Transparent Pricing
Every cost itemised. No hidden fees. Medical fees go directly to the hospital — WellMeet never marks up medical costs.
Our 3-Tier Pricing Model
Medical Fees
Paid directly to hospital
- Consultation fees
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital stay
- Post-op follow-up
Service Fees
WellMeet coordination fee
- Dedicated medical coordinator
- Hospital matching & vetting
- Visa & travel support
- On-site interpretation
- 6-month post-care follow-up
Third-Party Fees
At market rates
- Flights & transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Visa application fees
Medical vacation travellers spend MORE on tourism activities than on procedures. The procedure is one line in the itinerary, not the entire purpose.
Medical tourism budget is dominated by healthcare. Tourism is a distant afterthought — and that's correct. You're here to heal, not sightsee. The sightseeing trip comes later, when you're fully recovered.
Notice: The medical vacation traveller spends proportionally MORE on actual tourism. The medical tourist's savings are larger in absolute dollars — but their trip is about healthcare first. Getting this ratio wrong (treating a medical tourism trip like a medical vacation) causes the most common planning mistakes.
Cost Comparison by Treatment
WellMeet total includes treatment + service fees + estimated 7-day travel costs
| Treatment | US Price | WellMeet Total | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Implant (per tooth) | $3,000–5,000 | $1,000–1,800 | 60–70% |
| All-on-4 Dental | $20,000–30,000 | $5,500–10,000 | 65–72% |
| LASIK Eye Surgery | $4,000–6,000 | $1,500–3,300 | 45–63% |
| Comprehensive Health Checkup | $5,000–8,000 | $1,500–3,000 | 63–70% |
| Knee Replacement | $30,000–50,000 | $8,000–18,000 | 64–73% |
| TCM Therapy Programme | $1,500–3,000 | $600–1,200 | 60% |
| IVF Cycle | $15,000–25,000 | $5,000–9,000 | 60–67% |
| Hair Transplant (2,000 grafts) | $8,000–15,000 | $1,800–4,000 | 73–80% |
* Prices are indicative ranges in USD. Actual costs vary by case complexity, hospital selection, and exchange rates.
What Does a China Medical Trip Actually Cost?
Two complete budget breakdowns — medical vacation (dental/outpatient) and medical tourism (surgery). Based on real patient trips. All figures USD.
Medical Vacation: 10-Day Shanghai Dental
| Medical Procedure | $2,000–3,000 | Veneers, implants, etc. |
| Accommodation (9 nights) | $600–1,200 | $65–130/night — budget near hospital + nicer hotel later |
| Flights (roundtrip) | $800–1,500 | Varies by origin country |
| Food | $300–600 | $30–60/day, delivery + restaurants |
| Tourism Activities | $300–500 | Entry fees, day trips, shopping |
| Insurance | $500 | Both travel + medical tourism |
| Transportation (local) | $100–200 | Taxis, subway, Didi |
| Miscellaneous | $200–400 | SIM card, VPN, gifts, unexpected |
| Contingency Fund (15%) | $600–900 | For unexpected delays or costs |
| TOTAL | $5,400–8,800 |
Net result: break-even to minor savings on the procedure — PLUS you get a 10-day China vacation included. Medical vacation is about combining affordable healthcare with a trip you wanted anyway.
Medical Tourism: 21-Day Hainan Surgery
| Medical Procedure | $8,000–15,000 | Major surgery (orthopedic, cosmetic) |
| Hospital Stay (3–7 nights) | $1,000–2,500 | VIP suite recommended |
| Post-op Accommodation | $1,400–2,700 | Near hospital first, resort later |
| Flights (roundtrip) | $1,200–2,000 | Often need flexible/business class |
| Food | $600–1,000 | Mostly delivery during early recovery |
| Physical Therapy | $0–800 | Sometimes included in package |
| Insurance | $600–1,000 | Medical tourism insurance mandatory |
| Companion Costs | $2,000–3,500 | Their flight + food + accommodation |
| Light Tourism | $300–600 | Later recovery phase activities |
| Transportation | $200–400 | Medical transport, taxis |
| Miscellaneous | $500–800 | Medical supplies, unexpected needs |
| Contingency Fund (20%) | $3,000–5,000 | Essential for surgeries |
| TOTAL | $18,800–34,300 |
Net savings: $15,000–65,000 even after ALL trip costs. This is where medical tourism makes undeniable financial sense.
8 Hidden Costs Most People Forget to Budget
- Follow-up care at home after return: $200–800
- Take-home medications (pain management, antibiotics, specialized prescriptions): $50–300 — often cheaper than in your home country
- Special dietary needs during recovery: add 20–30% to food budget for delivery and soft foods
- International SIM card or data plan: $30–80 (essential for WeChat, maps, hospital communication)
- Medical translation if your hospital has limited English: $50–150 per appointment
- Upgraded hospital room — standard wards are 4–6 beds; VIP single rooms are $50–200/night extra but worth it for recovery
- Airport assistance (wheelchair, priority boarding) for mobility-limited patients: usually free, tip $10–20
- Visa fees: $140–185 USD for L tourist visa, depending on nationality and processing speed
How to Save More Without Sacrificing Quality
- Time your trip strategically: avoid Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb, everything costs more) and Golden Week (Oct 1–7); book shoulder season March–April or September–November; Tuesday–Thursday flights are cheaper
- Mix accommodation types: budget hotel near hospital during recovery ($50–70/night), upgrade to mid-range in tourist area once medically cleared ($90–120/night) — total accommodation cost $800–1,100 for 10 nights
- Use public transport when cleared — Chinese subways are clean, efficient, $0.50–1.50/ride; high-speed trains between cities often faster door-to-door than flying
- Eat like locals during recovery — hospital cafeterias have surprisingly good food; delivery from local (not tourist-facing) restaurants saves significantly
- Book procedure packages — many hospitals offer all-inclusive bundles (procedure + hospital stay + follow-up) 10–15% cheaper than itemised billing; always ask
- Negotiate politely at private hospitals — discounts available for cash payment, multiple procedures, or referrals; public hospitals have fixed prices
What NOT to Cheap Out On
- ✗Insurance — one complication costs more than the premium. Non-negotiable.
- ✗Hospital quality — choosing the cheapest option can be dangerous. Choose Grade 3A or JCI-accredited only.
- ✗Recovery accommodation — comfort and proximity to hospital matter. Tourist-zone savings aren't worth the taxi stress when you're healing.
- ✗Flexible flights — the $150 you save on non-refundable tickets isn't worth $1,000+ in change fees if surgery dates shift.
Pricing FAQ
How does WellMeet make money if it doesn't charge medical markup?
WellMeet charges a transparent service fee for coordination, logistics, and support. This fee is disclosed upfront before you commit to anything. The hospital bills you directly for medical care.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. We itemise every component of your trip before you confirm.
Does the price include my flights and hotel?
Our estimates include medical fees + service fees + average 7-day travel costs. You pay travel providers directly at market rate.
What if the final cost differs from the estimate?
We provide a formal written quote from the hospital before any travel. The quote is binding unless the clinical assessment reveals a significantly different treatment plan.
Get Your Personalised Cost Estimate
Use our cost calculator or take a free assessment to get an exact quote.