How German university hospitals calculate an international-patient estimate
Official international offices describe an individualized process: medical records are reviewed first, the responsible department prepares a treatment plan, and the administrative team then calculates an estimate using the applicable German billing framework. The estimate is not the same as a guaranteed final invoice.
- Medical case review before pricing
- Treatment plan prepared by the responsible clinical department
- Estimate based on planned diagnostics and treatment
- Advance payment commonly required before appointment confirmation
- Final billing after actual services are known
- Refund of an unused balance or additional payment if actual costs differ
What can change a TAVI estimate
A valve procedure is not billed as an isolated line item. The overall episode can include pre-procedure diagnostics, the transcatheter valve and related materials, the intervention itself, inpatient care and additional treatment if the clinical situation changes.
- Pre-procedure echocardiography and CT planning
- Coronary or other cardiovascular assessment when needed
- Valve prosthesis and procedure-related materials
- Length and intensity of hospital care
- Treatment of complications or unexpected findings
- Additional consultations or tests
Why online fixed-price tables should be treated cautiously
A marketing website can publish a headline number, but it may not reflect the actual hospital quotation for your anatomy, comorbidities and planned valve procedure. LMU states that exact treatment costs are rarely predictable before care begins and that it does not publish a general price list. For a meaningful comparison, request written estimates from the hospitals actually reviewing the case.
What to ask for in writing
Before paying or booking travel, ask the international office to explain the scope of the estimate.
- Which planned diagnostics are included?
- Is the valve prosthesis included in the estimate?
- What inpatient period is assumed?
- Are physician-choice or private-room extras included or excluded?
- What happens if the actual cost is higher or lower?
- When is advance payment due and when is the final invoice issued?
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.