You’ve decided to get treatment abroad after extensively researching many clinics and finally found the right place for you. When you try to book your visit, they ask for a down payment. Could this be a fraud scheme? Is there a way to insure your money? What happens if you are unable to visit the clinic?
These are common questions, especially for those who haven't undergone such procedures in another country before, and it’s completely normal to feel both worried and excited. You've likely heard horror stories about "Turkey Teeth" or people getting ripped off.
We’re here to address the potential questions on your mind. After reading this, if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask, even if they seem basic. Asking questions can help you gain a better understanding of the situation. Always trust your gut feeling—if something seems fishy or doesn't sound reasonable, consider exploring other options. It's better to be safe than sorry, as some treatments may have no point of return.
First, let's talk about the possibility of fraud. You can never entirely eliminate the risk, but you can ask for certifications from the treatment provider, whether they are an intermediary agency or a clinic. In Turkey, medical tourism is growing rapidly and attracting the attention of many doctors, hospitals, and authorities. Today, a special license is required to offer medical tourism services, and institutions are regularly inspected to maintain this license. You can ask the clinic to show their licenses, and if they can’t, they may either be new or operating unofficially.
To protect your money, we recommend choosing clinics with good references to avoid potential issues. Ask for an invoice for any payments you make so you have proof in case of any problems. However, this won't help if you fail to visit the clinic. Many clinics will allow you to reschedule or cancel your appointment if you notify them in advance. However, in cases of last-minute cancellations or no-shows without prior notice, refunding the money is at the discretion of the clinic, as they have already reserved a time slot for you and are not accepting other patients during that period.
So, should you pay in advance? The final answer is: it depends. If you trust the provider, paying in advance can come with benefits such as limited-time discounts or free upgrades. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about crowded clinics or long waiting times.
For more information about medical tourism protocols in Turkey or general inquiries, feel free to contact us. We have professionals who are happy to answer any questions about dental treatments in Turkey.