The article was reviewed by an expert in the field of medicine Dr. med. Andrej Bitter
Patients frequently begin thinking about receiving medical treatment abroad when domestic medical assistance is unavailable. Many people view medical tourism as a legitimate way to obtain cutting-edge medical services in nations with highly developed healthcare systems. International patients seek safer and more effective medical care abroad since, in certain situations, their previous medical treatments at home were unsuccessful or even hazardous.
In order to better their health or deal with complicated medical conditions, over 7 million people travel for medical purposes each year, and this trend is only growing. Even while families plan for high treatment costs, they frequently find that the true costs of receiving medical care overseas are shockingly less than they anticipated, all the while getting better healthcare than they could have ever imagined. For this reason, a lot of patients choose to receive treatment abroad and then come back for regular checkups and preventative diagnostic procedures.
How the Cost of a Medical Program Is Determined
The cost of medical programs abroad can vary greatly, even for two patients with the same diagnosis. This is why it is not advisable to rely only on the experience of friends who have already undergone treatment abroad. Before hospitalization or outpatient examination, the financial department of the hospital prepares a preliminary estimate, which includes the expected medical costs for the required medical services.
Several factors influence the total treatment costs:
- Age of the patient: whether care is provided in a children’s institution or an adult clinic
- Type of medical care: surgical intervention, conservative medical treatment, or rehabilitation program
- Level of the medical institution: a multidisciplinary university hospital or a specialized private hospital
- The doctor’s qualification: professor, doctor of medicine, or resident physician
- Severity of the medical condition: whether monitoring in the intensive care unit is required
- Concomitant diseases: the need for multidisciplinary consultations
- Inpatient program details: type of room (single or double) and accommodation for an accompanying person
- Overall length of stay in the hospital or rehabilitation center
It is also important to consider the federal state in which the treatment is provided. Local regulations affect healthcare costs, and an additional charge of approximately 10% may be applied to the basic rates in different regions.
Finally, when an official request is made through the International Office, the admission of international patients can further influence the invoice. Since such cases are rarely covered by insurance, the healthcare system does not require justification of additional charges for medical services, which may increase the overall cost of medical treatment abroad.
What Are the Approximate Costs
In Germany, the basic cost of medical interventions is regulated at the state level. Prices are determined by the G-DRG tariffs (German Diagnosis-Related Groups), which calculate the treatment costs based on the similarity of diagnoses. This transparent approach applies both to insured German citizens and international patients, making it easier to plan treatment abroad. Information about G-DRG tariffs is publicly available, so every patient can review the approximate medical costs before starting a program.
The baseline cost of medical procedures is governed by state law in Germany. The German Diagnosis-Related Groups, or G-DRG tariffs, set prices by estimating treatment costs based on how similar diagnoses are. It is simpler to arrange treatment overseas with this open method, which is applicable to both insured German nationals and international patients. Before beginning treatment abroad, each patient can study the approximate medical costs because information regarding G-DRG tariffs is publicly available.
Below are examples of average treatment prices for some of the most common medical procedures:
Neurology and Neurosurgery:
- Cervical spinal disc herniation treatment — 12,300€ - 31,900€
- Lumbar spinal disc herniation treatment — 10,770€ - 31,800€
- Surgical removal of the brain tumor — 36,800€ - 46,700€
- Removal of the brain tumor using the latest Gamma Knife model — 12,200€ - 15,300€
- Epilepsy: diagnosis and treatment of complex forms — 5,000€ - 92,200€
Orthopedics and Joint Replacement:
- Hip replacement and rehabilitation — 20,200€ - 27,200€
- Hip osteoarthritis treatment — 14,100€ - 20,800€
- Total knee replacement and rehabilitation — 20,600€ - 29,100€
- Pacemaker implantation — 11,000€ - 13,500€
- Stenting of coronary vessels — 10,590€
- Aortocoronary bypass surgery — 23,400€ - 27,800€
- Operative closure of the patent foramen ovale defect — 16,100€ - 27,800€
- Surgery of complex combined heart defects — 34,000€ - 42,900€
Oncology and Hematology:
- PSMA-therapy in prostate cancer — 25,000€ - 29,600€
- Sectoral resection in the breast cancer — 11,600€ - 12,400€
- Stomach cancer surgery — 35,300€ - 37,900€
- Lung cancer surgery — 22,000€ - 45,500€
- Proton therapy in brain cancer — 56,900€ - 90,500€
- Transurethral resection of the prostate with a green laser — 15,400€ - 17,200€
- Prostatectomy by the da Vinci robot in prostate cancer — 16,700€ - 22,500€
- Non-invasive lithotripsy of kidney stones — 11,500€ - 12,600€
- Correction of erectile dysfunction — 2,350€
- Varicocele surgery — 8,400€ - 9,400€
- Retinal detachment surgery — 8,400€ - 21,300€
- Lens replacement in cataract — 8,200€ - 9,600€
- Treatment of myopia with the LASIK method — 8,582€
- Varicose veins treatment with laser therapy — 6,980€
- Surgical removal of kidney stones in the case of hydronephrosis — 11,000€ - 12,100€
- Endoscopic inguinal hernia surgery — 7,700€ - 8,500€
Gynecology and Obstetrics:
- Natural childbirth — 6,000€ - 6,100€
- Childbirth with Cesarean section — 9,500€
- Diagnosis of infertility causes — 4,360€
- Artificial insemination — 4,610€
- Uterine fibroids (myoma uteri) endoscopic surgery — 8,260€ - 10,100€
- Basic check-up — 3,350€
- Gynecological check-up — 2,020€
- Orthopedic check-up — 1,780€
- Ophthalmological check-up — 1,750€ - 1980€
- Complex examination of the whole body — 14,170€
Rehabilitation (recovery after the main course of treatment):
- Cardiac rehabilitation — 783€ per day
- Outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation — 471€ per day
- Neurorehabilitation phase C after a stroke or injury — 887€ per day
German clinics usually require prepayment before admission or the start of outpatient medical procedures. The necessary sum must be transferred in advance to the clinic’s account. Deposits can be high, especially in oncology or complex surgery, but any unclaimed amount is refunded after the final invoice.
