In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries that spend the most on healthcare. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 20 Countries That Spend the Most on Healthcare.
5. France
Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 12.21%
France leads in healthcare spending, allocating 12.2% of GDP in 2020, among the EU’s highest, making France stand among the countries that spend the most on healthcare. Public spending rose by 2.3% in 2020 and 8.9% in 2021. Healthcare investment per capita reaches $6,630, surpassing OECD averages, with a strong infrastructure and medical workforce. Challenges include high smoking rates and below-par preventive care like breast cancer screenings.
4. Armenia
Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 12.24%
Armenia dedicates 12.24% of GDP to healthcare, making significant strides in development since independence. Ischemic heart disease accounts for 37% of deaths, with a mortality rate of 248.5 per 100,000. Armenia focuses on enhancing emergency care systems to address traumatic injuries, heart attacks, stroke, and respiratory failure, crucial for achieving universal health coverage and tackling non-communicable diseases.
3. Palau
Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 18.39%
Palau relies on tourism and foreign grants but faces challenges with its National Health Insurance expenses exceeding contributions. Climate change demands significant infrastructure investments. The National Healthcare Financing Act aims to establish coverage and a Medical Savings Fund. COVID-19 response includes unemployment benefits, with $19 million available. Financially, Palau depends on US grants.
2. USA
Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 18.82%
The United States stands second among the countries that spend the most on healthcare . It experiences worse outcomes compared to other high-income nations, with lack of insurance contributing to thousands of deaths annually. Per capita health expenditures were $13,493 in 2022, totaling $4.5 trillion. Hospital care comprises 31.4% of expenditures, with administrative costs significantly driving excess spending. Lack of universal coverage leaves 8.6% uninsured in 2021, hindering healthcare access. Investments in reducing administrative costs, and drug prices, and improving equity are vital to bridge spending-outcome gaps.
1. Tuvalu
Health Spending as Percent of GDP: 21.54%
Tuvalu tops the list for being one of the countries that spend the most on healthcare but faces significant health challenges despite efforts to provide accessible healthcare. The Princess Margaret Hospital offers basic primary care, but the lack of specialized professionals necessitates overseas referrals. Heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are leading causes of death, with a rising burden of noncommunicable diseases. Tuvalu’s healthcare system is government-funded, providing free services.
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