The Rise of Medical Tourism: Understanding the Risks of Cheaper Cosmetic Surgery

Medical tourism is a global industry that has more than doubled in size since 2021 and is estimated to be worth USD 48.40 billion in 2025. Numerous factors are driving this global phenomenon. Shorter waiting times, cost savings and access to procedures people cannot get domestically have made travelling for treatment an accepted part of today’s world.

People are increasingly travelling for a range of treatments, including life-saving medical procedures. Cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry are the most common reasons for medical tourism. Private clinics and hospitals in countries like Turkey, Poland, Mexico and Thailand are increasingly advertising their services to attract patients from the UK and internationally, but at what cost?

Research proves that the risk of complications, including fatalities, is significantly higher when travelling overseas for medical and cosmetic procedures. Here we discuss why some patients overlook the risks and explore the most common medical tourism procedures and destinations.

What is medical tourism?

Medical tourism, also known as health tourism, is the practice of travelling abroad to obtain healthcare services. Medical tourism was more commonly associated with people from countries with supposedly poorer healthcare systems travelling to more developed countries for high-quality medical treatment. However, in recent years, that has changed.

Now, people from countries perceived to be more developed, such as the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, are travelling to less developed countries to access medical and cosmetic procedures quickly and at a lower cost.

In the UK, patients are increasingly travelling abroad for treatments that are unavailable on the NHS or that have waiting lists of months or even years. In countries with no universal health system, like the US, medical tourism is an increasingly attractive option for people who are uninsured or where a treatment is not included in their coverage.

Anecdotally, it’s easy to see why medical tourism is on the rise. In the UK, the waiting lists for non-essential surgeries such as knee reconstructions and hip replacements are up to 18 months, while in Canada and Australia, it can be up to two years. That’s an awfully long time to be in pain and discomfort.

Why are people choosing to have medical and cosmetic surgery abroad?

There are several reasons why people are increasingly travelling overseas for medical and cosmetic procedures, including:

Cost savings – One of the biggest motivators for many people is having a procedure for a fraction of the cost than they could at home. Treatments can be up to 70% cheaper than in the UK. For example, a hip replacement in a private hospital in the UK might cost £12,000 to £15,000 compared to around £6,000 overseas, depending on the location and clinic.
Reduced waiting times – The pandemic significantly impacted NHS services, leading to increased demand and backlogs. Other factors, such as rising demand for services and reduced capacity, also create severe delays for many non-essential surgeries. Many patients are travelling abroad to get faster access to treatment without the costs associated with private healthcare in the UK.
Increased global travel – International travel has become more affordable. That, coupled with the globalisation of healthcare, has made it easier for people to get medical procedures abroad.
Access to specialised treatments – Countries that may not have such strict medical regulations can give people access to treatments that are not available in the UK
Marketing and promotion – Some procedures are being marketed extensively in the UK and on social media by overseas clinics and hospitals. Some are even selling cosmetic surgery, such as breast augmentation, as part of a holiday.

What are the most popular countries for cosmetic surgery abroad?

Patients from the UK most commonly travel to Europe for cosmetic procedures. That’s due to the affordability of flights, the short travel times and the competitive prices of some treatments. However, some people also travel further afield to exotic countries like Mexico and Thailand.

These are the five most popular destinations for people from the UK seeking cosmetic surgery abroad:

Turkey

Turkey is the most common destination for UK patients travelling for cosmetic surgery. According to the Royal College of Surgeons of England, most UK patients who experienced a complication relating to cosmetic surgery had their procedure in Turkey.

Poland

Poland is another popular choice for patients in the UK, offering low-cost flights and accommodation, and cosmetic procedures at around half the price of the UK.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, particularly Prague, is known for its cosmetic clinics and surgeons, many of whom are fluent in English. It can also be a cost-effective round trip, with cheap flights and plenty of accommodation.

Spain

Spain provides a comfortable middle ground for some medical tourists, offering competitive pricing and a reasonably high standard of clinics. It’s also a country many Brits have experience of and feel comfortable in.

South Korea

Outside of Europe, South Korea is the most popular cosmetic surgery destination for UK patients due to its reputation for specialisation, particularly in treatments like rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty. Some surgeons focus almost exclusively on specific procedures. The procedures tend to be 30-40% cheaper than in the UK, although you do have to factor in travel costs and time.

What are the most common cosmetic procedures people have abroad?

Cosmetic procedures account for the largest revenue share of all treatment types in medical tourism. Demand for cosmetic surgery is on the rise globally – it is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous – and medical tourism is contributing to that.

