The rise in medical tourism is becoming an increasing challenge for airlines, which are faced with airborne emergencies, diversions – which can cost tens of thousands of pounds as well a ripple of disruption across the network – and, occasionally, passenger death.
However, the boom in surgery abroad is being partly driven by low-cost flights, as well as lower procedure costs, disposable incomes and social media. In 2022, an estimated 348,000 British travellers sought medical treatment abroad – compared to 248,000 in 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Treatments include dentistry, weight loss and cosmetic surgery, as well as fertility and cancer. The UK Health Security Agency’s Travel Health Pro advice warns…
