LymyVoyageMedical contract review
Check your clinic contract before you pay
Deposits that turn out not to be refundable, warranties that need a flight back, prices that change on arrival. Most problems with treatment abroad are written into the contract. Find them before you sign.
247 checks · built from real clinic contracts and published templates, patient reports and EU, UK and US law · not legal advice
The contract checklist
Go through your contract one group at a time and tick each point the contract actually covers. Anything you can't tick is a question to put to the clinic, in writing, before you pay.
We use these only to show the rules that apply to you. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini with your contract to run this checklist automatically.
You're seeing every question, for every country. Choose both countries to see only what applies to you.
Group 1 of 15
Parties & licensing
Who you are actually signing with, and whether they are allowed to treat you.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Without a written agreement you have little to point to if something goes wrong.
- Red flag:
- A WhatsApp price, a PDF 'offer' with no terms, or 'we'll sign everything when you arrive'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of cash prepayments with no contract.
- UK residents: UK travel-health guidance advises getting a written contract.
- US residents: CDC Yellow Book (medical tourism): have a written agreement defining what treatment, supplies and care the price covers.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A brand name is not a legal person; you can only enforce a contract, or complain, against a registered entity.
- Red flag:
- Only a trading name or website, or a different company name on the invoice than on the contract.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of clinics trading under two names or rebranding after complaints.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A licence number lets you confirm the clinic is allowed to carry out this treatment.
- Red flag:
- 'Accredited' or 'certified' with no issuing body or number.
- Basis:
- National health-authority facility registers.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b).
- Mexico: Mexico: the facility needs a COFEPRIS sanitary licence for surgery, displayed publicly; COFEPRIS takes complaints online and on 800 033 5050.
- Turkey: Turkey: under the 2025 International Health Tourism Regulation, facilities need an International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate and work through the HealthTürkiye portal.
- Colombia: Colombia: the provider must be registered in REPS (prestadores.minsalud.gov.co).
- Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic: the facility should show as 'Habilitado' in the Health Ministry's DHSES establishment search.
- Thailand: Thailand: check the facility licence on the Department of Health Service Support site (hosp.hss.moph.go.th).
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica: health facilities need a Ministry of Health operating permit.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- The party you contract with is the one you can hold responsible.
- Red flag:
- Agency terms saying treatment is 'governed solely by a separate agreement between the patient and the clinic' that you never received.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator terms that split liability between agency and clinic.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Facilitators often handle the money and the communication, so they need to be identifiable too.
- Red flag:
- A coordinator's first name and a WhatsApp number, with no company behind them.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator agreements and terms (US, Tunisia, Turkey).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Unlicensed intermediaries fall outside the regulator's reach.
- Red flag:
- No licence mentioned in a country that requires one.
- Basis:
- Some destinations license or register medical-travel facilitators.
- South Korea: South Korea: agencies attracting foreign patients must register under the Act on Supporting Overseas Expansion of Medical Services and Attraction of International Patients.
- Turkey: Turkey: intermediary organisations need an authorisation certificate issued through USHAŞ.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Platforms often take a deposit of their own and then disclaim everything after the booking.
- Red flag:
- A platform deposit and a separate clinic deposit, with no statement of who refunds what.
- Basis:
- Published marketplace terms with two-layer deposits.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A commission can steer you to the clinic that pays most, not the one that suits you.
- Red flag:
- A 'free' coordination service with no word on how the agency is paid.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of agencies charging for coordination the clinic provides free.
- South Korea: South Korea: commissions paid to registered foreign-patient agencies are capped at 30% of medical fees at clinics, 20% at hospitals and 15% at tertiary hospitals.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You can't be bound fairly by terms you have never seen.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic's general terms, available on request, form part of this contract.'
- Basis:
- Terms incorporated by reference are a common source of disputes.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(i).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Last-minute versions handed over at the clinic are where terms change.
- Red flag:
- A new or longer version presented for signature on arrival or on the day of treatment.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(i).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Patients are sometimes moved to a partner facility they never researched.
- Red flag:
- 'The procedure will be performed at one of our partner hospitals.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Accreditation claims are only checkable when the issuing body is named.
- Red flag:
- 'Internationally accredited' with no body named, or a JCI claim you can't find on the JCI site.
- Basis:
- Accreditation bodies' public directories (e.g. JCI, national schemes such as India's NABH).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A gap between clinic and supplier is where responsibility disappears.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic is not responsible for services provided by independent contractors.'
- Basis:
- Registered hospital contracts that disclaim liability for independently contracted doctors (Mexico).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A transfer can hand you to a provider you never chose, with weaker guarantees.
- Red flag:
- 'The provider may assign or subcontract its obligations to partner facilities.'
- Basis:
- Published facilitator and clinic terms that allow transfer to 'partner facilities'.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(p).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- If the signer has no authority to bind the clinic, the clinic may later deny the agreement.
- Red flag:
- An unsigned contract, or one signed only by a coordinator with no stated role.
- Basis:
- General contract practice.
- ISO 22525:2020 (medical tourism services).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You can't check terms you can't read.
- Red flag:
- A contract only in the clinic's language, with an informal machine translation 'for reference'.
- Basis:
- Legal commentary on translation disputes.
- Turkey: Turkish health-tourism rules on documents in the patient's language.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Mexican hospitals must register their standard patient contracts with the consumer authority.
- Red flag:
- A hospital contract with no PROFECO registration number.
- Basis:
- Mexico: Mexico: PROFECO requires hospitals to register their adhesion contracts; registered contracts preserve the patient's right to go to CONAMED.
Group 2 of 15
Price & scope
Exactly what you are paying for, and what can change once you arrive.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Itemisation is the only way to see what changed if the bill grows.
- Red flag:
- A single lump sum, 'from €X', or 'approximate price'.
- Basis:
- Patient-side checklists from destination guides.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b) (clear price information).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A quote in one currency and an invoice in another can add several percent.
- Red flag:
- Price in euros, payment demanded in local currency 'at the day's rate'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Price rises after you've travelled are the most common complaint, because by then you have little choice.
- Red flag:
- 'The final price will be confirmed after the in-person consultation.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of mid-treatment price increases.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(l).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Extra procedures 'discovered' on the chair are a common way the price grows.
