Paying by card for dental implants in Santo Domingo?
Quick Answer:
Most clinics in Santo Domingo still rely on cash or local transfers, but heva lets patients pay securely by credit card or digital methods and access flexible financing through trusted BNPL partners — all from one verified platform.
Updated November 2025
Why do most Dominican clinics still operate in cash?
In the Dominican Republic, cash remains the default payment method for private medical care. While modern facilities are emerging, most clinics still prefer cash because:
- Card processors charge high international fees.
- Foreign transactions are often delayed or declined.
- Local accounting systems favor in-person payments.
- A few clinics accept bank transfers, but only through local Dominican accounts — not practical for most international patients.
According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic , cash transactions still represent a large share of private-sector payments nationwide.
Direct answer: cash works locally, but for global patients, it’s inconvenient and hard to verify.
How is heva transforming dental payments in Santo Domingo?
Platforms like heva solve one of the biggest barriers in Dominican healthcare: the lack of cashless, transparent payments. In many clinics, patients must bring large amounts of cash or make local-only bank transfers, which can feel risky and inconvenient for international visitors. By connecting patients directly to accredited doctors who use heva, the entire payment experience becomes modern and traceable:
- Pay digitally by credit or debit card in your local currency.
- Access financing options through BNPL partners for flexible budgeting.
- Receive instant receipts and confirmations for insurance or personal records.
- Track every transaction through heva’s AI assistant, available in multiple languages.
In short: heva removes the need to carry cash or navigate local banks — giving patients a secure, professional-grade way to complete their medical journey.
Why choose a doctor who uses heva?
Doctors who use heva gain access to built-in tools that make the patient experience safer, faster, and more transparent. For patients, this means:
| Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Safe payments | Pay online through secure checkout systems without exchanging cash. |
| Verified providers | Work with clinics that pass credential and compliance checks. |
| Instant documentation | Get digital receipts you can use for reimbursement or taxes. |
| Simplified financing | Pay in smaller, manageable installments through BNPL partners. |
| Multilingual coordination | Communicate with your clinic in your preferred language. |
heva’s role is more than transactional — it’s about trust and accessibility. Doctors on the platform are not only easier to book, but also easier to pay and follow up with, creating a smoother cross-border experience for patients worldwide.
What is the best way to pay for dental implants in Santo Domingo?
If you’re traveling for dental care, your safest and simplest option is to choose a doctor who uses heva. Here’s why:
| Payment Method | Availability | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash (USD/DOP) | Very common | Easy for locals; small discounts possible. | High risk, no digital record. |
| Local bank transfer | Common | Works for Dominican residents. | Not accessible to most foreigners. |
| Credit/debit card | Limited | Traceable, familiar payment option. | Not accepted everywhere. |
| Digital payment via heva | Growing rapidly | Secure, documented, supports BNPL financing. | Only available with heva partners. |
Through heva, payments are encrypted and processed by trusted global partners that meet international compliance standards — removing risk from both sides of the transaction.
Is it safe to pay digitally for dental care in the Dominican Republic?
- Yes — when done through verified systems like heva.
- heva uses bank-level encryption and licensed payment processors to ensure all transactions are secure and traceable.
- Clinics never handle your financial information directly, and every payment generates a digital receipt.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies transparent, electronic payment systems as essential for patient safety and accountability in cross-border medical travel.
Key Takeaways
- Cash is still the norm for most Dominican clinics, limiting international accessibility.
- heva-partnered providers enable safe credit-card, digital, and BNPL-powered payments.
- Patients get instant receipts, flexible financing, and peace of mind.
- heva bridges the gap between traditional medical systems and modern patient expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most Dominican dentists accept credit cards?
Not yet. Only a small share of private clinics in Santo Domingo have international card processing systems. Most still operate with cash or local transfers.
How does heva make paying easier?
heva lets patients pay securely online through credit cards or digital payment partners, removing the need to carry cash and providing instant documentation.
Can I finance my dental implants abroad?
Yes. heva works with BNPL partners that let eligible patients spread their payments over time, reducing upfront costs.
Is it safer to pay digitally instead of using cash?
Yes. Digital payments through heva are encrypted and traceable, unlike cash, which cannot be verified if lost or disputed.
What currency is best to bring if my clinic doesn’t use heva?
USD is widely accepted in Santo Domingo, but always confirm your clinic’s policy and request a receipt for every transaction.
Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about medical tourism safety considerations. It is not medical advice. heva is a healthcare coordination platform connecting patients with providers—we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical and travel decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
Safety Information: Safety recommendations are based on best practices and expert guidelines. Individual circumstances may require additional precautions. Patients should continue to conduct their own research and verification of providers and facilities for good measure. heva facilitates connections but does not guarantee results or safety outcomes.
Insurance Information: Insurance recommendations are general guidance only. Specific coverage needs vary by individual circumstances and procedures. Patients should consult with insurance professionals to determine appropriate coverage levels and providers.
International Healthcare: International medical care involves inherent risks and additional considerations including emergency protocols, legal differences, and care coordination. Patients should thoroughly research all aspects and maintain realistic expectations about cross-border healthcare.
About the Author
Varun Annadi
Co-Founder & CEO of heva
Varun Annadi is the Co-Founder and CEO of heva, an AI-native practice-management platform connecting top healthcare providers with global patients. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Varun has led product and strategy teams at Apple, Google, Stryker, and Noom, and previously served as Lead Program Manager for Apple Watch health features. His career focuses on advancing healthcare access through technology.