Free healthcare is a compelling reason to invest in second citizenship or permanent residency in another country. After all, access to comprehensive medical services without the burden of hefty expenses ensures you and your family can maintain your health without financial strain.
This security gives you peace of mind since you are certain that your medical emergencies won’t lead to a huge debt.
Countries with free or universal healthcare usually have modern healthcare infrastructures, which ensures all patients have access to high-quality care and advanced medical treatments. These nations also signify a commitment to social equality and inclusiveness – values that may resonate with you if you advocate a supportive and fair society.
Undoubtedly, better and more accessible healthcare services are worthwhile reasons to obtain second citizenship or permanent residency in another country.
Countries Offering Free Healthcare
Presently, not all countries have a free or universal healthcare system in place. However, several nations offer this benefit to their citizens and a few of them extend it to travelers.
The top countries with free healthcare are the following:
1. Brazil
This South American country has one of the most impressive healthcare systems in the world. It is free and universal, meaning it is government-funded and available to everyone in Brazil, including citizens, residents, immigrants, tourists, and even refugees.
Brazil’s public healthcare system is overseen by the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) or the Unified Health System. It was established in 1988 as part of the country’s new constitution.
Under the SUS, which is currently the world’s largest government-run public healthcare system, patients have access to free healthcare services, which include the following:
- Outpatient care
- Preventive care
- Vaccinations
- Hospital care
- Surgeries
Brazil is one of the countries known for its high-quality medical services. As such, you can expect exceptional healthcare even if it is free.
2. United Kingdom
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s taxpayer-funded healthcare system. It was established in 1948, making Great Britain the first Western country to offer free medical care to its citizens.
The NHS, which is funded through taxes, covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It provides all legal residents with free public healthcare services that include:
- Vaccination, screening, and other preventive services
- Physician services
- Mental healthcare, including support for people with learning disabilities
- Ambulance services for emergencies
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Inpatient and outpatient drugs
- Maternity care
- Clinically essential dental and eye care
- Palliative care
- Rehabilitation
- Provision of wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other assistive products
- Long-term care
With its free, comprehensive medical and health services, the UK is considered one of the top countries with universal healthcare that other nations strive to emulate.
3. Canada
Canada’s free healthcare system, known as Medicare, is the country’s publicly funded single-payer healthcare system. It covers 13 provincial and territorial health insurance plans that provide universal healthcare coverage to citizens and permanent residents. Some provinces and territories also offer this benefit to eligible temporary residents.
This system was introduced in 1966 when the federal government passed the Medical Care Act.
Medicare offers the following health and medical services for free:
- Primary healthcare services, including the following:
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- Doctor consultation
- Basic emergency services
- Prevention and treatment of common ailments and injuries
- Primary mental healthcare
- Rehabilitation services
- Primary maternity care
- Secondary services that include long-term, chronic and palliative care.
- Supplementary or additional services are also provided to seniors, children, low-income residents, and other eligible citizens and residents. These include free prescription drugs for outpatient use, dental and vision care, and medical equipment and appliances.
This exceptional healthcare system has helped Canada maintain a high life expectancy rate.
4. Australia
Australia’s Medicare system, launched in 1984, is the country’s universal health insurance program. It provides Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and eligible foreign visitors with access to various medical and healthcare services for free or at a low cost.
The country’s state and territory governments oversee public health facilities where citizens and residents can receive free healthcare services.
Medicare covers the eligible patient’s use of public hospital services and other health services. These include:
- GP- and medical specialist-provided services
- Physiotherapy
- Mental healthcare
- Basic pediatric dental services
Medicare also includes the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which covers some of the cost of certain prescription medicines, making them more affordable.
5. Denmark
Denmark offers free public healthcare to citizens and residents. This system was established in 1973 and is overseen by the national government.
The country’s free healthcare system covers hospital stays and medical services, including the following:
- Primary and preventive care
- Inpatient treatment, including hospital admission, surgery, and aftercare services
- Access to a general practitioner for primary medical care
- Routine medical exams, treatment, and advice
- Access to specialist care if recommended by the general practitioner
- Emergency care and medical assistance
- Dental services for children below 18
Denmark has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, ensuring residents have access to high-quality medical and health services.
These countries are leaders in providing world-class healthcare services for free or at low costs, making them a popular destination for people seeking citizenship or residency in another country.
Caribbean Countries Offering Free Healthcare
Many countries in the Caribbean provide free or subsidized public healthcare services to their residents. These include the nations offering Caribbean citizenship programs, which are:
1. Antigua and Barbuda
Public healthcare services are available to residents at low or no cost through the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS).
This program offers financial assistance and pharmaceutical supplies to qualified residents, including those who acquired Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. Beneficiaries can request for refunds for laboratory tests, surgeries, X-rays, ultra sound, hospitalization, medicines, and other healthcare services obtained from approved medical facilities.
2. Dominica
The country has a public healthcare system that provides residents free services in primary care facilities and hospitals.
Residents and foreigners whose applications through the Dominica investment citizenship program are approved are eligible for free primary healthcare at several local healthcare centers and treatment clinics.
3. Grenada
Grenada’s public healthcare system provides free primary care services to residents.
Grenadians, foreigners who obtained Grenada citizenship, and visitors have access to free primary healthcare services, including emergency and pediatric care, surgery, and other procedures from three government-run hospitals.
4. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis citizens below 18 and over 62 have access to free healthcare services.
Residents, including those who obtained St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment, who are beyond the age range can access government-subsidized basic primary healthcare at a low cost.
Barbados, Cuba, and the Bahamas also provide free, government-funded healthcare services to their residents.
If you’re applying for Caribbean citizenship by investment, consider the availability of free health and medical services to ensure you get the help you need without a lot of expenses.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about our citizenship by investment programs.
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