- Red flag:
- 'The doctor may perform any additional procedures deemed necessary.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of root-canal and extraction add-ons announced mid-treatment.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Anything not listed may be billed separately.
- Red flag:
- 'All-inclusive package' with no list.
- Basis:
- Published clinic package descriptions.
- Patient-side destination checklists.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Knowing the price of exclusions up front lets you compare quotes fairly.
- Red flag:
- 'Other costs may apply.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Cheaper materials are the easiest place to cut costs without you noticing.
- Red flag:
- 'Premium implants', 'German-quality', 'zirconia-type crowns'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of crowns invoiced as zirconia that scans showed were not.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A vague quantity lets the scope shrink on arrival while the price stays the same.
- Red flag:
- 'Up to 4,000 grafts', 'liposuction of problem areas'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of three agreed liposuction areas becoming two unless the patient paid more.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Techniques differ in cost, risk and result.
- Red flag:
- 'The most suitable technique will be chosen by the doctor.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- If you can't come back for a later stage, you need to know what each stage is worth.
- Red flag:
- One price for 'complete treatment' spread over several trips.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of prepaid later stages that became impossible after a complication.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A plan that can be changed at will is not much of a plan.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic reserves the right to modify the treatment plan.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms reserving the right to change the plan.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(k).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Package extras are often where promises and reality differ.
- Red flag:
- 'Accommodation included' with no hotel, nights or room type.
- Basis:
- Published clinic package descriptions.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Recovery often takes longer than planned.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Fees added at payment can change the real price.
- Red flag:
- 'Prices exclude applicable taxes and fees.'
- Basis:
- Fees added at payment are a common complaint.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- An open-ended quote gives the clinic room to reprice later.
- Red flag:
- No date at all, or 'prices subject to change without notice'.
- Basis:
- Open-ended quotes in published clinic offers.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(l).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You need it for insurance reimbursement, tax relief and any later claim.
- Red flag:
- A handwritten receipt or 'invoice on request'.
- Basis:
- A 2009 Austrian consumer test that found handwritten cost plans.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b) (clear invoices).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Medical care abroad can be deductible; purely cosmetic procedures generally are not.
- Red flag:
- A package receipt with no breakdown of medical services.
- Basis:
- US residents: IRS Publication 502 (medical and dental expenses).
Group 3 of 15
Payment
How much you pay, when, to whom, and how you get it back.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Published clinic policies range from a small booking fee to 50% of the treatment value.
- Red flag:
- A deposit above about 30% of the price, or no stated amount.
- Basis:
- Published clinic deposit policies (Poland, Czechia, marketplaces).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- 'Refundable' means nothing without conditions and a deadline.
- Red flag:
- 'Refundable deposit' with no conditions, or 'refundable at the clinic's discretion'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of deposits described as refundable and later refused.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(d).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Otherwise a 'deposit' is simply an extra fee.
- Red flag:
- A 'booking fee' or 'reservation fee' that is not deducted.
- Basis:
- Published clinic deposit policies.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Money paid to the wrong party is hard to get back.
- Red flag:
- Bank details for a private individual or a company not named in the contract.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
- Marketplace terms with separate platform and clinic deposits.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Paying after the consultation keeps your option to walk away.
- Red flag:
- Full payment due before you travel.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Once everything is paid, you have no leverage if the plan changes.
- Red flag:
- '100% payment required to confirm your booking.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Prepaid later stages are hard to recover if you can't or won't return.
- Red flag:
- 'Full treatment fee payable at the first visit.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of patients unable to recover prepaid balances after a complication.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Card payments can be disputed; for UK credit-card purchases of £100–£30,000 the card issuer shares liability.
- Red flag:
- Bank transfer or cash only.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) where a chargeback was the remedy that worked.
- UK residents: UK Consumer Credit Act 1974 s.75.
- US residents: US Fair Credit Billing Act (Regulation Z §1026.13): dispute services 'not delivered as agreed' within 60 days of the statement; disputes about the quality of services you accepted are not covered.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Within the EU, surcharges on consumer cards are banned.
- Red flag:
- A surprise 3–5% fee added at the desk.
- Basis:
- Surprise card fees at the clinic desk.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Payment Services Directive 2015/2366 Art. 62(4) bans surcharges on consumer cards.
- Clinics in the UK: UK Payment Services Regulations 2017: surcharges on consumer card payments banned since 13 January 2018.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Unreceipted payments are effectively unprovable.
- Red flag:
- 'Cash payment preferred' with no receipt mentioned.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of cash paid in advance through an acquaintance with no contract or receipt.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Refunds 'in cash at the clinic' or as vouchers are not real refunds.
- Red flag:
- 'Refunds are issued as credit towards future treatment.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Currency swings can quietly shrink a refund.
- Red flag:
- Refund in local currency at the clinic's rate.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Packages often include items you may not end up using.
- Red flag:
- 'No refunds for unused services.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of refunds for unused sessions taking more than six weeks.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Disproportionate penalties are a classic unfair term.
- Red flag:
- A penalty of the full deposit for a payment a few days late.
- Basis:
- Penalty clauses in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(e).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Otherwise you can end up repaying a loan for treatment you never received.
- Red flag:
- A finance agreement that stays in force whatever happens to the treatment.
- Basis:
- Medical-loan products sold alongside treatment packages.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Consumer Credit Directive 2008/48/EC Art. 15 (linked credit agreements).
- UK residents: UK Consumer Credit Act 1974 s.75 (linked credit).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Release conditions decide whether the platform can still help you once something goes wrong.
- Red flag:
- Money released to the clinic on booking, despite 'payment protection' marketing.
- Basis:
- Published marketplace terms.
Group 4 of 15
Cancellation
What happens to your money when either side cancels, or treatment can't go ahead.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A clear scale lets you know the cost of changing your mind.
- Red flag:
- 'Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic deposit and cancellation policies.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(d).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A fee that exceeds the clinic's real loss is a penalty.
- Red flag:
- Loss of the full price for cancelling weeks in advance.
- Basis:
- Published clinic cancellation policies.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(d) and 1(e).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Deposits are forfeited when the patient fails to notify 'in the prescribed manner'.
