Medical tourism may cost the NHS up to £20,000 per patient

A British Medical Journal audit found 655 UK patients were treated by the NHS for complications after overseas bariatric, cosmetic and eye surgery between 2011 and 2024, with estimated treatment costs up to about £20,000 per patient.

An audit published in the British Medical Journal reports that people who have elective cosmetic, bariatric and eye surgery abroad have required NHS treatment on return. The researchers reviewed NHS-treated cases from 2011 to 2024 and say complications often emerge days to weeks after patients return. The report highlights that many patients are motivated by waiting lists, eligibility limits and lower upfront costs overseas. It also notes gaps in national reporting about how many UK residents travel for elective surgery. Key findings: - 655 patients were treated by the NHS between 2011 and 2024 for complications after bariatric, cosmetic or ophthalmic surgery performed overseas. - Researchers estimated NHS treatment costs ranged from about £1,058 for minor complications to about £19,549 for severe cases, and the article reports costs of up to roughly £20,000 per patient while noting these figures are likely underestimated. - Turkey was the most commonly reported destination, though clinics across multiple continents were identified in the audit. - The authors and researchers called for public awareness campaigns and pointed to a lack of national data; Government records cited in the article report at least 25 UK deaths linked to medical tourism in Turkey since 2019. Summary: The audit indicates returning patients with complications can create a measurable and sometimes costly burden on NHS specialist services. Researchers urged public awareness campaigns and better national data to clarify the scale and risks. Undetermined at this time.