Increasing number of Britons going on a 'nip and tuck holiday'

10-Oct-2007

During 2006, more than 50,000 Brits travelled abroad for low cost medical treatments, with cosmetic surgery and dentistry at the top of most people's holiday itinerary, according to an independent survey commissioned by medical tourism company Treatment Abroad.

Having work such as breast augmentation, liposuction and teeth-whitening done abroad can lead to savings large enough to pay for the rest of a two week trip in some cases.

The results of the survey revealed that consumers could make savings of up to 80 per cent by going abroad to have work done. While a tummy tuck, for instance, costs approximately £4,450 in Britain, the same procedure can be bought in Belgium for only £2,400.

Keith Pollard, a representative for the company, said: "Many clinics and medical tourism companies are now offering an all-inclusive package embracing all procedure, travel and accommodation costs that may offer additional savings.

"Patients who have become 'medical tourists' have been extremely positive about their experience and the quality of care they have received."

According to consulting firm Social Technologies, it is not only cheaper prices that attract people to medical tourism. They are also able to find alternative medicines and experimental treatment that may not be readily available within the UK.