India's medical tourism sector now thrives on clinical excellence, advanced technology, and institutional reliability, surpassing its initial affordability-driven appeal. The industry hit nearly $7.69 billion in 2024 (7.3 million foreign patients), with over 131,000 arriving in early 2025. Growth is fueled by high-acuity cases (cardiac surgeries, advanced oncology), chosen for survival probabilities and clinical governance over mere cost.

Evolving Patient Travel & Sustainable Leadership

This shift is clear in patient travel from SAARC countries, West Asia, and Africa, influenced by proximity. Maldives' Aasandha scheme now directs patients to India for critical care, reflecting trust in outcomes.

To sustain cross-border healthcare leadership, India must strengthen regulatory frameworks, ensuring:
- Uniform outcome reporting and transparent pricing.
- Robust infection control.
- Measurable protocols and multidisciplinary reviews.

Continuity of care is vital for international patients. Effective treatment in Bengaluru or Delhi requires follow-up support in Malé, Addis Ababa, or Yangon. Telemedicine, interoperable records, and clinician referrals build lasting trust.

Bottom Line

India's advantage lies in its scale, skill, and regional trust. The challenge is to define a bolder narrative and meet the high standards of a premier healthcare destination.

Read the full article here: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/pulse/medical-tourism-pitching-indias-cost-and-care-advantage/article70428508.ece

Latin America is strategically enhancing its position as a prominent global healthcare destination by hosting significant industry events. This concerted effort showcases advanced medical capabilities, encourages cross-border collaboration, and aims to attract international patients seeking quality of care and patient travel options.

Elevating Healthcare Destination Profiles

Upcoming conferences and trade fairs across the region signify a robust commitment to medical tourism and cross-border healthcare. These gatherings accelerate investment in health technology, highlight regulatory improvements, and connect local providers with global buyers, positioning Latin American cities as key players for international patients.

Key Regional Gatherings and Their Focus

Costa Rica: Innovation in Life Sciences

The Life Sciences Forum, co-organized by CINDE and Health & Tech Prime Partners, will take place in San José in June 2026. This government-backed event will gather multinational corporations and investors to discuss medical devices and life science innovation, focusing on AI, big data, new materials, and healthcare regulation. It aims to establish Costa Rica as a hub for high-value life sciences, drawing foreign companies to support inbound patient care.

Brazil: Comprehensive Healthcare and Aesthetics

Brazil hosts major healthcare events, including the Hospitalar trade fair (May 19–22, 2026, São Paulo Expo), which anticipates 85,000 professional visits and 1,272 exhibitors, showcasing innovations in medical equipment and digital health. Additionally, the Aesthetic & Anti‑Ageing Medicine World Congress (AMWC) Brazil (June 17–19, 2026, Frei Caneca Convention Center) focuses on aesthetic medicine, anti-ageing, and regenerative techniques, convening dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Mexico: Insurance and Technology Integration

Puerto Vallarta will host ITIC Americas 2026 from March 1–3, 2026. This International Travel & Health Insurance Conference (ITIC) gathers travel and health insurance executives to discuss medical evacuation and billing, connecting Mexican hospitals with insurers. Mexico City’s Centro Banamex will also host Expo Med | Hospitalar Mexico 2026 (August 18–20, 2026), a premier healthcare event expecting over 6,000 buyers and 180 exhibitors, showcasing medical equipment and telemedicine solutions.

Colombia: Advanced Medical Solutions and Aesthetic Expertise

Meditech 2026, the International Health Fair, is scheduled for July 28–31, 2026, at CORFERIAS in Bogotá. Organized by CORFERIAS, the Colombian Association of Hospitals and Clinics (ACHC), and Messe Düsseldorf, this biennial event features medical equipment, diagnostic devices, and telemedicine innovations. Furthermore, the Aesthetic & Anti‑Ageing Medicine World Congress (AMWC) Latin America will be held at Plaza Mayor in Medellín from October 29–31, 2026, offering updates on aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine, with workshops highlighting injectables and laser technology.

Argentina: Showcasing Healthcare Capabilities

ExpoMedical 2027 is anticipated in September 2027 at the Centro Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires. This major healthcare trade show typically attracts over 150 exhibitors and provides educational programs on hospital management, surgical devices, and rehabilitation services.

