A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals a surprising truth: even the wealthiest Americans face higher mortality rates than the poorest individuals in Western European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Researchers analyzed health data from more than 73,000 adults aged 50 to 85 between 2010 and 2022. The findings show that death rates in northern and western Europe are up to 40% lower than in the U.S.—regardless of income level.
Health Outcomes Reflect More Than Income
The data suggests that while wealth improves life expectancy everywhere, the United States shows a sharper and more dangerous divide between rich and poor. Even high-income earners in America experience shorter lifespans compared to those in countries with stronger public health systems and social safety nets.
Access to healthcare plays a major role in these disparities. Many European countries offer universal health coverage, removing financial barriers to preventative care, diagnostics, and treatment. In contrast, the American healthcare system remains fragmented, costly, and often dependent on employment status.
But healthcare access isn’t the only factor. Researchers point to broader public policies in Europe that support long-term health outcomes: investments in education, housing, public transport, and elder care. These structural supports contribute to healthier lifestyles and reduced stress—factors that have long-term effects on both mental and physical health.
Inequality Has a Measurable Biological Impact
The U.S. not only shows a wider gap between the health of rich and poor, but also appears to offer fewer protections to its wealthiest citizens. In European countries, even low-income individuals benefit from national health policies designed to reduce inequality. In the U.S., income does not shield people from social stressors such as job insecurity, high medical costs, or community-level health risks.
Researchers suggest that systemic stress tied to inequality—combined with lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and work culture—may contribute to worse health outcomes even for affluent Americans. In this context, the problem appears less about how much money someone earns and more about how national systems are structured to support public health.
