Many Indians move abroad chasing better salaries and lifestyles, but some are finding that returning home has its own benefits. A recent video shared by an NRI couple on X shows just that.
After 17 years abroad, they returned to India and were surprised by how affordable and accessible healthcare is in the country.
The couple tweeted, “One of the best things about India compared to the USA is its affordable and easily accessible health care system. That’s why doctors are paid less?”
The US is famous for its advanced medical technology, but healthcare there comes at a huge price. A study by West Health shows that 45% of American adults struggle to pay their medical bills.
One of the best things about India compared to the USA is its affordable and easily accessible health care system.
— முனைவர். கணேசு ガネス (@DrGanesh_Japan) November 19, 2025
That's why doctors are paid less? pic.twitter.com/VWRbH2vzh7
Younger adults are more affected, with many being “Cost Desperate,” meaning they cannot afford necessary care. Adults aged 50 to 64 are also facing rising financial pressure, and racial and gender gaps are widening.
Even those with health insurance in the US face problems. A survey by KFF Policy Research found that nearly six in ten insured Americans had trouble using their insurance in the past year.
The difficulties are worse for people in poor health, those needing mental health care, and frequent healthcare users. Many Americans end up delaying or skipping care, or accumulating bills they cannot pay.
How is India’s healthcare different from US
Another concern for Americans is the long wait for medical care. Social media personality Kristen Fischer recently shared her experience in the US.
She said it could take two to four weeks to see a general doctor and up to three months to see a specialist. Elective surgeries often have waiting periods of three to six months.
In contrast, India offers much faster healthcare. Walk-in visits to a general physician are often possible the same day. The cost of care is also dramatically lower.
A typical doctor’s visit in the US can cost $150 to $600 (around 12,000 to 50,000 INR), while in India, it usually costs $7 to $17 (500 to 1,500 INR).
The affordability in India means people seek medical help when they need it, instead of avoiding it due to cost.
‘Enjoy poor AQI’
The reel also got a lot of comments from netizens. A user noted, “Welcome back, Enjoy poor AQI, polluted water, bad roads, dust everywhere.” Another added, “Healthcare doesn’t feel like a luxury in India? I just spend 17k on my mother’s tests and 55k inr on gall bladder surgery. Aajao beta, govt hospital ke jab dhakke khaaoge and general ward mein pade rahoge tab samajh mein aayega reality.”
A netizen claimed, “Public Health care, you get the best health care support in Tamil Nadu. At least all district headquarters have the best medical infrastructure in TN.”
“We need to compare the insurance cost with income in Indian Salary not with Salary in America,” stated another user. “Root canal in US will cost you $2000 after insurance. In India it’s $100. In US, it’s like 2-3% of your annual salary. In India it’s like 0.5% of your annual salary,” compared a user.
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