Strategic Regional Development

Beyond individual events, the government of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, outlined a 2025 policy (2024-2027) to establish Cali and its region as a premier health tourism destination. This strategy involves creating a regional health tourism board and enhancing service quality, aiming for a 20% increase in international patients over four years, exemplifying government-driven coordination in wellness tourism.

Bottom Line

These upcoming events underscore Latin America's strong commitment to becoming a global hub for medical tourism and cross-border healthcare. From high-tech life sciences in Costa Rica to extensive healthcare and aesthetic congresses in Brazil, insurance integration in Mexico, advanced medical solutions in Colombia, and healthcare showcases in Argentina, the region is actively refining its offerings for international patients. These gatherings facilitate networking among global stakeholders, promote the quality of care available, and strengthen the regulatory and service frameworks essential for successful patient travel.

Read the full article here: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/costa-rica-joins-brazil-mexico-colombia-and-argentina-lead-the-charge-with-major-medical-tourism-events-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/

TEHRAN's tourism sector is experiencing a significant rebound, with international arrivals surging and a strategic focus on expanding its health tourism capabilities.

Tourism Recovery & Growth

Tourist arrivals in Iran dramatically shifted from a 52 percent decline to a positive 10 percent increase in the current Iranian year's latter half. Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri confirmed this to ISNA, noting a return to pre-12-day Israeli war conditions since October/November (Mehr news agency). Iran welcomed nearly 4.5 million tourists in H1 (March-September 2025), generating $7.4 billion from over 7 million international visitors in the past Iranian calendar year (ended March 2025).

Health Tourism & Strategic Development

The Tourism Ministry prioritizes health tourism. A comprehensive medical tourism system, developed with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, Social Security Organization, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will soon be unveiled. This initiative aims to establish Iran as a competitive healthcare destination, bolstering cross-border healthcare and wellness tourism. The Islamic Republic also leverages 29 UNESCO World Heritage sites for patient travel.

Bottom Line

1. Iran's tourist arrivals show a strong, positive rebound.

2. Dedicated inter-agency effort is underway to significantly develop its medical tourism sector.

Read the full article here: https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/522048/Tourist-arrivals-reach-a-positive-10-percent-minister-says

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is strategically advancing medical tourism to enhance its economic growth and establish itself as a premier healthcare destination. Tourism Commissioner Honde Kebede points to the success of India and Thailand as benchmarks, noting the city's existing momentum from domestic patient travel. Significant investments are underway to upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of care, enhance hotel services, and strengthen air connectivity, all aimed at attracting international patients and solidifying Addis Ababa's position as a regional hub for cross-border healthcare and wellness tourism.

Strategic Outlook

1. Addis Ababa is prioritizing medical tourism for economic development and to elevate its healthcare offerings.

2. The city is leveraging global best practices and existing domestic patient travel to attract international patients.

3. Key investments in infrastructure and services are central to establishing Addis Ababa as a leading regional healthcare destination.

Read the full article here: https://dawan.africa/news/addis-ababa-eyes-medical-tourism-growth

Nigeria faces a persistent challenge with a significant number of its citizens seeking medical treatment abroad, transforming other nations into preferred healthcare destinations. This trend of cross-border healthcare is largely attributed to a breakdown in the crucial doctor-patient relationship within the country.

The Core Issue: Deteriorating Trust

Experts highlight that a primary catalyst for this exodus of international patients is the erosion of trust between healthcare providers and their patients. Many Nigerians perceive a lack of genuine care, empathy, and effective communication from local medical professionals, prompting them to explore options for quality of care elsewhere.

Dr. Femi Fasuyi, a prominent medical practitioner, emphasizes this critical disconnect. According to Dr. Fasuyi, "patients often feel unheard, leading to a profound sense of dissatisfaction and a loss of confidence in the local healthcare system."

This sentiment contributes substantially to the growth of medical tourism, as individuals prioritize seeking treatment in environments where they believe their concerns will be addressed comprehensively and empathetically.

Beyond Trust: Perceived Quality of Care

While trust issues are paramount, other factors also contribute to the appeal of foreign healthcare destinations. Patients frequently cite concerns regarding the availability of advanced medical technology, specialized expertise, and consistent quality of care as reasons for patient travel. These perceptions, whether fully accurate or not, heavily influence decisions to engage in health tourism.

