59

Ranked in the World

#126

Ireland

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83

Ranked in the World

#23

Ireland has a universal healthcare system that provides access to healthcare to all residents. The country's healthcare system is funded through taxes and the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the management and delivery of healthcare services. While the quality of care in Ireland is generally considered to be good, the system has been criticized for long waiting times and a lack of access to some specialized treatments. Efforts to reform the healthcare system have been ongoing for many years.

Israel

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84

Ranked in the World

#20

Israel has a universal healthcare system that is managed and supervised by the government. The country's healthcare system is divided into four health insurance funds, which provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to all residents. While the country spends a relatively high percentage of its GDP on healthcare, the quality of care in Israel is often criticized for long waiting times and lack of access to some specialized treatments. However, the country has a high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate, which are often used as indicators of good overall health outcomes.

Italy

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83

Ranked in the World

#24

Italy has a universal healthcare system that provides access to healthcare to all residents. The country's healthcare system is funded through taxes, and services are provided through the National Health Service (SSN). The quality of care in Italy is generally considered to be good, but the system has been criticized for long waiting times and a lack of access to some specialized treatments.

Japan

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85

Ranked in the World

#17

Japan has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded through general taxation and individual contributions. The system provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents, and healthcare services are provided by public hospitals, clinics, and private providers. Japan has a score of 85 on the Universal Healthcare Index, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The healthcare system is known for its high standards of service, accessibility, and efficiency.

Kuwait

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70

Ranked in the World

#84

Liechtenstein

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Luxembourg

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86

Ranked in the World

#9

Luxembourg has a publicly-funded healthcare system that provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents. The system is largely funded through taxes and provides a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications. While the system is generally well-regarded, there are some concerns about wait times and funding issues.

Macau

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Malaysia

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Yes

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76

Ranked in the World

#52

Maldives

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Yes

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69

Ranked in the World

#94

Mauritius

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Yes

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65

Ranked in the World

#111

Mexico

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74

Ranked in the World

#59

Morocco

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Yes

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73

Ranked in the World

#65

Netherlands

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86

Ranked in the World

#10

The healthcare system in the Netherlands is known for its emphasis on prevention and primary care. The system is publicly funded and covers almost all of the population. Dutch citizens are required to purchase health insurance, although the government provides subsidies for low-income households. The system has been praised for its high quality of care and efficient use of resources. However, it also faces challenges such as rising healthcare costs and an aging population. The Universal Healthcare Index for the Netherlands is 86, indicating a strong level of access to and quality of healthcare.

New Zealand

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86

Ranked in the World

#11

New Zealand has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded through general taxation. The government operates a national health service that is free to all residents, including primary care, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. New Zealand ranks highly on the Universal Healthcare Index, with a score of 86, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The country's healthcare system is known for its responsiveness, quality, and equity.

North Korea

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68

Ranked in the World

#96

Norway

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86

Ranked in the World

#12

Norway has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded through general taxation. The Norwegian healthcare system provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents, and healthcare services are provided by public hospitals, clinics, and private providers. The country has a high standard of healthcare, with a score of 86 on the Universal Healthcare Index. The healthcare system is known for its high level of innovation, excellent quality of care, and accessibility.

Pakistan

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45

Ranked in the World

#159

People's Republic of China

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82

Ranked in the World

#28

China has a universal healthcare system that has undergone significant development over the past few decades. The system is divided into three tiers: national, provincial, and county/district. The national level sets policy, while the provincial and county/district levels implement policies and provide healthcare services. The healthcare system in China faces challenges such as inadequate funding and uneven distribution of medical resources, particularly in rural areas. However, the country has made strides in improving access to healthcare, with universal coverage achieved in 2011. The Universal Healthcare Index for China is 82, indicating a strong level of access to and quality of healthcare.

Peru

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78

Ranked in the World

#43

Philippines

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Yes

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55

Ranked in the World

#133

Portugal

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84

Ranked in the World

#21

Portugal has a universal healthcare system that provides access to public healthcare to all citizens and residents. The system is funded through taxes, and services are provided through the National Health Service (SNS). The country has a relatively low healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP, but the quality of care is generally considered to be good. The system has been criticized for long waiting times and a lack of access to some specialized treatments, but it has also received praise for its emphasis on preventive healthcare.

