Medical tourism has been on the rise in recent years, with a growing number of people opting to travel abroad in search of the very best treatment money can buy – and from cosmetic surgery and dentistry to bariatric surgery and fertility treatment, it seems we’ll stop at nothing in pursuit of the best possible care.
Waiting times for popular treatments in the UK can be lengthy, even when going private, with the lasting effects of the widespread consultation and procedure cancellations caused by the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic still being felt here in the UK. By jetting off abroad for treatment instead, many patients find that they are seen far more quickly, and when you consider the cutting-edge technology and world-class medical expertise available in nations ranging from Turkey to Thailand, it’s easy to see why more of us are opting to do just that.
Valued at $4.5 billion USD in 2022 and projected to reach an eye-watering estimated value of $43.7 by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 32.9 per cent between 2023 and 2030, it’s fair to say that the medical tourism industry is thriving. We asked the experts at Doctor.Global – the go-to site for helping you find the very best clinics and doctors abroad – to reveal which countries are doing it best for which types of treatments, so if you’re considering combining medical treatment with a bit of travel and culture in 2024, then take note.
Head to India for complex surgeries and alternative medicine
India has emerged as a top destination for medical tourism over recent years, particularly when it comes to complex surgeries such as open heart and organ transplants. But medical tourists don’t just head to India in order to go under the knife; the country is also a top player in the field of cancer-fighting treatments, as well as alternative medicine practices such as Ayurveda, which together with an impressive pool of highly qualified and experienced medical professionals, has seen India become one of the top destinations for those seeking treatment abroad.
Visit Thailand for cosmetic surgery and wellness retreats
Thailand is renowned for its expertise in cosmetic surgery, with patients from across the globe visiting in pursuit of treatments including breast augmentation, liposuction and facelifts, amongst many others. The country is also known for its excellent wellness retreats, which fuse relaxing, rejuvenating and recentering wellbeing activities and fitness classes with medical treatments, all in the most idyllic of settings.
Jet into Singapore for high-quality healthcare and precision medicine
Singapore has a reputation for doing many things well, and health care is certainly one of them. Its high-quality healthcare services have seen it enjoy a dramatic rise in popularity for advanced diagnostics and precision medicine, and thanks to the cutting-edge medical technologies also available in this tiny island nation, it has become even more highly sought-after amongst wealthy medical tourists seeking the very best care in the world. Other popular procedures sought by medical tourists in Singapore include organ transplants and cardiac procedures.
The country boasts a reputation for delivering high-quality healthcare services. It is an excellent destination for precision medicine, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge medical technologies. The country is also popular for organ transplants and cardiac procedures.
Make the short hop to Turkey for a hair transplant or cosmetic dentistry
‘Turkey teeth’ has become something of a buzz phrase over the past decade, with affluent visitors from the UK regularly jetting in for complete smile makeovers thanks to the country’s glowing reputation for impeccable cosmetic dentistry. As well as treatments like veneers and composite bonding, Turkey’s elite dental professionals provide routine check-ups to overseas patients too, so if you fancy mixing a little bit of sun, sea and sand with your annual appointment then you’ll be in the right place. The nation has also made a name for itself as one of the best in the world when it comes to hair transplants, offering cutting-edge techniques in order to achieve some thoroughly impressive and natural looking results.
Try Germany for orthopaedic and cardiovascular treatments
When it comes to orthopedic surgeries, Germany is the go-to choice for medical tourists. It offers specialised care in joint replacements, spine surgery, and rehabilitation, and is also globally recognised for its excellence in the field of cardiovascular treatments, including heart surgeries and innovative cardiac procedures – which makes it a go-o destination for heart patients.
Fly to Mexico for bariatric surgery and dental care
For patients dealing with obesity-related health issues, Mexico is a popular destination – particularly for those seeking bariatric surgery. Medical tourists travel from far and wide to take advantage of the superior treatment on offer here, but the country’s expert medical professionals go beyond just weight loss surgery. Mexico is also known for its affordable and high-quality dental care, which ranges from treatments such as dental implants and root canals to cosmetic dentistry and complete smile makeovers.
