The U.S. spends more per capita on healthcare than any other country in the world. However, an increasing number of Americans are considering the option of getting examined abroad, as it often turns out to be cheaper.
In China, an MRI at a public hospital can cost around $70–150, and a few hundred dollars at major international clinics. In the U.S., the cost of the same examination often ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, and in some cases, patients still pay a significant portion of the cost even with medical insurance.
Consequently, many are calculating the expenses and reaching an unexpected conclusion: the flight abroad, a stay in a nice hotel, and the examination itself can cost less than getting an MRI at home.
This, of course, does not apply to all patients. The cost of medical care in the U.S. depends heavily on the insurance plan, state, clinic, and the specific terms of the policy. At the same time, the growth of medical tourism is a real phenomenon. Many foreign clinics have international accreditation, modern equipment, and English-speaking doctors.
It is for this very reason that more people are prepared to fly thousands of kilometers, not for a vacation, but to receive affordable medical care.