- Red flag:
- Cancellation only by registered letter, or only by phone.
- Basis:
- Published clinic deposit policies.
- Osteomed-style 'prescribed manner' clauses.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- The clinic shouldn't keep money for a service it chose not to provide.
- Red flag:
- 'In case of rescheduling by the clinic, the deposit is transferred to the new date.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic rescheduling terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(f).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Flights and hotels booked for a cancelled date are a real loss.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Illness, work and flights change; rescheduling should not cost the whole deposit.
- Red flag:
- 'Any change of date counts as cancellation.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Some patients only learn on arrival that they aren't suitable; that isn't their fault.
- Red flag:
- 'If the patient is not a suitable candidate, the deposit is retained.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(c).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Abandoned procedures without refunds are a recurring complaint.
- Red flag:
- 'Fees are payable in full once the procedure has commenced.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of procedures abandoned under anaesthesia with no refund.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Otherwise you're forced to choose between a plan you didn't agree to and losing your money.
- Red flag:
- Plan changes treated as your cancellation.
- Basis:
- Patient reports of plans changed on arrival.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(k) and 1(l).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Without a deadline, refunds can drift for months.
- Red flag:
- 'Refunds will be processed in due course.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of refunds stalling until a consumer complaint was threatened.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Illness is the most common reason people cancel.
- Red flag:
- No exception for documented illness.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Events outside both parties' control shouldn't cost only you.
- Red flag:
- 'In case of force majeure, all payments are retained.'
- Basis:
- Force-majeure clauses in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(f).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- One-sided termination rights are a classic unfair term.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic may refuse treatment at its sole discretion' with no refund rule.
- Basis:
- One-sided refusal clauses in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(f) and 1(g).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Time to reflect is part of informed consent for elective procedures.
- Red flag:
- Signing and paying on the day of the first consultation.
- Basis:
- Good practice in cosmetic surgery: time to reflect between consultation and procedure.
- UK residents: UK GMC guidance on cosmetic interventions (in force since June 2016): patients must be given time to reflect before deciding.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Two sets of terms often mean each party points to the other.
- Red flag:
- Agency terms say 'refunds are subject to the clinic's policy', and the clinic's policy isn't attached.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator terms (Tunisia, US).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Multi-cycle refund programmes have the most complex conditions.
- Red flag:
- Refund percentages that shrink with age or exclude common reasons for stopping.
- Basis:
- Published IVF refund-programme terms (Spain, Greece, Czechia).
Group 5 of 15
Practitioner
Who actually treats you, and whether they are qualified to.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You can only check a doctor you can name.
- Red flag:
- 'Our team of experienced surgeons' or 'a specialist doctor'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of surgeons who drew the plan and left technicians to operate.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica: Law 8239 gives patients the right to know the name, degree and position of the people treating them.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Registration confirms the person is a licensed doctor in that country.
- Red flag:
- Titles and memberships, but no registration number.
- Basis:
- National medical registers.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b).
- Mexico: Mexico: check the doctor's professional and specialist cédula on cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx and certification by the specialty council.
- Colombia: Colombia: specialists must be registered in ReTHUS; practising a surgical specialty without it is illegal.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica: only specialists registered with the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos may practise as specialists.
- Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic: doctors need an exequátur; SODOCIPRE's public directory lists qualified plastic surgeons.
- Thailand: Thailand: check the doctor on the Medical Council of Thailand register (tmc.or.th).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- General practitioners and dentists sometimes perform procedures outside their training.
- Red flag:
- 'Cosmetic doctor' with no recognised specialty.
- Basis:
- National specialist registers.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Substitution clauses let a junior or unknown doctor operate.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic may assign another qualified surgeon.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(k).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- In high-volume clinics, much of the work may be delegated.
- Red flag:
- 'Procedure performed under the supervision of Dr X.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) on hair-transplant clinics using technicians for extraction and implantation.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Sedation and general anaesthesia carry their own risks and need a qualified anaesthetist.
- Red flag:
- No mention of who gives anaesthesia.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Meeting only on the operating table leaves no room to ask questions or decline.
- Red flag:
- Consultations with a 'medical consultant' or coordinator only.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Experience in the specific procedure is a strong predictor of outcome.
- Red flag:
- Experience claims only in adverts, never in writing.
- Basis:
- Patient-side destination checklists.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Several patients a day per surgeon usually means delegation.
- Red flag:
- 'Mass production line' reports from other patients, with no daily limit given.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) on high-volume hair-transplant clinics.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Misunderstandings about risks or aftercare are dangerous.
- Red flag:
- Interpreter 'available on request' at extra cost, or the coordinator acting as interpreter.
- Basis:
- Language barriers on the ward are a recurring problem in patient reports.
- Turkey: Turkish health-tourism rules on communication in the patient's language.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Complications often appear in the first night.
- Red flag:
- Discharge to a hotel on the same day, with no stated doctor on call.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You have a right to know who touches you.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Council of Europe Oviedo Convention Art. 5 (informed consent).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- The lab or supplier determines material quality.
- Red flag:
- 'Produced by our partner laboratory.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms naming only a 'partner laboratory'.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745, rules for custom-made devices.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Continuity matters when something isn't healing as expected.
- Red flag:
- Follow-up 'by our medical team' via a coordinator.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- If something goes wrong, you need to know who was involved.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Medical-records standards such as Mexico's NOM-004-SSA3-2012.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Professional complaints can lead to action even when a refund dispute stalls.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- National medical chambers and health ministries.
Group 6 of 15
Consent
Whether you are properly told the risks, in time, in your language.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Generic consent forms don't tell you what could go wrong with your procedure.
- Red flag:
- One generic form for every procedure: 'I accept all risks associated with surgery.'
- Basis:
- Council of Europe Oviedo Convention Art. 5.
- Colombia: Colombian Constitutional Court rulings on specific consent.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Consent you can't read isn't informed consent.
- Red flag:
- Consent form only in the clinic's language.
- Basis:
- Consent you can't read isn't informed consent.
- Turkey: Turkish health-tourism rules on consent forms in the patient's language.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Reading risks for the first time on the day of the procedure leaves no real choice.
