Back in 2017, Australia was ranked as the second-best in the developed world by New York-based researchers, who placed their own United States system as the worst. Based on the Commonwealth Fund’s report, Mirror, Mirror 2017, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) was the best system overall worldwide.
However, based on the most recent study, Australia dropped 6 places and now ranks as 9th in comparison to other countries (as of 2020)
How Healthcare Systems are Ranked?
The Health Care Index may be a statistical analysis of the general quality of the health care system, including health care infrastructure; health care professionals (doctors, nursing staff, and other health workers) competencies; cost (USD p.a.per capita); quality medicine availability, and government readiness. It also takes into consideration other factors including, environmental, access to clean water, sanitation, government readiness on imposing penalties on risks like tobacco use, and obesity. The ranking looks at 89 countries across the globe on five different health variables.
How Australian Healthcare Ranks Across the Globe (2020)
Worldwide Healthcare Rankings (2020)
Current State of the Australian Healthcare System
Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world. It provides quality, safe, and affordable health care for you and your family. It’s a key reason why we enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world.
There are many providers of health care in Australia, including:
- primary care services delivered by general practitioners (GPs)
- medical specialists
- allied health workers
- nurses
Medicare and the public hospital system provide free or low-cost access for all Australians to most of these health care services. Private health insurance gives you choice outside the public system. For private health care both in and out of the hospital, you contribute towards the cost of your health care.
References:
- https://www.canstar.com.au/health-insurance/australias-healthcare-system-ranked-among-worlds-best/
- https://ceoworld.biz/2019/08/05/revealed-countries-with-the-best-health-care-systems-2019/
- https://www.numbeo.com/health-care/rankings_by_country.jsp
- https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/the-australian-health-system
