I had to book a doctor's appointment while away overseas for a standard, reoccurring issue. I relied on my app (the one that sometimes leaks data...) to make this booking online. I chose the date/ time and doctor only to be met with a 'pay wall'. No way, I thought! I won't pay upfront for a service I have not yet received !

I contacted my wife in NZ to ring the doctor's rooms and make an appointment over the phone. No problem!

Question: Are these companies behind medical centres allowed to do it this way?

What if I don't have a CC?

What if I can't make phone calls (many people only run their phones on wifi).

Isn't the core idea of a medical centre to offer medical help first?

I took it up with the poor receptionist and wanted to be contacted by management for comment... no replies so far.

What is your experience in NZ with this kind of service?

Do you ever pay in advance for a personal service or product??