Quick Reference: Payment Overview
One of the best things about plastic surgery in Medellín? The pricing is refreshingly straightforward. No insurance negotiations, no surprise facility fees showing up months later, no games. You get a quote, you pay it, done. But there are some nuances to understand about how payments work when you're doing medical tourism.
This guide covers everything: the best payment methods, what fees to expect, how deposits work, financing options for US patients, and smart money tips that'll save you hassle. Let's make sure money is the easy part of your surgery planning.
What This Guide Covers
Payment Methods Accepted in Medellín
Colombian surgeons are experienced with international patients and accept multiple payment methods. Here's how each works:
Wire Transfer (Bank Transfer)
RecommendedThe preferred method for most surgeons—lowest fees, most secure, and straightforward once you've done it once.
How it works: Transfer USD directly from your US bank to the surgeon's bank account. Your bank converts to Colombian pesos automatically.
Typical fee: $25–$50 per transfer from US banks
Timeline: 2–3 business days to arrive
Pro tip: Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional banks
Zelle
Many Colombian surgeons have US bank accounts that can receive Zelle—fast, easy, and usually fee-free.
How it works: Instant transfer through your US bank's Zelle feature. Works like paying any US recipient.
Typical fee: Free (no transaction fees)
Limit: Usually $2,000–$5,000/day depending on your bank
Best for: Deposits and smaller balances
Credit Card
Accepted by most clinics, but expect a processing fee. Can be worth it for points/miles or if you prefer the buyer protection.
How it works: Pay in person at the clinic or sometimes remotely before arrival
Typical fee: 3–5% added to your total
Foreign transaction fee: Check your card—many add 3% on top of the processing fee
Best for: Those who want credit card points or protection, and don't mind the extra cost
Cash (USD)
Some surgeons accept cash payment for the balance, though it's becoming less common for large amounts.
How it works: Bring USD bills and pay in person
Exchange rate: You'll get a slightly worse rate than wire transfer
Consideration: Carrying $5,000–$15,000+ in cash has obvious risks
Best for: Small portions of the payment, incidentals
Our Recommendation
Deposit via Zelle (easy, instant, free) + Balance via wire transfer (best exchange rate, low fees) + $300–$500 cash for incidentals and tips. This combination gives you the best of all worlds.
Payment Timeline: Deposits and Balances
Understanding when and how much you pay helps you plan financially. Here's the typical timeline:
Deposit to Book Surgery Date
Amount: $300–$500 USD, or 10–20% of total cost
When: At time of booking (weeks to months before surgery)
Purpose: Reserves your surgery date on the surgeon's calendar
Refund policy: Usually refundable with 2–4 weeks notice; check specific policy
Balance Payment
Amount: Remaining balance
When: Typically 3 days before surgery (to allow wire transfer to clear)
Note: Some surgeons require payment at pre-op appointment; others accept day-of
Add-Ons and Incidentals
Examples: Extra lymphatic massage sessions, extended recovery house stay, compression garments, medications
Payment: Usually cash or card at time of service
Budget: $200–$500+ depending on your needs
What's Typically Included (and What's Extra)
Quotes can vary in what they include. Always ask for a detailed breakdown. Here's what's typically in and out:
Usually Included in Quote
- ✓ Surgeon's fee
- ✓ Anesthesiologist fee
- ✓ Surgical facility fee
- ✓ Pre-operative lab work
- ✓ Post-operative medications
- ✓ Initial compression garments
- ✓ Follow-up appointments (in Medellín)
- ✓ Patient coordinator support
Usually NOT Included
- • Flights
- • Accommodation / recovery house
- • Meals (unless in recovery house)
- • Lymphatic massage sessions
- • Medical tourism insurance
- • Extra compression garments
- • Airport transfers (sometimes included)
- • Implants (for augmentation)
All-Inclusive Packages
Many surgeons offer all-inclusive packages that bundle surgery with recovery house, meals, nursing, transportation, and massage. These typically run $1,500–$3,000+ above the surgery-only price but eliminate all planning hassle.
Best for: First-time medical tourists, solo travelers, those who want everything handled.
Financing Options for US Patients
Even though Medellín prices are 40–70% lower than the US, surgery is still a significant investment. Here are financing options available to US patients:
Medical Credit Cards
Specialized credit cards designed for medical expenses, often with promotional 0% APR periods.
- CareCredit: 6–24 month promotional financing; widely accepted in medical settings
- Prosper Healthcare Lending: Fixed rates, terms up to 84 months
- Alphaeon Credit: Designed for elective procedures
Note: You'd charge your domestic credit card and use funds for wire transfer to Colombia.
Personal Loans
Unsecured personal loans from banks or online lenders.
- Banks: Traditional personal loans from your bank
- Online lenders: SoFi, Marcus, LightStream often have competitive rates
- Credit unions: Often lower rates than banks for members
Rates: 6–20%+ APR depending on credit score; terms 2–7 years
Credit Card Strategy
For those with good credit, strategic credit card use can work:
- 0% APR cards: Many offer 15–21 month 0% intro periods
- Balance transfer: Move to 0% card after charging
- Sign-up bonuses: Large spend can earn significant points/miles
Caution: Factor in the 3–5% processing fee surgeons charge for credit cards.
HSA / FSA
Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts have limited applicability for cosmetic surgery.
- Generally NOT eligible: Purely cosmetic procedures
- May be eligible: Procedures with documented medical necessity (e.g., breast reduction for back pain, functional rhinoplasty)
Action: Consult your HSA administrator if you think your procedure has medical justification.
Cash: What You'll Need On The Ground
Even though your surgery is paid electronically, you'll want some cash for daily expenses in Medellín. Here's what to plan for:
Cash Budget Guide
Using Cards in Medellín
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in El Poblado—restaurants, malls, pharmacies. But:
- • Get a no-foreign-transaction-fee card before you go (Chase Sapphire, Capital One, etc.)
- • Always choose to pay in Colombian Pesos when prompted—not USD
- • Notify your bank you're traveling to Colombia to avoid fraud blocks
- • ATMs work but have fees ($3–$5) and withdrawal limits
Smart Money Tips
1. Use Wise for Wire Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers significantly better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. You can save $100–$200+ on a typical surgery payment.
2. Get Everything in Writing
Before paying any deposit, get a detailed written quote listing exactly what's included. This protects both you and the surgeon from misunderstandings.
3. Send Wire Transfers Early
Wire transfers can take 2–3 business days to clear. Send your balance at least 4–5 days before surgery to avoid stress.
4. Bring Backup Payment Methods
Have at least two ways to access money—a credit card and cash, or two cards from different banks. Things happen.
5. Budget for Contingencies
Build a $500–$1,000 emergency fund into your budget. Extended stay, flight changes, extra medical needs—you want financial cushion.
6. Consider All-Inclusive for Simplicity
If budgeting makes you anxious, all-inclusive packages give you a single number that covers almost everything. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the premium.
Ready to Get Your Quote?
The best way to know exactly what you'll pay is to get a personalized quote. Our partner surgeons provide detailed breakdowns so you know exactly what's included. No surprises, no pressure.
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