# “From” price vs total cost: how to compare offers without surprises

> This website provides general health information for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medical decisions.

Source: https://medova.health/en/blog/total-cost-vs-from · Published: 2026-02-27 · Updated: 2026-04-11

Evidence basis: source_required

Pricing, Comparison, Guide

"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.

- Consultation fee

- Anesthesia (local vs general)

- Hospital stay / room upgrade

- Implants and materials

- Follow-up visits

- Post-op medication

- Lab tests and imaging

- Accommodation (pre + post)

- Airport transfers

## 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

> **⚠️ Warning**
>
> 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 Medova helps

Medova 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.

> **⚕️ Medical: 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. Medova does not guarantee pricing accuracy of third-party clinics.