Is It Safe To Have Surgery Abroad?

For many people, the idea of having surgery abroad might have once seemed unthinkable. But with growing numbers of internationally accredited hospitals, world-class surgeons and lower costs compared to domestic options, more people are going abroad for medical procedures than ever before.

However, while the appeal is clear, so is the number one concern: is it safe?

In this article, we take a closer look at what makes surgery abroad safe and we’ll explain how we at William Russell choose our trusted healthcare partners, so you can feel confident in your healthcare choices.

Why do people choose surgery abroad?

Around 14 million people travel abroad each year to receive medical treatment, according to the Medical Tourism Association. But what makes surgery abroad so desirable?

We take a look at the top reasons people consider surgery abroad:

1/ Cost compared to home country

One of the main reasons people consider surgery abroad is the potential to save money. In countries like Thailand, Türkiye, Mexico or India, the cost of procedures such as hip replacements, heart bypasses or cosmetic surgery can be much lower than in the UK, the US or Australia.

This price difference often reflects the lower cost of living and operating expenses in the host country, rather than a drop in medical standards. Many internationally recognised hospitals use the same equipment, techniques and safety protocols as clinics in Europe or North America.

The important distinction is knowing where to look and ensuring the hospital observes internationally recognised standards of care.

The cost of healthcare can vary hugely depending on location

We explore the cost of medical treatment around the world

Which countries have the most expensive medical care?

According to data from World Population Review, these countries have the most expensive healthcare:

United States

$12,474

Norway

$8,693

Switzerland

$8,049

Netherlands

$7,358

Austria

$7,275

Luxembourg

$6,956

Belgium

$6,600

Australia

$6,597

France

$6,517

Iceland

$6,400

Source: World Population Review (The most updated data for health care costs by country is from 2022)

2/ Less waiting time

In some countries, waiting times for non-urgent surgery can stretch from months to years. This is particularly true in countries with public healthcare systems where backlogs for even the most routine surgery lead many to turn toward private options.

When you’re living with pain or limited mobility, a long wait for surgery isn’t just inconvenient, it can affect your quality of life and long-term health. It’s no surprise then that one of the main reasons people opt to go abroad for surgery is the speed at which they can access treatment.

Many international hospitals catering to overseas patients are able to schedule consultations, surgery and follow-up care within a matter of days or weeks. This efficiency can be a major relief, especially if you’re keen to avoid long delays and start your recovery as soon as possible.

Which countries have the longest waiting times for surgery?

Although the latest available data is from 2018, it still offers a valuable insight into how significantly waiting times for elective surgery can differ across countries and healthcare systems.

While more recent figures may vary, these averages give a sense of the broad picture of waiting times for selective non-urgent surgeries across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries:

Australia

119

209

Canada

105

122

Chile

240

839

Denmark

Estonia

187

282

461

–

Finland

Hungary

Italy

New Zealand

Norway

132

123

152

Poland

246

179

253

–

Portugal

119

126

204

Spain

118

147

Sweden

United Kingdom

Source: OECD (Data from 2018)

What happens if you live in a remote location?

We look at how to access healthcare in remote areas

3/ Access to specialist procedures

Some countries have built strong reputations in specific areas of surgical care. South Korea is known globally for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Germany is a go-to destination for complex procedures such as oncology and neurosurgery. Meanwhile, India is leading the way in robotic surgery and pioneering techniques for cardiac surgery.

Travelling abroad can give patients access to techniques, technologies and medical professionals that may not be available or as advanced in their home country. For some, it’s not just about cost or convenience. It’s about finding the right expert for a specific condition and receiving a level of care that exceeds what’s available locally.

4/ Combining treatment with travel

Medical tourism often involves travelling to destinations that offer both high-quality healthcare and a welcoming environment for recovery.

Countries like Thailand, Türkiye and the UAE are becoming known as medical tourism hubs. That means patients don’t just fly in for medical treatment – they often invest in comprehensive packages that include airport transfers, hotel-style recovery suites, multilingual care teams and post-op rehabilitation services like physiotherapy.

