Top 10 Healthiest Countries In The World In 2025

Are you looking to move abroad in 2025? Whether you’re seeking to advance your career, retire somewhere peaceful, or give the digital nomad lifestyle a try while you avoid the cost of living crisis back home, there’s never been a better time to live overseas.

One thing you may also be interested in is improving your overall health and well-being. And no, we’re not talking about medical tourism – we mean enjoying a more holistic and healthy lifestyle that supports both your physical and mental health, in a country with ample opportunities for exercise, a healthy natural diet, and of course high-quality medical care for when you need it.

Thankfully, there are many countries that offer you exactly these things. Today, we’re ranking ten of the healthiest countries in the world for expats in 2025. So, if you’re looking for a new life overseas that supports your well-being and general health, these are the destinations for you.

How we’ve ranked the healthiest countries in the world

When it comes to deciding which are the healthiest countries in the world, it can be quite difficult to rank each country fairly. Our first problem is that it can be quite difficult to define what ‘healthy’ means, and one person’s definition of health may be different to the next person’s.

We’ve looked for an equal balance between what we consider to be the best measures of ‘healthiness’. These include:

• The quality of healthcare, i.e. the ability for the healthcare system to meet the demands of its population
• The means to help citizens live a healthy lifestyle through ample opportunities to exercise and eat healthy food
• The quality of infrastructure giving people access to things like clean drinking water
• The state of the natural environment, i.e. do people have access to clean air?

Our methodology to find the healthiest countries in the world

In order to arrive at our top 10, we’ve combined our own expertise as a provider of international health insurance with research from a number of independent sources.

These sources include the 2024 Bloomberg Global Health Index, the 2021 Global Health Security Index and the CEOWorld Global Health Index 2024 index.

We have combined the averages across these rankings with supplementary data from the OECD (particularly the 2022/2023 perceived health status index, which measures the percentage of a population who see themselves as being in good health, and average life expectancy), World Population Review’s 2025 index of the Greenest Countries, plus the latest data from The University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index.

Based on these averages, our pick of the 10 healthiest countries in the world in 2025 looks like this:

How do our rankings compare?

This is the second time we’ve ranked the 10 healthiest countries in the world. In 2024, William Russell’s rankings were as follows:

This year’s list sees new entrants storming in the top 10, including Finland, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Italy, Singapore and Canada have dropped out of the top 10, with Italy and Singapore seeing especially huge falls, coming in at 19th and 25th respectively, while Canada finished 13th in total.

The reason for these sharp drops is largely due to a steep decline in air quality, with both Italy and Singapore posting PM2.5 levels (a measure of particulates per 2.5 micrometers of atmospheric air) above 13 in 2025. In comparison, our healthiest country Norway posted a PM2.5 level of just 4.88, nearly three times lower.

There are also big moves within the top 10. Last year’s healthiest country in the world, Spain, fell to eighth this year – a victim of declining air quality and a poor coverage of green spaces. Norway, on the other hand, shoots up from eighth to the top spot, boosted by the same factors Spain lacks.

Across other rankings, the only country to rank consistently was Sweden. As of March 2025, the latest rankings from our source surveys was as follows:

Bloomberg Health Index

The Bloomberg Health Index aims to calculate the healthiest countries by taking into account various sources, including data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and The World Bank.

The index is calculated using three main factors. The first factor is life expectancy, which measures how long people are expected to live on average in a given country. The second factor is environmental factors, which includes air pollution, water quality, sanitation, and other measures of the environmental conditions that can affect health. The third factor is health risks, which includes factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and obesity rates.

These are the top 7 healthiest countries in the world according to the latest Bloomberg Health Index:

1. Spain
2. Italy
3. Iceland
4. Japan
5. Switzerland
6. Sweden
7. Australia

Global Health Security Index

The Global Health Security Index (GHSI) is a tool that assesses the ability of countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The index is designed to evaluate the overall preparedness of countries to handle public health emergencies and to identify areas where improvements are needed.

