Why the diagnostic estimate should be case-specific
For an international self-pay patient, the useful question is not only the scanner price. The center first needs to confirm the clinical indication and the exact examination protocol. UKE describes international-patient estimates as being prepared from the medical plan and applicable German billing rules before prepayment and appointment confirmation.
- Clinical indication and specialist review
- Exact imaging protocol
- Tracer or contrast material when required
- Additional laboratory tests or preparation
- Image interpretation and written report
- Consultation or multidisciplinary review when included
A whole-body label does not make every PET/CT equivalent
FDG PET/CT protocols differ according to the tumor and clinical question. UKE describes FDG PET/CT for tumor and inflammatory diagnostics, while specialist teams decide whether FDG is the appropriate tracer for the specific disease. A quotation should specify the planned protocol instead of relying on the phrase 'whole-body PET scan'.
Preparation can affect the appointment
FDG imaging requires metabolic preparation, including fasting and blood-glucose management according to the center's instructions. Patients using insulin or other diabetes medication should obtain individualized preparation instructions before travel rather than changing medication on their own.
What to compare between FDG PET/CT estimates
Make sure the quotations describe the same examination.
- F-18 FDG tracer and PET acquisition
- CT protocol and whether diagnostic contrast CT is included
- Blood-glucose testing and other required laboratory work
- Special preparation for diabetes when relevant
- Specialist interpretation and written report
- Image files / DICOM access
- Oncology consultation or multidisciplinary discussion when included
Do not use FDG PET/CT as generic cancer screening
Different cancers have different tracer uptake and diagnostic pathways. Paying for an FDG PET/CT without a defined oncology indication can produce an expensive examination that does not answer the actual clinical question. Specialist review should come before the quotation and appointment.
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-08-30. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.
- International-patient process and cost estimate — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) ↗
- Finance for international patients — Heidelberg University Hospital ↗
- Oncologic PET/CT including F-18 FDG — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) – Nuclear Medicine ↗
- Oncology FDG PET/CT patient information — University Medical Center Freiburg ↗