Cost is usually the second question after “am I suitable?”. Here is a straight answer about what drives the price and why you should be cautious of any clinic quoting a firm figure before seeing you.
It is a self-funded procedure
Gastric balloon treatment is not generally covered by UAE health insurance. Insurers classify it as an elective weight-loss treatment rather than a medical necessity, so in almost all cases this is a cash procedure. It is better to know that upfront than to discover it later.
What actually moves the price
Which balloon
A swallowable capsule balloon uses different technology from a standard endoscopic balloon and is typically priced higher. A 12-month balloon usually costs more than a 6-month one.
What is included in the quote
This is where quotes stop being comparable. Ask specifically whether the price covers:
- The pre-procedure assessment and any endoscopy
- Removal at the end of the period (for endoscopic balloons)
- Dietitian and follow-up appointments throughout
- Medication for the first few days
- Management if a problem arises
A lower headline price with removal and follow-up billed separately can end up costing more than a higher all-inclusive one.
The facility
Procedures performed in a licensed day-surgery setting carry different costs from an outpatient clinic room. For balloon placement under sedation, the setting matters for safety reasons, not just price.
Why we do not publish a fixed price
Two honest reasons. First, the appropriate balloon and period vary by patient, so a single number would be misleading. Second, pricing is set by the facilities where procedures take place, not by the surgeon alone.
What we can commit to is competitive, transparent pricing and a clear written quote before you decide anything — with no obligation.
Worth considering alongside cost
A balloon is a one-off cost for a defined period. Weight-loss injections are an ongoing monthly cost for as long as you take them, and stopping usually means regaining. Surgery costs more upfront but is permanent. Which represents better value depends on your situation rather than the sticker price.