You might think that with the advancements in medical care in the United States, people wouldn’t feel the need to seek out alternative options overseas. We have come a long way with all the technological improvements and new scientific discoveries emerging daily; however, that hasn’t stopped people from considering undergoing treatments abroad.
In fact, quite the opposite has happened with medical tourism on the rise and more doctors eager to help patients from around the world. The surgeries aren’t limited to cosmetics either, which is one of the most common and frequently sought-after procedures for medical tourists, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel. Patients are also crossing borders to undergo dental care, fertility treatments, and gender-affirming surgeries, among others.
Defining Medical Tourism
You may be wondering what medical tourism is and why it has become increasingly popular. Let us explain.
The term refers to traveling to a foreign country — and, in some broader definitions, domestically— to undergo a medical procedure, as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In a January 2023 blog post on their website, experts explained that the reasons why many people choose this route of care vary, but it’s often due to costs.
The Appeal for Medical Tourists
Scouring the globe to find the most affordable treatment rates is a considerable appeal for medical tourists, especially when their options at home don’t exactly align with their budget. This includes anything from an elective breast augmentation to medically necessary weight loss surgeries that could be life-altering.
Joe Hadeed, MD, FACS, noted in the same ASPS post that countries outside the U.S. often offer package deals, including the surgery itself, hotel stay, and aftercare, which is enticing for those shopping around.
Medical tourism can also provide faster access and more availability for specialized procedures, according to Jessica Plonchak, Clinical Executive at ChoicePoint Health in New Jersey. That, combined with the change to recover in a tropical location, is a significant draw, she said.
Social Media’s Influence
Venturing to other destinations for medical surgeries has also been widely glamorized on social media, especially among younger generations, who increasingly rely on their social accounts for travel and wellness insights. A recent Well and Good article highlighted the influence of social media on the industry, specifically calling out the weight loss and diabetes drug Ozempic, which has gained acclaim among celebrities and public figures in recent years.
Karen Soika, MD, a plastic surgeon in Greenwich, Connecticut, and San Diego, California, echoed that online content has created an epic surge in medical tourism, though she warned the risks could be far greater than the reward.
Doctors Raise Alarm to the Trend
While Soika acknowledges that the cost of many cosmetic procedures isn’t affordable for lower and middle-class Americans, some will still choose that route in an effort to achieve their desired look. However, she warns that not all clinics may follow the same safety and sanitary protocols expected in the States. Additionally, the expert noted that medical tourists should be aware that complications may affect their travel plans upon returning home.
Soika isn’t the only medical professional with these concerns. Anthony R. Corral, DMD, who practices at Renew Family Dental in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also advises against obtaining dental implants and other desired treatments overseas, stating, “Substandard materials, lack of regulatory oversight, and limited follow-up care availability can pose serious health risks.”
He also warns that while the lower costs appear to be a bargain, the traveling and potentially improper care can ultimately lead to infection, implant failure, costly corrective procedures, or worse outcomes.
What People Don’t Talk About
Plonchak sees both sides of the debate on whether medical tourism is the right approach and highlights lesser-known concerns that should be on people’s radar. The expert noted that legal recourse for patients can be minimal or nonexistent in many countries, making it nearly impossible to protect oneself if something goes wrong.
She also pointed out that language and cultural barriers could pose an issue, as well as unforeseen extra costs from travel delays, insurance limitations, follow-up treatments, or complications, which could cause patients to exceed their allotted expenses. Not to mention, the added stress from traveling, Plonchak warns, could significantly impact recovery.
The Upsides
Aside from the drastically lower initial costs that make medical tourism so attractive, there are many other benefits to embracing this trend. Dr. Ross Kopelman, a leading hair transplant surgeon in New York City, recognized the drawbacks to traveling for a medical procedure, though he can understand the intrigue. He reasoned that medical tourism can be a positive experience for many as long as they conduct thorough research and choose an experienced, reputable surgeon.
This was the case for an American tourist, Akaisha Kaderli, who traveled to various countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Mexico, for Stage 3 breast cancer treatment. She shared her story with Business Insider in May 2025, stating that the decision saved her life and her finances.
Claudia Cometa, PharmD, Founder and CEO at Avanti Health Consultants, is also in favor of medical tourism under the right circumstances. The professional revealed that she recently supported a client’s decision to travel to India for medical treatment after exhausting her options in the U.S. She shared that the patient sought an ayurvedic approach known as panchakarma to alleviate her gastrointestinal symptoms and that Cometa gave the green light after meeting with the ayurvedic team.
“I believe medical tourism is a viable alternative if and when an individual feels the treatment options available in the US either do not align with their values or have not resulted in positive outcomes,” Cometa explained. “With the necessary medical oversight, this can be accomplished safely and effectively.”
Things to Know Before Making Arrangements
After weighing the options, many patients will choose to pursue medical tourism; however, experts strongly encourage them to check off numerous boxes before booking their flight. New York Bone & Joint Specialists recommends on its website that patients confirm their procedure details, post-operation care, and payment terms before agreeing to treatment.
They also suggest checking the destination’s entry and exit conditions (i.e., visa, health, and vaccine requirements, Covid-19 policies, etc.), which is currently of particular concern given the travel bans tied to national security. Ensuring passports and driver’s licenses are up to date is also essential to avoid any mishaps that could prevent the trip from going as planned.
The Recovery Process
While it’s imperative to know what to expect from the procedure, the recovery process shouldn’t be overlooked. The weeks following major surgery are a critical time for helping patients get back on their feet and ensuring a successful outcome.
As we mentioned, many people gravitate toward medical tourism so they can spend their recovery in a beautiful destination rather than being confined to their homes. Some doctors agree that this is a fine approach, whereas others caution against being so far from home in case complications arise.
An article in Corporate Wellness Magazine suggests remaining connected with the overseas team so they can monitor progress and quickly address any unexpected challenges that might occur.
Handling Complications
While complications may sound alarming, many can be managed safely with proper care, without further incidents. It’s also essential to know the risks before undergoing any procedure overseas and to organize follow-up care upon returning home, said Plonchak, who also proposes investing in medical travel insurance that offers coverage for potential future complications.
Travel Insurance Red Tape
Speaking of travel insurance, closely reviewing the options is highly important, given that they are not all one-size-fits-all. Shalin Soni, founder of TravelLayover.com, an online resource that helps travelers navigate their layovers, warns that elective procedures are generally not covered in many U.S. health plans and standard travel insurance policies.
American Visitor Insurance confirmed this on its website, noting that coverage is typically limited to emergency surgeries needed due to unexpected sickness and injuries while traveling. However, there are some plans designed specifically for those traveling for an elective procedure, such as Medical Travel Shield, although it has some exclusions and caters to a niche market.
Should You Take the Leap
We’ve shared many pros and cons of medical tourism, and while the decision lies with the patient, experts urge them to thoroughly research every aspect before taking the leap. Many medical professionals advise against traveling abroad for any procedure due to the potential risks involved; however, it’s also acknowledged that there are many highly credited facilities and surgeons outside of the U.S. that offer fine care.
Ultimately, medical tourism can be a cost-effective option, but only when patients are equipped with accurate research and reputable providers and are aware of the associated risks.
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