Medical tourism is becoming an increasingly popular option for people seeking healthcare overseas, driven by lower costs, shorter waiting times and access to procedures that may be difficult to arrange at home.
Countries like Türkiye have established themselves as destinations for everything from cosmetic surgery and weight-loss procedures to joint replacements, with the potential for significant savings on private healthcare.
Moana McRae is the Türkiye-based owner of Oceanscape Group, supporting New Zealanders seeking specialist treatment overseas. Her recent clients have included patients travelling for spinal decompression surgery and complex reconstructive surgery following cancer, reflecting how medical tourism is expanding far beyond cosmetic procedures.
“What surprised me when I first started looking into the industry was the level of government interest and support from the Ministry here in Türkiye,” she tells Verve. “Regulation, patient safety and building trust are clearly a priority.”
From medical airfare support and complication insurance to tighter advertising regulations, there are, says Moana, smart initiatives that New Zealand could learn from, while considering how medical tourism might also help ease pressure on our health system.
“The other thing Türkiye does incredibly well is efficiency. We can often have a client in front of a highly qualified, experienced surgeon within days, with fast access to diagnostics, technology and treatment planning. That level of access can be a real eye-opener.”
Cost is obviously one factor, but are there other reasons people choose to travel overseas?
I think the idea of cheap surgery abroad helped catapult the industry, but that is not what I am seeing now. More often, people are travelling for expertise, privacy, technology and access. There are treatments, techniques and technologies available in Türkiye that we simply do not have access to in New Zealand, and sometimes the surgeon’s level of specialisation is the reason someone travels.
Waiting times are another major driver. People are increasingly asking, “Where can I get the best treatment, from the right person, without waiting months or years?”
What do consumers need to be more aware of when considering treatment overseas?
Consumers also need to be responsible consumers. We talk a lot about choosing qualified surgeons and reputable hospitals, but patients also need to think carefully about where they are getting their information. I’m seeing more people seeking advice from other patients on social media, sometimes instead of following medical advice or travel industry guidance.
Lived experience can be helpful, but it is not expertise. Medical and travel regulations exist for a reason, and that reason is patient safety. The full journey matters too. Preparation, travel, surgery, recovery, flying home and post-care all need to be considered. Medical tourism is not just about the operation.
Where do you see medical tourism heading over the next few years?
I think medical tourism will become much more normalised and simply part of the way we travel.
We will see newer destinations, far more treatments on offer and people incorporating healthcare into trips they may already be taking. It is already moving well beyond cosmetic surgery into areas such as IVF, oncology, eye surgery, diagnostics and specialist treatments.
I also think the conversation will shift away from price. The future is about access to expertise, technology and treatment, wherever in the world that happens to be.
A world of cosmetic wonder
Mexico
Mexico is one of the world’s leading medical tourism destinations for procedures including dental care, bariatric surgery and cosmetic treatments. Its established private healthcare sector ranges from specialist clinics in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara to highly concentrated dental hubs such as Los Algodones.
India
India has become a major medical tourism destination, particularly for complex procedures such as cardiac surgery, joint replacement and oncology treatment. Internationally accredited hospitals in cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai attract patients from around the world. The sector is growing so rapidly that studies estimate it will be worth more than US$22 billion by 2031, nearly double its current value.
Thailand
Thailand is a major medical tourism destination, known for modern private hospitals, specialist care and a reputation for combining healthcare with a more comfortable patient experience. Bangkok is a particular hub for international patients, with dental care, cosmetic surgery and orthopaedic procedures among the most popular treatments. Costs can be significantly lower than in many Western countries, while facilities cater specifically to overseas patients.
Bali
Bali is emerging as a medical tourism destination, combining growing investment in specialist healthcare with the island’s established wellness industry. The new Sanur Health Special Economic Zone is at the centre of this development, anchored by Bali International Hospital, offering specialist services including cardiology, oncology, neurology and orthopaedics. The development also incorporates luxury accommodation, including two five-star hotels, allowing patients to combine medical treatment with a resort-style recovery.
Vietnam
Vietnam is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s next major medical tourism destinations, with dental care, fertility services and cosmetic surgery among its most popular treatments. The country already attracts an estimated 300,000 international visitors for healthcare each year, spending up to US$2 billion across medical services, accommodation and travel. Under a proposed 2026–2030 scheme, Vietnam aims to attract around 750,000 medical tourists annually.
