Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

My aunt was bitten by a rattlesnake on her finger. It cost 46,000 dollars for a vial of anti-venin and and one night stay for observation.

This happens in India all the time with King Cobras and I know they can't afford 46,000.

It's a total racket and scam because on a system of supply and demand like American capitalism... what has a greater demand to someone than a their life so the only limit to price is on the supply side.




> This happens in India all the time with King Cobras and I know they can't afford 46,000.

Your larger point notwithstanding, it's important to remember that overall cost of living in India is lower as well. So hospitals are inherently cheaper to run.


That's not why it's cheaper: money doesn't universally trump wellbeing in Inda like it does in USA.


No, it's because insurance hasn't hijacked the system in India like it has in the US.

Watch pet health costs...with the recent advent of pet health insurance, it's just a matter of time before costs skyrocket for veterinary care.


The prices may well rise somewhat, but demand for veterinary care is always going to be much more elastic. As much as people love their pets, they will also eventually decide it's not worth the cost.

You can't really do that with human health care.


I think there are lots of factors that collectively contribute to the price disparity—some cultural, some economic, some systemic. It's not black and white.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: