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
• Do you need private health insurance in Europe?
• Healthcare waiting times: US vs Europe
• Private vs public healthcare in Europe
• Healthcare in Europe After Brexit: What British Citizens Need to Know

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 crown
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction
• 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

Diagnostics

• Blood test (basic panel)
• Pap smear (cervical screening)

Maternity

• Prenatal care (routine pregnancy checkups)

Medication

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

Outpatient

• Allergy testing
• Cardiology consultation
• Colonoscopy (screening)
• Dermatology consultation
• Endoscopy
• Gynecologist consultation
• Skin biopsy
• Specialist consultation

Specialist

• Fertility consultation