Rs 51,000 vs Rs 1,500 per doctor visit. American woman compares USA vs India healthcare and her verdict will surprise you

Kristen Fischer, an American woman who has been living in India for a long time, often shares her observations on cultural differences between the two countries. In a recent video, she compared the healthcare systems of India and the USA, highlighting key differences in wait times, costs, and accessibility—points that many viewers agreed with.

She began by discussing the waiting period for medical services. In the USA, an appointment with a general physician typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, whereas in India, walk-in consultations are available the same day. Specialist consultations in the USA require a wait of 1 to 3 months, while in India, they can usually be scheduled within a week. Elective surgeries, which take 3 to 6 months in the USA, are completed within 1 to 4 weeks in India.

She also addressed the stark contrast in costs. In India, a doctor’s visit costs between $7 and $17 (approximately ₹600 to ₹1,500), whereas in the USA, it ranges from $150 to $600 (₹13,000 to ₹51,000). The cost of a one-night hospital stay is about $3,000 (₹2.56 lakh) in the USA, while in India, it is under $80 (₹7,000). Medical insurance in the USA costs between ₹68,000 and ₹1.28 lakh per month, compared to India, where it ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.


While Fischer acknowledged the USA’s advanced healthcare system, she pointed out that India offers significantly lower costs and shorter wait times, making it a more accessible option for many.


In her caption, Kristen Fischer acknowledged the advanced medical technology in the USA but pointed out that healthcare costs have become excessive, with long wait times for doctor appointments. She highlighted India's accessibility, where seeing a doctor, obtaining medicine, and receiving quality care is much easier and more affordable. Unlike the USA, where prescriptions require multiple steps, medicines in India can be purchased immediately from a chemist. She shared that in America, doctor visits were rare due to high costs and delays, whereas in India, she has peace of mind knowing she can consult a doctor anytime without financial burden.

Internet reacts

Users praised India’s healthcare system, highlighting its top-tier doctors and superior treatment protocols. Many emphasized its affordability compared to the US, with one sharing how a simple finger injury cost $250 even with insurance, whereas in India, it would have been significantly less. Others compared it favorably to Canada, citing long wait times for specialists. One user recounted struggling to see a gastrointestinal doctor in Canada for months, while in India, they secured an appointment and underwent a procedure with results in just a few days, calling the experience phenomenal.