By Kagan Seymenoglu, Founder and CEO of Longevita
Since the early 2000s, the global medical tourism industry has grown at a remarkable pace. Once accessed by the wealthy seeking luxury treatments abroad, it is now a mainstream option for many UK citizens – particularly in the field of elective cosmetic procedures such as breast implants, dental veneers, and hair transplants. Lower costs, faster treatment timelines, and glossy marketing campaigns have driven a surge in outbound medical travel. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 431,000 UK residents travelled abroad for medical treatment in 2023 – an increase of more than 180% since 2016.
But while the demand for overseas cosmetic treatment is rising, so too are the risks. Behind the allure of cheap procedures lies a growing and dangerous regulatory gap – one that threatens individual patient safety and places a growing burden on the NHS.
The current absence of a UK-specific regulatory framework for outbound medical tourism means individuals are often left exposed to poor clinical standards, inadequate pre-operative assessments, insufficient insurance coverage, and minimal – if any – aftercare upon returning home. In far too many cases, UK patients are receiving treatment from unverified clinics abroad that fail to meet basic standards of care. The consequences are serious and sometimes fatal. During a parliamentary debate in March 2024, it was revealed that at least 28 UK citizens had died after undergoing cosmetic procedures in Turkey between 2019 and 2024. These tragic outcomes are not isolated incidents. Complications range from infected wounds and thrombosis to sepsis and life-threatening surgical failures – all of which frequently require emergency NHS intervention.
We must be clear: the problem is not international healthcare itself. Many overseas providers like Longevita deliver high-quality treatment, and patients have the right to seek care across borders. But the lack of coordinated, enforceable regulation for UK medical tourists has created a vacuum – one in which unqualified clinics, misleading advertising, and unsafe practices can thrive.
To address this growing issue, I have written a White Paper which proposes a robust five-pillar framework to protect UK patients and reduce the cost to the NHS. At the heart of this plan is the creation of an independent UK Medical Tourism Accreditation Association (UKMTAA), a regulatory body that would oversee, accredit, and monitor international providers marketing to UK patients.
The UKMTAA would introduce a national accreditation system for overseas clinics offering services to UK consumers. This would establish clear clinical governance, safety protocols, transparency requirements, and continuity of care. Providers that meet these standards would be eligible for UKMTAA certification, allowing patients to identify reputable clinics and avoid unsafe or unscrupulous operators.
In addition to accreditation, the White Paper calls for mandatory medical tourism insurance for UK patients travelling abroad for treatment. At present, patients often rely on
basic travel insurance or no insurance at all – leaving them unprotected if complications arise. Statutory insurance would ensure coverage for surgical risks, emergency repatriation, and essential post-operative care, reducing pressure on NHS resources.
Another critical element of the proposed framework is the introduction of a UK-based aftercare pathway. Many overseas clinics discharge patients within 24 – 48 hours of surgery, leaving them with little support if complications develop. An integrated system that connects returning patients to domestic healthcare providers would enable earlier intervention, reducing the risk of escalation and long-term recovery needs. This would also provide much-needed clarity for NHS clinicians managing overseas complications, who currently face fragmented and inconsistent information from unaffiliated providers.
The White Paper also calls for stricter advertising standards. Social media, influencer endorsements and unregulated online platforms have become the primary marketing channels for overseas cosmetic clinics. Many adverts promote unrealistic results, conceal risks, and present misleading pricing structures. This must change. The UK should work with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to create advertising regulations for medical tourism that mirror those in place for domestic healthcare marketing. Clinics should be required to disclose outcomes data, staff credentials, and the risks of procedures as part of any promotional activity.
Finally, a national campaign to educate the public about the risks and responsibilities associated with medical tourism is urgently needed. Patients deserve to make informed choices about their care. This includes understanding the importance of checking provider credentials, seeking proper insurance, and planning for aftercare.
The current unregulated environment for UK citizens seeking cosmetic procedures abroad poses unacceptable risks to both individuals and the NHS. By introducing a national accreditation body, mandatory insurance, coordinated aftercare, tighter advertising rules, and better public education, we can ensure safer outcomes, preserve NHS resources, and foster a more transparent international healthcare market.
Medical tourism is here to stay. But it must be made safe, accountable, and fair. As Parliamentarians, you have the power – and the responsibility – to legislate for the protection of UK patients, and to ensure that the pursuit of affordability does not come at the cost of lives.
For more information and to access the White Paper – Cutting It Fine, visit: www.longevita.co.uk/guides/regulating-medical-tourism/
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