Around the world, the healthiest nations are setting the standard for active, balanced lifestyles and inspiring people to adopt habits that support long-term vitality.
But what exactly makes these places stand out? Using the CEOWorld Global Health Index 2025 - one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date rankings available - let's explore why these countries consistently rank at the top. The index evaluates 197 countries across ten measures, including healthy life expectancy, blood pressure, blood glucose, obesity rates, depression prevalence, happiness, alcohol and tobacco use, physical inactivity, and government healthcare expenditure.
1. Taiwan
Topping the CEOWorld Global Health Index 2025 with a score of 97.59, Taiwan has earned its place as the world's healthiest country through a combination of an exceptionally efficient healthcare system, a nutritious national diet, and strong government investment in public health.
At the heart of Taiwan's health success is its National Health Insurance (NHI) system - a single-payer model that provides near-universal coverage to all citizens and legal residents. The system is widely praised for its efficiency, affordability, and accessibility, with fully digital medical records allowing for fast, coordinated care across providers. In 2023, Taiwan passed the Nutrition and Healthy Diet Promotion Act, further embedding healthy eating into national policy.
Taiwan's dietary pattern is a key driver of its top ranking. Research highlights what is known as the Taiwanese Eating Approach (TEA): a diet rich in plant-based foods, aquatic foods, soy products, and green tea, with minimal fast food, processed meats, and fried foods. This approach has been consistently linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic conditions across all age groups.
Recognising the challenge of a rapidly ageing population - with over 20% of citizens now aged 65 or older - Taiwan launched a network of Community Nutrition Promotion Centres in 2017, now operating across all counties. These centres provide nutritional guidance, physical activity support, and health screenings tailored to older adults.
2. Singapore
Singapore ranks second in the CEOWorld Global Health Index 2025 with a score of 97.43, driven by world-class healthcare infrastructure, proactive government health policy, and a culture that increasingly prioritises prevention over cure.
Singapore's life expectancy stands at around 84 years - among the highest in the world - and its healthcare system is renowned for short waiting times and high-quality specialist care. The city-state's urban design actively promotes healthy living, with extensive green spaces, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly streets woven into its planning.
In 2023, Singapore launched Healthier SG, a major national initiative described as a fundamental reorientation of the healthcare system towards preventive care. The programme focuses on building lasting relationships between residents and family doctors and fostering community-based health habits. Over 700,000 residents enrolled in Healthier SG in its first year, with more than 1,000 GPs participating. The government has committed to investing heavily in this preventive-first model as the population ages and chronic disease pressures grow.
Singapore's diet reflects its multicultural heritage, with strong traditions of vegetable-rich, seafood-centred cooking. Low obesity rates, at around 6%, and low smoking prevalence further underpin the city-state's impressive health outcomes.
3. Israel
Israel takes third place in the index with a score of 97.10, distinguished by a universal healthcare system of notable quality and efficiency, a Mediterranean-influenced diet, and strong outcomes across key health metrics.
According to the OECD Health at a Glance 2025 report, life expectancy in Israel reached 83.8 years - 2.7 years above the OECD average. Preventable mortality stands at just 78 per 100,000, well below the OECD average of 145, and Israel performs better than the OECD average on 8 out of 10 key indicators for access to and quality of care. Impressively, 100% of the population is covered for a core set of health services - marginally above the OECD average of 98%.
The Israeli healthcare system operates through four competing, non-profit health plans - Clalit, Maccabi, Leumit, and Meuhedet - which are required by law to provide a standardised benefits package including hospital care, primary and specialist services, mental health, and prescription drugs. Preventive care is provided with no cost-sharing, reflecting a system that actively encourages early detection and intervention.
Israel's diet draws heavily on Mediterranean traditions - rich in legumes, olive oil, vegetables, and lean proteins, which contribute to relatively low rates of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol consumption is well below the OECD average, at 2.7 litres per capita versus the OECD average of 8.5 litres.
4. Japan
Japan has long been a benchmark for global health, and its fourth-place ranking in the CEOWorld Global Health Index 2025 (score: 97.07) reflects decades of consistent investment in both healthcare systems and healthy cultural practices.
Japan's life expectancy of around 84.3 years remains one of the highest in the world, supported by the traditional diet known as Washoku. Characterised by fresh and seasonal ingredients, smaller portions, and an emphasis on fish, rice, vegetables, and fermented foods, Washoku has been widely associated with low rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Japan maintains one of the lowest obesity rates of any developed nation.
Japan's healthcare system is built on the principle of universal access. The government reviews healthcare costs on a biennial basis to keep services affordable and reduce the financial burden on patients. Its public long-term care programme, introduced in 2000, provides subsidised support for anyone over 65 - or those over 40 with age-related conditions - covering a broad range of care needs.
Prevention and early detection are deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Mandatory annual health checks for employees and students facilitate early identification of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Cultural practices, including routine mask-wearing and rigorous hand hygiene, have long helped limit the spread of infectious illness, habits that gained global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland rounds out the top five with a score of 97.06, reflecting a healthcare system that consistently sets the global standard and a population lifestyle that places a strong emphasis on physical activity, mental wellbeing, and nutritious eating.
The Swiss healthcare model is based on mandatory health insurance, ensuring every resident has access to a comprehensive package of services regardless of income or employment status. According to OECD data, Switzerland has 4.4 practising doctors per 1,000 people, well above the EU average of 3.7. The system is characterised by short waiting times, highly trained professionals, and a strong focus on both physical and mental health, with public insurance covering counselling and therapy services.
Outdoor activity is integral to Swiss life. Hiking, skiing, swimming, and cycling are popular across the country's diverse landscapes, from alpine peaks to lakeside cities. A third of Swiss residents walk or cycle to work, a figure that reflects the country's infrastructure as much as its culture. Chronic disease rates are among the lowest in Europe, and life expectancy stands at approximately 83 years.
Switzerland is also at the forefront of mental health provision. Early detection programmes are run in public settings, including schools and workplaces, and specific initiatives target vulnerable populations. This whole-population approach to mental health is increasingly recognised as a key component of Switzerland's overall health excellence.
Planning to relocate? Consider international health cover
Living in one of the world's healthiest countries can be an amazing experience, but even in nations with excellent public healthcare systems, the reality for many expatriates is more complex. Access to state healthcare for foreign nationals can be restricted, or tied to employment status, and in countries like Switzerland and Singapore, private medical costs are among the highest in the world.
This is where International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) becomes essential. Unlike standard travel insurance, which is designed for short trips and covers only emergencies, IPMI provides comprehensive, long-term health coverage tailored to people living outside their home country. Depending on the area and level of cover chosen, it can cover specialist consultations, mental health support, cancer treatment and maternity care, giving expatriates access to private hospitals and clinics across the globe.
Why choose APRIL International
At APRIL International, we specialise in international health insurance for individuals, families, and professionals who frequently travel or who are planning on relocating abroad. An award-winning provider and part of the APRIL Group, we draw on more than 30 years of experience and a global network of 30,000 partners to support our members worldwide. We combine local expertise with digital innovation to facilitate access to quality healthcare globally, so whether you are an expatriate, a student, a digital nomad or a frequent traveller, our adaptable plans are designed to suit your lifestyle and give you the cover you need to make the most of life abroad.
