Have you ever dreamed of combining a vacation with a medical checkup? These days, more people than ever are flying abroad for surgery or health treatments, but the question remains: is it really safe?

While waiting for my doctor's appointment, I stumbled upon a video on Instagram. A pink-haired travel influencer was enthusiastically sharing what she called, "one of the greatest things we’ve ever done." Was it skydiving or bungee jumping? No, it was a three-day medical checkup in Turkey. The video was surprisingly captivating—uplifting music, a cheery voice, and scenes of her boyfriend undergoing a series of health exams during what looked like a romantic mini-vacation.

He had everything done: a brain scan, ultrasound, colonoscopy, and even neurological tests. And strangely enough, it all seemed glamorous! The couple looked happy as they were wheeled from one luxury office to another, smiling and taking in the sights. The influencer's post got so much attention that she’s now organizing group trips for followers who want to experience this medical-tourism adventure for themselves.

Why Are People Turning to Medical Tourism?

Many people, especially in the UK, are turning to medical tourism out of frustration. Getting a doctor’s appointment at home is a battle. If you call your local clinic at 8 a.m. on the dot, you might be lucky enough to secure a spot. Call a minute too early or too late, and you’re out of luck. Waiting for appointments feels like wading through thick mud—slow and frustrating. Watching influencers breeze through their medical tests in fancy clinics overseas is enough to make anyone curious.

This year, the medical-tourism industry is valued at a whopping $47 billion and is expected to grow to $111 billion in just five years. The reasons are clear: long waiting times at home and the high cost of private treatment push people to seek solutions elsewhere. Last year, a woman who went to Lithuania for a knee replacement shared, “People are in pain. This isn’t just medical tourism; it’s medical desperation.”

Countries like Turkey, Mexico, and South Korea have capitalized on this need. They offer attractive package deals, from cosmetic surgeries to dental treatments, and even provide tax breaks for international patients. It's not just about physical pain, though. Many people are drawn by the pressure to look younger or fix perceived flaws, encouraged by glossy ads and social media influencers.

The Rising Popularity of Cosmetic Surgery Abroad

Thousands of people are flying from the UK to countries like Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico every year. They’re seeking hair transplants, cosmetic dentistry, and surgeries like rhinoplasty (nose jobs). The decision is often driven by a desire to look better, not necessarily to alleviate physical pain. It’s more about chasing a youthful appearance, trying to recapture who they once were.

Despite knowing the potential risks, people are still choosing to have surgery abroad. But does fixing your appearance guarantee happiness? The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) released alarming statistics: the number of people needing hospital treatment in the UK after botched cosmetic surgeries abroad has gone up by 94% in just three years. Some people end up in intensive care, while others need emergency surgeries after coming home.

Since 2019, at least 28 Brits have died following medical tourism trips to Turkey, with seven of those deaths happening just last year. The numbers are unsettling.

A Tragic Story: The Dangers of Medical Tourism

Last month, a heartbreaking story surfaced. A 38-year-old woman from Sheffield named Kaydell Brown paid £5,400 for what’s called a “mummy MOT” in Istanbul. This package included a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, and boob job. But tragically, she never made it through the surgery. Kaydell died on the operating table. To make matters worse, there were claims that some of her organs were missing.

The whole concept of the “mummy MOT” is bizarre when you think about it. It’s a package designed to turn back the clock, trying to restore a woman’s body to what it was before she had children. It plays into the idea that mothers need to "fix" themselves, to return to their former selves, even if it means going under the knife. It’s part of a larger narrative that tells women their value decreases as they age or after they have kids.

Why Is This Trend Growing?

The appeal of traveling abroad for surgery isn’t too different from the appeal of any vacation. When we go on holiday, we hope to come back feeling refreshed, wiser, and more beautiful. Medical tourism offers the same promise—except instead of lounging by the beach with a cocktail, you’re undergoing surgery, with the hope of returning home transformed.

But unlike a regular holiday, the risks of medical tourism are far greater. It's not just about missing a flight or losing your luggage. There’s a very real risk of complications, botched surgeries, or even losing your life.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

As tempting as it might be to book a flight and a surgery package at the same time, it's important to think carefully. While medical tourism might seem like a quick fix for health problems or cosmetic concerns, the risks are high. The stories of those who return home needing additional medical care, or worse, the families of those who never return at all, are sobering reminders.

At the end of the day, while medical tourism can offer a faster and sometimes cheaper solution, it's essential to consider both the short-term and long-term risks. Surgery is a serious matter, no matter where it takes place, and ensuring you're in safe hands should always be the top priority.

So before you pack your bags and head overseas for a medical procedure, take a moment to ask yourself: Is it worth it?