Section 1
Why do clinics ask for a deposit?
A hair transplant takes most of a day and ties up a doctor, a team, and a treatment room. A deposit holds that date for you, which is reasonable in principle.
Amounts vary widely between clinics. What matters more than the size of the deposit is what it secures and when you can get it back.
Section 2
What should the written terms cover?
Ask for the terms in writing before you pay, and check that they answer each of these.
- The amount, and whether it comes off the total price
- What it secures, and when the balance is due
- What you get back if you cancel, and how much notice you need to give
- What happens if you are found unsuitable on the day
- What happens if the clinic cancels or moves your date
- What happens if you are unwell and cannot attend
Section 3
What happens if you change your mind?
That depends on the clinic. Some refund in full up to a set date before treatment, some keep part of the deposit, and some keep all of it.
Depending on how and where you booked, consumer law may give you cancellation rights, but healthcare services can be treated differently, so do not assume a legal right applies. Rely on what the written terms say, and if they are unclear, ask for clarification in writing before you pay.
Section 4
How can you protect the money you pay?
How you pay makes a real difference if something goes wrong.
- Credit card: under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, the card provider can be jointly responsible for purchases with a cash price of more than £100 and up to £30,000, even if you only paid the deposit on the card.
- Debit card: a chargeback may be possible through your bank, but it is a voluntary scheme rather than a legal right.
- Bank transfer: this gives you the least protection, so avoid it for deposits where you can.
Section 5
What about deposits for treatment abroad?
UK consumer protections are harder to rely on when the clinic is abroad, and flights and hotels booked separately are not usually refundable if treatment is cancelled. Check whether the clinic's terms cover your travel costs if they cancel, and whether a package price includes anything you would lose.
The same principles apply to us. Ask for our terms in writing before you pay anything, and compare them with any other quote you have.