The life expectancy in the U.S., roughly 79 years, was exceeded by more than 25 countries and territories, according to a Bloomberg analysis of some 200 economies.
Bloomberg created an index ranking economies with lifespans of at least 70 years, more than $5,000 GDP per capita and at least five million citizens.
According to the report, the U.S. posted the second-highest health spending per capita at $9,536. While Switzerland averaged $9,818, the extra $282 helped tack on an additional 4.2 years of life.
“Compared to residents of the Czech Republic — which had an average life expectancy almost at parity with the U.S. — Americans spent more than double on health care relative to GDP, 16.8 percent versus 7.3 percent,” the report states.
