It is impossible to introduce a global healthcare text in 2020 without reference to the covid-19 pandemic and first and foremost to pay tribute to the commitment shown by all working in the sector: the healthcare professionals, the organisational leaders, all staff working in health and social care environments, and the scientists and public health officials seeking to navigate nations through this crisis. This review provides an introduction to healthcare economies and their legal frameworks in 15 jurisdictions, with new contributions from Cambodia, Malta and Vietnam in this edition.