The GHSI calculates the healthiest countries in the world by evaluating each country’s performance across six main categories: prevention, detection and reporting, rapid response, health system, compliance with international norms, and risk environment. Each category is further divided into specific indicators, such as vaccination coverage and laboratory testing capacity, which are used to assess a country’s performance in that area.

These are the top 10 healthiest countries in the world according to the Global Health Security Index (2021):

1. United States
2. Australia
3. Finland
4. Canada
5. Thailand
6. Slovenia
7. United Kingdom
8. Germany
9. South Korea
10. Sweden

CEOWORLD Global Health Index

CEOWORLD is a business magazine geared towards senior executives and investors. Their global health index ranks the healthiest countries in the world based on ten factors measured as an average across the population, and includes healthy life expectancy, blood pressure, blood glucose, obesity, depression, happiness, alcohol use, tobacco use, inactivity, and government spending on healthcare.

In 2024, the 10 healthiest countries in the world according to CEOWORLD were:

1. Singapore
2. Japan
3. South Korea
4. Taiwan
5. Israel
6. Norway
7. Iceland
8. Sweden
9. Switzerland
10. Netherlands

The top 10 healthiest countries in the world

1/ Norway

Average life expectancy: 83.46 years

The healthiest country in the world in 2025, Norway has plenty to recommend it. We’ve recently named it one of the happiest countries in the world, one of the best places to live, and one of the best countries for both healthcare and mental health.

It’s easy to see why we recommend Norway so highly. As the healthiest country in the world for 2025, the Scandinavian nation offers everything a person needs to live a long and fulfilling life. With an average life expectancy of 83.46 years, the fourth-highest score for environmental health in Yale’s Environmental Performance Index, and by far the greenest city in Europe in the form of Oslo, Norway barely puts a foot wrong in any metric related to health. It even has the highest health expenditure per capita in the world, outside of the United States.

Perhaps most importantly of all, it is the Norwegian lifestyle that seems to make them the healthiest people on the planet. Norwegians pay attention to the finer details of their day-to-day lives to ensure their choices are always as healthy as can be. For this reason, Norwegians are more likely to walk and cycle, to take outdoor exercise, and to cook healthy meals at home using freshly farmed ingredients.

So, if you’re looking to move to the healthiest country in the world in 2025, this could be an option: congratulations to Norway for topping the list this year!

2/ Switzerland

Average life expectancy: 84.09 years

Regular readers of the William Russell blog will not be surprised to see Switzerland take the number two spot in our list of the healthiest countries. We’ve already named it one of the best countries to live and work, one of the best for healthcare, and one of the happiest countries in the world for expats.

Switzerland is known around the world for providing its citizens with all the essential ingredients for a long and healthy life. With ample access to green spaces all throughout the country, a robust and world-leading healthcare system, and a culture that emphasises healthy eating and regular exercise, the Swiss find it easier than most to make healthy choices.

When it comes to healthcare, Swiss citizens are well looked after. The Swiss public healthcare system is based on mandatory health insurance, meaning everyone has access to basic healthcare services regardless of their income or employment status. What’s more, Switzerland has one of the highest ratios of healthcare providers per capita in the world, with 4.4 doctors and 18.8 nurses and midwives per 1,000 people, according to the World Bank.

Overall, a combination of universal healthcare, access to health services, a high quality of life, and a clean environment all contribute to making Switzerland one of the healthiest countries in the world.

3/ Finland

Average life expectancy: 82.08 years

Finland also features in our list of best countries to live and work, the fourth-best country to raise a family, and the second-most female friendly country in the world. Now, as a new entrant to our list of the 10 healthiest countries in 2025, Finland roars into the third spot largely thanks to its positive approach to holistic wellbeing, robust healthcare spending and abundance of green space.

Finland’s high performance in this year’s list may come as a surprise to some, as the country scores relatively low across many determiners for health risks: it has a relatively high rate of alcohol consumption and tobacco use, a higher than average rate of obesity, and a lower than average consumption of fruit and vegetables.

