- United States: $12,474 per capita
- Germany: $6,191 per capita
- Canada: $6,207 per capita
- Australia: $6,597 per capita
- France: $6,517 per capita
- Italy: $3,066 per capita
- United Kingdom: $5,139 per capita.
Extraordinary! The US spends 4 times more than Italy? Does that correlate with life expectancy? The short answer is NO! Here are the life expectancy averages for men and women (data from 2023/4):
- United States
- Men: 75.8 years
- Women: 81.1 years
- United Kingdom
- Men: 79.54 years
- Women: 83.33 years
- Canada
- Men: 80.74 years
- Women: 85.03 years
- Australia
- Men: 82.43 years
- Women: 85.97 years
- Germany
- Men: 79.21 years
- Women: 83.88 years
- France
- Men: 80.6 years
- Women: 86.2 years
- Italy
- Men: 81.75 years (or 81.94 years according to some sources)
- Women: 85.87 years (or 86.01 years according to some sources)
So, the United States have the highest per capita healthcare costs but ranks lowest in life expectancy. The UK has lower healthcare costs per capita while achieving higher life expectancies. Germany has higher healthcare costs per capita and relatively high life expectancies. France has moderate healthcare costs per capita ($6,400 and $6,600) and higher life expectancies.
How can this be? In the hope of getting a glimps of an answer, I searched the costs for a few specific interventions (where data were available for the listed countries). Here we go.
The estimated costs of a flu jab in various countries:
- United Kingdom:
Free for people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those with certain long-term health conditions, and healthcare workers on the NHS.
Otherwise, costs range from £9.95 to £21.95 at pharmacies.
- United States:
Costs vary depending on the provider, insurance coverage, and type of flu vaccine.
Private sector costs per dose range from $19.48 to $32.45 for standard flu vaccines and $73.36 to $79.17 for high-dose vaccines for seniors.
CDC contract prices per dose range from $13.92 to $22.21 for standard flu vaccines and $56.40 to $56.45 for high-dose vaccines for seniors.
- Germany:
Statutory health insurance typically covers the cost of flu vaccinations for people 60 and older, certain chronic conditions, and some other risk groups.
Without insurance or for non-covered groups, prices can range from €15 to €35 per shot, but exact costs are not readily available.
- Canada:
Flu shots are often covered by provincial health plans for seniors and those with certain health conditions.
Without coverage, prices can range from $20 to $40 CAD per shot, but exact costs vary by province and provider.
- Australia:
Free flu vaccinations are available for people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions under the National Immunisation Program.
Otherwise, costs can range from $15 to $30 AUD per shot at some pharmacies and clinics.
- France:
Flu vaccinations are covered by the national health insurance for people 65 and older and those with certain health conditions.
For others not covered, prices can range from €10 to €25 per shot, but exact costs are not readily available.
- Italy:
Free flu vaccinations are offered to people 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions.
For others, costs can range from €15 to €30 per shot, but exact costs are not readily available.
The costs of a simple eye test in various countries:
- United Kingdom:
Basic Eye Test: £25-£30, depending on the optician.
Free Eye Test: Eligible for those under 16, over 60, with diabetes or glaucoma, or receiving certain benefits.
- United States:
Average Cost: around $100, but can range from $50 to $250.
- Canada:
Specsavers Canada: $99, including an OCT scan, at participating locations.
Free Eye Test: Eligible seniors have their eye exam costs covered by provincial healthcare.
The estimated costs for simple and surgical molar extractions:
- Germany
Simple extraction: around $113
Surgical extraction: costs may vary, but Germany has an average dental procedure cost of $210
- United Kingdom
Simple extraction: $495
Surgical extraction: $2,930
- USA
Simple extraction: $200
Surgical extraction: $4,000
- Canada
Simple extraction: $150-$198
Surgical extraction: $2,000
- Australia
Simple extraction: $160-$350
Surgical extraction: $2,500
- France
Simple extraction: around $126 (tooth extraction average cost)
Surgical extraction: costs may vary
- Italy
Simple extraction: $97
Surgical extraction: costs may vary, but Italy has an average dental procedure cost of $173.
The estimated costs of an acupuncture session in different countries:
- United States: $60-$150, with initial visits ranging from $100-$150 and cosmetic acupuncture sessions costing $120-$200. Community acupuncture clinics offer more affordable options at $25-$50 per session.
- Canada: $95-$135, with prices higher in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- United Kingdom: £40-£70 per session, with first sessions potentially costing $88-$100 due to consultations.
- Australia: AUD 75-AUD 120 per session, depending on location and practitioner experience.
________________________
Do these data make sense?
I am not sure.
If anything, they seem to suggest that the US is very poor value for money when it comes to healthcare. Of course, this is all going to change now that Trump and Kennedy are in charge …
… SADLY, NOT FOR THE BETTER, I’M AFRAID!
One Response to An International Comparison of Healthcare Costs
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Eye tests in Australia are usually fully covered by the public health system (Medicare), though some optometrists may charge a fee above that. My last free eye test included standard vision tests to check my eyesight and glasses prescription, an intraocular pressure test, a slit lamp examination and retinal photography.
Dental treatment in Australia is only covered by the national public health system for children of social security benefits recipients. States and territories also have programs for children’s dental care, but they vary between states and territories.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cost-of-dental-care