- Red flag:
- 'Consent forms will be signed at the clinic.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports of consent forms first seen on the day of surgery.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(i).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Same-day consultation and surgery leaves no room to change your mind.
- Red flag:
- Consultation in the morning, surgery in the afternoon.
- Basis:
- Good practice in elective surgery: time to reflect.
- UK residents: UK GMC guidance on cosmetic interventions (in force since June 2016): patients must be given time to reflect before deciding.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Knowing the alternatives is part of informed consent.
- Red flag:
- Only the chosen procedure is described.
- Basis:
- Council of Europe Oviedo Convention Art. 5.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Guaranteed-result marketing is a sign that risks are being played down.
- Red flag:
- 'Perfect results guaranteed.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Flying too early increases the risk of blood clots and other complications.
- Red flag:
- Return flight booked by the clinic for the day after surgery.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on flying after surgery.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Missing tests mean risks aren't checked; unclear rules mean money is lost.
- Red flag:
- No medical questionnaire before booking.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Your personal risk can differ greatly from the average.
- Red flag:
- No question about your medical history before the quote.
- Basis:
- Council of Europe Oviedo Convention Art. 5.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- When consent and full payment come together, refusing feels impossible.
- Red flag:
- Consent form and final payment demanded at the same moment.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Consent must be revocable to be meaningful.
- Red flag:
- 'Once signed, consent is irrevocable.'
- Basis:
- Council of Europe Oviedo Convention Art. 5.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Otherwise extra work can be done, and billed, without your consent.
- Red flag:
- 'The surgeon may perform any additional procedures deemed advisable.'
- Basis:
- Published consent forms allowing 'any additional procedures'.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(k).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Consenting to risks is not the same as giving up claims for negligence.
- Red flag:
- 'I release the clinic and its staff from all claims arising from this procedure.'
- Basis:
- Published facilitator waiver templates.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Anaesthesia has its own risks, separate from the surgery.
- Red flag:
- Anaesthesia not mentioned in the consent.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You need to know what you're taking, especially if you travel straight after.
- Red flag:
- Unlabelled medication handed over at discharge.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Without copies you can't show later what you were told.
- Red flag:
- Forms kept by the clinic only.
- Basis:
- You need copies to show later what you were told.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(f).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Group 7 of 15
Complications
Who pays, and who helps, when something goes wrong.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Treating a complication can cost more than the original procedure.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all, or 'complications are billed at standard rates'.
- Basis:
- Clinical studies of patients returning home with complications after surgery abroad.
- UK data on NHS costs of treating complications from cosmetic surgery abroad.
- Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic: a CDC investigation counted 93 US deaths after cosmetic surgery there in 2009–2022, mostly after liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks (BBL).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Revision rates for some procedures are significant.
- Red flag:
- 'Revisions at a discounted rate.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A 'free' revision abroad can still cost you a trip.
- Red flag:
- Revision free, travel at the patient's expense.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Complications often extend your stay.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Some complications appear days after discharge.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Small clinics often have no intensive care unit.
- Red flag:
- No named hospital, or an outpatient clinic with no transfer arrangement.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Narrow definitions leave most real problems uncovered.
- Red flag:
- 'Complications resulting from the patient's individual healing response are excluded.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Most complications that reach home hospitals are paid for by the patient or their health system.
- Red flag:
- Responsibility ends at discharge.
- Basis:
- UK clinical studies and the BAAPS complications database on patients returning with complications.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Flying too soon after surgery raises clot risk.
- Red flag:
- Discharge timed to a pre-booked flight.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on flying after surgery.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Catch-all fault clauses let the clinic blame you for any complication.
- Red flag:
- 'Any complication is presumed to result from patient non-compliance.'
- Basis:
- Catch-all non-compliance clauses in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q) (burden of proof).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Clinics sometimes treat complications as 'aesthetic preference' to avoid paying.
- Red flag:
- Every problem treated as 'aesthetic dissatisfaction'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Problems at night shouldn't wait for office hours.
- Red flag:
- Only the coordinator's WhatsApp.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Antibiotics and other drugs can add significantly to the cost.
- Red flag:
- 'Medication billed separately.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Home doctors need to know what happened to treat you safely.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Home doctors need a written report to treat you safely.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(f).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Short reporting windows void cover for later complications.
- Red flag:
- 'Complications must be reported within 48 hours of discharge.'
- Basis:
- Short reporting windows in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(b).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Medical repatriation can cost tens of thousands.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Travel-health guidance on treatment abroad.
Group 8 of 15
Liability
Whether the clinic keeps responsibility for its own mistakes.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Excluding negligence would leave you with no remedy for the clinic's own mistakes.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic shall not be liable for any acts, errors, omissions or negligence.'
- Basis:
- Blanket waivers in published facilitator and clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(a) and 1(b).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- These are the harms that matter most.
- Red flag:
- 'In no event shall the clinic be liable for personal injury.'
- Basis:
- Blanket waivers in published facilitator and clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A waiver of legal action is among the most serious red flags in a patient contract.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient voluntarily waives any right to take legal action against…'
- Basis:
- Published facilitator waiver templates.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- The cost of harm can far exceed the price of treatment.
- Red flag:
- 'Liability is limited to the amount paid for the service.'
- Basis:
- Price-capped liability in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(b).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Agencies often take your money while disclaiming every outcome.
- Red flag:
- 'The agency is not liable for the acts, errors, omissions or negligence of any supplier.'
- Basis:
- Published US facilitator agreements.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- When nobody is clearly responsible, each party points to the other.
- Red flag:
- Each party's terms say the other one is responsible.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator and clinic terms (Tunisia, US).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- No doctor can guarantee a result, but care standards still apply.
- Red flag:
- 'No guarantee is given and no claims shall be accepted.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms combining 'no guarantee' with 'no claims'.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(b).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- The clinic holds the records; shifting proof to you makes claims impossible.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient must prove the clinic's fault.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms presuming patient fault.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You chose the clinic; it shouldn't be able to disown its doctors.
- Red flag:
- 'Physicians are independent contractors and not employees of the hospital.'
- Basis:
- Published hospital contracts disclaiming independently contracted doctors.
