No country is entirely "disease-free," but many countries have successfully eliminated specific diseases like malaria, leprosy, or trachoma, thanks to dedicated public health efforts, with the World Health Organization (WHO) certifying these achievements. Recent examples include Brazil and Timor-Leste eliminating lymphatic filariasis, Jordan becoming leprosy-free, and several nations eradicating trachoma or malaria in 2024/2025.
Healthiest Countries 2025
The World Health Organization officially declared Australia malaria-free in 1981. But, each year, Australia records cases of malaria in people who have travelled overseas. The parasites that cause malaria are becoming resistant to treatment.
Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the World
Norway. The Norwegian universal healthcare system stands out among countries that have free healthcare because of low wait times, emphasis on patient outcomes, and quality of services. Norway's healthcare system is funded through taxation and social security contributions and is available to all residents.
Anyone legally residing in the United Kingdom is entitled to free NHS healthcare. You do not have to be a British citizen or employed to be part of the system – though you may pay an immigration health surcharge. Some foreigners and visitors in the U.K. can receive some treatment.
It ranks in the middle of a "league table" for infant mortality and is placed behind several countries for each of our National Health Priority Areas — cardiovascular health, cancer control, injury prevention and control, mental health and diabetes.
Numbeo also offers a quality of life index, finding the following 10 countries to take the top spots in 2025:
The Best Healthcare in the World
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF) and Lumpy skin disease (LSD) are animal diseases and are not present in Australia. They do not pose human health concerns. Avian influenza (bird flu, AI) is a global disease of birds and some strains may affect humans.
Australia has a higher average income level and better access to private healthcare. The UK's NHS aims to provide universal coverage and bridge socio-economic gaps with free or low-cost healthcare. Medical practices are also different. Australia has a broader acceptance of alternative medicine.
Despite strides in medical advances, heart disease remains world's No. 1 killer.
How to reduce your heart age and improve your heart health
Our round-up of the best countries to live in the world
Finland is the world's happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report, offering retirees (and others) peace, safety, and balance. You can collect U.S. Social Security benefits while living in Finland.
The cheapest countries in the world are Pakistan, Egypt, and Bhutan. To live comfortably in one of these states, a person needs under $400 per month. These countries, however, are unconventional choices for expats and digital nomads because of their low levels of safety and quality of life.
When discussing the Australian population by race, the majority of the population is considered to be white. A white person is defined as a person who has European ancestry. In Australia, about 90.2 percent of the nation's population is white.
The top 10 highest-paying professions in Australia for 2025
Homicide rate: Australia's homicide rate hovers around 0.8 per 100,000 people, compared to the U.S. rate of approximately 6 per 100,000. Property crime: Both countries experience property crime, but Australia's rates are generally lower, and violent property crimes (like armed burglary) are less common.
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free hospital treatment for people who live in the United Kingdom (UK). However if you do not usually live in the UK or have been living outside the UK for more than three months, you may have to pay for any treatment.
UK residents are entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia. These provisions do not apply to non-visitors, for example those studying in Australia.
The government owns the hospitals and providers of NHS care, including ambulance services, mental health services, district nursing, and other community services. These providers are called NHS trusts.