Estimates suggest that in 2015, approximately 5 million people resort to medical treatment in several other nations. Medical tourism has been gaining popularity due to the availability of easily affordable dental and medical treatments, higher quality healthcare, and shorter waiting lists. Many people are drawn to the comfortable environments and privacy offered regardless of staying away from home during their recovery. However, it is essential to ensure that the doctors and hospitals abroad are accredited internationally or encompass the highest accreditations nationally to make sure the quality of treatment. Let’s go through the top six procedures that most people commonly travel to other nations for and some popular destinations for such processes.

1. Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, a common cosmetic procedure, aims to improve breasts shape and fullness, thereby improving body proportions and self-confidence. The procedure involves inserting implants or utilizing fat transfer. Popular destinations for breast enhancements include Thailand, Brazil, and South Korea, where the cost can be approximately seventy percent less than the cost incurred in the UK region.

2. Cardiology

Cardiac surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, coronary angioplasty, and pacemaker implantation, are common procedures sought by medical tourists. According to the estimates of the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease has been the major reason of death in the European nations, and patients can find highly skilled cardiovascular specialists abroad at significantly lower costs compared to the UK and the US. Popular destinations for cardiac procedures include South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, and Mexico, where costs can be up to 80{0055b11f88cf562e7c9164146f51a49b3ed21803b0aeb4fbc3971776983c8d3c} less.

3. Surgery for Hair Transplant

Surgery for hair restoration has become increasingly popular due to advancements in technology. This procedure can restore hair permanently for women and men having partial baldness through the transplantation of new follicles. Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for transplant surgery of the hair due to its experienced specialists and costs that can be less than 80{0055b11f88cf562e7c9164146f51a49b3ed21803b0aeb4fbc3971776983c8d3c} as incurred in the UK region.

4. IVF or In Vitro Fertilization

IVF, a costly fertility treatment, prompts many couples to seek treatment abroad. Apart from IVF, several other tests and treatments include preimplantation genetic diagnosis, semen analysis, donor egg IVF, egg freezing, and fertility assessment. Countries such as Indi, Spain, Poland, and Germany provide specific fertility treatment for a relatively cost than incurred in the US and the UK.

5. Dentistry

Oral surgery and dental treatments could cost you a fortune in the United Kingdom, leading many to seek affordable options abroad. Procedures such as braces, tooth whitening, crowns, tooth implants, and veneers are commonly sought after. Mexico and Hungary are known for offering top-notch dental procedures for a comparatively lower price to the cost incurred in the US and the UK.

6. Health Check-Ups along with Second Opinions

Preventive medicine and early detection of health problems have become increasingly popular. Many medical institutions abroad provide discounted comprehensive physical examinations, cancer screening, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other tests and scans using advanced equipment. Popular destinations for health check-ups and screenings include Mexico, Malaysia, and Thailand, where fixed-price packages are available for tourists having medical issues.

7. Weight Loss Surgery

With obesity rates on the rise, weight loss surgery has become a popular option for those struggling with excessive weight. Procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding are commonly sought after by medical tourists. These surgeries aim to reduce the size of the stomach and promote weight loss. Countries such as Thailand, Mexico, India, and Brazil offer weight loss surgery at significantly lower costs compared to the UK and US, making them attractive destinations for medical tourists seeking these procedures.

8. Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery, which involves the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as joint replacement, spine surgery, and sports injuries, is another commonly sought-after procedure by medical tourists. As the aging population increases and demand for orthopedic surgeries rises, many patients are opting to go abroad for affordable and high-quality treatment. Destinations such as Thailand, Costa Rica, and India are known for their renowned orthopedic specialists and state-of-the-art facilities, offering significant cost savings compared to the UK and US.

9. Cosmetic Dentistry

Along with general dental procedures, cosmetic dentistry has gained popularity among medical tourists looking forward to enhance their smiles. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental implants are commonly sought after. Countries such as Hungary, Mexico, and Thailand are known for their expertise in cosmetic dentistry and offer these procedures at lower costs compared to the UK and US.

10. Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology, which involves the treatment of eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors, is another popular choice for medical tourists. Many countries offer advanced ophthalmic procedures using cutting-edge technology at a fraction of the cost of the UK and US. Destinations such as India, Thailand, and Turkey are known for their experienced ophthalmologists and modern eye care facilities, making them attractive options for medical tourists seeking eye-related treatments.

In Conclusion

Medical tourism offers a range of options for patients seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare abroad. From cosmetic procedures to specialized surgeries, there are numerous destinations around the world that cater to the needs of medical tourists. It is important to carefully research and choose internationally accredited hospitals and specialists to ensure safe and effective treatment.