Why an individual hospital estimate comes first
For international self-paying patients, a useful German quotation is normally prepared after the medical records have been reviewed and the responsible clinical team has defined the expected treatment. The estimate may require advance payment and can later change if the actual treatment episode differs from the original plan.
- Medical-record review
- Defined treatment plan
- Written cost estimate
- Advance payment when required
- Additional services if the clinical course changes
- Final invoice after treatment
CyberKnife suitability must be checked before price comparison
Charité explicitly states that CyberKnife is a highly specialized technology that is not appropriate for every patient. The center first evaluates imaging and the clinical question and may confirm the indication in a tumor board. A price obtained before this review may not correspond to the treatment ultimately recommended.
Important cost drivers
Stereotactic treatment is individualized to the target and prior treatment history.
- Number of lesions or treatment targets
- Target site, size and proximity to sensitive structures
- MRI, CT, PET/CT or other imaging needed for planning
- Planning CT and immobilization
- Single-session radiosurgery versus several fractions
- Marker placement when needed for moving targets
- Previous radiotherapy and re-irradiation complexity
- Outpatient versus inpatient components
- Follow-up imaging and specialist review
One session does not mean one simple bill
Some conditions may be treated in a single radiosurgery session, while others require several fractions. Even a one-session treatment includes specialist indication review, imaging, physics and radiation planning, image guidance and follow-up. Compare quotations by the complete treatment episode rather than the number of irradiation sessions alone.
Ask whether additional procedures are separate
Depending on the target, the treatment pathway may include marker placement, additional imaging or coordination with surgery, oncology or other specialties. Ask whether those services are part of the estimate and how extra services are billed if the plan changes.
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-08-29. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.