Second medical opinion: what it is and how clinics abroad price it
A second medical opinion is a review of a diagnosis or treatment plan by another specialist. Clinics abroad sell it for any specialty, either as a remote review of records or as an in-person visit.
What does it involve?
The National Cancer Institute describes a second opinion as asking another specialist to review all the materials related to a case. The specialist may agree with the first plan or suggest changes. The NCI also notes that the doctor giving the second opinion needs your medical records, such as test results and X-rays.
Clinics abroad usually sell two formats:
- Remote review of records — you send your records, scans and reports; a specialist or a panel reviews them and replies with a written report or a video call.
- In-person consultation — you travel to the clinic, meet the specialist, and the clinic may review your prior imaging or run new tests.
Common specialties include cancer, heart and spine surgery, joint replacement, neurosurgery, rare or unclear diagnoses, and fertility. The specialty is a detail of the service, not a separate product.
How do clinics price it?
The site compares second opinions in two units:
- Second opinion, remote review of records — priced per review. The price can depend on the specialty, whether a named specialist or a panel reviews the case, whether the answer is a written report or a video call, the turnaround time, and whether translation of records is included.
- Second opinion, in-person consultation — priced per consultation. The price can depend on the specialty, whether tests are included, and whether review of prior imaging is included.
A published price usually includes the review and one written answer or one consultation. Clinics often charge extra for translating records, re-reading scans or pathology slides, new tests, a follow-up question or call, and, for in-person visits, travel and accommodation.
Prices are only comparable within the same unit. A remote review price is not comparable with an in-person consultation price.
What should I ask the clinic before paying?
- Is the price for a remote review or an in-person consultation, and for which specialty?
- Who reviews the case? Ask for the specialist's name and qualification, or the names on the panel (see how to check a doctor).
- Will the specialist look at the original scans and slides, or only the written reports?
- What do you receive: a written report, a video call, or both, and in which language?
- How long is the turnaround time after all records are received?
- Is translation of your records included, and what does a follow-up question cost?
- How long is the quoted price valid, and is it in writing?
What this page does not tell you
This page compares formats and published prices only. It does not give a view on any opinion, or on whether you need one. Decisions about your care belong with your own doctor. MedlinePlus explains how to keep your own copy of your health records, and has guidance on choosing a doctor. For imaging and biopsy prices, see cancer diagnostics.