These 5 Countries Offer the Best Health Care for Expats in 2026—and They’re Surprisingly Affordable

In 2024, Crown Relocations released its “Relocating in a Changing World” survey, which found that expats overwhelmingly move abroad for a “better quality of life.” For many, this means finding a place where they can access high-quality health care for themselves and their families. However, not every destination is created equal, which is why International Living sought to identify the top destinations for the “highest-quality health care options” for expats in 2026.

“These countries don’t just offer cheap health care—they deliver peace of mind,” Jennifer Stevens, the executive editor of International Living, shared about their top five selections. “We’re talking about countries where you can walk into a clean, modern facility and see an English-speaking doctor for less than the cost of a lunch out in the States. That’s a game-changer for retirees.”

But the list isn’t only for those looking to make a permanent move abroad. It also highlights places that are already popular for medical tourism and offer a “good-value option for people who may not be ready to move abroad full-time but who are in need of medical care they’re priced out of up north,” Stevens said.

After looking at all the relevant details, International Living named France the top destination for health care-seeking expats.

“Even after 15 years in France, I’m still regularly amazed by the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the health care system,” Tuula Rampont, a contributor to International Living, shared in a statement. “That first visit cost €25 (about $29), and with my health care card, I was reimbursed 70 percent—so it only cost me €7, or about $10. That price has remained unchanged for over a decade.”

As Rampont added, one of the most impressive parts of the French system is how it handles chronic illnesses. “If you’re diagnosed with conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, or dementia, your treatment is covered 100 percent,” she explained. “There are no age limits or exclusions for pre-existing conditions; everyone is welcome.”

Coming in a close second is an expat favorite, Portugal, which earned high praise for its public health care system that coexists with private care options.

“I was finally given a colonoscopy—denied to me in the U.S. despite being in my mid-fifties—and a DEXA scan that revealed severe osteoporosis,” expat Kimberly Anne wrote. “I was prescribed medication that costs €250 every six months without the national health care, but just €60 with it.” Anne reported that the quality of care is “outstanding. On my very first visits, doctors ordered tests I’d never heard of, and others I’d been requesting for years back in the U.S.” However, it is critical to note that to access the national health care system, you must have tax residency in Portugal and a tax number. Private health care can be purchased through local banks.

Other top spots include neighboring Spain, which expat Cepee Tabibian says offers “straightforward, affordable, and transparent” care, along with Panama, which expat Jess Ramesch noted has “modern hospitals” and caring, often English-speaking doctors.

Rounding out the top five is Costa Rica, which also offers a dual public-private system, along with the benefit of beautiful beaches along its coast. “Now we live near the beach, where the closest hospital is an hour away. But there are many 24-hour clinics nearby for emergencies,” expat Bekah Bottone shared. 

“What sets these countries apart is not just low prices,” Stevens added. “It’s how well the systems work for foreigners. Whether it’s seamless appointment booking, preventative care, or affordable prescriptions, these are places where retirees can feel truly cared for.”

See the full rankings at internationalliving.com. 

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