Short Answer
Across the 25 procedures in this dataset, indicative China prices for international patients run roughly 40–95% below US private-pay costs, and the spread across procedures is wide enough that the average is not useful. Imaging is the largest saving: a single-region MRI is about $75–180 in China versus $1,200–3,000 in the US. Refractive surgery is at the narrower end: SMILE is about $2,200–2,900 both eyes versus $4,500–6,000, a saving nearer 55% than the 70% often quoted for medical travel. A single dental implant with crown is about $800–1,600 versus $3,000–5,000. All figures are indicative planning ranges as of 2026, not quotes.
The Dataset
| Procedure | China (indicative) | United States | W. Europe | Approx. saving vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive & imaging | ||||
| Executive physical (full panel + imaging) | $550–1,200 | $5,000–8,500 | $3,000–4,500 | ~86–89% |
| Basic annual physical / full-body checkup | $150–450 | $3,000–6,000 | $2,000–3,500 | ~92–95% |
| Whole-body MRI cancer screen | $450–750 | $4,000–5,000 | $2,200–2,800 | ~85–89% |
| CT scan, non-contrast (per region) | $45–120 | $1,200–1,600 | $300–600 | ~92–96% |
| X-ray (per view) | $7–22 | $100–400 | $60–200 | ~92–95% |
| Single-region MRI (knee, spine, brain) | $75–180 | $1,200–3,000 | $600–1,200 | ~94–96% |
| Sleep study — in-lab overnight polysomnography | $280–550 | $1,500–5,000 | $500–1,500 | ~70–85% |
| Home sleep apnea test (level III) | $60–200 | $150–500 | $150–400 | ~55–65% |
| PET-CT scan | $600–1,200 | $5,000–7,000 | $1,600–2,500 | ~83–88% |
| Coronary CT angiogram | $170–350 | $2,000–2,500 | $1,000–1,200 | ~83–93% |
| Multi-cancer early detection (ctDNA) | $700–950 | $3,000–3,500 | $1,800–2,200 | ~73–76% |
| Gastroscopy or colonoscopy (sedated) | $200–500 | $1,500–3,000 | $800–1,500 | ~80–85% |
| Eye surgery | ||||
| LASIK (both eyes) | $1,200–1,800 | $4,000–5,000 | $2,600–3,600 | ~64–70% |
| SMILE (both eyes) | $2,200–2,900 | $4,500–6,000 | $3,000–4,400 | ~51–52% |
| Cataract surgery, monofocal (per eye) | $300–1,200 | $3,500–5,000 | $2,000–3,000 | ~76–91% |
| Dental | ||||
| Dental implant + crown (single) | $800–1,600 | $3,000–5,000 | $1,800–3,000 | ~68–73% |
| Porcelain veneer (per tooth) | $250–500 | $1,000–2,500 | $600–1,400 | ~70–80% |
| Root canal + crown | $300–700 | $1,500–3,000 | $800–1,600 | ~75–80% |
| Surgery & orthopedics | ||||
| Total knee replacement | $6,000–14,000 | $30,000–50,000 | $14,000–22,000 | ~72–80% |
| Total hip replacement | $6,000–15,000 | $32,000–55,000 | $14,000–24,000 | ~73–81% |
| Bariatric (sleeve gastrectomy) | $8,000–13,000 | $18,000–26,000 | $11,000–16,000 | ~50–60% |
| Aesthetic & fertility | ||||
| Rhinoplasty | $2,000–6,000 | $8,000–15,000 | $5,000–9,000 | ~60–75% |
| Facelift | $6,000–12,000 | $15,000–30,000 | $9,000–18,000 | ~55–65% |
| IVF (one cycle, excl. medication) | $3,000–9,000 | $15,000–25,000 | $5,000–9,000 | ~64–80% |
| Egg freezing (one cycle) | $4,000–6,000 | $9,000–16,000 | $4,000–8,000 | ~50–60% |
Methodology
Figures are indicative planning ranges for international (self-pay) patients as of 2026, not quotes or offers. China ranges are not all drawn from the same care tier: some rows reflect standard (public) hospital list pricing, others reflect international-department or private-clinic pricing, and the basis varies row by row rather than across the whole table. We are reconciling the per-row basis and will state it explicitly once that work is finished; until then, treat a low figure as standard-tier and a high figure as international-department rather than assuming one tier throughout. Ranges reflect the hospital or procedure fee only — they exclude international flights and any Jade Crane concierge service fee. US and Western European figures are typical private-pay reference ranges drawn from public cost data and published price surveys; actual charges vary widely by provider, region, insurer, and complexity. A firm price always follows a personal treatment plan, because the final cost depends on the specific hospital, physician, implants or medication, and length of stay.
How to Use This Dataset
This dataset is published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Journalists, researchers, and writers may reproduce the table or figures with attribution to Jade Crane Health and a link to this page. For the narrative behind the numbers, see how much medical tourism in China costs, China health checkup cost for foreigners, and is medical tourism in China safe.
Sources
- Partner and reference hospital fee schedules, and published standard-tier (public hospital) list pricing (2025–2026).
- United States: CMS HCPCS/procedure reference data and published private-pay price surveys.
- United Kingdom: NHS national reference cost data and private-clinic published pricing.
- Germany / Western Europe: AOK Bundesverband reference figures and private-clinic published pricing.
FAQ
How much cheaper is medical care in China than the US?
For the procedures in this dataset, indicative China prices for international patients run roughly 40–95% below US private-pay costs, depending heavily on the procedure. Imaging and screening sit at the top of that range — a single-region MRI is about $75–180 against $1,200–3,000 in the US — while refractive surgery sits at the bottom, with LASIK about $1,200–1,800 both eyes against roughly $4,000–5,000. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Are these prices guaranteed quotes?
No. All figures are indicative planning ranges for international patients as of 2026, compiled from partner hospital fee schedules and public reference-cost data. A firm price follows a personal treatment plan.
Do these China prices include travel and concierge fees?
No. The China column reflects hospital and procedure fees only. It excludes international flights and any Jade Crane concierge service fee. All-in trip budgets add lodging, transfers, translation, and travel.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is general information for planning and logistics. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance, and prices are not offers. Always consult a qualified physician before making healthcare decisions.
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