In an article on 26th August 2007 entitled In search of sun, sand and surgery, The Times reports how record numbers of UK residents are jetting off abroad for surgical procedures. With everything from cosmetic surgery such as tummy tucks and breast augmentations to vital operations such as hip replacements and heart bypasses now being conducted abroad, the article points out the huge savings which can be made outside of Britain.
50,000 people went abroad for surgery in 2006 and the number is expected to increase by 50% again this year, according to treatmentabroad. Most of this number will go to the continent for dental work but numerous people are sourcing their health treatment from countries like India and Thailand. The price comparison for a hip replacement in the UK is £10,000 whereas in India it is approx. £3,500. Even factoring in flight and local accomodation there is still a saving of about £2,300 to be made.
This has implications for individual private health and medical insurance in that those policies which offer a cash payout upon approval of claim, like Freedom Healthnet, are able to deliver what an increasing number of the UK population want. With a cash payout for a gall bladder operation (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy) would be about £4,362 from a freedom health insurance policy whereas an equivalent operation in Belgium would only cost £2,500. The cash saving is the policy holder's to keep, tax free.

The article also points out that surgery is never risk-free and the need to check a surgeon's credentials thoroughly.

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