Medical Costs in China
The single biggest reason patients travel to China for care is price. Chinese hospitals publish transparent fee schedules, and international departments quote upfront. Here's what things actually cost — and how to pay.
China vs US vs UK: Full Comparison
Cost by Procedure
Insurance & Payment Guide
Quick reference: what you'll pay
| Service | China | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation / Registration | $7–28 | $100–300 | $10–65 |
| Routine Labs (blood, urine) | $14–70 | $25–125 | $25–100 |
| CT / MRI (per area) | $42–280 | $400–7,000 | $400–990 |
| Outpatient minor surgery | $7–70 | $100–500 | Varies |
| Major surgery (e.g. knee replacement) | $4,200–14,000+ | $19,000–68,000+ | $12,700–19,000 |
Reference ranges compiled from public reports and international comparison studies. Actual costs vary by hospital, region, and case complexity. Always request a written quote. Figures may change — verify with the hospital.
Why prices are lower in China
Chinese public hospitals are state-funded, which keeps list prices low; a centralized procurement system further cuts costs on medical devices — for example, dental implant prices dropped by an average of 55% after national volume-based procurement. Specialist fees, imaging and surgical costs are a fraction of US private prices, and even private international hospitals undercut Western private care.