Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP in select countries 2021. Among OECD member countries, the United States had the highest percentage of gross domestic product spent on health care in 2021. The U.S. spent nearly 18 percent of its GDP on health care services.
The United States is the highest spending country worldwide when it comes to health care.
In 2020–21, health spending accounted for 10.7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in Australia, 0.5 percentage points higher than in 2019–20.
Health spending as percent of GDP, 2020 - Country rankings:
The average for 2020 based on 179 countries was 7.04 percent. The highest value was in Tuvalu: 21.54 percent and the lowest value was in Monaco: 1.67 percent. The indicator is available from 2000 to 2021.
Current health expenditure as a share of GDP
In 2019, health expenditure as a share of GDP for Japan was 10.7 %. Health expenditure as a share of GDP of Japan increased from 7 % in 2000 to 10.7 % in 2019 growing at an average annual rate of 2.33%. The description is composed by our digital data assistant.
Current health expenditure as a share of GDP
In 2020, health expenditure as a share of GDP for China was 5.6 %. Health expenditure as a share of GDP of China increased from 4.3 % in 2001 to 5.6 % in 2020 growing at an average annual rate of 1.54%. The description is composed by our digital data assistant.
Satisfaction with health care averaged 71% across OECD countries in 2020, similar to 2010 levels. There are wide variations between countries, with citizens in Norway (93%), Belgium and the Netherlands (both 92%) being the most satisfied, while those in Poland (26%), Greece (38%) and Chile (39%) were the least.
However, Brazil is the only country in the world that offers free healthcare for all its citizens. Also, Norway is the first country in the world to implement a free healthcare policy as far back as 1912. Coincidentally, Norway is recognized as one of the healthiest countries in the world.
South Korea tops the list of best healthcare systems in the world. It's been praised for being modern and efficient, with quality, well-equipped medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Generally, treatment in South Korea is affordable and readily available.
WEAKNESSES OF THE AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
While the Australian Healthcare System offers its citizens remarkable and high quality health services it has its own set of drawbacks. It suffers from system inadequacies, including workforce shortages and poor communication systems.
Medicare is the foundation of Australia's primary health care system. In this Budget, the Government is investing $5.7 billion over 5 years from 2022‑23 to strengthen Medicare and make it cheaper and easier to see a doctor.
Despite the continued availability of Medicare, there is evidence that Australia's healthcare is becoming less affordable: Australians pay for about 17 per cent of total health expenditure directly through out-of-pocket expenses. This adds up to $29.8 billion, or about $1,235 per person.
Norway and Chile reported the highest total expenditures on education institutions as a percentage of GDP (both 6.6 percent), followed by Israel and New Zealand (both 6.2 percent), the United Kingdom (6.1 percent), and the United States (6.0 percent).
1/ France (15%)
A higher level of state funding for mental health services is critical for providing helplines for those struggling with their mental well-being. France has the highest level of healthcare spending, dedicating 15% of its mental healthcare budget to psychiatric hospitals.
In 2019, private health insurance was the largest source of personal health care expenditures—accounting for about one-third of personal health care spending—followed by Medicare, Medicaid (total), all other payers, and out-of-pocket spending.
Mali. Health in Mali, one of the world's poorest nations, is greatly affected by poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation. Mali's health and development indicators rank among the worst in the world.
1/ Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the lowest number of hospitals compared to its population, with only 8.7 for every million people. This Central American country might be a dream to visit, but it could be worth bearing in mind the small number of hospitals if you have a condition that may require you to visit one.
India. India offers cosmetic surgeries, cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery and dental procedures up to 80% cheaper compared to United States and Europe. In this sense, it is possible to say that India is the cheapest country for medical tourism.
Australia ranks first among OECD countries for equity and healthcare outcomes, and holds third place for overall healthcare performance, behind Norway and the Netherlands.
According to a study by American researchers, Australia's mixed public-private Healthcare System was ranked as second best in the developed world, trumped only by the United Kingdom.
New Zealand ranks 20th overall in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, with a score of 45.97. The island nation ranks highest in Quality (64.66, #6), with high scores for patient-centered care and infrastructure.
China still lags developed countries in terms of health outcomes. In 2016, average life expectancy in the United States was 2 years higher than it was in China.
With inconsistent standards between rural areas and the big cities, the health care system in China has been rated as 144th in the world by the World Health Organization. The country spends 5.5% of its GDP on health and has a relatively low number of doctors (1.6 per 1,000 population).
The lack of understanding of the consumer's needs and cooperation between hospitals and insurers makes private healthcare services confusing and expensive. The average costs of health insurance in China are rarely affordable for people with average wages.