• Access to Specialization: Many complex conditions are perceived to be better managed by highly specialized teams abroad.

• Advanced Facilities: The allure of state-of-the-art equipment and modern hospital infrastructure is a strong draw.

• Patient Experience: A desire for a more dignified and patient-centered experience often drives individuals to international clinics.

Implications for Nigerian Healthcare

The continuous outflow of patients not only represents a significant economic drain but also undermines efforts to strengthen the domestic healthcare system. Addressing the root causes of medical tourism, particularly the fractured doctor-patient relationship, is vital for retaining patients and fostering a robust local wellness tourism ecosystem.

Bottom Line

To mitigate the impact of medical tourism and rebuild confidence in local services, the Nigerian healthcare sector must prioritize:

1. Enhancing Communication Skills: Training medical staff in effective patient communication and empathetic engagement.

2. Fostering Trust: Implementing patient-centered care models that prioritize transparency and active patient involvement.

3. Investing in Infrastructure: Continuously upgrading medical facilities and technology to match international standards.

4. Promoting Professionalism: Reinforcing ethical practices and accountability among healthcare providers.

Read the full article here: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/844803-broken-doctor-patient-relationships-fuelling-medical-tourism-in-nigeria-dr-fasuyi.html

Shanghai is embarking on a strategic initiative to cement its position as a premier global healthcare destination within the next five to ten years. A cornerstone of this ambitious plan involves significantly enhancing its international medical service offerings and attracting more international patients through robust medical tourism strategies.

According to Wen Daxiang, director of the Shanghai Health Commission, discussions are underway to introduce a specialized health visa, which would enable foreigners to reside in the city specifically for medical treatment, distinct from a standard tourist visa. Wen emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "The convenience of visa application is very important to attract foreigners to come to Shanghai for health care."

Beyond international appeal, the city's comprehensive medical reform encompasses a range of innovative measures designed to elevate the quality of care across its entire healthcare system. These reforms, recently recognized by the city government, include:

• Implementing a categorized healthcare system

• Strengthening grassroots health services

• Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) assistance and digital medicine

• Supporting commercial insurance initiatives

• Promoting combined Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches

Enhancing Local and Cross-Border Healthcare

Significant efforts are being directed at improving community health centers, expanding their capabilities to include rehabilitation, minor surgical procedures, and dental care. Wen Daxiang also noted future plans to introduce mental health services at these local facilities. Leading public hospitals are actively collaborating with community centers, providing guidance that allows residents to access high-quality services closer to home, thereby reducing congestion at larger facilities.

One of the most praised medical reforms involves allocating 50% of outpatient quotas from top hospitals to community health centers, making them available for online reservations five days in advance. This system allows general practitioners (GPs) at community centers to conduct initial evaluations, determine the necessity of senior specialist care, recommend appropriate doctors, and secure appointment slots online.

Community health centers are also preparing for an influx of global patients, with directors confirming their professional capacity to serve foreigners and doctors being equipped with appropriate bilingual skills, further solidifying Shanghai's status as a comprehensive healthcare destination for patient travel and wellness tourism.

Bottom Line

Shanghai's holistic healthcare reform aims to establish the city as a leading hub for medical tourism and cross-border healthcare by simultaneously:

1. Streamlining processes for international patients, including potential specialized visas.

2. Significantly upgrading the quality and accessibility of domestic healthcare services, from community-level care to advanced specialist treatments.

3. Leveraging technology and integrated medical practices to enhance patient experience and outcomes.

Read the full article here: https://www.citynewsservice.cn/articles/cns/health-wellness/general/health-reform-highlights-international-medical-service-and-categorized-care-zmz887jm

Japan is strategically expanding its tourism sector beyond leisure, now embracing medical tourism through an innovative pilot project near TOKYO's Haneda Airport. This initiative positions the nation, already renowned for its high life expectancy and top-tier healthcare system, as a significant player in cross-border healthcare.

The Haneda Airport Pilot Project

This collaborative effort, involving a domestic travel agency, a railway operator, and a hospital, aims to provide international patients seamless access to specialized medical services. Its prime location near Haneda Airport, a major international hub, offers unparalleled convenience for global visitors seeking health screenings, cosmetic procedures, or wellness treatments, coupled with cultural exploration.

