A significant shift in global wealth migration is underway as high-net-worth families increasingly consider private healthcare costs in their relocation decisions. Data released by the global citizenship and residence planning firm, Henley & Partners, shows that a record number of affluent families are now prioritizing access to reliable private healthcare when choosing where to live, invest, and secure residence or citizenship rights.
In 2025, Henley & Partners noted applications from 92 nationalities, reflecting a 43% increase in demand compared to the same period in 2024. This surge indicates a growing trend among wealthy families to seek cross-border mobility as a core part of their risk management strategy. According to Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, “As clients build lives across multiple jurisdictions, they are scrutinizing not only access to residence and citizenship, but also the real cost of sustaining that lifestyle — especially the price of reliable private healthcare.”
Healthcare Costs Emerged as a Decisive Factor
To aid clients in their relocation decisions, Henley & Partners is utilizing insights from the newly published SIP Health Cost Index (HCI) 2025. This benchmark evaluates private healthcare costs for internationally mobile individuals across 50 key countries, based on International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) premiums. The Index reveals that while private healthcare costs are rising globally, the rate and pattern of increases differ significantly among countries.
Kevin Buerchler, CEO of SIP Medical Family Office, emphasized the importance of understanding these costs: “Private healthcare costs are rising worldwide, but the pace and pattern differ dramatically. Two-tier healthcare systems where the highest-quality care is often accessible only to those who can afford it and are well insured are increasing.” This insight highlights the necessity for affluent families to navigate the landscape of healthcare quality and costs effectively.
High Costs and Emerging Markets
The SIP Health Cost Index confirms that the United States remains the world’s most expensive private healthcare market, with average annual costs of USD 17,969 per person. It is followed by Hong Kong at USD 16,175 and Singapore at USD 14,231. These figures represent a significant financial commitment for families considering relocation.
Emerging markets in Asia are also becoming notable contenders in healthcare costs. Countries like China, Thailand, and Taiwan have entered the list of the top twelve most expensive private-care markets globally. The increasing demand for premium international hospitals is pushing up costs, leading to unexpected financial pressures on relocating families.
In Europe, healthcare costs vary widely. The United Kingdom, Greece, and Spain are among the region’s most expensive, partly due to additional taxes such as the Insurance Premium Tax in the UK and Greece. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates ranks tenth worldwide, reflecting its rapid healthcare infrastructure growth and aspirations in medical tourism.
For families seeking affordable healthcare options, regions in Africa and parts of Latin America offer comparatively lower costs. Morocco stands out as the lowest-cost market globally, with annual expenses averaging USD 6,251. Other affordable countries include Romania, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa. However, Brazil has emerged as a surprising high-cost market, ranked seventh globally, indicating that some Latin American destinations are now competing with traditional high-cost regions for quality private care.
As the volume of wealth migration increases, understanding private healthcare costs has become essential for high-net-worth individuals. The SIP Health Cost Index serves as a practical tool for globally mobile families and their advisers, enabling them to anticipate long-term healthcare budgets and avoid hidden costs when selecting a new home or a multi-base lifestyle. The data underscores the growing importance of healthcare considerations in migration strategies, reshaping where millionaires choose to settle.
