In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 healthiest countries in Asia. For a detailed analysis on health market, visit 15 Healthiest Countries in Asia.
5. Hong Kong
Insider Monkey Score: 5.5
Hong Kong boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at 85.49 years. The public healthcare system is highly subsidized, providing low-cost services to residents. In 2022–2023, Hong Kong spent HK$284.1 billion on healthcare, a 15% increase from the previous year, averaging HK$38,670 per person. The government allocated US$11.8 billion to the Hospital Authority, the main provider of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, with much of this funding used to subsidize healthcare for residents at public hospitals.
4. Taiwan
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Taiwan’s healthcare market is characterized by a mix of public and private healthcare providers. The National Health Insurance (NHI) program, established in 1995, plays a central role in the healthcare system. Taiwan has a high density of healthcare providers, especially in urban areas like Taipei, where there are approximately 42.89 healthcare providers per kilometer. However, there is a notable disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas, with rural regions like Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Taitung having only about 4.9 healthcare providers per kilometer. In 2022, Taiwan spent approximately 222.16 billion New Taiwan dollars on public health, with an average household expenditure of 148,600 New Taiwan dollars. Public health spending was just over 4% of GDP, about two-thirds of the OECD average and one-third of the U.S. level. Taiwan’s healthcare spending has remained stable over the past decade, unlike the upward trend seen in other OECD countries.
3. South Korea
Insider Monkey Score: 3
The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) covers all citizens, providing universal healthcare access. In 2023, South Korea allocated about 315.8 billion won to mental health care, an 84% increase from 2019. National health expenditure is expected to grow 7.5% in 2023, outpacing the 6.1% GDP growth, potentially raising the health spending share of GDP from 17.3% in 2022 to 19.7% by 2032.
2. Japan
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average of over 84 years. The Japanese diet, rich in fish, vegetables, and whole grains, along with cultural practices like “hara hachi bu” (eating until 80% full), plays a significant role in maintaining the population’s health. In 2023, Japanese households spent an average of 17.5 thousand yen on private medical insurance premiums, a slight decrease from the previous year, and about 1.1 thousand yen per month on health fortification. The Medical Care Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 101.2 index points, an increase of 1.2 points since 2020.
1. Singapore
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Singapore tops the list for being the healthiest country in Asia. The government of Singapore is committed to funding healthcare services, particularly focusing on the needs of its aging population. In 2023, Singapore’s healthcare spending rose to $16.68 billion, up 4.8% from 2022, due to higher costs and the HealthierSG initiative, which emphasizes preventive and community-based care.
If you want to learn about more healthy countries in Asia, visit 15 Healthiest Countries in Asia.
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