An independent survey indicates that more than 50,000 Britons travelled abroad and included medical treatment as part of their holiday. The majority opted for cosmetic surgery and dentistry, according to research commissioned by Treatment Abroad, a medical tourism firm.
In some cases, the reduced price tag for procedures like breast enhancement, tooth whitening, and liposuction leaves sufficient funds to pay for a two-week holiday.
The potential cost savings, in some cases up to 80 percent, are eye-opening: in Britain, for example, a tummy tuck costs around £4,450, while in Belgium the same procedure can be had for £2,400.
Patients can purchase a travel package that includes the medical procedure, travel, and the cost of the stay through a clinic or medical tourism company, according to Keith Pollard of Treatment Abroad.
Patients who combine medical procedures and tourism have good things to say about the experience, including the level of care provided.
Patients are attracted to medical tourism by lower prices and the availability of alternative medicines and treatments that they may not have access to in the UK, according to consultants Social Technologies.