Romania

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Yes

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71

Ranked in the World

#77

Russia

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Yes

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75

Ranked in the World

#55

Rwanda

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Yes

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54

Ranked in the World

#138

Serbia

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Yes

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71

Ranked in the World

#78

Seychelles

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Yes

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70

Ranked in the World

#88

Singapore

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86

Ranked in the World

#13

Singapore has a unique healthcare system that is based on a mix of public and private healthcare providers. The government plays a significant role in regulating the healthcare sector, and healthcare is primarily financed through a combination of general taxation, national health insurance, and individual contributions. Singapore has a score of 86 on the Universal Healthcare Index, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The healthcare system is known for its high standards of service and efficiency.

South Africa

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67

Ranked in the World

#103

South Korea

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87

Ranked in the World

#5

South Korea's universal healthcare system is known as the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. The system is publicly funded and covers almost all of the population, with the exception of some low-income households that receive government subsidies. The NHI system is funded through payroll taxes, premiums, and government subsidies. The system has been praised for its relatively low costs and high-quality care. The Universal Healthcare Index for South Korea is 87, indicating a strong level of access to and quality of healthcare.

Spain

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86

Ranked in the World

#14

Spain has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded through general taxation. The system provides free healthcare services to all residents, including primary care, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. Spain ranks highly on the Universal Healthcare Index, with a score of 86, indicating that the country's healthcare system provides universal coverage, good health outcomes, and affordability. The country's healthcare system is known for its high-quality care and accessibility.

Sri Lanka

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Yes

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67

Ranked in the World

#104

Suriname

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Yes

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67

Ranked in the World

#105

Sweden

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87

Ranked in the World

#6

Sweden's universal healthcare system is known for its emphasis on equity and accessibility. The system is publicly funded and provides comprehensive coverage to almost all of the population. The system has been praised for its high-quality care and patient-centered approach. However, it also faces challenges such as long wait times for certain procedures and a shortage of healthcare workers. The Universal Healthcare Index for Sweden is 87, indicating a strong level of access to and quality of healthcare.

Switzerland

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87

Ranked in the World

#7

Switzerland has a publicly-funded healthcare system that provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents. The system is largely funded through taxes and provides a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications. While the system is generally well-regarded, there are some concerns about high healthcare costs and a lack of accessibility for low-income residents.

Taiwan

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Yes

Thailand

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83

Ranked in the World

#25

Thailand has a universal healthcare system that provides access to healthcare to all residents. The country's healthcare system is funded through taxes and the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) is responsible for the management and delivery of healthcare services. While the quality of care in Thailand is generally considered to be good, the system has been criticized for long waiting times and a lack of access to some specialized treatments. The country has a relatively low healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP, but has been successful in expanding access to healthcare services.

The Bahamas

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Yes

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70

Ranked in the World

#89

Trinidad and Tobago

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Yes

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73

Ranked in the World

#68

Tunisia

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Yes

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70

Ranked in the World

#90

Turkey

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Yes

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79

Ranked in the World

#36

United Kingdom

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88

Ranked in the World

#2

The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly-funded healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to all citizens and residents. The NHS is funded through taxes and provides a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription medications. While the system is generally well-regarded for its commitment to providing free healthcare to all, there are some concerns about wait times and funding issues.

FAQs

How many countries have free healthcare ?

There are currently 72 countries in the world that have implemented some form of universal healthcare, which provides access to healthcare services to all citizens and residents of the country, regardless of their ability to pay.

What countries have universal health care ?

These countries with universal healthcare are Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, and United Kingdom.

What countries have free healthcare ?

There are a few countries that have free healthcare, meaning that patients do not have to pay out of pocket for any healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, medications, and medical procedures. However, it’s important to note that in most cases, these countries still fund their healthcare systems through taxes or other means of government revenue, so healthcare is not truly “free” in the sense that it is completely without cost.

One example of a country with free healthcare is Cuba, which has a government-funded healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to all citizens and residents. Other countries that provide free or near-free healthcare to their citizens include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. In these countries, healthcare is largely funded through taxation and government spending, and patients may still have to pay for certain non-essential services or procedures.

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