10 countries with the lowest health care scores in 2026

The global debate around healthcare often centres on advanced hospitals, insurance systems, and cutting-edge medical technology, but new data from Numbeo’s 2026 Health Care Index shows that millions of people still struggle to access quality treatment due to high costs, doctor shortages, weak infrastructure, and conflict.

The ranking, based on public surveys measuring medical quality, staff competence, waiting times, equipment, accessibility, and affordability, highlights countries with the lowest-rated healthcare systems globally. The findings reveal how economic pressure, insecurity, and underfunded infrastructure continue to shape healthcare experiences for millions worldwide.

The report also shows that the world’s best healthcare systems are not always the most expensive. Countries with strong performances often prioritise broad access, preventive care, and efficiency over heavy spending.

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Europe dominated the top healthcare rankings, with Nordic and Western European nations scoring highly for accessibility, lower financial barriers, and patient care standards. The data further revealed stark spending disparities, with some countries operating on less than $100 healthcare spending per capita annually.

Here are the 10 countries with the lowest healthcare scores in 2026.

1. Syria — Healthcare Index: 35.4

Years of conflict continue to affect Syria’s healthcare system. Hospitals and clinics across parts of the country have struggled with shortages of equipment, medicine and medical workers.

Syria recorded the lowest healthcare index score in the ranking at 35.4, despite healthcare spending of $33 per person in 2023.

Many families rely on humanitarian support or travel long distances to receive treatment. Damage to infrastructure and economic pressure have also affected access to medicine.

2. Venezuela — Healthcare Index: 39.9

Venezuela ranked second on the list with a healthcare index of 39.9.

The country spent about $186 per capita on healthcare in 2023. Economic instability, inflation and migration of healthcare workers have placed pressure on hospitals and public services in recent years.

Patients often report shortages of supplies and long waiting periods for treatment.

3. Bangladesh — Healthcare Index: 42.0

Bangladesh recorded a healthcare index score of 42.0 with healthcare spending of $53 per person.

The country has expanded healthcare access over the years, especially in maternal and child health. However, public hospitals still face overcrowding and pressure from a large population.

Many households continue to depend on out-of-pocket payments for treatment and medicine.

4. Iraq — Healthcare Index: 46.5

Iraq ranked fourth with a healthcare score of 46.5 and healthcare spending of $333 per capita.

The country’s healthcare sector has faced years of disruption linked to conflict, infrastructure damage and staff shortages. While some cities have private healthcare options, many public facilities continue to face pressure.

Healthcare access also varies widely between urban and rural areas.

5. Morocco — Healthcare Index: 46.8

Morocco was the fifth lowest-ranked country on the list with a score of 46.8.

The North African country spent $232 per capita on healthcare in 2023. Public hospitals in some regions face shortages of specialists and equipment, while private healthcare remains expensive for many residents.

Online discussions around the ranking have also raised questions about Numbeo’s survey-based method and the size of responses collected from some countries.

6. Montenegro — Healthcare Index: 47.4

Montenegro recorded a healthcare index of 47.4 despite healthcare spending reaching about $1,100 per person.

The country’s healthcare system faces pressure from staffing shortages and demand for specialised care. Some residents travel abroad for certain medical procedures.

The ranking shows that higher spending does not always translate into stronger public confidence in healthcare delivery.

7. Egypt — Healthcare Index: 47.9

Egypt ranked seventh with a healthcare score of 47.9 and healthcare spending of $141 per person.

The country has one of Africa’s largest populations, placing pressure on hospitals and public health services. Urban centres have more healthcare facilities than rural communities, creating uneven access across regions.

Public healthcare reforms are ongoing, but challenges around affordability and capacity remain.

8. Albania — Healthcare Index: 48.1

Albania recorded a healthcare index of 48.1 with healthcare spending of $591 per capita.

Many healthcare workers from Albania have moved to other European countries in search of higher pay, creating shortages in parts of the system.

Patients also continue to rely heavily on private healthcare for faster access to treatment.

9. Nigeria — Healthcare Index: 48.3

Nigeria ranked ninth on the list with a healthcare index score of 48.3 and healthcare spending of $67 per person.

Africa’s most populous country faces pressure from a growing population, limited health insurance coverage and uneven distribution of medical workers.

Many rural communities have limited access to hospitals and specialists, while urban hospitals often deal with overcrowding. The country also continues to experience migration of healthcare professionals to Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s health technology sector has expanded in recent years, with startups providing telemedicine and pharmacy delivery services.

10. Azerbaijan — Healthcare Index: 49.0

Azerbaijan completed the list with a healthcare score of 49.0 and healthcare spending of $300 per person.

The country has invested in healthcare infrastructure in recent years, but public confidence in healthcare quality remains mixed.

Access to specialised treatment can differ between regions, and some patients continue to seek medical care abroad.