USA vs Europe Healthcare Costs

Figures shown represent typical out-of-pocket ranges for common medical procedures. In the United States, prices vary widely by insurance status, provider, and location. In Europe, costs are often lower due to public healthcare systems, though private care and eligibility rules can significantly affect what individuals pay.

Country overviews

Understand how access, eligibility, and private care work in each system:

• Italy
• UK
• France
• Spain

Guides

• Why is US healthcare so expensive?
• Is healthcare free in Europe?
• USA vs Europe healthcare costs: what the numbers really show
• Healthcare costs for US expats moving to Europe
• Healthcare waiting times: US vs Europe

Emergency

• Ambulance ride
• Broken arm (X-ray + cast)
• Emergency room visit
• Stitches (ER visit)

Imaging

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Mammogram
• MRI scan
• Ultrasound scan
• X-ray

Surgery

• Appendectomy
• Cataract surgery (one eye)
• Childbirth (no complications)
• Colonoscopy
• Hip replacement
• Knee arthroscopy

Dental

• Dental cleaning
• Dental crown
• Root canal treatment
• Wisdom tooth extraction

Routine

• Annual physical exam
• Blood test panel
• Eye examination
• Flu vaccination
• General practitioner (GP) visit
• Hearing test
• Mental health therapy session
• Physiotherapy session
• Prescription antibiotics
• Routine childhood vaccination
• Specialist consultation

Diagnostic

• Sleep study

Medication

• Asthma inhaler
• Blood pressure medication (monthly)
• Insulin (monthly cost)

Outpatient

• Allergy testing
• Cardiology consultation
• Colonoscopy (screening)
• Dermatologist consultation
• Endoscopy
• Skin biopsy