Greater awareness of medical tourism risks needed

RCS England calls on government to continue pressuring foreign providers and other governments to cover the costs of complications occurring in their countries

Medical complications following surgery overseas are costing the NHS up to £19,000 per patient, according to a review of evidence conducted by Health Tech Wales (HTW).

According to HTW, the costs ranged from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient, with the higher costs associated with surgical treatments and longer hospital stays.

The paper, published in the journal BMJ Open, concluded that awareness-raising campaigns are needed to inform UK citizens considering surgery about the potential for complications.

Dr Clare England, Health Services Researcher, who co-authored the report, said, “We don’t know the full impact of medical tourism. However, it is clear from the evidence we found that it places a substantial burden on the NHS. 

“This is due to the need to treat complications such as infections, wounds reopening, or inability to swallow, many of which can require complex treatment, revisional surgery and lengthy hospital stays.

“Members of the public who are considering going abroad for treatment should be made aware of the risks involved to highlight the potential pitfalls of medical tourism.”

Professor Vivien Lees, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), called for improved data collection to establish the full picture. She said: “Too often people are drawn in by cut-price deals and glossy online marketing, only to return with serious, sometimes life-changing complications.

“When things go wrong, the NHS is left to pick up the pieces, often in emergencies and without full information about what surgery was done or by whom. It should not be the role of the NHS to mop up the mistakes of private providers overseas and we encourage the government to continue bringing pressure to bear on foreign providers and other governments to cover the costs of complications that happen in their countries.”

“Some patients have become severely ill because of their complications – the impact on their lives and on the NHS cannot be underestimated.”

Nora Nugent, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), said that data from BAAPS’ members showed that complications from cosmetic surgery overseas occur most frequently with abdominoplasty (tummy tucks). 

She added: “Some patients have become severely ill because of their complications – the impact on their lives and on the NHS cannot be underestimated. Even more alarmingly, there have been deaths from complications of overseas surgery.

“We have been calling for action on this for a long time. It is crucial that patients understand the additional risks they take when having surgery in a different country.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care said the government has been “actively engaging with governments overseas” on how to support the safety of patients who travel for medical treatment.

It has also instigated an online campaign to warn would-be medical tourists to be aware of the risks. Launching the TikTok initiative in August 2025, Karin Smyth MP, Health Minister said, “Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards.

“As part of the TikTok campaign, the government has partnered with medical influencers to create content to show the risks of cosmetic surgery and to offer advice on making trips as safe as possible.

“In addition, the Foreign Office will be providing more detailed travel advice for those seeking to travel abroad for procedures.”