- Registered hospital contracts (Mexico).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- An indemnity can make you pay the clinic's legal costs.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient shall indemnify and hold harmless the clinic…'
- Basis:
- Published US facilitator agreements.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Then the clinic decides every dispute in its own favour.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic's assessment of the result is final.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms making the clinic's assessment final.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(m).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Marketing promises (lifetime guarantees, free nights) vanish if they're not in the contract.
- Red flag:
- 'This contract supersedes all prior communications and representations.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of guarantees promised in marketing with no written terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(n).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Some harms only show months later.
- Red flag:
- 'Claims must be made within 30 days of treatment.'
- Basis:
- Short claim windows in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(b) and 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Terms that can change aren't terms.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic may amend these terms at any time.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms reserving the right to amend.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(j).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Obligations should be reciprocal.
- Red flag:
- 'Payment obligations remain in force regardless of service delivery.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(o).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You didn't choose those suppliers; the clinic did.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic accepts no responsibility for transfers or accommodation.'
- Basis:
- Published facilitator terms.
Group 9 of 15
Insurance
What insurance backs the clinic, and what covers you.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Insurance is what actually pays a successful claim.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic is fully insured' with no insurer named.
- Basis:
- Insurance is what actually pays a successful claim.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(b) and 4(2)(d).
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Services Directive 2006/123/EC Art. 23.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Small policies may not cover serious harm.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Small policies may not cover serious harm.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Services Directive 2006/123/EC Art. 23.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- If the doctor is an 'independent contractor', the clinic's policy may not cover them.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Published hospital contracts disclaiming independently contracted doctors.
- Registered hospital contracts (Mexico) disclaiming independent doctors.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Complication insurance is the main thing that pays for problems after you leave.
- Red flag:
- 'Complication insurance included' with no insurer or wording.
- Basis:
- Complication-insurance products sold to medical travellers.
- Turkey: Turkey: the 2025 health-tourism regulation made complication insurance mandatory for surgical procedures, but the Council of State (Danıştay) suspended the requirement pending a final ruling; some clinics still require it.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Exclusions are in the wording, not the summary.
- Red flag:
- A one-page certificate only.
- Basis:
- General insurance practice.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Many policies only cover treatment in the destination country.
- Red flag:
- Cover limited to 'treatment at the original clinic'.
- Basis:
- Published complication-insurance products.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Travel costs for a revision can exceed its medical cost.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Published complication-insurance products.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Claims fail on paperwork as often as on substance.
- Red flag:
- 'Claims are handled by the clinic.'
- Basis:
- General insurance practice.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A clinic in dispute with you may not file your claim.
- Red flag:
- Only the clinic can file a claim.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- In-house funds aren't regulated insurance.
- Red flag:
- 'Covered by our own patient guarantee programme.'
- Basis:
- General insurance practice.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Some complications show up months later.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Published complication-insurance products.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Exclusions decide whether you're actually covered.
- Red flag:
- 'Subject to standard exclusions.'
- Basis:
- General insurance practice.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Insurance added at the desk changes the price.
- Red flag:
- Insurance 'recommended' but its cost not stated.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Standard travel insurance usually excludes elective treatment abroad.
- Red flag:
- 'Your travel insurance covers everything.'
- Basis:
- Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad.
- UK residents: UK travel-health guidance (NaTHNaC / TravelHealthPro).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Some insurers (for example in Germany) need their own form filled in before treatment.
- Red flag:
- Clinic refuses to fill in foreign forms.
- Basis:
- German insurers' cost-plan forms for EU dental treatment.
- EU/EEA residents, Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 7.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Without authorisation, reimbursement can be refused.
- Red flag:
- Treatment date set before authorisation can arrive.
- Basis:
- EU/EEA residents, Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 8.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Medicare generally doesn't pay for care outside the US, and many plans exclude planned treatment abroad.
- Red flag:
- 'Your US insurance will reimburse you.'
- Basis:
- US residents: Medicare coverage rules for care outside the US (limited emergency exceptions only).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- GHIC and EHIC cover medically necessary state care while travelling, not planned private treatment.
- Red flag:
- 'Your GHIC covers any complications.'
- Basis:
- UK residents: UK government guidance on GHIC/EHIC and planned treatment abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Exclusions you can't read can't be checked.
- Red flag:
- Policy only in the clinic country's language.
- Basis:
- General insurance practice.
Group 10 of 15
Aftercare & warranty
What happens after you go home, and what the guarantee really covers.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Follow-up is where problems are caught early.
- Red flag:
- 'Follow-up as needed.'
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance.
- EU/EEA residents, Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 5(d) (follow-up at home).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Most of your recovery happens at home.
- Red flag:
- Remote follow-up by the sales coordinator only.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Your home doctor will manage complications and long-term care.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
- EU/EEA residents, Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 5(d).
- US residents: CDC Yellow Book (medical tourism): arrange follow-up care with your local provider before you leave.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Verbal instructions on the day of discharge are easily forgotten.
- Red flag:
- Instructions only in the clinic's language, or only verbal.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Different parts of a treatment usually carry different warranties.
- Red flag:
- One headline warranty for 'the treatment'.
- Basis:
- Published clinic warranty terms (Hungary, Croatia).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- 'Lifetime' often covers only the implant, not the crown on it, or turns out to mean ten years.
- Red flag:
- 'Lifetime guarantee' with no written terms.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of lifetime guarantees refused for crowns on guaranteed implants.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Hidden conditions void most warranties.
- Red flag:
- 'Warranty void if you miss an annual check-up at our clinic' or 'if any other dentist works on the treatment'.
- Basis:
- Published clinic warranty terms (Hungary, Croatia).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A warranty you have to fly back for is often worth less than the flight.
- Red flag:
- Repairs 'at our clinic only' with travel at the patient's cost.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of patients paying for repairs at home rather than flying back.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Local repair is often the only practical option.
- Red flag:
- No local repair option.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Repeated redos can leave you worse off than a refund.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic's obligation is limited to redoing the work.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of crowns remade three times with no refund option.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Annual check-ups abroad make the warranty very expensive to keep.
- Red flag:
- Annual check-up 'at our clinic' as a warranty condition.
- Basis:
- Published clinic warranty terms (Croatia, Hungary).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Maintenance conditions can quietly add cost or void cover.
