A viral social media video by an Indian man living in the United States has sparked fresh debate over the country’s expensive healthcare system. The man revealed that a short emergency room visit in New York ended up costing him $1,800 (over Rs 1.5 lakh) out of pocket, even after insurance covered a large portion of the bill.
His breakdown of the charges has resonated widely, especially among Indians comparing medical costs abroad with treatment back home.
The incident took place on December 25, when the man went ice skating in New York with his wife and sister. During the outing, he suffered a knee injury and feared it could be serious, possibly even a fracture.
Concerned about the pain and uncertainty, he decided to visit the emergency room for immediate medical attention.
In his video, the man explained that he did not call an ambulance because he believed it would make the situation even more expensive. Instead, he chose to travel to the hospital by taxi.
This detail struck many viewers, as it highlighted how even reaching medical care in the US can feel financially risky.
According to his account, the hospital staff conducted a basic evaluation that included:
A medical examination of his knee
An X-ray
A crepe bandage wrap
After around 90 minutes, doctors discharged him and told him he had a muscle injury, not a fracture.
For many people, this sounded like a fairly routine emergency visit. But the bill that followed told a different story.
The man said he received the billing details about three weeks later through his insurance provider.
His insurance reportedly covered around $4,000 to $4,500, but he still had to pay $1,800 himself.
That amount, for what seemed like basic care, left him shocked and triggered intense online discussion.
The video quickly gained traction, with many viewers calling the charges excessive. Several people pointed out how the same treatment in India would likely cost a fraction of the amount.
A user commented, "For a country that calls itself the most powerful on earth, this kind of healthcare pricing raises a simple question: who exactly is that power meant to protect?"
Many reactions reflected a common sentiment: the US may offer advanced medical facilities, but the price tag can make even minor injuries feel financially overwhelming.
(Rh/ARC)
