UPDATE: A shocking rise in private healthcare costs is reshaping global wealth migration in 2025, forcing affluent families to rethink where they live and invest. New data from Henley & Partners reveals that skyrocketing healthcare expenses are becoming a decisive factor in residence and citizenship decisions for high-net-worth individuals.
JUST IN: The demand for cross-border planning has surged, with applications from 92 nationalities this year alone, marking a 43% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This trend highlights a significant shift as wealthy families prioritize not just lifestyle but also the hidden costs associated with healthcare when choosing their next homes.
According to Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, “Global mobility is becoming a core risk-management strategy for wealthy families. 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.”
To assist these families, Henley & Partners is utilizing the newly published SIP Health Cost Index (HCI) 2025. This index benchmarks the true cost of private healthcare across 50 key countries and reveals that while healthcare costs are rising globally, the patterns vary dramatically.
The United States remains the most expensive market, with average annual costs of USD 17,969 per person, followed by Hong Kong at USD 16,175 and Singapore at USD 14,231. These figures set a daunting baseline for families budgeting for healthcare. Notably, emerging economies like China, Thailand, and Taiwan are now among the world’s top twelve most expensive private-care markets, reflecting rising demand for premium healthcare services and medical travel.
The implications for migrating millionaires are profound. Families managing children’s healthcare needs or aging parents must now consider the true cost of care in their relocation plans. The SIP Health Cost Index serves as an essential tool for avoiding unexpected financial burdens in new markets.
In Europe, the healthcare cost landscape is uneven, with the United Kingdom, Greece, and Spain ranking among the most expensive due to various tax implications. Conversely, regions like Africa and much of Latin America still offer comparatively affordable options. Notably, Morocco stands out as the lowest-cost market globally at USD 6,251 per year.
As private healthcare costs continue to rise, families must navigate this new reality where healthcare affordability directly influences their choices on residence and citizenship. The SIP Health Cost Index not only highlights the rising costs but also serves as a critical guide for globally mobile families making decisions about their future.
As this story develops, families are advised to stay alert to changing healthcare costs in their desired relocation destinations. Understanding these financial dynamics is more crucial than ever in a world where every dollar counts in securing a better life.
