Kontsumobide advises patients on recovering funds from closed clinics

The Basque Consumer Institute, Kontsumobide, has issued guidance for individuals affected by the closure or service interruptions of several aesthetic and dental clinics in the Basque Country. Affected entities include Ixia, the Dorsia group (operating under Alma Life and Aureva Clinics), and Aestes Dental clinics, which include Vivanta and Oralis.

According to Kontsumobide, patients who financed their treatments through linked credit may have a better chance of recovering funds. Under the Consumer Credit Contract Law, if a loan is specifically tied to a service, the patient can demand the suspension of pending installments and claim refunds for unreceived services directly from the financial institution.

However, the situation is more complex for those who paid in cash or used personal loans not linked to the clinic. In these instances, claims must be directed against the company itself, which can be difficult if the business is undergoing insolvency proceedings. Kontsumobide recommends first submitting a written claim to the clinic to request contract termination due to breach of contract before pursuing financial institutions.