Key Data on European Hospitals: Beds, Costs & Global Care

Chloe Yanush / January 24, 2025 /

When your loved one’s health is at stake, finding the most reputable care becomes an urgent priority. European hospital statistics provide valuable insights into the quality, availability, and affordability of care, helping you make informed decisions about where to seek treatment.

In this article, we’ll explore essential data on hospital resources, satisfaction levels, healthcare costs, and rankings across Europe. By understanding these statistics, you can choose the best medical facility for your loved one’s care and recovery.

At REVA, we understand that choosing the right hospital is crucial when it comes to your loved one’s health. With over 30 years of experience, our air ambulance services provide safe, reliable medevacs to and from Europe’s most reputable hospitals, ensuring access to exceptional care no matter the distance.

 

How Many Hospital Beds are in the EU?

As of 2022, the EU had 2.3 million hospital beds available. However, with three-quarters dedicated to curative functions, access to specialized or long-term care beds may vary by country, impacting treatment availability for patients with chronic medical needs.

How Many Europeans Are Satisfied with Their Healthcare?

Only 56% of Europeans expressed general satisfaction with their healthcare in 2024. This reflects disparities in access, wait times, and quality of care across different countries, influencing where patients may seek treatment.

Which Country Has the Most Hospital Beds? Which Has The Least?

Bulgaria leads the EU in hospital bed availability, surpassing even Germany. In contrast, Sweden has the lowest number of curative care beds, which may indicate a greater reliance on outpatient services and alternative care models.

Which Country Spends the Most on Healthcare?

Switzerland leads Europe in healthcare spending, allocating around 12% of its GDP (gross domestic product) to medical services. Swiss residents also contribute an average of 10% of their salary to health insurance, reflecting the country’s high-quality but costly healthcare system.

How Many Hospital Workers Are in the EU?

Europe faces a growing healthcare workforce crisis, with a shortage of 1.8 million workers and projections showing that number could reach 4 million by 2030. This gap strains hospital capacity, increases wait times, and challenges the quality of care across the region.

Which European County Has The Most Affordable Healthcare System?

Malta’s tax-funded healthcare system ensures affordable medical services, making it one of the most accessible in Europe. With universal coverage, residents can get quality care without the financial burden associated with privatized systems.

Which Country has the Best Healthcare in Europe?

Norway ranks first among Europe’s healthcare systems, reflecting its investment in medical services, accessibility, and patient outcomes. With a well-funded universal healthcare model, Norway provides high-quality care that stands out across the region.

Contact REVA For Emergency Medical Evacuations When You Need It Most

Understanding hospital capacity, healthcare costs, and quality of care across Europe can help families make informed decisions about where to seek treatment. At REVA, we connect patients with top-tier hospitals with safe, reliable air ambulance services to medical facilities across Europe.

Contact REVA today for a personalized quote on medical flights to and from Europe. Our logistics team is available 24/7 to assist with insurance coverage, pricing, and scheduling, making it easier to get your loved one the care they need.

Sources

Eurostat. “Healthcare resource statistics – beds.” July 2024. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Healthcare_resource_statistics_-_beds#:~:text=An%20analysis%20of%20the%20number,the%20whole%20of%20the%20EU

Statista. “Percentage of Europeans generally satisfied with their own country’s healthcare system from 2020 to 2024.” September 20, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1449187/share-of-europeans-satisfied-with-the-healthcare-system-in-their-country/

Steven Ross Johnson. “10 Countries With the Best Public Health Systems.” U.S. News. September 10, 2024. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/countries-with-the-most-well-developed-public-health-care-system

Stefan Anderson. “Europe Is Struggling to Keep its Health Systems Afloat.” Health Policy Watch. September 28, 2023. https://healthpolicy-watch.news/europe-struggles-to-keep-health-systems-afloat/ 

Preeti Vankar. “Health and health systems ranking of European countries in 2023, by health index score.” Statista. September 16, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1376355/health-index-of-countries-in-europe/ 

Laiba Immad. “15 Countries with the Best Healthcare in Europe.” Yahoo! Finance. January 23, 2024. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/15-countries-best-healthcare-europe-175605480.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kb2NzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG-_1YjV8sy5RIi4MVe-394gM8jRKpGl5YGW2oSxQUOgnioBSddIto5Z0ZnvbtxsL4BJ6yzEQ-SV_PJK_RID2CDojDsnjHIWLXdW3gEfup3IowaMGOBSrV7iU0Knm1uwk4GAOVS952K2kwgBqJhu-B5kIUaZ7eifxuYlV8psCxdu