What you need to know
Healthcare quality is the silent dealbreaker on most relocation lists. Plenty of countries are "cheap" on paper, but a single hospital stay can erase years of savings if private care is patchy or international insurance won't pay locally.
Malaysia stands out because its public system reaches expats (or its private clinics are world-class and affordable). Portugal, Spain, Malaysia and Thailand consistently lead this ranking — all offering hospital stays for a fraction of US prices and English-speaking specialists in major cities.
Always check residency thresholds for public healthcare access (typically 6–12 months) and budget for private insurance until you qualify.