For many travelers, the prospect of a health issue while abroad can be a significant concern, especially when considering healthcare expenses.
Healthcare costs, particularly in the United States, are known to be high. But where else do hospital stays come with a hefty price tag?
According to a British study compiled by Staysure, a UK-based travel insurance company, these are the most costly countries for hospitalization for a Brit.
The study utilized World Health Organization data and also surveyed 2,000 Brits about their travel attitudes.
Here are the 10 most expensive countries to be hospitalized in:
1: Monaco
Monaco ranks as the most expensive country for a Brit to be hospitalized in. A single night in a hospital bed there comes with a high cost of £2,400, which is approximately $3,074.
The source notes that this price is similar to the cost of an economy flight from New York to London. Topping the list, Monaco represents the highest per-night hospitalization expense in this comparison.
2: Luxembourg
Luxembourg is listed as the second most expensive country for travelers requiring a hospital stay. A one-night hospitalization in Luxembourg costs £1,500, or about $1,922.
While this is a significant cost, the source adds that patients in Luxembourg would likely have access to some of the best hospitals globally, potentially offering high-quality care despite the price.
3: Norway
Norway is identified as the third most expensive country for a hospital stay. A single night in a Norwegian hospital costs £1,150 per bed.
This figure is roughly $1,473. To illustrate the expense, the source mentions that this cost is more than the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the United States, highlighting the high price of healthcare there.
4: Switzerland
Coming in at number four, Switzerland also presents high costs for hospitalization. The price for a night in a Swiss hospital is reported as £900, which is about $1,154.
The source offers a comparison for this cost, stating it is approximately what a family of four in the U.S. typically spends on groceries for an entire month, demonstrating the substantial expense.
5: Australia
Australia is listed as the fifth most expensive country for a hospital stay. In Australia, the cost is around £700 per night, translating to approximately $897.
The source points out that considering the number of dangerous animals in Australia, the potential cost of needing a hospital stay is something travelers might want to factor into their plans.
6: Denmark
Denmark is ranked sixth on the list for expensive hospital stays. A night in a hospital there costs £700, which is about $897.
Although the cost is high, the source notes that Denmark ranks 7th globally for healthcare innovation. This suggests that despite the expense, there is a good chance of receiving excellent medical care.
7: San Marino
The microstate of San Marino appears at number seven among the most expensive countries for hospitalization.
A hospital stay in San Marino costs approximately £650 per bed per night, which is about $833. To provide context, the source compares this cost to the price of a specific electronic item: it’s roughly equivalent to a 16-inch Dell Inspiron laptop.
8: Qatar
Qatar is listed as the eighth most expensive country for travelers needing hospitalization. The cost per bed per night in Qatar is £600, which is approximately $769.
While this is a considerable price, the source highlights that the healthcare provided in Qatar is considered the best in the Middle East, according to the Legatum Prosperity Index.
9: Sweden
Sweden ranks ninth on the list of most expensive countries for hospital stays. A night in a Swedish hospital costs £600, which is approximately $769.
The source offers a comparison for this expense, noting that £600 is roughly equivalent to the cost of a room at the upscale Ritz-Carlton hotel in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii.
10: United States
According to the Staysure study, the average cost for a Brit hospitalized in the U.S. is about £600 ($769) per night. However, the source quickly notes that Americans familiar with hospital bills might doubt this figure.
For perspective, fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500, and a three-night stay can cost around $30,000. High healthcare costs are a major concern in the U.S. for both visitors and citizens.
Alicia Richards