The most common cosmetic procedures that people from the UK travel abroad for include:

Hair transplants
Cosmetic dentistry
Rhinoplasty (nose job)
Breast augmentation
Liposuction
Tummy tuck
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

All these procedures are available in the UK, so it’s not the case that these patients are travelling abroad for specialist treatments. They are choosing the lower cost associated with medical tourism despite the added risks.

What are the benefits of having cosmetic surgery abroad?

It’s clear that some patients find the idea of medical tourism in Turkey and other countries attractive, and if everything goes according to plan, there can be some benefits.

Cost savings – The main reason people travel for cosmetic surgery is the lower cost. Breast enlargement at Enhance Medical starts at £4,595. With a quick search online, you can find packages in Turkey that include flights and accommodation for £2,800. However, given the extra risks, the lack of aftercare and the prospect of flying back to Turkey if something goes wrong, is that a big enough saving?

Combining a holiday and surgery – Cosmetic procedures abroad are sometimes marketed as part of a holiday package. Patients are sold the opportunity to combine sunshine, travel and a surgical procedure. But if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. After cosmetic surgery, you cannot drink alcohol, swim in the sea, exert yourself or be in direct sunlight. You’ll also be swollen, in discomfort and wrapped in a surgical dressing, which doesn’t sound like much of a holiday.
Reduced waiting times – If you travel abroad, you can arrange and undergo a cosmetic procedure quite quickly. However, the same is true in the UK. On the NHS, you can wait up to 18 months for cosmetic procedures, but cosmetic surgery is rarely available on the NHS. Most patients use private clinics, which typically have waiting times of around four weeks from your initial consultation to your surgery.
Availability of different techniques – Some patients use medical tourism to access surgical techniques and treatments not available in the UK. However, the UK has some of the most stringent regulations and highest standards for cosmetic surgery globally. If a procedure is not available in the UK, there’s usually a good reason why.

The risks of medical tourism

If you are considering medical tourism in Turkey or elsewhere, you must understand what you are signing up for before you book your flight.

Increased risks – According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the number of people requiring corrective surgery in the UK after cosmetic procedures abroad has increased by 94% over the last three years. 78% of those corrective operations have followed aesthetic procedures in Turkey.
Communication challenges – Many UK patients find communicating with medical staff, including their surgeons, difficult when they travel abroad. That can lead to misunderstandings about their aesthetic goals and medical care.
Additional complications from travel – Far from being a benefit, long flights after surgery increase the risks of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Holiday activities, such as alcohol, strenuous tours, sun exposure and swimming, can also increase the risk of complications.
No aftercare – Most medical tourism packages do not include aftercare, despite it being one of the most important parts of the process. If you require revision surgery or emergency treatment, you will usually have to foot the bill yourself
Quality of care – Some countries’ standards of medical training and requirements for operating a cosmetic clinic are lower than in the UK. There’s also a greater risk due to the increased prominence of counterfeit medicines and lower-quality devices.

Why staying in the UK for surgery is the safer choice

While the allure of cheaper prices and potentially shorter wait times may make medical tourism appealing, staying in the UK for surgery is ultimately the safest and most reliable option.

The UK healthcare system operates under strict regulations, ensuring that medical professionals meet high training standards and that hospitals and clinics maintain rigorous safety protocols. Additionally, undergoing surgery abroad can expose patients to hidden risks, such as language barriers, lack of post-operative care, and potential complications arising from unfamiliar healthcare systems. In the event of complications or the need for follow-up treatment, patients who undergo surgery abroad may find themselves at a disadvantage, with higher costs and logistical challenges in accessing proper care. It’s also worth noting that whilst costs of cosmetic surgery abroad seem much cheaper on the surface, often, once flights, hotels, and daily costs of being abroad are considered, surgery may end up being more expensive than if you were to go with a provider in the UK.

Ultimately, the peace of mind that comes with the safety, continuity of care, and accountability within the UK healthcare system outweighs the perceived short-term benefits of medical tourism.

Get safe, high-quality and affordable cosmetic surgery at Enhance Medical

There are risks associated with any type of surgical procedure, and there are legitimate reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery abroad. That said, the risks are far lower here in the UK. At Enhance Medical, we have seven state-of-the-art clinics across the UK, each with highly qualified, GMC-registered surgeons who only perform procedures they have significant experience in. Comprehensive aftercare is also included in the price of your procedure for complete peace of mind. Find out more about cosmetic surgery at Enhance Medical, call 0800 060 8630 with any questions or book a free consultation to start your journey.

Posted on 9th April 20259th April 2025 Posted in Body, Breast, Face, General, Men, Mummy Makeover, Pricing & Finance