Medical Tourism Risks: Complication Costs | [Year]

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Medical Tourism Costs NHS Nearly £20,000 Per Patient, New Study Reveals

The financial strain on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) due too complications arising from medical tourism is significant, with costs potentially reaching almost £20,000 per patient, according to a new study published in BMJ Open. The research highlights a growing concern over the risks associated with seeking elective surgery abroad and the subsequent burden placed on the UK healthcare system.

Rising Costs of Overseas Procedures

Did you know?– NHS costs from medical tourism complications ranged from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient in 2024, based on a study of 655 patients.

A recent analysis examined the records of 655 patients treated in NHS hospitals between 2006 and 2024 for post-operative complications stemming from surgery undertaken abroad.The study focused specifically on cases related to metabolic/bariatric surgery,cosmetic surgery,and ophthalmic surgery tourism,finding no identified cases within other surgical specialties. The findings underscore a significant financial impact, with estimated costs ranging from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient in 2024 prices.

Demographic Trends and Popular Destinations

Key Demographic– 90% of patients seeking medical procedures abroad where women, with an average age of 38, according to the study.

The study revealed a clear demographic trend among those seeking medical procedures overseas. The overwhelming majority of patients – 90% – were women, with an average age of 38. Turkey emerged as the most frequent destination for surgery, accounting for 61% of cases. This concentration in a single country raises questions about the standards of care and potential risks associated with specific providers.

Lack of Benefit Data and Call for awareness

Important Note– no studies currently document the benefits of outward medical tourism, highlighting a critical gap in research.

Notably, the report found no existing studies documenting the benefits of outward medical tourism. “Very low certainty evidence indicated that costs to the NHS from outward medical tourism for elective surgery ranged from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient in 2024 prices. We found no studies that reported on the benefits of outward medical tourism,” the report stated. researchers concluded that a public awareness campaign is urgently needed to inform UK residents considering surgery abroad about the potential complications and financial liabilities.

Patient Responsibility and NHS Burden

Patient Costs– Patients should be informed about which complications the NHS will cover and which they are personally liable for when seeking treatment abroad.

the study emphasizes the need for clarity regarding financial responsibility. Patients contemplating medical treatment abroad should be fully informed about which complications the NHS will cover and which costs they may be personally liable for, including those related to non-emergency treatment. The current situation often leaves the NHS to manage emergencies and address complications without complete facts about the original procedures.

Royal College of Surgeons Calls for action

Expert View– The Royal College of Surgeons argues the NHS shouldn’t routinely cover mistakes made by overseas private providers.

The findings have prompted strong reactions from leading medical professionals. “The findings of this research highlight the real cost of medical tourism for both patients and the NHS, and the critical need for reliable national data on how many people this affects,” said a senior official from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. “Too often people are drawn in by cut-price deals and glossy online marketing, only to return with serious