How the hospital estimate is built
For international self-pay patients, a useful quotation should follow specialist review and a defined treatment plan. The preliminary estimate reflects the expected diagnostics, procedure and hospital services, while the final invoice can differ if the actual treatment episode changes.
- Specialist review before a useful quotation
- Defined procedure or treatment strategy
- Written preliminary estimate
- Advance payment when required by the hospital
- Additional services if the clinical plan changes
- Final settlement after the care delivered is known
The quotation should be based on the macular anatomy, not just the diagnosis name
OCT helps the retinal surgeon confirm the type and configuration of the macular hole and distinguish it from other vitreomacular-interface disorders. That matters financially because the operative plan and associated services should be defined before hospitals are compared.
- Retinal specialist consultation
- Macular OCT and any additional retinal imaging
- Pars plana vitrectomy
- Internal limiting membrane or other membrane peeling when planned
- Gas or another tamponade strategy when required
- Combined lens surgery only if clinically planned
Anesthesia and care setting can change the estimate
The written quotation should specify the assumed anesthesia and whether the center expects outpatient treatment or an inpatient stay. Previous retinal surgery, other eye disease, the condition of the fellow eye and unexpected intraoperative findings can also change the treatment episode.
Postoperative care is part of the real travel budget
If gas is used, the patient may need positioning instructions and must clarify when flying or major altitude changes are safe. International patients should therefore compare not only the operation but also the early examinations and the time they may need to remain near the treating eye center.
- Number and timing of early retinal checks
- Postoperative eye drops and prescriptions
- Written positioning instructions when relevant
- Explicit flight and altitude restrictions if intraocular gas is present
- Plan for urgent review if vision worsens after discharge
- Handover to the ophthalmologist at home
What to ask before making an advance payment
LMU states that it does not publish a general price list and that exact final treatment cost depends on the actual care delivered. UKE describes an individualized cost estimate prepared after the medical department creates a treatment plan. Ask the hospital to state inclusions, exclusions and how overpayment or additional charges are settled.
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-09-13. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.
- Cost Plan — LMU Klinikum International Patient Office ↗
- International patient process and cost estimate — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) ↗
- Finance for international patients — Heidelberg University Hospital ↗
- Retinal surgery – vitrectomy for macular holes — University Hospital Cologne ↗
- Indications for vitreoretinal surgery – macular hole — University Medical Center Freiburg ↗
- Vitreofoveal traction – OCT and vitreoretinal treatment — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) ↗