Think carefully before heading for sun, sea and scalpels

Almost one in five medical tourists have run into problems after travelling abroad for treatment, says Which?

The consumer watchdog surveyed UK residents who had travelled overseas for medical treatment. While fifty seven per cent said they were very satisfied with their treatment, 18 per cent had run into problems. This included a tummy tuck going septic and liposuction leading to one person’s stomach “leaking cellulite.”

Eight per cent had to turn to the NHS for help in an emergency after having treatment abroad, and more than a quarter didn't feel they had received the follow-up care they needed.

A Which? researcher called medical tourism companies posing as a patient and was told by one that a knee replacement wasn’t a risky procedure and that he didn’t need to see anyone medically qualified when he got home. This is untrue – half of patients need physiotherapy and all cases need to be reviewed.

More people from the UK are choosing to go abroad for surgery each year - around 80,000 did so in 2006. People are attracted by the big savings that can be made. A dental implant, for example, which can cost £2,200 in the UK, can cost as little as £750 in Hungary, and a tummy tuck that would cost £4,000 in the UK could be half the price in Poland.

Which? urges potential medical tourists to do their homework beforehand, such as checking doctors’ qualifications and registration with a professional body, and to plan with potential problems front-of-mind. People need to be clear about what their contract says in the event of a complication and remember that legal rights differ across countries.

The consumer watchdog provides a checklist of key questions which will provide people with the information they need before embarking on an overseas trip for medical purposes at which.co.uk/treatmentabroad

Neil Fowler, Editor, Which?, says: “Medical tourists must do their homework before jumping on the plane – and avoid rushing back too quickly - if they want to avoid potential problems. Ask the right questions beforehand, speak to UK health professionals, and don't assume you'll have a safety net if things don't go according to plan.”