Treatment costs in China: a budget worksheet

List the cost of each consultation and any tests you arrange at home. China Care’s initial case review is free. One remote specialist consultation is USD 200, including the doctor’s fee, necessary record translation, advance review and interpretation during the session. Additional sessions are separate.

Record: appointment date, included work, deposit, and the cancellation deadline. See consultation fees and payment terms.

Ask the hospital which assessments, treatment, supplies and inpatient days are included in its estimate. Ask which items might be billed separately, what deposit is due, and how an unused balance or cancellation is handled. Confirm the estimate’s currency and date. Pay medical charges directly to the treating institution.

Record: hospital quote, deposit due, items excluded, and what would trigger a revised estimate.

Keep the written coordination quote separate from the hospital estimate. Check whether interpretation, transport, accommodation or other practical support appear in that quote before adding them yourself. Budget separately for any flights, companion costs and insurance you arrange. Ask your insurer in writing what it covers for your planned trip.

Record: what is already included, what you book yourself, and what an extra day would cost. See John’s illustrative trip budget.

For each item, keep the original currency, amount, payee, due date and refund conditions. Convert all items to one currency using the same date, then add each cost once. Run a second total for a changed plan, such as a longer stay, a new appointment or a later return flight. Separate already-paid amounts from what you still need to fund.

Hospital and coordination estimates depend on the case. Ask for updated written quotes before committing. Use the patient checklist to prepare your questions.