Japan's Growing Appeal as a Healthcare Destination

The country's long-standing appeal for its cultural heritage is now complemented by its medical prowess. Japan is increasingly recognized for its advanced surgical techniques, cutting-edge cancer therapies, and overall exceptional quality of care. Its reputation for stringent standards, meticulous cleanliness, and patient-centric approaches makes it an attractive healthcare destination, particularly for those interested in cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, and wellness tourism.

Mutual Benefits of Health Tourism

• For international patients: The program offers a unique value proposition: access to world-class medical care combined with an enriching travel experience. This convenience is expected to draw patients from Asia, Europe, and the United States, seeking both accessible and high-quality medical services abroad.

• For Japan: This diversification strengthens the tourism sector, reducing reliance on traditional sightseeing. The influx of international patients generates significant economic growth, as spending extends beyond medical treatments to hospitality, transportation, and other services. It also fosters international collaboration among healthcare providers, facilitating knowledge exchange and expanding access to specialized treatments globally.

Future Trajectory

The Haneda Airport pilot project represents a foundational step in Japan's broader ambition for wellness tourism. The Japanese government actively supports this trajectory, implementing measures to streamline visa policies, develop comprehensive medical travel packages, and promote the nation's advanced healthcare offerings to key international markets. By integrating its robust tourism infrastructure with its advanced healthcare capabilities, Japan is cultivating an environment where international patients can benefit from exceptional medical care while immersing themselves in its rich culture and scenic beauty.

Key Takeaways

1. Japan's new medical tourism pilot project near Haneda Airport marks a pivotal moment in its tourism sector's evolution.

2. The initiative leverages Japan's world-renowned quality of care and efficient infrastructure to attract international patients.

3. Tourism Japan, with government backing, is poised to become a leading healthcare destination, blending advanced medical treatments with unique travel experiences.

Read the full article here: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/medical-tourism-in-japan-haneda-airport-hosts-new-healthcare-travel-initiative-for-global-visitors/

Nigeria's significant reliance on cross-border healthcare is increasingly linked to fractured doctor-patient relationships and existing infrastructure deficits, a perspective shared by UK-based physician Tokunbo Fasuyi. Many Nigerian international patients are not only seeking superior facilities abroad but also a healthcare environment where they feel respected, informed, and actively involved in their treatment decisions.

The Driving Forces Behind Cross-Border Healthcare

For many years, Nigeria has observed a substantial outflow of citizens engaging in medical tourism for a wide array of treatments, from routine health checks to intricate surgical procedures. Preferred healthcare destination countries include the United Kingdom, India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, where patients anticipate receiving more accurate diagnoses, attentive care, and structured follow-up programs.

Industry analysts have traditionally cited factors such as inadequate medical infrastructure, limited access to specialized equipment, frequent industrial actions by healthcare professionals, and chronic underfunding of public hospitals as key contributors to this trend. However, a growing consensus among experts suggests that the challenges extend beyond physical resources and staffing to encompass the crucial aspects of patient engagement and continuity of care.

Mr Fasuyi projected that Nigerians would expend approximately N500 billion on patient travel for healthcare in 2024, an expenditure he deemed unsustainable for the nation's health sector. He further asserted that numerous conditions currently managed overseas could be effectively addressed within Nigeria through enhanced communication, consistent care, and robust patient education.

The Erosion of Patient Confidence

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Fasuyi highlighted that insufficient communication, limited opportunities for shared decision-making, and inadequate patient involvement have collectively diminished public trust in Nigerian healthcare providers.

“These are not just technical failures; they are relationship failures,” stated Mr Fasuyi. “When patients don’t feel listened to or understand what is happening to their bodies, trust breaks down.”

He further explained the widespread confusion many patients experience within the local system, often leading to unnecessary tests or procedures due to conflicting medical advice. “Healthcare can be very confusing,” he noted. “One doctor says it’s malaria, another says typhoid. You conduct expensive investigations, only to have another doctor tell you those tests were unnecessary. You’re told to undergo a procedure, but you don’t even understand the results. People need someone who can guide them and explain what is happening.”

