Understanding payment terms and contracts before signing protects you from hidden fees, unfair cancellation policies, and clinics that disappear when revision work is needed. Patients who research clinics independently have 45% lower revision rates, and financial transparency is a strong indicator of overall clinic quality.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon before pursuing any treatment.
What Your Contract Should Include
A legitimate hair transplant contract covers every detail of the service you are paying for. If any of the following elements are missing, request them in writing before signing.
Essential Contract Elements
| Section | What It Should State |
|---|---|
| Surgeon name | The specific surgeon performing your procedure |
| Technique | FUE, FUT, or DHI with any specifications |
| Graft count | Estimated range (e.g., 2,500 to 3,000 grafts) |
| Total cost | All-inclusive figure with itemized breakdown |
| Payment schedule | Deposit amount, balance due date, accepted methods |
| Cancellation policy | Refund terms with specific timelines |
| Revision policy | Touch-up conditions, cost, and time limitations |
| Post-op care | What follow-up visits are included |
| Medication | Whether prescriptions are included in the fee |
| Liability | What the clinic is responsible for if complications arise |
Understanding Pricing Structures
Per-Graft Pricing
The most transparent pricing model charges a fixed rate per graft. This allows you to compare clinics directly.
| Country | Cost Per Graft | Norwood 3 (1,500 to 2,200) | Norwood 5 (3,000 to 4,500) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $4 to $6 | $6,000 to $13,200 | $12,000 to $27,000 |
| UK | $3 to $5 | $4,500 to $11,000 | $9,000 to $22,500 |
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | $1,500 to $4,400 | $3,000 to $9,000 |
| India | $0.50 to $1.50 | $750 to $3,300 | $1,500 to $6,750 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 | $3,750 to $9,900 | $7,500 to $20,250 |
Flat-Fee Pricing
Some clinics charge a flat fee regardless of graft count (common in Turkey). This sounds simple but has a downside: the clinic has no financial incentive to maximize your graft count. If you need 3,000 grafts but they only place 2,200, you still pay the same price.
If your clinic uses flat-fee pricing, your contract must specify a minimum graft count guarantee.
Package Pricing
Medical tourism packages bundle the procedure with flights, accommodation, transfers, and sometimes PRP sessions. These can offer good value, but examine what each component costs separately. Some packages inflate accommodation and transfer costs to offset a lower procedure fee.
| Package Component | Fair Market Value | Inflated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Airport transfers | $20 to $50 | $100 to $200 |
| 5-night hotel (3-star) | $150 to $400 | $500 to $800 |
| PRP session | $500 to $2,000 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Post-op care kit | $50 to $100 | $200 to $400 |
Deposit and Payment Schedules
Standard Deposit Terms
Most clinics require a deposit to secure your booking. Typical structures:
- 10% to 30% deposit at booking (most common)
- 50% deposit at booking with balance due on procedure day
- Full payment in advance (avoid this unless the clinic has exceptional reputation)
Payment Method Considerations
| Method | Protection Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | High | Chargeback rights for service not delivered |
| Bank transfer | Low | Difficult to reverse once sent |
| PayPal | Moderate | Buyer protection with time limits |
| Cash | None | No paper trail, no recourse |
| Medical financing | Varies | Check terms for dispute resolution |
Pay by credit card whenever possible. If the clinic only accepts bank transfers or cash, this limits your options if the service is not delivered as promised.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
What to Expect
Cancellation policies vary widely. Get the exact terms in writing before paying any deposit.
| Cancellation Timing | Typical Refund |
|---|---|
| 30+ days before procedure | Full deposit refund (minus admin fee) |
| 14 to 30 days before | 50% to 75% of deposit |
| Under 14 days | 0% to 25% of deposit |
| No-show on procedure day | No refund |
What to Negotiate
- A full refund if the named surgeon becomes unavailable and a different surgeon is substituted
- A full refund if the pre-operative consultation reveals you are not a candidate
- Date change flexibility without penalty (at least one reschedule)
- Clear definition of what constitutes a cancellation versus a postponement
Revision and Touch-Up Policies
This is one of the most important sections of any hair transplant contract and the one most often overlooked by patients.
What the Policy Should State
- Whether revision procedures are included or require additional payment
- The time window for requesting a revision (typically 12 to 18 months post-procedure)
- How graft survival is measured and what threshold qualifies for revision
- Whether the same surgeon performs the revision
- Coverage for travel costs if revision requires returning to an international clinic
Common Revision Policy Types
| Type | What It Means | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free touch-up guarantee | Clinic covers revision at no cost if graft survival is below threshold | Patient protection |
| Discounted revision | Clinic offers revision at reduced per-graft cost | Moderate protection |
| No revision policy | No revision terms, patient pays full price again | Minimal protection, avoid |
A clinic that refuses to put a revision policy in writing is telling you they do not stand behind their results.
Financial Red Flags
Watch for these warning signs in payment and contract discussions:
- No written contract, only verbal agreements
- Deposit required before the consultation is complete
- Discount that expires within 24 to 48 hours
- Price increases between consultation and booking
- Different prices quoted by different staff members
- Vague language around "additional fees may apply"
- No cancellation or refund policy in the contract
- Cash-only payment requirement
Before You Sign Anything
Know your Norwood stage and expected graft range before any financial discussion. This prevents clinics from overselling grafts you do not need or underselling to keep costs artificially low. Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your baseline before comparing prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a reputable hair transplant clinic?
Check the ISHRS and ABHRS directories for certified surgeons. Cross-reference on RealSelf and HairRestorationNetwork for independent reviews. A reputable clinic provides transparent, itemized pricing in writing before asking for any deposit, and their contract clearly states the revision and refund policy.
What credentials should a hair transplant surgeon have?
ABHRS board certification is the gold standard. ISHRS membership is the minimum baseline. The surgeon should have 5 or more years of dedicated hair transplant experience with a documented case volume. Verify their medical license through the relevant licensing authority in their country of practice.
How do I know if before/after photos are real?
Look for consistent lighting, camera angles, and backgrounds between before and after images. Genuine clinics show results at 12 months or longer with visible skin landmarks matching across both photos. Request unedited images and ask to see cases matching your specific Norwood stage.
This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before making treatment decisions. Hair transplant outcomes vary based on individual factors including donor density, hair characteristics, and adherence to post-operative care protocols.