International comparisons What can the UK learn from health systems in other countries?
NHS and care services have been under huge pressure in recent years across the UK. Understanding how health systems in other high-income countries are managing similar pressures, from ageing societies to the impact of the pandemic, can provide useful context for policymakers.
The Health Foundation has funded comparative research and surveys, and conducted our own analyses of international data on a broad range of topics, including differences in how much countries spend on health care and variations in life expectancy. Although the data can never provide a complete picture of the complexities of health and care in other countries, this page showcases some of our work that helps shine a light on how the UK compares internationally.
Latest from us
Funding
We examine health and care funding and spending in the UK in comparison with other countries.
Workforce
We look at issues impacting the NHS and social care workforce, including recruitment and job satisfaction.
Health outcomes
Our analysts investigate health outcomes, including life expectancy and quality of care, in England and other countries.
COVID-19
We explore how international health care systems responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact on adult care and mortality.
2013–2016
Read our work comparing international health care systems from 2013–2016.
External partnerships and funded work
The Health Foundation works in partnership with leading experts and academics to research and compare health systems around the world. Explore our partners below.
Work with us
We look for talented and passionate individuals as everyone at the Health Foundation has an important role to play.
View current vacanciesThe Q community
Q is an initiative connecting people with improvement expertise across the UK.
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