You may be able to request a refund depending on the circumstances, but the outcome is neither automatic nor guaranteed. If the clinic closes before treatment begins, this may indicate that the service cannot be provided in accordance with the contract. You should first make a written refund request supported by the contract, invoice, payment receipt, and correspondence. Then, explore any dispute or recovery options available through the channel used to make the payment.

The same approach applies to a second payment made as a “second deposit.” However, if this payment had a different purpose from the first deposit, was covered by a separate contract, or was linked to a specific stage of treatment, the assessment may vary according to those documents.

Why does a clinic closure not automatically result in a deposit refund?

The physical closure of a clinic is not the same as the legal termination of the company. The business may have temporarily stopped providing services, moved to another address, encountered licensing or operational problems, or ceased operations entirely. Therefore, the first step is to verify the closure and determine which legal entity or commercial party undertook the transaction.

If you paid the clinic directly, there may be a direct relationship between your claim and the service provider named in the contract. However, if the payment was collected through a medical tourism intermediary, travel company, coordinator, or another commercial entity, the responsible party and application route may vary according to the party identified in the contract.

Key documents for assessing a refund include the signed treatment plan, quotation, payment terms, wording explaining which service the deposit would be credited toward, cancellation and refund provisions, invoice or receipt, and correspondence with the clinic. Advertising or verbal promises may not be sufficient on their own, but they may still provide important evidence that the treatment was supposed to be provided.

Contract details to check for a second deposit

Do not base your claim solely on the word “deposit” without clarifying the nature of the second payment. Review the following points separately in your documents:

  • Payment description: Check how the second payment is described on the receipt and invoice. It may be identified as an “advance payment,” “reservation fee,” “treatment advance,” or by another term.
  • Start of the service: Determine whether the clinical assessment, imaging, laboratory procedures, accommodation, transfer, or treatment itself has begun.
  • Refund conditions: Check how the contract addresses closure, inability to provide the service, postponement, and cancellations caused by the clinic.
  • Service provider: Check whether the contract identifies the clinic, doctor, healthcare provider, intermediary, or another company as the contracting party.
  • Currency and deductions: If a refund is to be made, check whether the currency, bank charges, and any deductions предусмотрed in the contract are specified.

A documented plan for requesting a deposit refund

First, collect all documents in a single folder and arrange the files chronologically. Share only the necessary sections of your passport or identity document, and take care not to send unnecessary personal data. Keep payment receipts, card statements, invoices, contracts, quotations, the clinic’s address and contact details, and WhatsApp, email, and message records.

Next, send a written notice to the clinic and any other commercial party named in the contract. Clearly state that treatment has not yet begun, that the clinic has closed or is unable to provide the service, that you are requesting a refund of the second deposit, and that you expect a written response. If you spoke by telephone, confirm the date and summary of the conversation by email.

Use a channel through which you can prove that the request was sent. Keep email delivery records, screenshots of messages, and postal or courier documents. A lack of response also creates a record that the application was made; however, remember that this alone does not guarantee a refund.

Options to explore based on the payment method

  • Credit or debit card: Ask the card-issuing bank about disputing the transaction or having the card transaction reviewed. Explain that the service was not provided and that you sent the seller a written refund request. The bank may impose time limits and documentary requirements.
  • Bank transfer: Ask your bank whether the transfer can be recalled or whether the recipient’s bank can be contacted. Once a transfer has been completed, the possibility of recovering the funds may be limited.
  • Payment provider or digital wallet: Review the platform’s procedures for non-delivery of services and commercial disputes. The platform’s review period and evidence requirements may vary.
  • Cash payment: Gather evidence showing that the payment was made, such as a receipt, handover record, correspondence, or witness statements. Proving an undocumented cash payment may be more difficult.

When contacting a bank or payment provider, do not falsely report the transaction as unauthorized. If you made the payment yourself, accurately explain that the dispute concerns non-delivery of the service or a breach of contract.

Which official and legal channels can be considered in Turkey?

You can verify the authorized and registered status of the healthcare provider or intermediary through the current channels of the relevant official institutions. Depending on the nature of the healthcare service, relevant units of the Ministry of Health, authorized bodies responsible for medical tourism, or authorities handling consumer disputes may be relevant. The competent institution may vary depending on the party to the contract, the nature and amount of the payment, your country of residence, and current legislation.

If you live abroad, you may also consult a consumer advice service, banking complaints channel, or legal adviser in your own country. Particularly where cross-border payments, a company ceasing operations, or a process similar to insolvency is involved, it may be more appropriate to obtain advice from a lawyer practising in Turkey based on your specific documents.

Before making an official application, confirm the current jurisdiction, deadlines, language requirements, and document requirements through the relevant institution’s official channel. Do not rely on outdated application guidance published online, unverified telephone numbers, or intermediaries promising definite results.

Common mistakes when requesting a refund

  • Speaking only by telephone and failing to create written evidence.
  • Failing to document which service the second deposit was paid for.
  • Making a payment to a new account without verifying reports that the clinic has closed.
  • Sending an additional payment described as a “tax,” “opening fee,” or “processing fee” for the refund without investigating it first.
  • Failing to track deadlines that may apply to a card dispute or official application.
  • Reading only the pricing section of the contract and overlooking the cancellation, jurisdiction, and dispute-resolution clauses.

Be careful when a closed clinic offers to transfer you to a new centre

If you are offered a transfer to another clinic, do not assume that you are automatically required to accept it. The new centre’s name, healthcare provider status, the doctor’s role, treatment plan, total fee, how your previous payment will be credited, and who will retain responsibility for the refund should be explained in writing.

Before signing a new contract, clarify whether the previous contract has ended and whether the second deposit has been transferred to the new service. Do not make an additional payment based solely on verbal assurances while the clinic is closed; if a new payment is requested, ask for its legal and commercial basis in writing.

What does the refund outcome depend on?

Whether the refund is made in full, in part, or not at all may depend on whether the service has begun, the deposit provisions in the contract, the financial condition of the clinic or intermediary, and the dispute rules of the payment channel. If the clinic was unable to provide any healthcare service, your claim may be stronger; however, the company’s ability to pay will also affect the practical outcome.

If a refund is promised, obtain written confirmation of the amount, currency, payment date, and any deductions. Do not sign a waiver, confidentiality agreement, or statement that you have “no further claims” unless you understand its legal consequences.

Related questions

  • Which clauses should I check in a medical tourism contract in Turkey?
  • If I paid by credit card, how is a bank dispute assessed when the service was not provided?
  • How can responsibility between a medical tourism intermediary and a clinic be distinguished?