Medical Cost Comparison: China vs US, Canada and UK for Overseas Chinese
Published prices and waiting times side by side, with the source for every figure and the costs that are easy to miss.
Two price lists in Chinese public hospitals
Which price list applies to you changes the total more than anything else.
Standard public prices
Set or capped under government price guidance. The China figures below are standard public prices or national purchasing prices.
International departments
Prices are set by the hospital and are higher than the standard public price. Ask which price list applies and request an itemised quote before you book.
Checkup and screening
Imaging prices in China are set province by province, so ask for the current price at the hospital you choose.
Whole-body PET-CT
- China standard public price
- Set by the provincial price list; ask the hospital for its current price
- China international department
- Set by the hospital; higher than standard
Plain MRI, one body part
- China standard public price
- Set by the provincial price list; ask the hospital for its current price
- China international department
- Set by the hospital; higher than standard
China's national healthcare security agency issues imaging price item guidelines; each province sets its own baseline price, and local areas adjust within it. We do not list a single national figure, or US, Canadian or UK screening prices, because we have not found an official comparable source.
Dental implants
One routine single-tooth implant, by country.
Single routine implant
- China standard public price
- Service fee up to 4,500 CNY at tier-3 public hospitals, plus implant system about 900 CNY and crown about 300 CNY on average
- China international department
- Set by the hospital; ask for an itemised quote
- United States
- USD 2,000 to 6,000 for one implant, start to finish, at one university dental clinic, depending on provider level
Often charged extra
- China standard public price
- Extraction, cleaning, root canal, bone and soft tissue grafts
- China international department
- Ask for an itemised quote
- United States
- Final fee is set after a screening appointment
China: the 4,500 CNY service fee cap applies in principle to tier-3 public hospitals, and some areas or hospitals may set it higher. US: published estimate from one university dental clinic, which varies by whether a student, resident or faculty dentist treats you. We do not list UK or Canadian implant prices because we have not found an official national source.
Knee replacement
Price and waiting time for a total knee replacement.
Price
- China
- Artificial knee joint just over 5,000 CNY on average under national volume purchasing, implant only; surgery, stay and rehabilitation extra
- United Kingdom
- Average self-pay guide price GBP 17,114 at Nuffield Health hospitals, including initial consultation
- Canada
- Covered by provincial health plans
Public waiting
- China
- Timing is confirmed before you travel
- United Kingdom
- 858,898 pathways waiting for NHS trauma and orthopaedic treatment in England, October 2025
- Canada
- 39% of patients waited longer than the recommended 6 months, 2024
China: national volume purchasing price for the joint only; international department fees are set by the hospital. UK: private hospital guide price, finalised after consultation. England: NHS England official statistics. Canada: CIHI, April to September 2024. We do not list a US knee replacement price because we have not found an official comparable source.
- Source: National Healthcare Security Administration of China, artificial knee joint volume purchasing explainer, May 2024
- Source: Nuffield Health, Total knee replacement surgery guide price
- Source: NHS England, Statistical Press Notice: referral to treatment waiting times, October 2025
- Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information, Wait times for priority procedures in Canada, 2025 (2024 data)
Waiting times abroad
Long public waits are a cost too, even when care is covered.
Hidden costs to add up
A lower treatment price can be offset by travel and time.
Travel and stay
- Return flights for you and a companion
- Accommodation, including spare days
- Local transport to appointments
Medical extras
- Repeat tests the hospital requires
- Medicines and dressings
- Treatment of complications
- Follow-up visits at home
Other costs
- Translation of records
- Time off work
- Currency exchange and card fees
- Extra trips for staged treatment
Cost questions from overseas Chinese
Why are the China prices in CNY?
The official sources publish them in Chinese yuan. Convert at the rate on the day you pay, and expect card or exchange fees.
Will I pay the standard public price?
Not necessarily. Overseas patients may be seen in international departments, which set higher prices. Ask which price list applies before you book.
Can I get a fixed quote before I fly?
You can ask for an estimate from your records. The final price is set after an in-person examination, so ask what could change it.
Does my insurance abroad reduce the comparison?
If your plan covers the treatment at home, your own cost there may be lower than the full price shown. Check your benefits before comparing.
What does FreeClinic charge?
The first triage consultation is free. Later consultations are USD 28 each, paid directly to the doctor, not to FreeClinic.
Start with a free triage consultation
Tell us about your health concern and a doctor will suggest realistic next steps. Your first triage consultation is free.
Prices change and differ by hospital. Suitability is decided by the treating doctor after examination. FreeClinic does not prescribe, treat remotely or arrange admission.
Sources
- National Healthcare Security Administration of China, Radiology examination price item guidelines (trial), November 2024
- National Healthcare Security Administration of China, dental implant price notice, January 2024
- National Healthcare Security Administration of China, artificial knee joint volume purchasing explainer, May 2024
- University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Dental implants: estimated fee for one implant
- Nuffield Health, Total knee replacement surgery guide price
- NHS England, Statistical Press Notice: referral to treatment waiting times, October 2025
- Canadian Institute for Health Information, Wait times for priority procedures in Canada, 2025 (2024 data)
Prices and policies change. Figures are for general information and are not a quote or medical advice.