With populations around the world getting older and chronic disease burden increasing, I think the healthcare sector could be a great place to look for long term investments.
Three healthcare shares that I feel could be long-term market beaters are listed below. Here's why I like them:
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)
The first healthcare option to consider buying is this exchange traded fund. I think the iShares Global Healthcare ETF is a great option due to its exposure to many of the biggest healthcare companies in the world. This includes CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Ramsay, and Sanofi. Given the positive outlook for the healthcare sector over the next couple of decades, I believe it could provide strong returns for investors.
Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)
Another healthcare share to consider buying is Ramsay Health Care. Although trading conditions are tough for the private hospital operator right now, I believe its long term outlook is very positive. This is because as the global population ages, demand for its services is likely to increase substantially. I feel this puts Ramsay and its sprawling global network of private hospitals in a strong position to deliver solid earnings growth for decades to come. Ramsay also has a history of growing through acquisitions. I suspect this will remain the case in the future.
ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)
A final healthcare share to consider buying is ResMed. I'm a big fan of the sleep treatment focused medical device company and believe it could be a fantastic long term option. This is due to its very positive outlook thanks to its world-class products and massive addressable market. Last week on its earnings call, management stated that there are 936 million people with sleep apnoea globally. There are also over 380 million people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and over 340 million people living with asthma. From these, ResMed is aiming to improve a total of 250 million lives by 2025. I expect it to achieve this.
