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Payment

What payment methods are safest for international medical care?

Medcasts editorial team

Safety order, generally:

1. Escrow service: third party holds funds until milestones are met. Strong fraud protection but moderate fee (1–2%).

2. Credit card: chargeback protection if treatment isn't delivered. FX and merchant fees (3–5%) common. Best for deposits and individual line items.

3. Wire transfer: cheapest, fast, but limited recourse if funds are misdirected.

4. Cash: avoid for large amounts. If a program demands cash without paperwork, that's a serious red flag.

For a $20,000 procedure: pay deposit by credit card ($3,000–5,000), pay balance after arrival and pre-op consult. The arrival-and-consult-then-pay protects you against the worst scenarios (program turns out to be a scam, surgeon doesn't exist, facility is sub-standard).

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

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