Healthcare Costs Reshape Global Map for Migrating Millionaires
Record levels of wealth migration are converging with sharply diverging private healthcare expenses, making the cost and accessibility of medical care a defining variable in where affluent families invest and secure residence rights.
Global mobility is no longer simply about tax or lifestyle arbitrage. Henley & Partners reports applications from 92 nationalities in 2025 and a 43 percent year-on-year increase in demand across more than 50 programs, underscoring how affluent individuals are seeking multi-jurisdictional protection.
«Global mobility is becoming a core risk-management strategy for wealthy families», says Chairman Christian Kaelin, noting that healthcare affordability is now central to the sustainability of cross-border living.
Private Care Moves to the Top
New data from the SIP Health Cost Index 2025 shows significant disparities in International Private Medical Insurance costs, elevating healthcare as a decisive factor in long-term destination planning for families managing children’s needs, ageing parents, or elective treatment.
«Only in a handful of healthcare excellence hubs we see the kind of quality and accessibility needed for global families», notes SIP Medical Family Office CEO Kevin Buerchler.
High-Cost Surprises
The US remains the most expensive private-care market with average annual costs of $17,969 per person, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore. Emerging Asia has moved into the high-cost tier, including China, Thailand, and Taiwan, where rising demand for premium hospitals drives steep increases in inpatient services even when routine care remains relatively affordable.
Private healthcare exposure varies dramatically across Europe. The UK, Greece, and Spain sit at the upper end due in part to insurance premium taxes, while Switzerland ranks mid-table despite its reputation for costly care.
In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has entered the global top ten amid rapid expansion of high-end medical infrastructure.
Where Value Remains – Where Exceptions Emerge
Africa and much of Latin America offer lower-cost private healthcare options, with Morocco ranking as the least expensive globally at $6,251 per year.
Yet Brazil stands out in seventh place worldwide, signaling that certain markets are now matching traditional high-cost destinations for premium services.
Primary Relocation Metric
As the volume of migrating millionaires accelerates, private healthcare budgeting is no longer a secondary consideration. Access, quality, and affordability form a critical lens for evaluating new homes, second residencies, and diversified global lifestyles.
The SIP Health Cost Index offers a benchmark designed to prevent hidden cost shocks and guide more informed mobility strategies for wealthy families.