But many of these statistics show a rapidly declining trend, demonstrating Finland’s rapid ascendency in this field. Meanwhile, the Finns benefit from having some of the greatest amount of green space in the world, plus significantly better air quality than many other countries in Europe.

And with a society that prioritises outdoor pursuits, equality and personal education in healthcare, the Finns know very well how to take care of themselves.

4/ Australia

Average life expectancy: 84.07 years

Australia often features highly as being one of the best countries live and work, so it should come as no surprise to find that the Australian way of life is also one of the healthiest worldwide. With a culture that actively promotes outdoor exercise, from surfing to hiking, and an abundance of high-quality food available nationwide, the Australians find it easier than most to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Australian government has a strong focus on public health, and has implemented a number of public health initiatives to encourage healthy behaviour and prevent disease. These include anti-smoking campaigns, vaccination programs, and campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The National Immunisation Program, for example, provides free vaccines to all children and many adults to prevent infectious diseases.

Beyond this, Australia has a publicly-funded healthcare system called Medicare, which provides free or low-cost access to medical services for all citizens and permanent residents. According to the Commonwealth Fund, Australia has the highest-performing healthcare system among developed nations, leading the way in both healthcare outcomes and health equity (meaning everyone has access to high-quality healthcare).

An increasingly popular expat destination, those moving to Australia will quickly find themselves enjoying a more active and holistic lifestyle.

5/ Sweden

Average life expectancy: 83.42 years

Sweden has already topped our list for the best countries in the world for mental health, and came second in our list of the happiest countries in the world, largely thanks to its strong investment in public mental health services. So, it should come as no surprise that Sweden also invests heavily in other areas of public healthcare.

Indeed, Sweden has a well-funded and comprehensive healthcare system with universal access to healthcare for all citizens. According to OECD data, Sweden spent 10.67% of its GDP on healthcare in 2022, putting it in the top 10 countries worldwide for healthcare spending.

When it comes to day-to-day life, the Swedes are known to live healthy and active lifestyles. With a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and a strong culture of physical activity with high participation in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing, the Swedish lifestyle is one of the most health-conscious on earth.

And with its breathtaking natural landscapes, fantastic air quality and ample access to green spaces, the Swedes also benefit from excellent respiratory health. Sweden also has strong policies related to environmental protection, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy, all of which have positive impacts on both the environment and public health.

6/ Iceland

Average life expectancy: 83.01 years

While Iceland has dropped from third place in 2024, the Nordic nation retains its spot within the top 10 healthiest countries. We’ve also named it the second-best place for expats, the best country to raise a family and the safest country in the world, so you can be sure to live both a healthy and joyful way of life in this remote island nation.

Iceland shows an unusually strong commitment to public health, ranking far above average for many of the major healthcare metrics. It has the fourth-highest expenditure per capita on healthcare – around 8.57% in 2022 – and achieves a perfect score in healthcare equity with every citizen covered.

Iceland also has a strong emphasis on public health, including a comprehensive vaccination program and is making a strong effort to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption. And it has the highest air quality on our list too, with a score of just 2.9PM.

When it comes to lifestyle, Icelandic culture combines a healthy diet with lots of physical activity. Following a Nordic Diet rich in fish, vegetables, and dairy products, the people of Iceland enjoy a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Meanwhile, a strong culture of physical activity can be seen, with many people participating in regular outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, promoting both physical and mental health.

7/ Luxembourg

Average life expectancy: 82.36 years

Though it may be small, this European nation punches well above its weight when it comes to quality of life. We’ve already named it one of the best countries in the world for mental health, and now we’re pleased to welcome Luxembourg to our list of the overall healthiest countries too.

While Luxembourg ranks fairly modestly across most major healthcare metrics, spending just 5.46% of its GDP on healthcare, its position on this list is largely a testament to the enormous amount of green space available in the country. According to Yale’s Ecosystem Vitality Index, Luxembourgers have access to the world’s best green spaces, which also gifts the country plenty of sustainable agriculture and fresh air.

