What are the main risks of medical tourism to Turkey?

The main risks include severe complications like infections, organ failure, and wounds that do not heal, often requiring extensive NHS treatment.

How much does the NHS spend on treating medical tourists?

The NHS spends between £1,058 and £19,549 per patient to treat complications from procedures done abroad.

Why are more Britons choosing medical tourism?

Britons are driven by cheaper prices, aggressive online advertising, and sometimes difficulties in accessing NHS treatments.

Home / Health / NHS Pays £20k to Fix Botched Foreign Surgeries

NHS Pays £20k to Fix Botched Foreign Surgeries

14 Jan

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Summary

Up to 53% of medical tourists experience severe complications abroad.
NHS costs range from £1,058 to £19,549 per treated patient.
Turkey is the most frequent destination for UK medical tourists.

NHS Pays £20k to Fix Botched Foreign Surgeries

Britons seeking medical treatments overseas face significant risks, with studies revealing that as many as 53% experience severe complications such as infections and organ failure. These issues necessitate costly interventions by the NHS, with treatment expenses ranging from £1,058 to nearly £20,000 per patient. The Royal College of Surgeons of England warns that many are lured by "cut-price deals" only to return with life-changing setbacks.

Weight loss and cosmetic surgeries are common procedures performed abroad, with patients sometimes requiring extensive hospital stays, including intensive care and prolonged antibiotic treatment. Researchers analyzed 37 studies involving 655 patients treated by the NHS between 2011 and 2024 for complications arising from procedures undertaken in foreign countries. Turkey emerges as the most popular destination, accounting for 61% of such trips, followed by other countries for various procedures including hip replacements and dental work.