Thailand’s healthcare system has been ranked eighth in the world and first in ASEAN in Numbeo’s Health Care Index by Country 2026.
Thailand scored 77.5 out of 100 in the index, which compares healthcare systems in 100 countries. The result marks a rise of one place from 2025.
Numbeo, a global cost-of-living and quality-of-life database, said the Health Care Index is based on feedback from service users. The ranking considers factors including medical staff, equipment, medical services and treatment costs.
Taiwan topped the 2026 ranking with a score of 87.1, followed by South Korea on 82.9, the Netherlands on 81.1, Japan on 80.1 and Austria on 78.9. Ecuador was ranked sixth with 77.7, Finland seventh with 77.6, Thailand eighth with 77.5, Denmark ninth with 77.2 and Spain tenth with 77.2.
Thailand healthcare system tops ASEAN
Thailand was the highest-ranked country in ASEAN, ahead of Singapore, which was placed 25th with a score of 71.9. Malaysia ranked 29th with 70.7, the Philippines 41st with 66.8, Vietnam 56th with 62.2, Indonesia 58th with 61.2 and Cambodia 88th with 51.6.
Brunei, Myanmar, Laos and Timor-Leste were not included in the top 100.
On 3 July, Ploythale Laksami Saengchan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, said the ranking reflected the quality and accessibility of Thailand’s healthcare services.
She said Thailand’s strengths included affordable treatment, efficient management and the distribution of healthcare services across the country.
She also cited the National Health Security Scheme, widely known as the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, which gives Thai citizens access to treatment using only their national ID card.
The scheme covers treatment from general illness to chronic disease and high-cost care.
The government said the survey also reinforced Thailand’s position as a destination for medical tourism, supported by both public and private hospitals.
The top 10 countries with the best healthcare systems in the world were:
1st: Taiwan, 87.1 points
2nd: South Korea, 82.9 points
3rd: Netherlands, 81.1 points
4th: Japan, 80.1 points
5th: Austria, 78.9 points
6th: Ecuador, 77.7 points
7th: Finland, 77.6 points
8th: Thailand, 77.5 points
9th: Denmark, 77.2 points
10th: Spain, 77.2 points
Image by wahyu_t on Magnific