- Red flag:
- 'Three professional hygiene sessions per year required' not shown before booking.
- Basis:
- Published Hungarian clinic warranty terms.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Missed photo deadlines are used to refuse guarantees.
- Red flag:
- 'Guarantee void if photos are not sent at months 1, 3, 6 and 10.'
- Basis:
- Published facilitator guarantee terms (Tunisia).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Promised temporaries are sometimes never provided.
- Red flag:
- Temporaries mentioned in chat, not in the contract.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of temporary teeth never provided.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Rebranded clinics sometimes refuse the old brand's guarantees.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of clinics renaming themselves.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Vague procedures make warranties impossible to use in practice.
- Red flag:
- 'Warranty claims assessed case by case.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of warranty claims that could not be verified or progressed.
Group 11 of 15
Records
What medical records you get, in what form, and when.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Your home doctor needs the full picture.
- Red flag:
- 'Discharge summary provided.'
- Basis:
- Your home doctor needs the full record, not only a summary.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(f).
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
- US residents: HIPAA's right of access covers only US providers and plans; abroad, your right to records comes from local law and the contract.
- Mexico: Mexico: NOM-004-SSA3-2012 governs clinical records, and the Supreme Court has held that patients are entitled to a full copy, not only a summary.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Printouts and phone photos can't be properly read by another doctor.
- Red flag:
- 'Images available on request.'
- Basis:
- Imaging in its original format is what another doctor can read.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15(3).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Records requested later are often slow or never arrive.
- Red flag:
- No timing stated.
- Basis:
- Records requested later are often slow or never arrive.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 12(3) (one month to answer access requests).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Records your doctor can't read are of little use.
- Red flag:
- Records only in the clinic's language.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Under GDPR, the first copy of your data is free.
- Red flag:
- 'Copy of records: €100.'
- Basis:
- Copy fees for records in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15(3).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Future treatment depends on knowing exactly what was done.
- Red flag:
- No operative report mentioned.
- Basis:
- Medical-records standards such as Mexico's NOM-004-SSA3-2012.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Implant details are essential for repairs, recalls and scans.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Implant manufacturers supply patient implant cards.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 Art. 18 (implant card).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- It is the only proof of what material you actually got.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports of crowns invoiced as one material that turned out to be another.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745, Annex XIII (custom-made devices).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Brand names differ between countries.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Results avoid repeat tests and show what was checked.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Results avoid repeat tests and show what was checked.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(f).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Future anaesthetists need to know how you reacted.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Future anaesthetists need to know how you reacted.
- Medical-records standards such as Mexico's NOM-004-SSA3-2012.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- They are evidence of the starting point and the result.
- Red flag:
- Photos kept by the clinic only.
- Basis:
- Clinical photos are part of your medical record.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You may need records years later.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Medical-record retention periods are set by national law.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(2)(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Access to your own health data can't be traded for payment.
- Red flag:
- 'Records released upon full settlement of account.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms releasing records only after full payment.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Electronic copies arrive faster and can't get lost in luggage.
- Red flag:
- Paper only.
- Basis:
- Electronic copies arrive faster and can't get lost in luggage.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: Directive 2011/24/EU Art. 4(2)(f) (written or electronic record).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Airlines may refuse boarding after surgery without one.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Airline medical-clearance practice.
Group 12 of 15
Communication & complaints
Who answers when you have a problem, how fast, and where to escalate.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Being blocked on a coordinator's WhatsApp after payment is a common pattern.
- Red flag:
- Only a WhatsApp number.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of communication cut off after payment.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Problems often begin after you're home.
- Red flag:
- Coordinator's number valid 'during your stay'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A deadline turns silence into a breach.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports of messages going unanswered after payment.
- Croatia: Croatia: the Consumer Protection Act requires a written reply to a complaint within 15 days.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Coordinators often can't decide anything.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A documented complaint is the first step to any external remedy.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- ISO 22525:2020 (medical tourism services).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- External complaints often unlock refunds that direct requests didn't.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Formal complaints to authorities unlocked refunds in patient reports.
- EU/EEA residents, Clinics in the EU/EEA: European Consumer Centres (ECC-Net) help with disputes with a trader in another EU country.
- Mexico: Mexico: PROFECO (consumer complaints, including from abroad) and CONAMED (free medical conciliation and arbitration).
- Colombia: Colombia: the National Health Superintendency (Supersalud) takes complaints against providers.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica: the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos handles complaints about doctors.
- Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic: Pro Consumidor (consumer complaints under Law 358-05) and the Colegio Médico Dominicano.
- Turkey: Turkey: the Health Ministry's SABİM line (184) takes patient-rights complaints and routes foreign-language calls to a foreign-patient call centre.
- Thailand: Thailand: the Medical Council of Thailand handles complaints about doctors.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Mediation is cheaper and faster than courts abroad.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Some destinations run free medical mediation or arbitration services.
- Mexico: Mexico: CONAMED offers free, confidential conciliation and arbitration for medical complaints.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Language gaps cause most misunderstandings.
- Red flag:
- 'Interpreter available on request' with no cost stated.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Chat messages can be deleted or disputed.
- Red flag:
- Changes agreed only by voice note.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Otherwise your cancellation or complaint might 'not count'.
- Red flag:
- Notices valid only by registered post.
- Basis:
- Published clinic deposit policies.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Urgent post-operative questions can't wait days.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Patient-safety guidance on surgery abroad.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You need to know where a formal claim must go.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- General contract practice.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Otherwise each sends you to the other.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator terms.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Facilitator support often ends at the airport.
- Red flag:
- Support 'during the treatment period'.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Penalties for complaining silence patients.
- Red flag:
- 'Public complaints void all guarantees.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- It should be a language you speak.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Language barriers are a recurring problem in patient reports.
- Turkey: Turkish health-tourism rules on communication in the patient's language.
Group 13 of 15
Jurisdiction
Which law applies, where disputes go, and which language version wins.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Knowing which law applies tells you which rights you have.
- Red flag:
- No governing law, or a law unrelated to either party.
- Basis:
- General contract practice.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Disputes in a foreign court are expensive.
- Red flag:
- 'Exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [clinic's city].'
