Can I pay with American Express for my surgery in the Dominican Republic?

Updated November 2025

Why is American Express acceptance limited in the Dominican Republic?

Short answer: Across the DR, American Express is less frequently accepted than Visa or Mastercard due to higher merchant fees and limited acquiring infrastructure.

Visa and Mastercard dominate payment processing. According to the U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, most medical facilities still expect up-front payments and often don’t accept credit cards at all. Industry sources also note that Amex has historically carried higher merchant fees than Visa/Mastercard, so many small businesses opt out (Bankrate). This makes Amex acceptance particularly rare among private clinics and solo practitioners.

How does this affect patients seeking medical care abroad?

Short answer: For international patients, finding a doctor in the DR who takes Amex is rare, creating friction for those expecting seamless card payments.

Many providers rely on cash deposits or local bank transfers, so paying with an Amex card can be difficult and widely unavailable. Even high-end clinics may only support Visa/Mastercard terminals, and currency conversion adds complexity. Patients should confirm payment methods in advance and bring backup cards or transfer options.

Is there any solution to this?

Short answer: Doctors using heva can accept Amex, Visa, Mastercard, and digital wallets through the platform—no local terminal required.

heva enables secure credit/debit card processing (including American Express) via a digital checkout system. Patients receive transparent invoices, currency clarity, and real-time confirmations—without worrying if a clinic’s POS supports Amex. Beyond reducing complexity, heva unlocks flexibility:

• Digital payments: Global card and wallet processing in USD, DOP, or any currency.
• Financing / Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL): Eligible patients can split payments over time.
• Secure receipts: Automatic documentation for insurance or follow-up care.

For doctors, this removes dependency on outdated POS systems. For patients, it means paying confidently from anywhere in the world.

Why flexibility defines heva’s approach to cross-border care

Short answer: Flexibility is core to heva’s mission—removing barriers that limit access to safe, high-quality global care. By equipping providers with integrated digital payment tools, heva makes coordination simpler, safer, and more transparent. Doctors who prioritize accessibility partner with heva to ensure:

• Multiple global payment methods (including Amex).
• Transparent pricing and receipts for international patients.
• Built-in BNPL financing to reduce up-front burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do most clinics in the Dominican Republic accept Amex?

No. Amex is accepted far less than Visa or Mastercard, especially among private medical clinics that still rely on cash or transfers (Bankrate).

2. Why don’t many Dominican doctors take credit cards at all?

Many small providers avoid card processing due to high fees and limited banking infrastructure. The U.S. Embassy notes most facilities require up-front payment.

3. Can I pay for surgery in the DR using Amex through heva?

Yes — if your doctor uses heva, you can pay securely with Amex or other cards through the platform’s digital checkout.

4. Are financing or installment options available?

Yes. heva supports BNPL and medical financing for eligible patients, allowing partial payments before and after travel.

5. What other payment methods are accepted in the DR?

Cash and bank transfers are most common, followed by some very few clinics that do have POS that support card, though most of the time, Amex is not supported by these. Nonetheless, Amex and other digital methods are always accepted with heva-partnered clinicians.

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 leads heva, an AI-native practice-management platform connecting global patients with licensed healthcare providers. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Michigan, and previously led health-tech initiatives at Apple, Google, Stryker, and Noom.