Legal assistance with hidden costs in physiotherapy

Questioner

I am familiar with a number of complaints at my physiotherapist, where I have been a regular client for quite some time. This physiotherapy practice is very focused on sports and also has a room with all kinds of fitness equipment. More than a year ago I did a kind of check there (they call it a matrix). This means that you have to show a number of exercises that make it clear to them where my weak points are and based on that you get exercises. However, I continued to have complaints and coincidentally they are going to start a trajectory that you can follow soon. That also has a matrix and then a program with exercises. I registered for it and I only got an appointment for the intake. Nothing was said about costs. Correspondence was via email. I went to the intake and was again given a matrix and exercises to do at home. The following week I went for the follow-up and only then was I told that this trajectory costs 600 euros. The physiotherapist was surprised and not happy with the fact that their administration had not communicated this to me. She suggested not to follow this course (I had indicated that I found 600 euros a ridiculous price) and then only pay for the matrix. This costs 175. Because I would get that bill anyway, I was told. I wonder if this is allowed. Letting someone take a test who is not aware of the fact that it costs money. And then saying afterwards that you have to pay 175 euros. Their website also does not mention the costs. The day after my 2nd consultation, a presentation was given by this physiotherapy practice to introduce people to this course. The physiotherapist said that I was just very quick to register and that it was all new to them too, hence the miscommunication. But I registered for this course based on THEIR email! They apparently did not expect a registration so quickly. However, if I had known the costs in advance, I would not have started at all. My question is whether I have to pay those 175. Thank you in advance for your answer.

Lawyer

Dear questioner, Of course, all aspects that are necessary for the conclusion of the agreement must be met. There must be an offer that mentions the core points of the agreement (think of price, quantity, delivery date, etc.), while that offer must be accepted by the other party. If this is not met in advance, then there is no agreement. Not even if 'costs' are made known afterwards, because that is misleading. In this way, the principle of trust is also violated by the physiotherapy practice. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me directly.