- Basis:
- General contract practice.
- US residents: CDC Yellow Book (medical tourism): find out what legal action you can take if something goes wrong.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A clause sending every dispute to the clinic's courts can make a claim too expensive to bring.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the clinic's courts.'
- Basis:
- Exclusive-jurisdiction clauses in published clinic and facilitator terms.
- EU/EEA residents: Brussels I bis Regulation 1215/2012 Art. 17–19: if the clinic directs its activities to your country, you can sue at home, and a choice-of-court clause agreed before the dispute can't take that away.
- UK residents: Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 ss.15A–15E: if the clinic pursues activities in the UK, you can sue in your home courts despite an exclusive-jurisdiction clause.
- US residents: US courts usually can't hear a claim against a foreign clinic with no US presence, so a US-based facilitator is often the only party you can sue at home.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Arbitration fees and travel can block small claims.
- Red flag:
- 'All disputes shall be finally settled by arbitration in [city].'
- Basis:
- Arbitration clauses in published facilitator and clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
- US residents: US courts generally enforce arbitration clauses (Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §2), so read any arbitration clause before signing.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Clinic lawyers often recommend their own language prevails.
- Red flag:
- 'In case of discrepancy, the [clinic's language] version shall prevail.'
- Basis:
- Language-precedence clauses in published contracts.
- Turkey: Legal commentary on health-tourism contracts in Turkey.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- For treatment supplied entirely abroad, EU rules usually let the clinic's law apply, so its consumer protections are what you get.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient waives any statutory consumer rights.'
- Basis:
- For treatment given entirely abroad, the clinic country's consumer law usually governs the contract.
- EU/EEA residents: Rome I Regulation 593/2008 Art. 6(4)(a) (services supplied only outside your country).
- UK residents: Consumer Rights Act 2015 s.74 (unfair-terms protection survives a non-UK choice of law where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Consumer status is what triggers most protections.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient acts as an independent contracting party.'
- Basis:
- Consumer status decides which protections apply in almost every legal system.
- EU/EEA residents: Brussels I bis Art. 17; Directive 93/13/EEC Art. 2.
- UK residents: Consumer Rights Act 2015 s.2 (definition of consumer).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Fixed cost-shifting deters legitimate claims.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient shall bear all legal costs of any dispute.'
- Basis:
- Cost-shifting clauses in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Endless 'amicable resolution' periods can run out the clock.
- Red flag:
- 'Disputes must be resolved amicably' with no time limit.
- Basis:
- Open-ended 'amicable resolution' clauses in published terms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Local authorities can act where foreign courts are impractical.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient agrees not to file complaints with any authority.'
- Basis:
- Patients' right to complain to authorities can't normally be waived.
- Mexico: Registered Mexican hospital contracts that preserve the patient's right to go to CONAMED.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Agency and clinic are often in different countries.
- Red flag:
- Only the agency's law stated.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator terms.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Restricting evidence makes claims impossible.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic's records shall be conclusive evidence.'
- Basis:
- Published clinic terms making the clinic's records conclusive.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Unfair Terms Directive 93/13/EEC, Annex 1(q).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 2 and Schedule 2 (the UK list of potentially unfair terms; s.74 keeps it in force where the contract is closely connected with the UK).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- It is the cheapest cross-border route for smaller refunds.
- Red flag:
- Arbitration-only clause.
- Basis:
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: EU Regulation 861/2007 as amended by 2015/2421.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Chargebacks were the remedy that most often worked for patients.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient agrees not to initiate any chargeback.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
- UK residents: UK Consumer Credit Act 1974 s.75.
- US residents: US Fair Credit Billing Act (Regulation Z §1026.13).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A local company can be sued locally.
- Red flag:
- Agency registered offshore with a local-looking website.
- Basis:
- Published facilitator terms.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- US courts usually can't hear a claim against a foreign clinic with no US presence, and foreign judgments are hard to enforce.
- Red flag:
- Every party is registered abroad, including the 'US office' on the website.
- Basis:
- US residents: US limits on personal jurisdiction over foreign defendants; CDC Yellow Book advice to check what legal action is possible.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Such declarations are used to sidestep home-country consumer rules that apply when a business targets your country.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient confirms that they approached the clinic on their own initiative.'
- Basis:
- Boilerplate declarations in published clinic terms.
- EU/EEA residents: Brussels I bis Art. 17(1)(c); the CJEU's Pammer and Hotel Alpenhof rulings (C-585/08, C-144/09) on when a website 'directs activities' to a country.
- UK residents: Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 s.15B.
Group 14 of 15
Marketing
How your images and your voice can be used, and whether you can speak freely.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Photos of your body are health data; using them needs your explicit consent.
- Red flag:
- Photo consent bundled into the treatment contract.
- Basis:
- Before-and-after photos are among clinics' main marketing material.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9(2)(a) and Art. 7(2).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Consent must be as easy to withdraw as to give.
- Red flag:
- 'Consent to image use is irrevocable.'
- Basis:
- Consent must be as easy to withdraw as to give.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 7(3).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Identifiable photos can follow you for years.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Identifiable photos can follow you for years.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Consent bought with a discount isn't freely given.
- Red flag:
- '10% discount for patients who agree to share their results.'
- Basis:
- Discounts offered in exchange for photos and reviews.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 7(4).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Gag clauses hide problems from future patients.
- Red flag:
- 'The patient agrees not to post negative reviews.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports of pressure to delete reviews.
- Clauses banning negative reviews in published clinic terms.
- US residents: US Consumer Review Fairness Act 2016: form-contract terms that restrict or penalise reviews are void.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Penalties for honest criticism are a gag.
- Red flag:
- 'Disparaging statements will incur a penalty of €…'
- Basis:
- Non-disparagement clauses in published clinic terms.
- US residents: US Consumer Review Fairness Act 2016: form-contract terms that restrict or penalise reviews are void.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Trading silence for refunds hides problems from other patients.
- Red flag:
- 'Refund subject to removal of all online reviews.'
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Videos of procedures are widely used in clinic marketing.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Procedure videos are widely used in clinic marketing.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9(2)(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Tagging links your identity to a medical procedure.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Tagging links your identity to a medical procedure.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Testimonials are personal data and endorsements.
