WhatsApp appointment reminders: 4 messages every clinic should have
When we set up WhatsApp Business API for clinics, the most common question is "what exactly do I write in the template?". Below are 4 templates we've pushed through Meta approval without a single revision, in Croatian.
Template 1 — Booking confirmation (Utility)
Name: appointment_confirmation_hr Category: Utility
Hi {{1}}, your appointment at {{2}} is booked for {{3}} at {{4}} with {{5}}.
Address: {{6}} Duration: ~{{7}}
For changes, reply here.
Buttons: [Confirm] [Reschedule]
Template 2 — 24h reminder (Utility)
Name: appointment_reminder_24h_hr
Hi {{1}}, reminder about your appointment tomorrow at {{2}} with {{3}}.
Please confirm: 1 — Coming 2 — Reschedule 3 — Cancel
Address: {{4}}
Buttons: [1 — Coming] [2 — Reschedule] [3 — Cancel]
Template 3 — Post-appointment review (Utility)
Name: appointment_review_request_hr
Thanks for choosing us today, {{1}}!
If you were happy, a short review means a lot: {{2}}
If anything was off, reply here so we can fix it.
Buttons: [Leave review]
Template 4 — 6-month recall (Marketing)
Name: dental_recall_6m_hr
Hi {{1}}, it's been 6 months since your last check-up.
We recommend a regular check + hygiene to keep your teeth healthy.
Book: {{2}}
Buttons: [Book online] [Opt me out]
Rules for Meta approval
- No link in the message body — only in button URL.
- No SHOUTING words ("URGENT!", "SPECIAL OFFER!").
- Marketing templates need an opt-out button or mention.
- Utility templates must not contain promo copy — purely transactional.
- Variables can't be just emoji or URL — must be meaningful text.
Cost per message (HR number)
- Utility: €0.02–0.04
- Marketing: €0.08–0.15
- Service (reply within 24h): free
Real usage example
Clinic with 400 appointments/month: - 400 × Template 1: ~€14 - 400 × Template 2: ~€14 - 300 × Template 3: ~€10 - 200 × Template 4: ~€24 - Total: ~€62/mo for all automations
See the complete strategy in the [WhatsApp marketing in Croatia pillar](/resources/whatsapp-marketing-hrvatska-2026) and the [no-show reduction system](/resources/no-show-otkazivanje-termina-stomatologija-fix).