In 2024, the US spent a whopping $14,885 (£10,953) per capita on healthcare, more than any other country. Its spend as a proportion of GDP was also the largest among OECD nations, coming in at 17.2%.

Though seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income citizens are covered to an extent by Medicare and Medicaid, the US lacks universal healthcare, and the bulk of the population depends on expensive private medical insurance.

The US has the lowest life expectancy among high-income countries, as well as the highest rate of people with multiple chronic diseases.

Excellent healthcare standards and world-class hospitals abound – but only those who can afford their astronomical prices can benefit from them.

Now discover the countries where people are predicted to live the longest by 2050

Healthcare spending by country 2026: how the US, UK, Canada and more compare