Six Things You Should Know Before Travelling Abroad For Surgery
Around 523,000 people from the UK travelled abroad for surgery in 2024, with the most popular destinations for ‘medical tourism’ being Turkey, Poland and Romania, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
People might travel abroad for treatments such as dental and cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, weight loss surgery, fertility treatment, organ transplants and stem cell therapy, according to experts at TravelHealthPro.
“Transgender travellers may seek hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery abroad,” they added.
The growth in medical tourism appears to stem from a mixture of factors, including higher disposable incomes, increased readiness to travel for health care, low-cost air travel and the expansion of internet marketing, TravelHealthPro said.
NHS waiting lists have also been growing in recent years, though NHS England noted it delivered more elective activity in 2025 than any other year in its history, “helping cut the waiting list to its lowest level since February 2023”.
If you’re one of the many people tempted to go abroad for surgery or treatment, Qian Huang, international claims manager at William Russell, has shared some key considerations below.
What you need to know before travelling abroad for surgery
“The idea of having surgery abroad can be nerve-wracking, particularly when it comes to questions of safety,” Huang said.
“Many people considering surgery abroad decide not to go because of concerns about safety, the quality of the medical care, or not understanding the foreign healthcare system.
“However, in reality, many international hospitals and clinics follow standards of care that match or exceed those found in the UK, US, or Europe. The key is knowing what to look for.”
How to find an accredited hospital abroad
Medical accreditations are a key indicator of a hospital’s commitment to international standards.
One of the most widely recognised is the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, often considered the global gold standard, which evaluates hospitals on areas such as infection prevention, medication safety, staff training, patient communication, and emergency readiness.
To find an accredited hospital abroad, patients can check official accreditation bodies’ websites, verify information on hospital websites, contact the facility directly, or consult medical tourism networks and national health authorities.
What to check before booking surgery
To steer clear of issues, Huang shared six factors to be aware of before booking surgery abroad.
1. Lack of accreditation or vague claims
“Be wary of hospitals that mention ‘world-class standards’ without naming an actual accrediting body,” he said. “Reputable facilities will proudly display credentials from recognised organisations like JCI, ACHSI, or Temos.”
2. ‘Too good to be true’ pricing
Competitive pricing is probably one of the top reasons people consider surgery abroad, but Huang warned ultra-low prices should raise alarm bells.
Check the qualifications of the surgeon, what’s included in the cost, and whether the aftercare and follow-up appointments are covered, he added.
3. Poor communication or pressure tactics
If you’re struggling to get clear answers from the hospital or feel rushed into making a decision, consider taking a step back. Trustworthy providers are transparent, patient, and more than happy to talk you through the details.
4. No clear aftercare plan
Recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. A good hospital will give you a personalised aftercare plan, including advice on travel, medication, and any physical restrictions, before you agree to surgery.
5. Inconsistent or missing reviews
Take the time to search for independent reviews and testimonials before considering which hospital to have the surgery at. A complete lack of online feedback, or reviews that sound overly scripted, can be a red flag.
6. Limited information about the surgical team
When researching your hospital, you should be able to find the names, qualifications, and experience of the surgeons who’ll be treating you. If this information is unavailable or unclear, you need to proceed with caution.