Compare the same services
Compare dates, facilities, services and exclusions. Keep three budgets: care (consultations, tests, medicines and hospital stay), coordination (appointment support, interpreting and agreed transfers), and travel (flights, hotel, meals, companion and insurance). Avoid counting the same transfer twice.
Ask the hospital for a written estimate
Who prepared it, did a clinician review it and how long is it valid? Ask which charges may change after an examination. Confirm the currency, exchange and card fees, deposit, payment channel, receipts, possible advance payment and refund rules directly with the hospital.
Check coverage before you travel
Call the number on your US insurance card. Ask in writing about planned treatment, prior approval, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, complications, follow-up at home and claims. Ask whether you need translated itemized invoices. Medicare usually does not cover care outside the US; exceptions are limited. Check the terms of your own Medicare Advantage, Medigap, employer or private plan as applicable. Coverage for travel disruption or emergencies does not establish coverage for planned treatment.
Calculate your total budget
Add exclusions, insurance premiums, deductibles, extra tests or nights, companion expenses, cancellation and currency costs, and appointments after your return. Leave a reserve. A headline saving or preliminary estimate cannot tell you what your final bill will be.
Before paying anyone
Identify the recipient of each payment, what is included, what is billed separately and any referral fee or commission. Ask what happens if the hospital declines or changes the plan, what can be refunded at each stage and who will issue the invoice and receipt. Obtain written terms for your own case.