Health Tourism Isn't Just For Influencers - Here's What to Know Before You Book

"I flew to Turkey to get the most in-depth check-up of my life, and it was the greatest thing I've ever done for my health and my bank account," says content creator Bryn Elise in the opening of a TikTok with nearly two million likes. Elise's video details her experience with health tourism, a trending practice that involves traveling abroad for the sake of medical treatment. In Elise's video, she walks viewers through the services she received at Memorial Hospital Bahçelievler, including a series of diagnostic testing, a bone density scan, chest x-ray, and multiple ultrasounds, all of which were made possible through a designated coordinator and translator. "Doing this in the US would've cost me thousands and taken me months to line up, but in one day, we're doing it all," Elise says, revealing the total price to be $810. Although health tourism is not a new industry by any means, Elise's candid TikTok certainly seemed to spark a renewed interest. "Not only is the cost in the US unreal, you could NEVER get results and meet with your MD in the same day. This is incredible," one person commented on Elise's original video. "Everyone in the world should get a check up like this," another commenter agreed. Given high healthcare costs, long wait times, and difficulty navigating specialists in the US, it's no wonder that health tourism is so appealing. But is it really as seamless as it's made out to be on social media? Or are these extensive check-ups too good to be true?If you've been inspired by health tourism content, here's a few things to know before booking a trip of your own. Read on for advice from a financial expert and a few tips from someone who had a similar check-up themselves.Experts Featured in This Article:Rebecca Bebbington is a personal finance expert and content manager at NetVoucherCodes.Kam Rezzadeh, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group and Cedars Sinai Hospital.What Is Health Tourism, Exactly?Health tourism has quickly become a buzz word on social media. But what does it actually mean? "For years, people have traveled abroad for plastic surgery at a fraction of the cost compared to their home countries. Now, the same trend is emerging for general health check-ups in countries like Turkey and Thailand - the same countries known for their affordable plastic surgery options," explains Rebecca Bebbington, a personal finance expert. "In countries like the US, where healthcare costs can be incredibly high - especially for those without insurance - seeking medical care abroad makes financial sense. However, in countries like the UK, where healthcare is typically free, this trend is much less common," she tells PS. For reference, the kind of health tourism we see trending on social media typically refers to diagnostic testing, check-ups, and preventative care that would otherwise be inaccessible due to rising healthcare costs in countries like the US. Cosmetic procedures like plastic surgery and dentistry are closely related, but have less to do with medical care. Benefits of Health TourismHealth tourism offers many advantages - from greater accessibility to lower costs. While visiting family in Taiwan, photographer and content creator Erin Donahue decided to do a comprehensive physical exam complete with blood tests, allergy tests, ultrasounds, vision tests, and more - all of which she documented on TikTok. Taiwanese citizens have universal healthcare, but since she's not a citizen, Donahue went to a private clinic and paid out of pocket. "From beginning to end, it was about 90 minutes," Donahue tells PS. The total came out to about $450 for 20 different services. "I got my results in two weeks, and then there are follow-up recommendations," Donahue says. Patients can either take these suggestions back to their home country, where they can consult with their own healthcare provider (and potentially incur additional costs), or come back to the clinic and follow-up with specialists. The choice ultimately comes down to the services needed, affordability, and an individual's specific circumstances (work schedule, accommodations, child care, etc.). "I was thinking maybe I'll do the follow-ups here [in the US], but I plan on going back to Taiwan, and I'm not in any health crisis, so I might just do my follow-ups [in Taiwan]," Donahue says.There are also some serious perks to health tourism that have nothing to do with finances. "In addition to lower costs, health tourism provides access to skilled doctors and certain procedures that may be less accessible in an individual's own country," Bebbington says. "For example, in the US, seeing a specialist might require a long waitlist, but traveling abroad can offer immediate access to these experts."Donahue's visit was mainly a form of preventative care, but she's also felt the weight of medical fees back in the US. "I had to go to a hospital for a few days, literally only a few days, but I was in an intensive care kind of situation, and the bill for a few days was five figures - almost 40 grand if I recall," she says. "Thank God there was at least the insurance because I would've been in financial debt to this day." For those living without insurance, or for those with chronic health conditions who need to see multiple specialists, health tourism may be a viable option. "We don't have much government intervention or support the way other countries do, which has also made the situation really hard on Americans," Donahue says. "The cost of living is basically just astronomical at this point. [We feel] like we're