Aegis Private Health Consultants: A New Approach

These pressing concerns spurred the establishment of Aegis Private Health Consultants by Mr Fasuyi. This innovative initiative aims to empower patients in navigating complex healthcare decisions, strengthen vital doctor-patient relationships, and ultimately reduce avoidable patient travel for medical reasons by improving access to expert guidance and specialist care within Nigeria.

Articulating the organization's mission, Mr Fasuyi stated, “Our vision is to set a global standard in healthcare experiences where excellence meets personalisation.”

Aegis operates on multiple levels, recognizing that some individuals consider international care a lifestyle preference, while others primarily seek clarity and professional advice for their health journeys. The firm intends to integrate telemedicine, foster international partnerships, and enhance specialist care provisions domestically. This approach specifically targets high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives who frequently travel abroad for treatments that could readily be managed locally with improved coordination.

Mr Fasuyi likened the need for personalized medical guidance to other professional services: “Just as CEOs have wealth managers and lawyers, some people need a physician as part of their success team. Healthcare should be effortless, especially when decisions are complex.”

Overcoming Systemic Challenges

Mr Fasuyi contended that Nigeria’s prevailing healthcare culture frequently marginalizes patients, reinforcing a perception of medical professionals as unquestionable authorities. “In Nigeria, patients rarely have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their care,” he observed. “When people don’t understand diagnoses, procedures or alternatives, trust collapses.”

The inspiration for Aegis stemmed from a deeply personal experience for Mr Fasuyi: the passing of his mother five years prior. She had a successful surgery in the UK, but upon returning to Nigeria for follow-up, her condition deteriorated due to inadequate aftercare and a lack of a supportive environment. While acknowledging the high skills of Nigerian surgeons, he emphasized that gaps in post-treatment support often compromise patient outcomes.

He also pointed to the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses, linking factors such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, insufficient sleep, and social isolation to declining health among professionals and executives. Enhancing Nigeria’s health system, he argued, necessitates a strategic pivot from reactive, crisis-driven interventions to proactive, long-term patient engagement and preventive care.

Bottom Line: Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare

1. Prioritize Patient Engagement: Addressing the lack of communication and shared decision-making is crucial to rebuilding trust and reducing the impetus for medical tourism.

2. Invest in Integrated Care: Solutions like Aegis, which combine local specialist care, telemedicine, and international partnerships, offer a viable pathway to retain international patients within Nigeria.

3. Shift to Preventive Models: A focus on long-term, preventive health management, rather than solely crisis intervention, is essential for improving overall quality of care and patient outcomes.

4. Support Post-Treatment Continuity: Strengthening aftercare and supportive environments within Nigeria can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatments, even those initiated as cross-border healthcare.

Read the full article here: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/844803-broken-doctor-patient-relationships-fuelling-medical-tourism-in-nigeria-expert.html

The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, situated in Boao, Hainan Province, is rapidly solidifying its position as a pivotal health and innovation center within China, increasingly attracting international patients and offering renewed hope to those with rare conditions.

Advancing Patient Care

A compelling example is four-year-old Haohao, born with profound deafness, who is receiving advanced treatment at the pilot zone, also known as Hope City. After his initial cochlear implant near his home in Anhui Province, his family opted for the Medical Tourism Pilot Zone for his second implant. His grandmother shared their motivation, stating, "Haohao's doctor told us that he had a very serious gene mutation affecting his hearing in both ears. Before, I didn't believe that he would be able to hear. Now I think it's very helpful to get him this equipment, and I think it's better to do it here." This decision was driven by the zone's access to cutting-edge medical devices, including the latest generation cochlear implant and a stabilizing robotic arm, a first for China, enabled by the Lecheng pilot zone's expedited approval policies.

Strategic Economic Advantages

Beyond advanced quality of care, the Lecheng pilot zone offers substantial economic benefits for patient travel due to its unique policies. Imported medical devices are exempt from duties, significantly lowering treatment expenses. Cui Jingwei, Deputy Chief Physician of the E.N.T. Dept at Boao Super Hospital, highlighted this advantage: "Hainan now has a duty-free policy thanks to the special customs rules. That means the cochlea is imported on a tax-free basis, so it is cheaper than in other places. Then some of the cost is reimbursed through medical insurance, so the burden of patients has been greatly reduced."

