China vs. UK
How treatment costs in China compare with NHS and private UK costs — for the procedures international patients travel for.
Compared with the UK’s private medical system, treatment in China is often substantially less. (The NHS is free at the point of use but has long waiting lists — many patients travel to avoid the wait.) Here are indicative US$ ranges.
The UK private figures are broad averages; the China figures are at leading Grade III-A hospitals. Both are planning ranges, not quotes.
China vs. UK — indicative US$ ranges
| Procedure | China (US$) | UK private (US$) | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cataract surgery (per eye) | 500 – 3,000 | 2,500 – 4,500 | 50–75% |
| LASIK / SMILE | 300 – 2,500 | 2,000 – 3,500 | 50–70% |
| Dental implant (per tooth) | 500 – 1,500 | 2,000 – 4,000 | 60–80% |
| Single coronary stent | 2,000 – 8,000 | 20,000 – 50,000+ | 65–85% |
| Bypass surgery (CABG) | 5,000 – 25,000 | 30,000 – 70,000+ | 70–85% |
| Knee replacement | 8,000 – 20,000 | 20,000 – 35,000 | 50–70% |
| Hip replacement | 9,000 – 22,000 | 25,000 – 40,000 | 55–75% |
| IVF (per cycle, base) | 3,000 – 6,000 | 6,000 – 15,000+ | 50–70% |
| Rhinoplasty | 1,500 – 6,000 | 4,000 – 10,000+ | 55–75% |
| Full-body checkup | 500 – 3,000 | 500 – 3,000 | Similar |
⚠️ Indicative planning ranges only. Actual costs vary by hospital, city, procedure, complexity, and your individual case. Always get a written, itemized quote from the hospital. These figures are for planning and are not quotes or guarantees.
What affects the difference
- Procedure complexity — more complex cases cost more everywhere.
- Hospital and city — top-tier urban centers (Beijing, Shanghai) cost more than other cities.
- Implant/device brand — domestic vs. imported differ significantly.
- Length of stay — a longer hospital stay raises the total.
- Follow-up — some quotes exclude follow-up visits and medication.
Reading the savings
The savings column is the difference between the top of the UK range and the China range — a rough planning figure, not a guaranteed discount. Your actual saving depends on your specific case and quote.
Next steps
- Use this to set expectations.
- Get a written, itemized quote for your case (see What’s in a Quote).
- Understand Quality & Safety so you’re choosing on value, not just price.
- Start a consultation — send your records and we’ll help you get a quote.
💡 Compare, then plan. These are planning figures. Your quote will reflect your specific case.