December 4, 2024

Holistic Pulse

Healthcare is more important

Top 3 European Countries For Expat Healthcare, According To Experts

Top 3 European Countries For Expat Healthcare, According To Experts

Moving to live abroad should be a thrilling adventure, but worries over basic necessities like healthcare can quickly mar the experience. Universal healthcare is crucial for expats and digital nomads, providing comprehensive coverage and easing the financial burden of medical expenses. Luckily, over two-thirds of the countries (69%) currently offering digital nomad visas have universal healthcare.

But which countries offer the best overall healthcare to expats and digital nomads? Experts at expat insurance company William Russell have analyzed various factors for countries currently offering a digital nomad visa. This includes the length of stay available, potential interest in the visa on Google, plus whether healthcare is free and where each country ranks for overall health on the Legatum Prosperity Index. Their top three countries for expat healthcare are all in Europe.

Spain Offers Digital Nomads The Best Visa Options And Good Healthcare

Spain tops the list with a digital nomad score of 8.13/10. Over the past year, there were over 98,400 Google searches for “Spain digital nomad visa.” The country introduced its digital nomad visa in December 2022, allowing remote employees to work from cities such as Madrid and Barcelona or islands such as Ibiza and Lanzarote.

Those looking to relocate to Spain can stay in the country for up to five years but must be earning between €2,000 and €3,000 ($2,166 and $3,249) per month. Spain ranks 26th in terms of health around the world. The country offers a universal healthcare system to its residents called Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS).

The system is funded by social security contributions from working residents and allows an employee’s spouse or dependent children to also receive coverage. Residents are only required to pay a portion of any prescription charges, but additional specialized medical care may lead to additional costs. For this reason, international health insurance is still considered essential for digital nomads.

Germany Is The Best European Country For Expat Healthcare

In second place is Germany, earning a digital nomad score of 7.40/10. There were over 12,200 Google searches for “Germany digital nomad visa” within the last year. The country is a great place to relocate to for those working in industries such as technology, engineering and innovation. Digital nomads can initially work in the country for three months, but the validity of the visa can be extended for up to three years. No minimum income is required of applicants, however, proof of stable income must be provided.

In terms of health across the world, Germany ranks 13th. The country has a universal healthcare system that is paid for through both statutory and private health insurance. For this reason, health insurance is required for digital nomads. Germany is considered to have the most restriction-free healthcare system in Europe, as patients can seek almost any type of medical care they wish, whenever they need it.

Malta Is One Of The Best Places In Europe For Digital Nomads

In third place is Malta, with a digital nomad score of 7.29/10. Over the past year, over 18,600 Google searches were made for “Malta digital nomad visa.” The country allows both freelancers and contracted workers to relocate there and is a hub for industries such as gaming and gambling. Digital nomads can work in the country for a minimum of 12 months, but this can be extended to a maximum of three years. Employees must earn a minimum of €2,700 or $3,000.

Malta ranks 19th across the world in terms of health. The country has one of the most advanced healthcare systems available, including both public and private care. Malta’s primary hospital, the Mater Dei Hospital, has one of the largest medical buildings in Europe. Although the country has such a well-established healthcare system, the Maltese Ministry of Health still considers it essential for foreign residents to have international health insurance.

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