How much does this treatment cost?
KWA-nto KOS-ta — double stress, one on each word. 'Cura' — KU-ra, two syllables.
Always ask before agreeing to treatment. Italian dentists are required to give a written estimate ('preventivo') on request.
'Quanto costa' (how much does it cost) is one of the most universally useful Italian phrases. 'Questa cura' means 'this treatment'. The word 'cura' in medical contexts means treatment or care. You have the legal right to a 'preventivo scritto' (written estimate) in Italy before any dental work.
Posso avere un preventivo scritto?
Can I have a written estimate?
Your legal right — ask for it in writing before agreeing to treatment
Si può fare a rate?
Can it be paid in instalments?
Many Italian dental studios offer payment plans for expensive treatments
C'è un'alternativa meno costosa?
Is there a less expensive alternative?
Ask about options — often there are different price points for similar outcomes
Italian law (D.Lgs. 206/2005, Consumer Code) entitles patients to a detailed written estimate before dental work. The estimate must specify each procedure and its cost. Dental studios must display their price list ('tariffario') publicly. Many Italians cross the border to Hungary, Croatia, or Romania for cheaper dental work — 'turismo dentale' is a real phenomenon.