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TheExpatNetwork, alongside with Property Guides, analysed the healthcare systems in the top 10 most popular countries for expats. The results found that five of the best countries for Britons to relocate to have very “affordable and comprehensive healthcare”.
Italy
According to the study, Italy has the most accessible healthcare system for expats as it has a universal health service similar to the NHS available, called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).
Citizens pay around 4.6 percent of their income to the health system and get free or subsidised healthcare, including GP visits. Prescription costs are subsidised under state health coverage, which means people only pay a very small fee.
Italy has many beautiful cities but one of the most iconic parts is the Amalfi Coast, featuring some amazing little towns including Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi.
On Tripadvisor, resident Teresa J explained: “Sorrento is fabulous. It was more of what I expected Italy to be. With all the narrow streets and vendors. The limoncello, the lemon cakes. The sea wall. Swimming in the sea. Just a wonderful experience.”
Germany
Germany also has a national healthcare system funded by tax and to which citizens contribute around 7.5 percent of their salary. This is an opt-in system but having some form of health cover is mandatory. People may also choose private health insurance, which is one of the most affordable and comprehensive in Europe.
Interestingly, Germany also has the highest number of hospital beds per 10,000 population, and is the best-equipped country to deal with a surge in emergencies.
The Netherlands
People in the Netherlands contribute 9.65 percent of their salary to state healthcare, but health insurance is mandatory meaning, in most cases, expats may need to take out at least a basic healthcare policy. Health insurance premiums, however, are relatively low compared to the rest of Europe, and people will have access to free prescriptions, GP visits, and vaccines.
Spain
Spain is the healthiest country in the world, according to the World Population Review, and this may be thanks to its universal healthcare.
The system allows free healthcare for all citizens but if Britons move to the country and want to access the state healthcare system, they will need to check the terms and conditions for their specific region, which can vary.
GP visits are normally free with state health insurance, but people have to pay a proportion of the prescription fees, some vaccinations, or specialist treatment. Many Spanish citizens pay for private insurance alongside state insurance which will give them access to a wider treatment.
Before Britons move to an EU country, they need to apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or replace their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with a GHIC when it expires, which ensures state-provided healthcare in EU nations.
The UAE
The UAE has its own state health service which is funded by the Government however, expats can only access public hospitals and clinics if they have a UAE health card.
These can be obtained from the Dubai Health Authority or the Health Authority Abu Dhabi. Emergency care is usually free in public hospitals with a health card, but expats will need to pay if they require a private family doctor.
Most popular countries to relocate to with the best healthcare system:
- Italy
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- UAE
- Switzerland
- UK
- Canada
- France
- USA
The senior content editor at Property Guides, Chris Nye, commented: “While the cost of living and quality of life are certainly major reasons to move abroad, healthcare should also be a vital deciding factor. Health can be very unpredictable, and you just never know when you might need help or emergency care. And you certainly don’t want the added stress of footing a hefty bill when you’re already sick.
“Most popular expat countries, aside from the US, have some form of state-funded healthcare, with the option to top up your healthcare with private insurance. Wherever you move to, it’s wise to take out at least the most basic health cover to avoid being left in the lurch.
“After analysing the top 10 most popular expat countries, it seems Italy can offer the most in terms of health cover, with Germany and the Netherlands closely following behind. Spain is very popular with British expats, and its affordable and comprehensive healthcare suits many residents, although you may need to take out private insurance to supplement it.
“Healthcare can differ greatly from country to country, so it’s wise to do your research before you decide to make the move. You may need to apply for a health insurance card to get access to state healthcare, or you may need to choose a private health insurance policy to get your cover. In some countries, such as Spain or Canada, healthcare can differ from region to region, so this can be another deciding factor before you commit fully to expat life.”
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