Cost by Procedure
What individual procedures actually cost in China — useful ranges for planning, plus what a quote should include so there are no surprises.
Typical price ranges
| Procedure | Typical cost in China | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation / registration | $7–28 | International departments price higher |
| Head MRI | $115–215 (RMB 800–1,500) | US self-pay can run into the thousands |
| Full premium health screening package | 20–40% of Western private price | 1–2 days, report before departure |
| Single dental implant (premium brands) | $550–1,650 (RMB 4,000–12,000) | After national price reform (~55% cut) |
| Knee replacement | ~$8,600 (RMB ~60,000) | US equivalent ~$50,000 |
| Robotic surgery + hospitalization | case-dependent (see below) | Real case: ~RMB 160,000 incl. 2-week stay |
Planning ranges from public reports and hospital quotes. Actual prices depend on hospital tier, city, brand of device and case complexity. Always request an itemized written quote.
What a proper quote includes
When you ask an international department for an estimate, make sure it covers:
- Consultation and specialist fees
- Imaging and laboratory tests
- Procedure/surgery fee and anesthesia
- Implants or prosthetics (state the brand and model)
- Medication during the stay
- Hospitalization days, if any
- What is NOT included (e.g. follow-up after discharge)
Three procedures that stand out
Dental implants
After national volume-based procurement, implant prices fell an average of 55%. Single implants with brands like Straumann or Nobel Biocare typically run RMB 4,000–12,000 ($550–1,650) — versus $3,000–6,000 in the US, UK or Australia. A full implant cycle takes 3–6 months; a single trip can combine extractions, crowns, root canals and whitening. See the dental guide.
Health screening
Premium full-body packages (blood panels, tumor markers, cardiac ultrasound, low-dose chest CT, MRI, painless endoscopy) complete in 1–2 days, with the report ready before you fly home, at roughly 20–40% of Western private screening prices. See the screening guide.
Knee replacement
Around RMB 60,000 in China versus roughly $50,000 in the US — the largest absolute savings in this list. Recovery planning and follow-up matter more than the surgery itself. See the orthopedics guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do these prices include everything?
Not necessarily. Quotes vary in what they bundle. Use the checklist above and ask for a written, itemized quote covering all stages of your treatment.
Why are implants so much cheaper now?
China's national volume-based procurement cut centralized prices for implant systems by an average of 55%, directly lowering what patients pay at public and many private dental centres.
Can I pay in advance from abroad?
Some hospitals accept deposits or prepayment for planned procedures. Payment methods are covered in our payment guide.