“From” price vs total cost: how to compare offers without surprises
"From" pricing is everywhere in medical travel. It hides the real cost. This guide helps you build an apples-to-apples comparison so you know exactly what you'll pay before you commit.
The problem with "from" prices
Clinics use "from" prices for a reason: they look competitive. But the advertised number rarely includes everything you need.
- Marketing pressure: the lowest number wins clicks.
- Procedure variability: complexity differs per patient.
- Unbundled pricing: each service is billed separately.
Most commonly missed costs
Total cost breakdown template
Use this template to request comparable quotes from every clinic. If a clinic cannot fill a line, that's a red flag.
Medical costs
- Procedure fee (surgeon + facility)
- Anesthesia (type + duration)
- Hospital / room (nights + class)
- Implants / materials / prosthetics
- Post-op medication (prescription + OTC)
- Follow-up visits (in-clinic + remote)
- Lab tests / imaging (pre-op + post-op)
Travel costs
- Flights (round-trip)
- Accommodation pre-procedure (nights)
- Accommodation post-procedure (recovery)
- Local transport (airport, clinic, hotel)
- Meals (estimated daily)
Administrative costs
- Medical visa (if required)
- Document translation / apostille
- Travel insurance (medical-travel specific)
Contingency (5-15% buffer)
- Complications requiring extra treatment
- Extended stay (delayed recovery)
- Revision surgery (if included or priced separately)
How to request a comparable quote
Send this to every clinic you're considering. A professional clinic will answer every line:
"Dear [Clinic], I am considering [procedure] and comparing options. Could you please provide an itemized quote covering: surgeon fee, anesthesia, hospital stay, implants/materials, follow-up visits, post-op medication, lab tests, and any additional fees? I also need to know what is NOT included. Please specify currency, payment schedule, and deposit requirements. Thank you."
Comparison matrix
Create a spreadsheet with clinics as columns and cost categories as rows. Fill every cell. Empty cells are red flags — they usually mean "extra charge later."
| Cost category | Clinic A | Clinic B | Clinic C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure fee (surgeon + facility) | --- | --- | --- |
| Anesthesia (type + duration) | --- | --- | --- |
| Hospital / room (nights + class) | --- | --- | --- |
| Implants / materials / prosthetics | --- | --- | --- |
| Post-op medication (prescription + OTC) | --- | --- | --- |
| Follow-up visits (in-clinic + remote) | --- | --- | --- |
| Lab tests / imaging (pre-op + post-op) | --- | --- | --- |
| Flights (round-trip) | --- | --- | --- |
| Accommodation pre-procedure (nights) | --- | --- | --- |
| Accommodation post-procedure (recovery) | --- | --- | --- |
| Local transport (airport, clinic, hotel) | --- | --- | --- |
| Meals (estimated daily) | --- | --- | --- |
| Medical visa (if required) | --- | --- | --- |
| Document translation / apostille | --- | --- | --- |
| Travel insurance (medical-travel specific) | --- | --- | --- |
| Complications requiring extra treatment | --- | --- | --- |
| Extended stay (delayed recovery) | --- | --- | --- |
| Revision surgery (if included or priced separately) | --- | --- | --- |
Red flag: if a clinic says "we'll tell you after consultation" for standard line items (anesthesia, hospital stay, materials), they are likely hiding add-ons.
Most commonly missed costs
These are the items patients forget to ask about — and clinics forget to mention:
Anesthesia upgrade
Local anesthesia quoted, but general required. Difference: $500-2,000.
Post-op imaging
CT scan or X-ray after surgery not included. Cost: $100-500.
Compression garments
Required after liposuction/surgery. Cost: $50-200.
Medication after discharge
Antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatory. Cost: $30-150.
Companion accommodation
If someone accompanies you, double the hotel cost.
Translation / interpreter
On-site interpreter for consultations. Cost: $50-150/session.
Currency and payment tips
- Always confirm the quote currency (USD, EUR, local). Exchange rates can shift 3-5% between booking and payment.
- Ask about the payment schedule: deposit, pre-op balance, post-op balance.
- Deposits are typically 10-30% and may be non-refundable. Get the refund policy in writing.
- Credit card payments may incur 2-4% surcharge. Wire transfers are cheaper but harder to dispute.
- Never pay the full amount before the procedure. A reputable clinic will not require 100% upfront.
- Keep all receipts and invoices for insurance claims or tax deductions.
How SafeTripVax helps
SafeTripVax provides structured comparison tools that require clinics to itemize costs in a standard format. Our country and clinic profiles show what's typically included, so you can spot missing items before you ask.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. Prices vary by country, clinic, and individual case. Always obtain a written, itemized quote before making any payment. SafeTripVax does not guarantee pricing accuracy of third-party clinics.