How Much Does a Medical Elective Abroad Cost?

A self-funded medical elective placement fee typically ranges from around $250 to $2,000+, depending on the destination, how long you go for and what’s included — before you add flights, insurance and visas. Here’s what Med Trips placements actually cost in 2026, plus the wider market and the extras to budget for.

Med Trips placement fees (from, 2026)

Starting (“from”) prices for self-funded placements; fees rise with duration. Placements run from 1 to 24 weeks. Greece is also available from $2,000. See live pricing on each programme page.

What’s included in the placement fee

A Med Trips placement fee typically covers your hospital or clinic placement, in-country coordination and support from a local team, an airport pick-up and orientation, and accommodation on most programmes. Exactly what’s included varies by destination and is listed in full on each programme page.

What’s not included

Your placement fee does not cover international flights, travel and medical insurance, visa costs, vaccinations, or day-to-day spending money. Budget for these separately (see below).

How Med Trips compares on price

Comparable providers range from budget internships (from roughly $250 per week) up to premium specialist electives — for example, Work the World charges a £300 registration fee plus placement costs. Med Trips sits in the affordable-but-supervised middle, with transparent pricing from $499 and no separate registration fee. For a full breakdown, see our comparison of medical elective providers.

Hidden costs to budget for

• Flights — roughly £400–£900 return depending on destination and season.
• Travel & medical insurance — including elective/medical-indemnity cover; typically £40–£150.
• Visa — free to around £100+ depending on the country.
• Vaccinations & antimalarials — roughly £50–£250 depending on destination.
• Spending money — for meals not included, local travel and weekend trips.

Ranges are indicative and vary by destination, season and personal circumstances.

How to fund your medical elective

Many students fund their elective with a mix of university bursaries, grants and fundraising. See our elective funding guide for scholarships and bursaries, and our fundraising hub for practical ways to raise the money.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a medical elective abroad cost in 2026?

Med Trips placement fees start from $499, and most sit between roughly $500 and $1,200 for shorter placements, before flights, insurance and visas. Premium providers cost more; budget internships can start lower per week.

Is the cheapest medical elective the best value?

Not always. A low headline fee can exclude accommodation, transport, supervision or support. Compare what’s actually included and the level of clinical supervision, not just the price.

Can I get funding or a bursary for my elective?

Yes — many medical and nursing schools offer elective bursaries, and there are external grants and scholarships. Our funding guide and fundraising hub explain your options.

Does the Med Trips fee include flights?

No. Placement fees cover your placement, in-country support and (on most programmes) accommodation, but not international flights, insurance, visas or vaccinations.

Ready to plan? Browse placements and live prices or talk to our team.