If you want to know the exact medical treatment abroad prices for your case, you need to request a preliminary calculation. This is best done through an experienced representative in Germany.
As a representative of this type, Booking Health helps international patients arrange treatment abroad, manages the bills to avoid overcharging, and guarantees that the medical services are provided at a reasonable cost. Their professionals not only handle the logistics but also assist patients in cost savings while having access to cutting-edge healthcare options.
What Kinds of Additional Expenses Should You Consider
It is not always possible to compare the expenses for medical services in Germany and in your home country, because many types of surgeries and medicines are simply not available there. This is one of the reasons why medical tourism is becoming more popular: people choose treatment abroad not only for quality but also for access to advanced healthcare options. Nevertheless, it is important to remember the additional non-medical aspects of organizing medical treatment abroad in a German hospital.
- Passport and visa arrangements
- Traveling abroad or air flight tickets
- Transfer from the airport to the hospital or to the hotel
- Accommodation and meals during the outpatient program, or accommodation and meals for an accompanying person outside the clinic
- In case of outpatient treatment, daily fares for trips to the doctor and back to the hotel
- Translation of medical reports and results of preliminary diagnostic tests into German
- Interpreter services for communication with medical staff
- Purchasing medicines recommended by the doctor
- Personal expenses
The cost of medical travel can vary depending on personal preferences. For example, flight tickets may be business, economy, or first class. Hotels also differ: from budget apartments near the hospital to premium accommodation. Interpreters’ services also have different rates, and the quality of work often depends on their fee. This is why families should carefully plan both medical and non-medical treatment costs, especially when aiming for affordable healthcare abroad.
Depending on individual preferences, the cost of medical travel can vary. For instance, airline tickets can be first class, economy, or business. Hotels also vary, ranging from luxurious lodging to low-cost apartments close to the hospital. The cost of an interpreter's services varies as well, and the caliber of the work frequently reflects the cost. Families should therefore carefully consider the treatment costs of both medical and non-medical therapy, particularly when looking for affordable healthcare abroad.
The company Booking Health helps international patients reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. Specialists of the company offer special flight prices, select convenient hotels, and provide professional medical translators. A personal coordinator accompanies the patient, assists with transfers, helps with purchasing medicines, and solves everyday matters. The company also issues a medical invitation, which simplifies obtaining a visa.
Such support is essential for many patients who want to receive treatment safely and without hidden overcharges. Booking Health also ensures cost savings by monitoring clinic invoices, avoiding unreasonable overpricing, and offering access to both the public healthcare system and private healthcare options in Germany. Thanks to this, patients receive effective medical care and comprehensive services, while families benefit from transparent financial planning.
Why Germany Stands Out for Medical Tourism
Among other European countries, Germany has established itself as one of the most reliable destinations for medical tourism. With over 43 specialized cancer centers, world-renowned German hospitals, and rapidly growing fields such as oncology, neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics, the country offers high-quality medical care across all specialties. Short waiting times, international accreditation, and patient-focused standards make treatment abroad in Germany attractive for international patients. Through Booking Health, it becomes easier to receive treatment, access the best hospitals, plan your treatment abroad, and gain fast admission.
High Standards and Comprehensive Care
German medicine stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality and international patient safety. From the moment medical tourists arrive, they benefit from transparent pricing, strong legal protections, and access to comprehensive medical care across all stages of medical treatment in Germany.
Every patient receives an evidence-based medical treatment plan tailored to their medical condition, ensuring that advanced medical procedures are precise and effective. For complex or high-risk cases, hospitals provide immediate access to well-equipped intensive care units, staffed by experienced German specialist doctors. Beyond technical excellence, medical care in Germany emphasizes empathy, clear communication, and support, giving foreign patients confidence that their health is managed efficiently and compassionately throughout their journey. Choosing private treatment or the public healthcare system allows patients to enjoy affordable healthcare abroad options and lower medical costs.
