Healthcare is one of the most important aspects of a country’s infrastructure, but it can also be one of the most expensive services people use in their lifetime.
While some nations pride themselves on offering free or affordable public healthcare, others charge a premium for high-quality medical treatment.
Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or even a local without proper insurance, the costs of a hospital stay in certain countries can be shockingly high.
Below are 10 countries where hospital stays can cost a fortune, and what makes healthcare so expensive in each one.
1. United States
The United States is consistently ranked as the most expensive country in the world for medical care. Without universal healthcare, patients rely heavily on private insurance, and those without it are especially vulnerable to high bills.
Even a routine hospital stay can cost over $10,000, while surgeries and emergency procedures often exceed $100,000.
Factors contributing to these high costs include high administrative fees, expensive pharmaceuticals, cutting-edge technology, and for-profit hospital systems.
Despite the hefty price tags, not all services come with high quality or accessibility, particularly for the uninsured.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland combines exceptional healthcare with a strong emphasis on private insurance. Every resident is required by law to purchase health insurance from private providers, but premiums are high and out-of-pocket costs can still be significant.
A hospital stay can easily cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per day, depending on the facility and treatment type. Additional charges apply for specialist visits, surgery, or advanced diagnostics.
While the quality of care is world-class, it comes at a price that makes Switzerland one of the costliest countries for inpatient medical care, especially for travelers or uninsured residents.
3. Norway
Norway’s public healthcare system is robust and mostly taxpayer-funded, offering affordable care to citizens and legal residents.
However, for visitors and non-residents, costs can be overwhelming. An overnight hospital stay may cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200 without insurance, and surgical procedures or emergency care could result in significantly higher bills.
The high cost is partly due to Norway’s overall high cost of living and the use of modern, well-equipped hospitals.
It’s essential for travelers to have international health insurance when visiting this Scandinavian nation to avoid out-of-pocket shocks.
4. Australia
Australia has a hybrid public-private healthcare model. Citizens and permanent residents benefit from Medicare, the government-funded system that covers basic medical services.
But international travelers, students, and temporary residents may not qualify for Medicare and are instead subject to full-price private care.
Hospital stays for these individuals can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per night, depending on the level of care and hospital class.
Fees increase with the use of private rooms, surgeries, and aftercare. Without private health insurance or travel insurance, the expenses can be financially devastating.
5. United Arab Emirates
The UAE, particularly cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is known for its luxurious lifestyle—and its healthcare system reflects that.
The country has invested heavily in building state-of-the-art hospitals, attracting top international talent and offering world-class services. However, this also means high operational costs, which are passed on to the patient.
Expats and tourists are required to have private health insurance, but any gaps in coverage or exclusions could result in out-of-pocket bills that range from $2,000 to $5,000 per day. VIP rooms, advanced surgeries, or emergency services only add to the cost.
6. Canada
Canada’s universal healthcare system is funded through taxes and is highly praised for its accessibility to citizens and permanent residents.
However, visitors and undocumented individuals are not covered and must pay the full rate for medical services.
A hospital stay for a non-resident can range between $3,000 and $5,000 per night, not including the costs of tests, treatments, or physician fees.
Although Canada offers quality care, the assumption that everything is “free” is misleading if you’re not part of the national healthcare system.
7. Germany
Germany provides comprehensive healthcare through a dual system of public and private insurance.
Citizens and most residents are covered by statutory health insurance, but tourists and some expats may not be eligible unless they purchase separate international coverage.
Uninsured individuals may face daily hospital fees starting from $500, with added costs for operations, intensive care, or diagnostic imaging.
The country’s highly structured and regulated healthcare system ensures quality and efficiency, but the expenses can be significant if you’re not covered.
8. Japan
Japan’s healthcare system is one of the most efficient and high-performing globally, supported by both government-backed and employer-provided insurance plans.
However, uninsured visitors or temporary residents may encounter unexpected costs. A hospital stay may cost between $600 and $1,200 per day, with major surgeries or specialized treatments increasing the bill significantly.
Japanese hospitals are renowned for their cleanliness, precision, and advanced technology, all of which contribute to higher costs when insurance is not involved.
9. Singapore
Singapore is a hub for medical tourism due to its modern facilities and highly skilled doctors. While the country offers subsidized care for citizens through the government’s MediShield and MediSave programs, foreigners are not eligible for these discounts.
Hospital charges start at around $1,000 per night and can go much higher depending on the hospital class, room type, and treatment involved.
Private hospitals and premium services are especially expensive, making travel insurance a must for anyone planning a stay in this city-state.
10. Luxembourg
Luxembourg has a well-organized healthcare system with universal coverage for its citizens, funded by social security contributions.
However, for tourists or people without local insurance, healthcare can be a costly affair. Hospital stays for non-residents can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per night, excluding specialist fees or advanced procedures.
Given its status as a high-income country, medical services in Luxembourg are priced accordingly. Emergency care for travelers is available, but it’s wise to carry comprehensive travel insurance to avoid financial burden.
Alicia Richards