American Expat Compares Healthcare: India Wins on Cost and Access, US Shines in Hospital Experience

On September 14, 2025, Kristen Fischer, an American living in India, shared an Instagram reel on her handle @kristenfischer3, sparking a lively discussion about the differences between healthcare systems in India and the U.S. In her candid video, Kristen compares doctor visits, costs, hospital experiences, and medicine accessibility ultimately expressing a clear preference for India’s healthcare system, while acknowledging some advantages of U.S. hospitals.

Appointments: India’s Walk-In Convenience

Kristen points out the ease of accessing healthcare in India: “Patients can often walk into clinics or hospitals the same day without prior scheduling.” In the U.S., she notes, “appointments are much harder to get,” with patients sometimes waiting months to see a specialist. Many commenters resonated: “In the US, you wait 3 months for a specialist. In India, you get an appointment immediately or within a couple of days.”

Doctors and Care: Attentive and Personal

Kristen praises India for its abundance of doctors and clinics: “They’re everywhere and easy to access. Indian doctors are way less rushed and more attentive to your needs.” Viewers agreed, noting that Indian healthcare often combines professionalism with a personal touch.

The 2010 study by economists Dr. Marc Piazolo and Dr. Nurşen Albayrak Zanca, presented at the MEB International Conference in Budapest reinforces that: India’s cost-effective, high-volume healthcare allows doctors to spend meaningful time with patients without the extreme time pressures common in the U.S.

Cost: A Major Advantage

Affordability is a significant factor. Kristen calls Indian healthcare “far more reasonable in cost” compared to the “hefty expenses” in the U.S., citing examples from consultations to surgeries. Commenters chimed in: “Cost of healthcare in India is unbeatable. You can get world-class treatment at a fraction of the price.”

The 2010 study confirms this with data: surgical services in South Asia, including India, cost just 10-20% of U.S. prices. For procedures like dental implants and crowns, India’s comparative advantage allows patients to save substantially while receiving excellent care.

Medicines: Quick and Accessible

Kristen notes that in India, prescriptions are often not required and pharmacies are easy to find. In contrast, the U.S. has stricter regulations, and insurance rules can delay access to medications. A commenter remarked: “In India, you walk into a pharmacy and get what you need right away, no hassle.”

This accessibility contributes to India’s growing reputation in medical tourism, again reflecting the economic principle of efficiency through specialization.

Hospital Experience: The U.S. Advantage

Kristen acknowledges the U.S. excels in hospital amenities, like menu-based meals and strictly timed appointments. But she questions whether these luxuries justify the steep costs. Some viewers agreed, while others pointed out that the U.S. system focuses more on polished experiences rather than overall accessibility.

Economic research supports a nuanced view: the U.S. maintains an edge in specialized, high-tech procedures, while India shines in volume-driven care, where affordability and access often matter more than fancy amenities.

(Rh/Eth/VK)