Expanding Healthcare Destination

This cross-border healthcare destination now hosts over 30 leading domestic and international medical institutions. Furthermore, more than 500 pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, previously approved overseas but unavailable in China's domestic market, are now licensed for patient access within the Lecheng pilot zone. Cui Jingwei also noted the zone's pioneering role: "Our Lecheng pilot zone is the first to try this way of operating. We have already enjoyed the zero tariff policy - something exclusive to Boao. But after the special customs operations, there will be more places in Hainan like us that can enjoy preferential policies like ours." This indicates a potential expansion of such preferential policies across Hainan, further enhancing its appeal as a comprehensive wellness tourism and healthcare destination.

Bottom Line

The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone exemplifies China's commitment to advancing medical tourism and providing high-quality care.

1. It offers expedited access to innovative medical technologies and treatments.

2. Duty-free policies for imported medical devices reduce patient costs, supporting patient travel.

3. The zone serves as a growing hub for international patients seeking specialized care and advanced pharmaceuticals.

4. Its success positions Hainan Province as a significant player in the global health tourism landscape.

Read the full article here: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5469279-hainan-emerges-as-chinas-premier-international-medical-tourism-destination

A growing number of Britons are opting for medical treatments abroad, such as hair restoration and dental procedures, primarily driven by the appeal of reduced costs and shorter wait times. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that approximately 523,000 UK residents traveled internationally for medical care last year, with Turkey emerging as the leading healthcare destination, attracting 196,000 of these international patients. This significant patient travel trend underscores the current challenges within Britain's domestic healthcare system.

The Escalating Trend in Cross-Border Healthcare

The rising popularity of cross-border healthcare is directly linked to the extensive waiting lists within the NHS. Over 7.4 million individuals are currently awaiting elective care, with nearly 192,000 experiencing delays exceeding one year for treatment. The NHS's long-standing objective of seeing 92 percent of patients within 18 weeks, a benchmark last achieved in 2015, is not being met, with only 61.8 percent of patients receiving care within this timeframe. For many requiring non-urgent but impactful procedures, these prolonged waits have become intolerable, making medical tourism a compelling alternative.

Drivers and Economic Realities of Patient Travel

Patients are frequently seeking aesthetic enhancements, dental work, and weight-loss interventions, often influenced by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which amplify cultural ideals of appearance. The substantial volume of men traveling to Turkey for follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplants highlights how affordable hair restoration has become a common patient travel experience. While the UK government has partnered with TikTok influencers to raise awareness about the risks of overseas cosmetic procedures and is tightening regulations for practitioners in England, the considerable price disparity continues to motivate many to pursue surgery across Europe.

• Cost Advantage: The favorable exchange rate of the Turkish lira against the pound further enhances the economic appeal of clinics in Turkey compared to the UK.

• Domestic Impact: This surge in health tourism is impacting British cosmetic surgery providers. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported a 16 percent decline in UK procedures in 2023, totaling 25,972. Specific procedures popular among younger women saw sharp decreases, including breast augmentation down 26 percent, breast reduction down 17 percent, and abdominoplasty down 19 percent.

Policy Implications and Future Directions for UK Healthcare

Addressing the exodus of international patients and the associated capital requires strategic policy adjustments within Britain. Policymakers must focus on enhancing domestic healthcare capacity to repatriate those seeking elective, non-emergency treatments abroad.

1. Invest in Elective Capacity: Significant investment is needed to expand elective care, including developing community diagnostic centers, establishing regional surgical hubs, and strengthening the NHS's ability to collaborate with the domestic private sector to rapidly reduce backlogs.

2. Acknowledge Value of Care: The state should recognize the importance of high-quality dental and aesthetic care for overall wellness. Implementing state-subsidized pathways or regulated price caps for essential, non-life-threatening procedures could help regain market share and restore public confidence in the social contract of healthcare.

Until Britain can consistently deliver timely, affordable, and high-quality solutions domestically, many individuals will continue to prioritize their wallets and passports for their healthcare needs. Meanwhile, countries such as Turkey, adept at providing more accessible and cost-effective care without extensive waiting periods, are benefiting from the UK's healthcare challenges. This trend is more than just a medical tourism phenomenon; it reflects a broader commentary on the current state of modern Britain and its ability to provide quality of care to its citizens.

Read the full article here: https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/healthcare/2025/12/medical-tourism-what-britains-nhs-crisis-is-exporting