Hailey Borg
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 analysed various factors for countries currently offering a digital nomad visa. This includes the length of stay available, potential interest in the visa on Google, 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.
Malta Is One Of The Best Places In Europe For Digital Nomads
Ranked third by Forbes and scoring 7.29/10, Malta stands out as one of the top destinations for digital nomads. Over the past year, there were over 18,600 Google searches for “Malta digital nomad visa.” The country offers relocation options for both freelancers and contracted workers, with a thriving hub for industries such as gaming and gambling. Digital nomads can work in Malta for a minimum of 12 months, extendable up to three years, provided they earn a minimum of €2,700 or $3,000 per month.
Malta ranks 19th globally in terms of health and boasts one of the most advanced healthcare systems, including both public and private care. Mater Dei Hospital, the primary hospital in Malta, is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe. Despite having such a well-established healthcare system, the Maltese Ministry of Health still considers it essential for foreign residents to have international health insurance.
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 specialised medical care may lead to additional costs. For this reason, international health insurance is still considered essential.
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.
For expats and digital nomads seeking a balance between professional opportunities and reliable healthcare, Malta, Spain, and Germany emerge as top choices. Each country not only provides robust healthcare systems but also offers favourable conditions for digital nomads through their visa programs.
With these countries offering a blend of advanced healthcare, economic opportunities, and cultural richness, digital nomads can enjoy a high quality of life while pursuing their careers abroad.
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