Top 5 European countries for women's health

Europe is home to some of the best countries for women’s health according to Hologic’s latest Global Women’s Health Index, whose social, economic and environmental factors have fostered environments beneficial to their wellbeing.

From access to quality medical care and providing safe living environments, to supportive policies that promote a healthy work-life balance, these countries are leading the way in safeguarding women’s health across Europe.

Join us as we explore these countries in more detail and the reasons behind their ranking.

1. Austria

Austria tops the rankings in this Index, renowned for its commitment to prioritising women’s health in society.

Austria’s healthcare system demonstrates particular strength in preventative care, offering annual health checks alongside specialist screenings during pregnancy and menopause. The 2018 Action Plan on Women’s Health has reinforced these efforts by promoting early detection and improving female wellbeing by addressing areas like health literacy and working conditions.

Government support for reproductive health has benefitted women, with IVF subsidised by up to 70% for couples who meet specific criteria. Austria also offers a digital Parent-Child Pass that tracks key medical data during pregnancy and early childhood, ensuring both maternal and child health are closely monitored.

It’s widely recognised as a safe country for women to live, particularly the cities of Vienna and Salzburg. Low crime rates and a large provision of safe public spaces are important ways that women’s health is safeguarded here.

2. Switzerland

Next up on the Index is Switzerland, which is recognised globally for the quality of its healthcare system and medical innovations.

Switzerland is at the forefront of menopausal care for women to help ease symptoms and enhance their quality of life. There are specialist menopausal clinics across the country that provide dedicated support to women, such as holistic lifestyle coaching and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

As a pioneer in women’s medical research, Switzerland is working to close gender gaps in healthcare. For example, the Swiss National Science Federation (SNSF) requires every new research proposal to examine how sex and gender may influence the study in order to reduce bias and ensure inclusivity, while organisations like the Women’s Brain Project are pivotal in raising awareness of women’s brain health.

Switzerland also stands out for its high maternity care standards, offering women quality support and plenty of choice. Expectant mothers can decide where they give birth, whether that’s a hospital, birthing centre, or at home, and if their care is led by a midwife, an obstetrician, or a combination of both. Basic health insurance, which is mandatory for all Swiss residents, covers a wide range of maternity care so women have comprehensive  support throughout pregnancy, birth and the post-natal period.

3. Finland

Next up in the rankings is Finland, which is consistently acknowledged for its focus on safeguarding women’s health.

Finland offers female employees 105 working days of maternity leave when they have a child, plus 158 days of parental leave for either parent. Families also receive a handy starter kit to support them after their child’s birth through the nationwide baby box programme, which can include bedding, clothing and books.

Maternal mental health is a key priority for the Finnish healthcare system. Specialist clinics are being established across the country offering a range of support, from assessment and diagnosis, to counselling. Early detection of mental health issues is prioritised as well in Finland, with women regularly screened during the perinatal period to give support when needed.

The Finnish government emphasises women’s wellbeing in the workplace, requiring businesses with 30+ employees to have a gender equality plan to encourage fair treatment and address pay gaps. Parents also receive subsidised childcare for children after the parental leave period, helping women better balance their career and personal life.

For more information on what life in Finland is like for expats, click here.

4. Germany

Germany consistently ranks among the top countries for women’s health, thanks to its efforts in advancing women’s health nationwide.

It’s a global leader in preventative care for women, providing annual cervical screenings for individuals aged 20-34 and biannual breast screenings for those over 30. Annual health checks are available for everyone over 35 to boost early detection of common diseases.

A robust medical infrastructure improves access to women’s healthcare, as seen with specialist university women’s clinics that serve as centres for both innovative medical research and personalised care. A notable measure in this area has been the FertiPROTEKT network that was introduced in 2006, which enables cancer patients to preserve their eggs prior to treatment.

Health education is crucial in improving female health across society and is legally mandated in German schools, covering topics like menstruation and female anatomy. The government also actively encourages female health literacy through online tools such as the Federal Ministry’s Women’s Health portal, which offers a range of educational resources and guides.

Are you considering a move to Germany? Check out our blog that explores the pros and cons of this European country.

5.Denmark

Denmark’s strong emphasis on preventative care and its reputation for female safety are central reasons behind its high ranking in Hologic’s Index.

Denmark takes a proactive approach to disease prevention, with women from certain age groups invited to regular screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal problems. Since 2009, a nationwide vaccination programme has been offering protection for girls aged 12 and over against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

Alongside other Nordic countries, Denmark has some of the world’s lowest crime rates and is a popular destination with solo female travellers. The nation’s capital, Copenhagen, is often cited as one of the safest cities globally for women.

The Danish government ensures supportive maternity leave policies that safeguard women in the workforce. They are generally entitled to 28 weeks of paid leave when they have a child, increasing to 46 weeks for single parents, helping to promote gender equality and long-term career stability.