Each patient is given a medical treatment plan based on evidence and customized to their medical condition, guaranteeing accurate and efficient modern medical procedures. Hospitals offer quick access to well-equipped intensive care units manned by skilled German specialist doctors for cases that are difficult or high-risk. Beyond technical prowess, German medical care places a strong emphasis on compassion, understanding, and support, offering international patients peace of mind that their health will be effectively and sympathetically maintained throughout their trip. Patients can benefit from lower medical costs and affordable healthcare abroad options by opting for private treatment or the public healthcare system.
Medical Directions For Treatment in Germany
Most often, people visit Germany to receive treatment in the following medical directions:
- Oncology. There are more than 43 oncological centers in this country. Over three hundred types of malignant tumors are treated here. Only modern methods are applied in Germany. Drugs for targeted therapy are prescribed. Unlike standard chemotherapy, they practically do not influence the healthy cells. Immunotherapy is being introduced. It stimulates the defensive functions of the body against cancer. The percentage of cancer curability in Germany is high. The average recovery rate for male patients is 61%, and for female patients is 66% [1].
- Cardiosurgery. Annually, over 120,000 cardiac surgical interventions are performed in Germany. They are carried out by the most sparing methods. In the case of aortocoronary shunting, the surgeon makes a cut four times smaller than the standard one. This reduces the recovery period and the risk of complications. Replacement of heart valves is carried out without any incisions in the thorax. Special catheters are used for this technique. They are inserted through a puncture in the femoral artery.
- Neurosurgery. People often treat spinal disc herniation in Germany. The success of such operations exceeds 90%. German neurosurgeons delicately remove tumors of the central nervous system. Many operations are performed endoscopically, without trepanation of the skull. Some tumors can be removed through the nose. Neurosurgical operations are carried out under the control of the neuronavigation system, which increases their accuracy.
- Orthopedics. A great number of joint replacement surgeries are performed in German hospitals. They are performed through incisions two times smaller than the standard ones. This shortens the early period of rehabilitation because the wound heals faster. Endoprostheses are implanted with the help of robotic systems. More than 11,000 doctors work in orthopedics and sports medicine in German clinics.
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
Finding the best treatment strategy for your clinical situation is a challenging task. Being already exhausted from multiple treatment sessions, having consulted numerous specialists, and having tried various therapeutic interventions, you may be lost in all the information given by the doctors. In such a situation, it is easy to choose a first-hand option or to follow standardized therapeutic protocols with a long list of adverse effects instead of selecting highly specialized innovative treatment options.
To make an informed choice and get a personalized cancer management plan, which will be tailored to your specific clinical situation, consult medical experts at Booking Health. Being at the forefront of offering the latest medical innovations for already 12 years, Booking Health possesses solid expertise in creating complex management programs in each individual case. As a reputable company, Booking Health offers personalized treatment plans with direct clinic booking and full support at every stage, from organizational processes to assistance during treatment. We provide:
- Assessment and analysis of medical reports
- Development of the medical care program
- Selection of a suitable treatment location
- Preparation of medical documents and forwarding to a suitable clinic
- Preparatory consultations with clinicians for the development of medical care programs
- Expert advice during the hospital stay
- Follow-up care after the patient returns to their native country after completing the medical care program
- Taking care of formalities as part of the preparation for the medical care program
- Coordination and organization of the patient's stay in a foreign country
- Assistance with visas and tickets
- A personal coordinator and interpreter with 24/7 support
- Transparent budgeting with no hidden costs
Health is an invaluable aspect of our lives. Delegating management of something so fragile yet precious should be done only to experts with proven experience and a reputation. Booking Health is a trustworthy partner who assists you in pursuing stronger health and a better quality of life. Contact our medical consultant to learn more about the possibilities of personalized treatment with innovative methods and with leading specialists in this field.
Life-Changing Treatments: Booking Health Patient Stories
FAQ: Costs of Medical Treatment Abroad
Request Medical ConsultationThe medical treatment abroad prices calculated depend on the type of procedure, complexity of the medical condition, hospital level, doctor’s expertise, required diagnostics, and length of stay. German clinics use transparent pricing systems, ensuring international patients understand costs before starting treatment abroad.
Cost factors in medical treatment abroad include the choice of hospital, type of medical procedures, doctor’s qualification, room type, duration of stay, medications, and additional diagnostics. Even the region of the clinic in Germany can influence medical costs, making planning essential.
Savings on medical tourism prices are possible because Germany offers high-quality care at competitive treatment costs. Patients often reduce expenses on procedures, medications, and hospital stays compared to their home country, while still accessing advanced medical services and technologies.
Yes, German clinics and representatives provide a fixed price for a medical program abroad. The preliminary invoice includes all main medical services, expected diagnostics, hospital stay, and medications, helping international patients plan their budget before traveling abroad.
A full cost estimate for medical treatment abroad can include clinic fees, medical procedures, diagnostics, medications, hotel, meals, transportation, and interpreter services. Booking Health helps international patients calculate the total cost, ensuring no hidden expenses during medical tourism.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
[1] Hassan F Gholipour, Kourosh Esfandiar. Does medial tourism promote growth in healthcare sector? Eur J Health Econ. 2024 Jun 6;26(2):233–241. doi: 10.1007/s10198-024-01700-3. [DOI] [PMC free article]
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