A recent report finds France, Uruguay and Malaysia rank as the top three countries that provide the best and most affordable healthcare in the world.
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France comes in first, finds InternationalLiving.com’s annual Global Retirement Index. This is because many French healthcare professionals in major cities speak English, and France has both public and private-sector healthcare. The public healthcare system is available to those who pay, or used to pay, into France’s Social Security system. This system offers excellent benefits, paying the bulk of the cost for a range of medical services that includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays and prescription medications.
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The private healthcare industry in Uruguay, which comes in second, consists of a number of independently operated healthcare organizations. They vary in size from a single clinic to networks of hospitals and clinics.
“The most popular private healthcare option in Uruguay is a ‘hospital plan,’ whereby you make monthly payments directly to an individual hospital or network that provides your care; everything from routine check ups to major surgery. The cost is extremely low compared to private healthcare options in the U.S.,” says David Hammond, InternationalLiving.com’s Uruguay correspondent.
In addition to hospital plans, there are private health insurance companies, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Uruguay, that provide a broad range of insurance plans.
Malaysia placed third. It has gained fame as a medical-tourism destination as its healthcare is among the best and cheapest in the world. Medical expertise here is equal to or better than what it is in most Western countries.
“At this time, foreigners cannot access the public healthcare system here, but the low cost of healthcare and the range of health insurance options, means that paying for healthcare is no hardship,” says InternationalLiving.com’s Asia correspondent, Keith Hockton.
“Healthcare costs are so low that you can pay out of pocket for many standard procedures. A regular doctor’s visit costs $16 and a dental check-up costs $9,” he adds. - ADVISOR.CA
I will agree with that.Lived in the West for over a quarter of a century and I can tell you that Malaysians don't know how lucky they are.I had a mastectomy and a reconstruction at University Hospital and the bill came up to RM900, that's inclusive of a weeks stay. My American husband was gobsmacked,he couldn't believe how cheap it was as in the US it would have set me back 30K USD.
ReplyDeleteBest and the cheapest for whom? Certainly not for Malaysians. You should visit some hospitals in Malaysia. Private hospitals here are out of the reach of ordinary Malaysians. Go to government hospitals then. Well You make the choice.
ReplyDeleteHave you been to western countries before? If not..i would like to advise you go there and try you best to be admitted..and i bet you'll beg to come back here in malaysia..
ReplyDeleteSome malaysian nowaday think it is beneath them to go government hospital. They perceive it as low class. They dont geddit that the best specialist and equipment are only available in government hospitals.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! My father in law resides in Perth. If his condition is non life threatening, it will take him about 2 months to see a specialist. Their specialists only takes on 14 patients per day. In the US, you better hope you don't fall sick. Medical is beyond reach for many. No insurance, no talk.
ReplyDeleteAiyo... why compare to western countries, compare with countries about the same level lah.Can tell you its definitely not only those 3 countries mentioned... wink..wink aint telling any secret.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 9.51 what's your problem? What's wrong with public hospitals in Malaysia? Do you think public hospitals in developed countries are any better? Take the UK for example, have you been to one of the public hospitals? You actually have to WAIT FOUR (4) months just to SEE a consultant. That was my experience. And you think a trip to the Harley Street is cheap? And forget about
ReplyDeleteNot something to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteLast year government allocated 20 bil. This year, 22 bil. All the for the operational expenditure alone.Buying of drugs, paying healthcare workers, maintaining facilities.
Where is this leading us? Out of 12 million working population, only 2 million pay tax.
Some people might say, so what? it's government's money.