Why does the same surgery cost 10x more at home?

Safety depends heavily on the destination, clinic, and procedure. Many countries popular for medical tourism have internationally accredited hospitals that meet Western standards. The key is independent research: verifying clinic credentials, reading unfiltered patient reviews, and consulting your own doctor.

The difference comes down to local economics, not quality. Labour costs, real estate, medical school debt, malpractice insurance, and administrative overhead are dramatically lower in countries like Turkey, Mexico or Thailand. A dentist in Istanbul earns a fraction of a London dentist — but their training and equipment are often equivalent.

In most cases, standard health insurance from the US, UK or Canada will not cover elective procedures abroad. However, if something goes wrong after you return home, your domestic healthcare system will typically treat complications. Always check with your insurer before travelling.

The most common are dental work, hair transplants, cosmetic surgery, eye surgery (LASIK), IVF, orthopaedic procedures, and weight loss surgery. These are procedures where the price gap between Western countries and destinations like Turkey or Mexico is largest.

No. We are an independent research platform — not a referral agency. We do not recommend, endorse or receive payment from any clinic. Our role is to give you data and framework to make your own informed decision.

Istanbul has become the global capital of several procedures including hair transplants, dental work, and cosmetic surgery. The city attracts over 1.2 million international patients per year. Prices are typically 60-80% lower than UK or US equivalents, and several clinics hold JCI international accreditation.