The cost of treatment
without surprises

International payment and insurance

For countries without a published regional price, admissions will confirm the applicable fee, treatment duration and payment currency. This prevents an exchange-rate estimate from being mistaken for an agreed programme price.

Insurance cover for treatment abroad differs by country and policy. Ask your provider about authorisation, reimbursement limits, required documentation and whether residential addiction treatment in South Africa is covered. Obtain a written answer before making plans.

Your quote should explain what is included, which costs remain outside the programme and when payment is due. If you are arranging care for a relative, discuss consent, communication and the person responsible for payment with admissions.

What the programme fee includes

Residential treatment brings accommodation and meals together with a structured clinical programme and day-to-day support. The agreed plan includes individual and group therapy, medical supervision and detox where clinically indicated and appropriate. Care is tailored after assessment; not every client needs the same medical or psychiatric interventions.

Accommodation is in one of the Hillhouse Clinics homes in Cape Town. Discuss the available room type, preferences and daily programme before admission. A programme fee should not be interpreted as a guarantee of a particular room or outcome. Your admission confirmation should describe the arrangements agreed with you.

Family support and aftercare planning are part of preparing for life beyond residential treatment. Ask how family communication works, what consent is needed and what support your discharge plan includes. Discuss Cape Town airport pickup with admissions and provide your arrival details in advance.

What is not included — and what to check

Flights and other travel costs sit outside the residential programme fee. Budget for personal spending and any travel-document requirements as well. Confirm the planned admission and arrival time before booking, including what happens if your flight is delayed.

Medication supplied outside the programme, external investigations and specialist hospital care elsewhere may incur additional charges. Ask exactly which clinical costs your plan covers, who pays for external care and how unexpected expenses will be discussed. ‘All-inclusive’ does not mean every possible third-party expense is covered.

Services and outings are treated differently by region: South African clients pay R 2 000 per month separately; Zimbabwean and Botswana clients have these included. For other programmes, ask admissions to specify activities and laundry in your written quote. Insurance deductibles or denied claims can also affect your personal cost.

Programme duration and a fair price comparison

The appropriate length of treatment depends on clinical needs, safety, previous treatment and support at home. A longer stay can allow time for stabilisation, therapy and practising a new routine, but it does not guarantee an outcome. Duration should be clinically appropriate, rather than chosen solely because a package looks less expensive.

Compare like with like. The US offer is a twelve-week programme; the South African, Zimbabwean and Botswana options are quoted by month or as a three-month programme. Dutch fees are per four weeks. Confirm exact dates, what an extension would cost and whether any funding approval needs to be renewed.

Before admission: get the full agreement in writing

Start with a conversation about the person’s needs and medical situation. Tell admissions about substances used, medication, previous withdrawal and mental-health concerns so the team can assess whether the programme is appropriate. A price quote is not a substitute for a clinical assessment.

Request a written confirmation covering programme duration, currency, included care, possible extra costs, payment dates and the terms for changes or early departure. Clarify who is responsible for payment and for submitting insurance claims. Make travel commitments only when the clinical and financial arrangements are clear.

English is the working language of treatment and clients need to be able to communicate in English. Regional pricing and information for your home country do not mean the programme is delivered in that country or language. Residential treatment takes place in Cape Town.