Insurance & costs
A fuller breakdown of what you pay, to whom, and the insurance you'll need to arrange yourself. Figures below are indicative — confirm exact pricing directly with Aster Medcity and with SOS Med Stays.
| Public (HSE) | Private, in Ireland | SOS Med Stays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical wait | [X–X months from referral] | [Usually weeks] | Set by your surgeon — not promised by us |
| Surgery & hospital | Covered | [€X,XXX–X,XXX] | [€X,XXX–X,XXX], paid directly to Aster Medcity |
| Accommodation & recovery support | — | — | [€X,XXX], paid to SOS Med Stays |
| Physiotherapy sessions | Variable / waitlisted | [€XX per session] | Included in the recovery stay |
| Optional Ayurveda programme | — | — | [€XXX], optional add-on |
| Companion stay | — | [Not usually included] | [€XXX], included |
| Flights | — | — | [Not included — booked independently] |
| Estimated total | No direct cost | [€X,XXX–X,XXX] | [€X,XXX–X,XXX] |
Treatment in India is not reimbursed under the HSE Cross-Border Directive. You pay Aster Medcity and SOS Med Stays directly — this is a privately-funded pathway, not a cross-border claim.
Travel & medical insurance is required
SOS Med Stays does not sell, bundle, or include insurance in any package. You are responsible for arranging appropriate travel and medical cover for the whole trip, including the period after your surgery while you're still in Kerala.
Your own broker or an independent travel insurance provider can advise on cover for travel after surgery abroad — including repatriation cover, should it ever be needed. We're not able to recommend a specific provider or policy. [Links to independent providers to be added once confirmed.]
Costs & insurance — questions
Is any part of this reimbursed by the HSE?
No. Treatment in India is not covered under the HSE Cross-Border Directive, regardless of what your Irish consultant has recommended.
Does the SOS Med Stays fee include my surgery?
No. Our fee covers accommodation, logistics and recovery support. Your surgery is paid directly to Aster Medcity, under your own contract with them.
Do I need insurance even though I'm paying privately?
Yes — travel and medical insurance is a requirement of travelling with SOS Med Stays, arranged independently by you.
What if costs change between enquiry and travel?
Always confirm current pricing directly with Aster Medcity and SOS Med Stays before booking — the figures above are indicative only.
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