Budget checklist for the non-surgery costs (things people forget)

perth2seoul Lurker · · 354 views

Everyone talks about surgery quotes but the trip itself adds up. Stuff I've been tallying:

- Flights (and change fee buffer)
- Accommodation for the whole stay — recovery hotels vs normal hotels vs Airbnb
- Taxis to/from clinic for follow-ups (you won't want the subway)
- Interpreter if your clinic's coordinator is the only English speaker
- Meds/supplies: gauze, saline, cold packs, pillows
- Soft food / delivery (Coupang Eats, Baemin — need a Korean number or help)
- Travel insurance that actually covers elective procedures (most don't!)
- A local SIM / eSIM

Anything I'm missing?

6 comments

  • the_quiet_planner Regular ·

    Compression garments if body stuff — some clinics include them, some charge extra. Ask.

  • han_river_walks Regular ·

    Delivery apps: you can order through Coupang Eats with a foreign card sometimes but it's flaky. Lots of hotels near Gangnam will help or have a front desk that orders for you. Worth asking before you book.

  • sleepyotter22 Lurker ·

    Cash for little things. Most places take card but I'd still have some won.

  • jet_lag_jules Lurker ·

    Insurance point is huge. I called three providers in the UK and every single one excluded elective cosmetic procedures and complications from them. Look for specific medical-tourism complication cover if you want it.

    • perth2seoul Lurker ·

      Good shout, adding it. Did you find one that covers it?

    • jet_lag_jules Lurker ·

      There are a couple of specialist "cosmetic surgery complications" policies but read the fine print, they have caps. Still deciding.