- Red flag:
- 'The clinic may quote patient feedback.'
- Basis:
- Testimonials are personal data and endorsements.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 6(1)(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Incentivised reviews distort what other patients read.
- Red flag:
- Discount for a five-star review.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026) of clinics soliciting positive reviews.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Open-ended use means indefinite exposure.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Open-ended image use in published consent forms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(2)(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Photos travel further than the clinic's own website.
- Red flag:
- 'Images may be shared with partners.'
- Basis:
- Images shared with agencies and platforms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(1)(e).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Health-related marketing to you needs your consent.
- Red flag:
- Pre-ticked marketing consent.
- Basis:
- Pre-ticked marketing consent in clinic forms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: ePrivacy Directive 2002/58/EC Art. 13.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Ambassador deals can bind you to post only positive content.
- Red flag:
- Obligations to post content with penalties for negative posts.
- Basis:
- Patient reports (2023–2026).
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Secondary use needs its own consent.
- Red flag:
- 'Images may be used for educational and commercial purposes.'
- Basis:
- Broad 'educational and commercial' use clauses in clinic consent forms.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9(2)(a) and Art. 5(1)(b).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Group 15 of 15
Data
How the clinic and its partners handle your health data.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You need to know whom to ask about your data.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(1)(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Data can only be used for the purposes you were told about.
- Red flag:
- 'Data may be used for any business purpose.'
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(1)(c).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Health data is a special category with stricter rules.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9(2).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Health data often passes through several hands in medical travel.
- Red flag:
- 'Data may be shared with third parties.'
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(1)(e).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Data sent abroad may lose protection.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 44–49.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Data shouldn't be kept longer than needed.
- Red flag:
- 'Data retained indefinitely.'
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(2)(a).
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Access lets you check what is held about you.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 15.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You should know what can be deleted and when.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 17.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Scans and photos are often sent via personal phones.
- Red flag:
- All communication via a coordinator's personal WhatsApp.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 32.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Facilitators hold your data too.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Data requests need a named recipient.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(1)(b) and Art. 37.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Health data is valuable to marketers.
- Red flag:
- 'Data may be used to send you offers from partners.'
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 9.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- You can only protect yourself if you know.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 34.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- Health records are a common breach target.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 32.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- EU and UK data law can apply to clinics abroad that target residents, and such clinics must name a representative.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- EU/EEA residents: GDPR Art. 3(2) and Art. 27.
- UK residents: UK GDPR Art. 3(2) and Art. 27.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- A regulator can act when the clinic won't.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Health data is the most sensitive personal data a clinic holds.
- EU/EEA residents · Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR Art. 13(2)(d) and Art. 77.
- UK residents · Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR, same article.
Why it matters and what to look for
- Why it matters:
- It tells you which rights you have over your health data and where to complain.
- Red flag:
- Not mentioned at all.
- Basis:
- Most destinations have a national data-protection law.
- Clinics in the EU/EEA: GDPR.
- Clinics in the UK: UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Mexico: Mexico: federal law on personal data held by private parties (LFPDPPP).
- Turkey: Turkey: Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK).
- Thailand: Thailand: Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019).
- Colombia: Colombia: Law 1581 of 2012.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica: Law 8968.
- Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic: Law 172-13.
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Saves your answers in a link you can bookmark or send to yourself. Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini with your contract to run this checklist automatically.
Before pasting your contract into any AI tool, remove your name, date of birth, ID numbers, address and phone number.
Rather not go through it yourself?
Upload your contract and we'll check it against every point above, flag what's missing or risky, and email you the questions to send the clinic.
This checklist is information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and change; if a lot of money or your health is at stake, have a lawyer read the contract.
How the automated review works
The same checklist, applied clause by clause to your contract.
- 01
Upload your contract
PDF, Word or photos of the paper pages: the contract, the price plan, consent forms, anything the clinic or agency asked you to sign.
- 02
We find every clause and who it binds
Clinic, facilitator or booking platform: each clause is matched to the party it actually binds, because that's who you would have to claim against.
- 03
Each clause is checked against the checklist
Price, deposits, cancellation, complications, warranties, liability, records and more, adjusted to where you live and where you're treated.
- 04
Red, amber and green flags, with reasons
Every flag quotes the clause, says why it matters and names the rule or the patient-report pattern behind it. Missing clauses are flagged too.
- 05
Your report arrives by email
A link to the full review, plus a ready-to-send list of questions for the clinic before you pay.
Automated contract review
Tell us a little about the treatment and upload the contract.
- 00
First, remove your personal details
The review needs the clauses, not who you are. Remove anything that identifies you before uploading.
Remove
- Your name, and anyone else's who isn't the clinic or doctor
- Date of birth
- Passport, ID and patient numbers
- Home address, phone and email
- Your signature
- Photos of you
Keep
- Clinic, agency and doctor names
- Prices, dates and payment terms
- Procedure names
- Every clause, including the small print
Tools that remove text properly
- Adobe Acrobat: Redact tool
- macOS Preview: the Redact tool (Tools menu)
- PDF24 Creator: free, works offline on Windows
- Stirling-PDF: free and open source
- Word or Google Docs: delete the text, then export a new PDF
- Paper contract: cover the details before you photograph the page
Drawing a black box over text in an ordinary PDF editor doesn't remove it. Use a redaction tool, or export a new PDF and check that the text can't be selected.
- 01
Upload your contract
PDF, Word or photos of the paper pages: the contract, the price plan, consent forms, anything the clinic or agency asked you to sign.
- 02
We find every clause and who it binds
Clinic, facilitator or booking platform: each clause is matched to the party it actually binds, because that's who you would have to claim against.
- 03
Each clause is checked against the checklist
Price, deposits, cancellation, complications, warranties, liability, records and more, adjusted to where you live and where you're treated.
- 04
Red, amber and green flags, with reasons
Every flag quotes the clause, says why it matters and names the rule or the patient-report pattern behind it. Missing clauses are flagged too.
- 05
Your report arrives by email
A link to the full review, plus a ready-to-send list of questions for the clinic before you pay.
This checklist is information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and change; if a lot of money or your health is at stake, have a lawyer read the contract.