| Cover | Sep. 06, 2023 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 06, 2023 |
| Entity File Number | 811-23037 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Tekla World Healthcare Fund |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001635977 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-3910842 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MA |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 Federal Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 19th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02110 |
| City Area Code | 617 |
| Local Phone Number | 772-8500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | THW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