This is borne out both in the Luxembourgish diet, which constitutes simple, hearty foods based on plenty of natural ingredients, and the fact that Luxembourgers are some of the most physically active people in Europe, with 79% of the population exercising at least some of the time, and 13% exercising regularly. Living in Luxembourg, you’ll find it easy to make healthy decisions – whether it’s the food you choose, the culture of exercise (Luxembourgers are particularly keen on cycling and tennis), or the universal access to healthcare.

Of course, we should also mention that Luxembourg is the richest country on earth. As an expat living and working in Luxembourg, you may find you have much more income to put towards health expenses, giving you more options to support your health than you would find in other countries.

8/ Spain

Average life expectancy: 83.80 years

Combining a strong healthcare system, healthy lifestyle habits, and favourable environmental factors, Spain may have dropped a few places from last year’s top spot, but comfortably maintains its place within our list of the 10 healthiest countries in 2025.

Spain’s healthcare system is known for providing universal access to healthcare, which means that all citizens are entitled to receive high-quality medical care. The system is funded through taxes and offers a broad range of services that are both affordable and accessible to all citizens. Spain also has a high number of doctors per capita and a good distribution of healthcare resources across the country.

Widely recognised for its health benefits, Spain’s Mediterranean diet is a big part of what makes Spain so healthy. Incorporating a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, which are associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, the Spanish way of eating is now being adopted by health experts across the globe as a preventative measure for high-risk patients.

Spain also boasts fantastic sporting infrastructure across the whole country, from long, winding cycle paths to basketball courts and football pitches throughout major cities.

9/ Japan

Average life expectancy: 84.85 years

As the country with the highest life expectancy on earth (outside of Hong Kong), it’s fair to say the Japanese must be doing something right. And while they may have slipped from fourth position in 2024, Japan maintains its place within our list of the healthiest countries on earth – and for good reason.

There is much that can be said about the Japanese way of life. With an obesity rate of just 4.9% – the lowest of any developed nation – a healthy diet that prioritises heart-healthy fish and vegetables, and access to high-quality healthcare across the country, the Japanese have easy access to all the things that contribute to quality health.

Culture has a huge part to play in how the Japanese stay so healthy. The Japanese also have a cultural practice called “hara hachi bu,” which means eating until you are 80% full, which can help prevent overeating and promote a healthy weight. People in Japan tend to exercise regularly, even in their old age, with many people taking part in “radio calisthenics,” even on their commutes into work.

In addition to these factors, Japan has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides affordable and accessible medical coverage to its citizens. The country has a high number of doctors and hospital beds per capita, and the government invests heavily in public health.

10/ United Kingdom

Average life expectancy: 81.45 years

A new entry onto our list of the 10 healthiest nations, the United Kingdom’s position comes as the country makes great leaps forward in a number of key areas – most notably air quality, with large cities including London recently taking drastic steps to lower the number of petrol-powered vehicles and reduce pollution.

The UK healthcare system is consistently named as one of the best in the world, offering universal health coverage to all citizens paid through a national insurance scheme, plus a great number of private hospitals offering world-class patient care. Health expenditure in the UK is also high in comparison to the global average, at 11.34% of GDP.

A notoriously sporty nation, the British are keen on exercise. British culture places strong emphasis on sports, and so citizens find it easy to take part in everything from football to tennis, cricket to squash, and much more. It’s not unusual to see gymnasiums packed full of people and the streets brimming with runners at all times of day.

While the British diet is not particularly known for being nutritious, the UK is a wealthy nation and therefore able to import much of its food from overseas. This gives it access to healthy foods from around the world, with food from India, China and the Mediterranean now staples of the British diet.

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expatriates finding best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance. Plus, we produce lots of expert material to help you and your family adapt to life abroad. Check out our list of countries with the best healthcare in the world.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could support you.