The Financial Policy is an integral part of our Terms of Service and outlines the payment procedures for Bookimed services and other financial matters.
1. Cost of Bookimed Services
1.1. Selection and Arrangement Services. The services for selecting a clinic and doctor, contacting a medical center through Bookimed, and arranging travel are provided free of charge to Bookimed patients.
1.2. Clinic Payments. Payments for medical consultations and procedures are made directly to the clinic based on their invoices.
1.3. Deposit Requirement. Users are required to pay a deposit to confirm their appointment via the Bookimed Website. This deposit will be deducted from the total treatment cost. In compliance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, we ensure that all terms related to deposits are fair and transparent. Additionally, the process for collecting and handling deposits complies with the Payment Services Regulations 2017, ensuring secure and transparent online payments.
2. Bookimed’s Compensation
2.1. Commission Structure. In addition to the confirmation deposit, Bookimed receives commissions from medical centers for handling international patient services. These commissions are stipulated in relevant agreements, either directly or through our business partner, Bookimed Limited (registration number: 2371039; address: 14/F Golden Centre, 188 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong).
2.2. Pricing Transparency. According to our contracts with clinics, neither Bookimed nor the clinics add surcharges to the users’ bills. Bookimed patients pay the same price for medical services as they would if they contacted the clinic directly. In some cases, the price may be lower due to discounts offered by medical centers to Bookimed patients. This transparency complies with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, ensuring that customers are not misled about the cost of services.
3. Clinic Listings and Promotions
3.1. Listing Policy. Clinics do not pay for being listed on the Bookimed platform. They undergo a rigorous and objective selection process. Details are available in our Clinic Selection Policy, which bases selection on the characteristics of medical centers without considering financial criteria. This policy ensures compliance with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidelines for fairness and transparency.
3.2. Promoted Listings: Clinic listings on our Website are generated automatically to ensure objectivity. Clinics may pay for promotional placements to appear at the top of directories, which will be clearly marked as “Promoted.” Further information is available in our Clinic Ranking Policy. This practice aligns with ASA guidelines on promotional transparency.
4. Price Listings and Updates
4.1. Provisional Prices. Prices listed on the Website or in clinic treatment programs are provisional and provided by partner clinics. Medical centers may change the scope and cost of procedures based on examination results or patient response, which can lead to price adjustments without prior notice to Bookimed.
4.2. Up-to-Date Information. Users should submit a request on the Website to receive the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for their specific case.
5. Variability of Final Prices
5.1. Price Changes. The final price of medical services may vary from the preliminary estimate, either increasing or decreasing. This primarily depends on the volume of procedures, which can change based on diagnosis results or the patient’s response to treatment.
6. Payment of Treatment Fees
6.1. Payment Methods. Patients pay for medical services directly at the clinic according to the clinic’s invoices. Bookimed is not an intermediary or representative for these transactions and assumes no responsibility for them. Payment methods accepted include cash, card via terminal, or bank transfer. Our coordinators can provide details about payment specifics at each medical center, ensuring compliance with the Payment Services Regulations 2017 for secure and transparent transactions.
6.2. Deposit Adjustment. The confirmation deposit made via the Website will be deducted from the total cost of medical services.
7. Additional Deposits
7.1. Financial Guarantees. Clinics may require an additional deposit based on a preliminary invoice. This deposit serves as a financial guarantee of the patient’s arrival and is separate from the initial confirmation deposit paid via the Website for appointment confirmation. Upon receipt of this deposit, the clinic will confirm the appointment date and time and issue an official invitation.
7.2. Refunds and Adjustments. If the final treatment cost is lower than the paid deposit, the clinic will refund the difference to the patient. If the cost is higher, the patient is required to pay the remaining balance.
8. Discounts
8.1. Negotiated Discounts. Bookimed negotiates discounts with partner clinics. These discounts are reflected in the clinic’s catalogs of illnesses and procedures. The discounted offers are marked with the “Super Price” icon and listed on the special offers page.
