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Should I pay a deposit upfront?

Medcasts editorial team

Most international programs request a deposit (10–25% of total) to secure dates and allocate resources. This is standard practice and not a red flag in itself.

What matters:

• Deposit refund policy (full refund 30+ days out is reasonable; sliding scale within 30 days is reasonable; no refund is restrictive).

• Where the deposit goes (hospital account, escrow, coordinator's account — escrow or hospital direct is preferred).

• What it secures (specific dates, specific surgeon, specific facility).

• What happens if surgery is cancelled for medical reasons (most policies refund fully in this case).

Get the deposit terms in writing. Programs that demand 50%+ deposits or require non-refundable deposits with no medical-cancellation exception are exceptions and warrant careful evaluation.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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Answers are written by the Medcasts editorial team and updated when prices, guidelines or visa rules change.

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