Article Highlights:

  • Best and Worst Destinations for Hospital Care – Learn which countries have the best and worst medical facilities for travelers.
  • Remote Destinations With World-Class Hospitals – Discover surprising remote locations with top-tier healthcare.
  • How To Assess a Hospital’s Quality Abroad – Key factors international travelers should evaluate before seeking medical care.
  • Health Insurance and International Travel – Find out where your North American health insurance works and where it doesn’t.
  • Why Medical Evacuation Matters – Real-life cases prove why an evacuation plan is essential for travelers.

 

Destinations With the Best Hospitals in the World

For travelers, access to high-quality healthcare can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. Some countries boast world-class medical facilities with state-of-the-art technology, excellent patient care, and multilingual staff.

“In today’s travel landscape, you may not want to travel to any destination where the level of medical care isn’t up to your standards unless you have medical evacuation services. It puts you, your health and your trip at risk,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies.

Germany is home to several of the best hospitals in the world, including Charité in Berlin. Singapore’s medical centers, such as Singapore General Hospital, are highly rated. Switzerland is renowned for its clean, efficient, and patient-focused healthcare. South Korea’s advanced technology and excellent patient care make Seoul a medical hub. The United States has some of the top hospitals in the world, including institutions like the Mayo Clinic.

 

 

A well-lit hospital room filled with modern hospital beds and medical equipment.
Paris’ Pitie-Salpetriere hospital’s modern medical equipment.

 

Other countries that offer world-class medical care include:

  • France – Home to renowned hospitals such as the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France has a highly regarded healthcare system with exceptional medical professionals and patient care standards.
  • Japan – Known for cutting-edge technology and research, hospitals like the University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan, offer some of the most advanced medical treatments in the world.
  • Canada – Boasting institutions like Toronto General Hospital, Canada’s universal healthcare system ensures high standards of care for both citizens and visitors.
  • Australia – With highly advanced hospitals such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia offers excellent healthcare options, particularly in its major cities.
  • United Kingdom – Facilities like St. Thomas’ Hospital in London offer high-quality medical care, and the National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive services to residents and international visitors.

While many expect only large cities to have excellent healthcare, some remote destinations also provide high-quality hospitals. If you love adventure travel but want peace of mind about medical care, consider places like Reykjavik, Iceland, which has top-tier medical facilities despite its remote location. New Zealand offers excellent healthcare, even in rural areas. Dubai, UAE, provides cutting-edge medical care even in desert regions. Chile’s capital, Santiago, has some of the best medical centers in the world, and Costa Rica’s hospitals in San José attract medical tourists from around the globe.

 

The Worst Hospitals for International Travelers

Not all destinations provide quality healthcare, and for travelers, this can pose significant risks. Some of the worst-rated hospitals in the world are in countries with underdeveloped healthcare infrastructures, limited resources, and a shortage of trained professionals. If traveling to these regions, consider medical evacuation services as part of your travel plan.

Countries notorious for poor hospital care include Somalia, where many hospitals lack essential equipment and trained medical staff; Haiti, which suffers from severe resource shortages and outdated facilities; Venezuela, where the economic collapse has left many hospitals without basic supplies; North Korea, where strict government control limits access to healthcare; and Afghanistan, where political instability has devastated healthcare services.

Travelers should not visit destinations where the level of medical care does not meet their standards unless they have medical evacuation services. If the hospital doesn’t provide the care you need, then a Global Rescue travel protection membership can transport members to a vetted medical center or their home hospital of choice. ”The closest medical facility isn’t always the right one. Global Rescue gets you to the most appropriate hospital for your illness or injury,” said Dan Stretch, operations manager at Global Rescue.

 

Evaluating International Hospital Quality

There are several ways to evaluate a hospital’s quality if you need medical care while abroad.

“Travelers should obtain destination reports covering everything from travel health and personal security advice to currency and common scams before taking a trip, especially to a foreign country,” Richards said.  A Global Rescue Destination Report is a comprehensive resource that provides travelers with critical information about the healthcare landscape of their chosen destination. These reports include details on local hospitals, the quality of care, potential health risks, and recommended vaccinations. They offer more than just a list of medical facilities; they provide insights into language barriers, accessibility to specialized treatments, and region-specific health concerns. For Global Rescue members, these reports are essential to prepare for potential medical challenges and make informed decisions regarding healthcare needs while traveling abroad.

Beyond hospitals, these destination reports include information on local pharmacies, ambulance services, and emergency medical contacts. In a medical emergency, travelers can use these reports to quickly identify the most appropriate healthcare facilities and navigate foreign healthcare systems effectively. Being prepared with such detailed medical information can ensure that travelers receive the right level of care when needed, making Global Rescue Destination Reports an invaluable asset for international travelers.

Beyond Global Rescue’s Destination Reports, travelers can look for accreditation, such as Joint Commission International (JCI) certification. Hospitals with multilingual staff are often better suited for international patients, as they can help prevent miscommunication. Facilities and equipment should be modern and well-maintained. Online reviews and testimonials from other international travelers can provide insight into hospital experiences. Additionally, consulting your country’s embassy can help identify recommended medical facilities.

For North American travelers, hospitals abroad may function quite differently. Jeff Weinstein, medical operations manager at Global Rescue, notes that hospital layouts and medical practices differ worldwide. “The medication might not look the same. Some hospitals use IVs with glass bottles instead of plastic bags. Triage may be done differently than in the United States,” he said.

Many hospitals outside North America require full payment before treatment, and some lack the stringent sanitation protocols found in the U.S. and Canada. Pain management may be more limited in certain countries, as some restrict access to opioids and other strong painkillers.

 

Does North American Health Insurance Work in Other Countries?

A crucial question for any traveler is whether their North American health insurance will be accepted abroad. The answer varies by country and provider.

Countries that often accept U.S. insurance, with restrictions, include Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland, where many top-tier hospitals will bill U.S. insurers directly. Canada and Mexico provide partial coverage for emergency care, while Thailand and Malaysia—popular medical tourism destinations—often accept international insurance.

Countries that typically do not accept U.S. insurance include China, where many hospitals require cash payments before treatment; Russia, where coverage is often limited or denied; and India, Egypt, and Vietnam, where quality hospitals may require out-of-pocket payments. To ensure coverage, travelers should consider purchasing travel health insurance or a travel protection membership with medical evacuation coverage.

 

An emergency department sign on the exterior of the hospital.
When traveling, the closest medical facility isn’t always the right one.

The Global Rescue Connection

There are numerous real-life cases that highlight the importance of having a Global Rescue membership to ensure access to the most appropriate hospital capable of handling your emergency illness or injury.

In Madagascar, a U.S. college student experienced a serious medical emergency. After initial treatment at a local clinic, her condition worsened, and Global Rescue coordinated her evacuation to a higher-level care facility, where she made a full recovery.

In Bolivia, a U.S. traveler suffered severe injuries while trekking, including an open ankle fracture, a broken finger, and a head laceration. Due to limited local medical resources, Global Rescue arranged a ground evacuation, followed by an air ambulance to a top-rated hospital in the U.S., ensuring the traveler received the care needed.

More than a fifth (22%) of Global Rescue members responding to a survey have required emergency medical care abroad. With the best hospitals in the world concentrated in specific regions, travelers should always research healthcare options before departure. Half of travelers (51%) actively research the quality of medical facilities before choosing their destinations. Having medical evacuation services can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Travel smart, stay informed, and always have a Global Rescue membership.