Deposits and cancellation: questions to ask a clinic

A deposit holds a slot or starts a course. It is not unusual. What matters is what the clinic promises in return and what happens if plans change.

What should I ask?

Questions to ask your clinic

1. What does the deposit pay for?
2. Is it taken off the final bill?
3. When can I get it back, and when not?
4. What if I need to move the date? How much notice do you need?
5. What if the clinic cancels or the practitioner changes?
6. What if the consultation shows the treatment is not suitable for me?
7. Will you put all of this in writing?

A rule to use

No written terms, no deposit. Take a photo of the terms, or ask for them by email, and keep the receipt. See how to read a treatment quote for the other items to check on paper.

The exception

A deposit under pressure, such as "pay today or lose the price", is a red flag, not a reason to hurry. Read questions to ask at a first consultation before you decide. If the terms were unclear and there is a dispute, ask the clinic in writing, and ask a legal adviser about your rights. This page cannot advise on law.

General information only.

What does a fair term look like?

Fair terms are specific. They say how many days of notice you need, what part of the deposit comes back and under what conditions, and what happens if the clinic cancels. Vague terms such as "subject to our policy" leave the decision to the clinic later. Ask which policy, and ask to see it.

Keep a copy of the receipt, the date you paid and the name of the person who took the payment. If something changes, write to the clinic and keep their reply.