backed into a corner."Downsides to Health TourismAlthough health tourism may be a more affordable choice for people already making a trip or going on a pre-planned vacation, traveling solely for health can still be pricey (think accommodations like lodging, food, and transportation) and difficult to navigate. "Health tourism, while helpful for those able to afford it, highlights how health services are failing residents of certain countries," Bebbington says. Meanwhile, the people living within hot health tourism destinations may have to rely on stretched services. "God forbid something goes wrong. It's just really, really challenging to navigate healthcare in other countries," says Kam Rezzadeh, MD. The good news is that, generally speaking, diagnostic testing does tend to be less risky than more invasive surgical procedures. "As far as preventative medicine, I would say I would have a much lower threshold to sign off on that and be okay with a patient of mine doing that," Dr. Rezzadeh says. Donahue also notes that the overall quality of care may be different overseas, depending on where you decide to go. What works for one person, may not be the best for someone else. "Sometimes [providers] won't even talk unless they need to translate something, and then you're shifted out to the next place," she says. "I know some people, they don't like that kind of transactional feeling, but I was like, 'This is not something that I need a personal touch for.'"It's also worth mentioning that not all clinics are created equal, and you should always do your own research before booking. "As with the trend of seeking plastic surgery abroad, it's advised to thoroughly research and visit reputable clinics to ensure accurate information and safe procedures," Bebbington says. "While general health check-ups may carry less immediate risk than plastic surgery, incorrect medical advice can have long-term consequences." Some things to look for when vetting a new doctor and booking health appointments abroad include:When and where they received their medical education and degreeClinical employment historyAny fellowships or post-graduate training coursesInternationally accredited facilitiesSpecialists certified "through a process equivalent to that established by the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties" (per the CDC)Organizations like the Joint Commission International and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care - both of which list accredited facilities outside of the USIf you're still unsure whether a doctor or facility is appropriately qualified, Dr. Rezzadeh highly recommends asking another provider to assist you. "I think we're all unified that we want the best outcomes for our patients," he says. Dr. Rezzadeh also notes that the board-certification process in the US tends to be more intense than in some other countries (such as Turkey or Mexico), which makes vetting even more critical. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Other Things to Consider Donahue points to Thailand, Malaysia, and Kuala Lumpur as some of the most popular health tourism spots in Asia, but it's important to do your own research. Donahue, for example, went to a private clinic, which offered an element of luxury. Depending on the location and package you choose, some health facilities will even help coordinate appointments, lodging, and meet you at the airport. But this isn't guaranteed everywhere you book. Here are a few more helpful tips to consider when planning a health tourism trip:Check With Your Doctor: Depending on your circumstances, it may be best to touch base with your local healthcare provider first, Bebbington says. "[You] can then see if [you] can get a thorough health check-up for a reasonable price without needing to travel abroad." Make the Most of Your Vacation: Save your money and schedule an appointment on your next vacation. "Make it a two for one - plan a vacation or something, and then just have a scheduled doctor's appointment, and this way you're not stressing yourself out," Donahue suggests.Translation Services: If you're visiting a country that isn't English-speaking, make sure translators or translation services are available.Credentials: In your research, Bebbington recommends checking the facilities you want to visit, and ensuring they "are reputable and have the right credentials to provide high-quality health care."Pack Your Medical Records: "Travelers should bring their medical records with them detailing as much information about any current conditions as possible and purchase travel health insurance to cover them should anything go wrong," Bebbington says. "While general health check-ups typically carry lower risks, these precautions can help ensure a smooth and safe experience."Prep For Your Trip: The CDC suggests consulting with a travel medicine specialist who can advise you on the best practices for your specific health needs (think 4–6 weeks before travel).Have a Backup Plan: Even if you do all the right research, it pays to have a backup plan. To stay on the safe side, Dr. Rezzadeh recommends having a solid post-appointment plan. "If traveling abroad, always just think: what is the worst case scenario?" he says. "So if I have an infection, if I have a bleeding issue, if something bad happens to me, where will I go?" And if you're doing a more invasive procedure, make sure to check with the provider about hospital privileges, and where you would go in case of a complication.Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability. Related: Ilona Maher's TikTok Reminds Us That BMI Isn't the Best Indicator of Health