I know it is a hot political topic, especially when comparing the US with democratic socialist countries offering free healthcare.
But here I am talking purely about the cost, not the price (as the price can be zero if the government mandates it, and pays it out of taxes).
So even taking who pays for it (the patient, or the government) out of the equation, is the cost of healthcare itself more expensive in the US compared to much of western Europe/Canada? That means, if as an uninsured foreigner, I walk into a private hospital to get a procedure done, paying with cash, will I pay significantly more in the US than Western Europe?
What factors are driving this cost differential? Is it higher quality, higher pay for doctors (which would imply better qualified medical professionals?), higher regulatory/market entry cost in the US or what?
Anyone who can shed some light, preferably with data and specific reasoning on the cost here (again, not the price the buyer pays) would be highly appreciated.
