One of the most common questions patients ask during the intake process is: what exactly am I paying for? Transparency is not a marketing phrase at Astramedica — it is a structural commitment. Every patient receives a detailed itinerary that clearly outlines what the coordination process includes, what falls outside its scope, and how each cost component is communicated before the patient makes a commitment.
What the coordination itinerary includes
The Astramedica coordination itinerary is a structured document that covers the full scope of logistical support provided to the patient. It is designed to eliminate ambiguity about what the patient can expect at each phase of the journey.
- US-based intake and initial consultation
- Partner clinic matching and case routing
- Communication bridging between the patient and the partner facility
- Travel window planning and scheduling alignment
- Vetted accommodation selection and booking support
- Private airport transfers in Istanbul (arrival and departure)
- On-ground coordination and translation support during clinical visits
- Post-journey follow-up communication and clinic bridging
What the coordination itinerary does not include
Clarity about scope requires defining boundaries as clearly as inclusions. The coordination fee does not cover the clinical procedure itself, the independent physician's fee, prescription medications, supplementary diagnostic tests ordered by the physician, airfare, personal spending, or travel insurance.
These items are communicated to the patient during the planning phase with estimated ranges where possible, so the total financial picture is clear before any commitment is made.
How pricing is communicated
Astramedica follows a no-surprise pricing approach. During the intake and planning phases, patients receive a written breakdown of the coordination fee and estimated ranges for clinical costs, travel, and accommodation. If the partner clinic's clinical review results in a fee adjustment, this is communicated to the patient before scheduling proceeds.
There are no supplementary charges introduced after the itinerary is confirmed. If a variable cost arises — such as the physician recommending additional imaging — the patient is informed and given the opportunity to decide before any charge is incurred.
Why itinerary transparency matters for patient trust
Patients who have researched medical travel often report negative experiences with agencies that buried fees, inflated costs after commitment, or failed to distinguish between coordination charges and clinical fees. Astramedica's itinerary format is designed to address these concerns directly.
Every line item in the itinerary has a clear description, a stated inclusion or exclusion status, and an associated cost or estimated range. This level of detail is not incidental — it is a compliance and trust requirement that the coordination team maintains across every patient journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a sample itinerary before committing?+
Yes. The coordination team can provide an overview of the itinerary format and typical inclusions during the intake phase, before any financial commitment is made.
Does Astramedica mark up the partner clinic's clinical fees?+
The coordination fee and clinical fees are structured as separate, transparent line items. Astramedica does not set or control clinical pricing at partner facilities.
What if my costs change after the itinerary is confirmed?+
If a clinical adjustment results in a fee change, the patient is informed before proceeding. No supplementary charges are introduced after itinerary confirmation without the patient's knowledge and agreement.
Is the coordination fee refundable?+
Refund policies are communicated during the intake phase and depend on the stage of the coordination process. Specific terms are provided in writing before the patient commits.
