Is healthcare better in America or Australia depends on measure, but for overall population health, affordability and access, Australia ranks better, while for cutting-edge specialist care and innovation if you have premium insurance, America ranks better. Australia has universal healthcare via Medicare providing free public hospital care and subsidised GP and prescriptions for citizens and permanent residents, with life expectancy 83.4 years versus US 77.5, infant mortality 3.3 per 1000 versus US 5.4, maternal mortality 5.3 per 100K versus US 23.8, and spends 10% of GDP on health versus US 18% yet covers everyone, while US has 8% uninsured and medical bankruptcy 500K per year. Commonwealth Fund 2021 ranking of 11 developed nations ranked Australia 3rd, US last 11th for overall performance including access, equity and outcomes. However, US has world leading hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, faster access to latest cancer drugs and specialist if insured, with shorter waits for specialist than Australian public system 6 to 18 months for elective, though private in Australia weeks. US spends more on research and technology. So for affordability, equity and overall outcomes, Australia healthcare better, for innovation and specialist access if you can afford, America better, but for average person, Australia better due to universal coverage and lower costs.
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