That said, even with the best planned medical travel, unexpected complications can happen. International health insurance helps ensure you have access to trusted care before, during and after surgery, giving you the peace of mind that you’re protected wherever in the world you choose to be treated.

5/ International health insurance

A final reason people may travel abroad for surgery is because their international health insurance policy covers them for treatment in other countries.

This gives them a wide range of options when it comes to seeking surgery. With the cost of their treatment covered by their policy anywhere in their coverage zone, they are free to choose a hospital that best suits their needs and expectations – even though it may be on the other side of the world!

It’s always important to check the terms of your policy in advance so you understand what’s included, any limits that apply, and whether your chosen treatment and location are fully covered.

Why do you need international health insurance when living abroad?

Discover the main reasons to choose it for yourself and your family

What does ‘safe surgery’ look like abroad?

The idea of having surgery abroad can be nerve-wracking, particularly when it comes to questions of safety. Indeed, over 19% of people considering surgery abroad decide not to go because of concerns about safety, the quality of the medical care or not understanding the foreign healthcare system.

However, in reality many international hospitals and clinics follow standards of care that match or exceed those found in the UK, US or Europe. The key is knowing what to look for.

Safe surgery, wherever it takes place, depends on three essential pillars: quality of clinical care, infection control and the strength of the hospital’s safety protocols. In reputable hospitals abroad, this should cover every touch point from pre-op checks and surgeons’ qualifications to operating room hygiene and patient recovery procedures.

But how can you know which hospitals meet these standards and which don’t? That’s where medical accreditation comes in.

What are medical accreditations and why do they matter?

Medical accreditation is one of the clearest indicators of a hospital’s commitment to international standards. These certifications are granted by recognised global bodies after a comprehensive review of a facility’s safety, quality of care and operational procedures.

One of the most widely recognised medical accreditations is the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. This is often seen as the global gold standard, assessing hospitals on more than a thousand criteria, including:

infection prevention
medication safety
staff training
patient communication
emergency readiness

Hospitals must undergo rigorous inspection and re-accreditation every three years to maintain their status.

Other respected medical accreditors include:

DNV (Det Norske Veritas) – Originally founded in Norway as a risk management and quality assurance organisation, DNV Healthcare focuses on hospital accreditation using standards based on both ISO and the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Temos International – A German-based accreditation body specialising in the evaluation of hospitals, clinics and dental practices that treat international patients.
Accreditation Canada International (ACI) – Based in Canada, ACI is the global arm of the Health Standards Organization (HSO), offering accreditation services to healthcare providers worldwide.
Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) – ACHSI is the international division of Australia’s leading healthcare accreditation body, the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards. ACHSI accreditation is particularly respected across the Asia-Pacific region.

Different countries have different types of healthcare systems

Learn more about different types of healthcare systems globally

How to find an accredited hospital abroad?

There are several ways to check if a hospital has international accreditations:

Check with official accreditation bodies – Visit the websites of globally recognised accreditors like JCI, Temos or DNV. Most have easy search functions that allow you to find accredited hospitals by region, type of care and certification status.
Verify on the hospital’s website – A trustworthy facility will clearly state its accreditation, naming the organisation, the date awarded and often linking to the certificate. Be wary of vague phrases like ‘world-class standards’ without a recognised accreditor.
Ask the hospital directly – If in doubt, contact the hospital or clinic. Reputable providers are transparent and will gladly share documentation or direct you to their accrediting body.
Use medical tourism networks and local health bodies – National healthcare authorities or medical tourism boards often have lists of approved and accredited medical facilities, especially in countries focused on attracting international patients.

Medical accreditations typically expire after 2–3 years, so make sure the hospital’s status is up-to-date.

It’s important to think about the quality of healthcare you’ll receive

Find out which countries have the best healthcare in the world

How William Russell chooses trusted medical partners

At William Russell, we understand that quality healthcare means different things to different people.

