Why a diagnosis-specific hospital estimate matters
For international self-pay patients, the useful financial starting point is a specialist-reviewed treatment plan rather than a generic cancer price. The estimate should reflect the planned diagnostics, treatment modality, expected hospital or day-clinic care and known high-cost medicines or procedures; the final invoice can still change if the actual treatment episode differs.
Stage and molecular findings change the treatment pathway
NCT Heidelberg describes surgery, radiotherapy, interventional tumor ablation, chemotherapy, targeted treatment and immunotherapy as possible lung-cancer modalities. The cost therefore depends first on which combination is clinically appropriate.
- Pathology and biomarker / molecular testing
- CT, PET/CT and brain imaging when required
- Thoracic surgery and inpatient care
- Radiotherapy planning and fractions
- Chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted medicines
- Pulmonary-function and other pre-treatment assessment
Drug treatment may extend well beyond one visit to Germany
Systemic therapy can involve repeated cycles over months. Ask whether the quotation covers only an initial cycle, a defined number of cycles or the full planned course, and whether treatment can safely continue with an oncology team at home.
What to compare between hospital estimates
Compare estimates only after confirming that they describe the same stage and treatment strategy.
- Included staging and pathology review
- Surgery versus non-surgical treatment
- Exact systemic treatment phase
- Radiotherapy scope if planned
- Inpatient and day-clinic assumptions
- Management of complications and unplanned admissions
- Follow-up before returning home
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) ↗
- Cost Plan — LMU Klinikum International Patient Office ↗
- Finance for international patients — Heidelberg University Hospital ↗
- Lung Cancer – treatment and appointment information — National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg ↗