That’s why we don’t restrict our members to a set network of hospitals and clinics, but instead give you the freedom to choose any private hospital or medical facility within your coverage zone.

For expats living overseas, this flexibility matters, because no two healthcare journeys are the same.

Here’s what that flexibility might look in practice:

A young mum planning maternity care – As a new mum, you’ll need a hospital close to home, with excellent pre-natal services and a warm, supportive environment for delivery. With William Russell, you’re free to choose a provider that suits your needs, not just one that’s on a pre-approved list.

An expat in Pakistan needing specialist surgery – If you need advanced cardiac care, you might prefer to travel to a leading heart centre in India rather than staying close to home. Our international health cover gives you this option, allowing you to travel to hospitals with world-class expertise anywhere in your coverage zone.

We believe your healthcare choices should be yours. But that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

We keep a public list of hospitals and clinics that our members have successfully used before. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a helpful place to start, especially if you’re seeking care in an unfamiliar location.

Find your nearest hospital

Check out our handy hospital finder tool for a list of hospitals in your country where you can receive inpatient treatment.

Find A Hospital

If you’d like more personalised help, we’re here for that too. Every member has access to a dedicated William Russell contact who can help you explore your options, confirm whether we’ve worked with a particular hospital before, or recommend facilities that are well-regarded for your specific condition or treatment.

Whether you’re staying local or crossing borders for care, our goal is to make sure you feel confident in your choices and supported at every step. For full details of what’s covered, always refer to your plan agreement.

It’s important to know how to access local healthcare

Read our guide for expats on accessing local healthcare

Red flags when researching surgery abroad

Choosing to have surgery overseas can be a positive, even life-changing decision, but it’s important to stay informed and cautious. While many international hospitals offer excellent care, not all providers meet the same standards.

Here are a few red flags to watch out for when researching options for surgery abroad:

Lack of accreditation or vague claims – Be wary of hospitals that mention ‘world-class standards’ without naming an actual accrediting body. Reputable facilities will proudly display credentials from recognised organisations like JCI, ACHSI or Temos.
‘Too good to be true’ pricing – Competitive pricing is a big reason people consider surgery abroad, but ultra-low prices should raise alarm bells. Are qualified surgeons performing the procedure? What’s included in the cost? Are aftercare and follow-up appointments covered?
Poor communication or pressure tactics – If you’re struggling to get clear answers or feel rushed into making a decision, take a step back. Trustworthy providers are transparent, patient and happy to talk you through the details.
No clear aftercare plan – Recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. A good hospital will give you a personalised aftercare plan, including advice on travel, medication and any physical restrictions before you agree to surgery.
Inconsistent or missing reviews – Search for independent reviews and testimonials. A complete lack of online feedback or reviews that sound overly scripted can be a red flag.
Limited information about the surgical team – You should be able to find the names, qualifications and experience of the surgeons who’ll be treating you. If this information is unavailable or unclear, proceed with caution.

Need support?

If you’re unsure about a facility, William Russell members can speak directly with their dedicated contact for advice on trusted hospitals, specialist care and what to expect in your chosen destination.

If you have surgery abroad you might need a prescription

Our guide explains everything about pharmacies overseas

Health insurance that travels with you

If you’re planning surgery abroad or exploring treatment options in another country, international health insurance can give you the confidence to move forward, knowing you’re covered wherever you go.

With international health cover from William Russell, you’ll have access to over 40,000 private medical facilities around the world, doctors who speak your language and emergency medical evacuation cover if life or limb-saving treatment isn’t available locally.

Speak to William Russell today to learn how international health insurance can help you access high-quality surgical care – safely, globally and with total peace of mind.

Terms & conditions apply to our insurance products and services. You can find full details of what our plans cover (and what they don’t cover) in our plan agreements.

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Is It Safe To Have Surgery Abroad?

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