POPULAR SEARCHES
The global medical tourism market is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections estimating its value to surpass $270 billion by 2027. A significant portion of this growth is driven by patients seeking high-quality, affordable surgical procedures. When you are considering a major medical procedure, exploring options for general surgery abroad can open up a world of possibilities, combining world-class healthcare with significant financial savings.
General surgery is a broad discipline that focuses on abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. It also covers procedures involving the thyroid, skin, and hernias. Many of these treatments, while essential for your health and quality of life, can come with prohibitive costs in countries like the United States, the UK, and Canada. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect when planning your medical journey for general surgery overseas.
Choosing to have your procedure in another country is a significant decision. Understanding the advantages can help you determine if it is the right path for your healthcare needs.
To give you a clearer picture of the potential savings, here is a comparison of estimated costs for popular general surgery procedures. Please note that these are average prices and can vary based on the clinic, surgeon, and the complexity of your case.
| Procedure | Average Cost in USA/UK | Turkey (USD/EUR) | Mexico (USD/EUR) | Thailand (USD/EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $15,000 - $25,000 | $3,500 - $5,500 / €3,200 - €5,000 | $5,000 - $8,000 / €4,600 - €7,300 | $7,000 - $11,000 / €6,400 - €10,000 |
| Hernia Repair (Laparoscopic) | $7,000 - $12,000 | $2,500 - $4,000 / €2,300 - €3,700 | $3,000 - $5,000 / €2,750 - €4,600 | $3,500 - $6,000 / €3,200 - €5,500 |
| Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) | $10,000 - $20,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 / €2,750 - €4,600 | $4,000 - $7,000 / €3,700 - €6,400 | $5,000 - $8,000 / €4,600 - €7,300 |
Ensuring your safety and the quality of your care is paramount. Your research is the most critical step in this process. Here is how you can find and vet hospitals for your general surgery abroad.
Several countries have established themselves as premier destinations for medical tourism, offering a blend of excellent healthcare, affordability, and cultural appeal.
Turkey is a leading destination for medical travel, renowned for its JCI-accredited hospitals, highly skilled surgeons, and all-inclusive packages that often cover treatment, accommodation, and transfers. Its strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it easily accessible for many international patients.
With its proximity to the United States and Canada, Mexico is a popular choice for North American patients. Cities like Tijuana and Cancun boast modern medical facilities, US-trained doctors, and significantly lower costs for a wide range of general surgery procedures.
Known as the "Land of Smiles," Thailand combines world-class hospitality with exceptional medical care. Bangkok is home to some of the most advanced hospitals in Southeast Asia, offering comprehensive services and a focus on patient comfort and recovery.
Colombia has emerged as a top-tier medical destination in South America. Cities like Medellín and Bogotá feature state-of-the-art clinics, internationally recognized surgeons, and a commitment to patient safety, all at a fraction of the cost you would find in other countries.
At Flymedi, we partner with a trusted network of internationally accredited hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of General Surgery procedures abroad. Each facility is carefully selected for its medical excellence, patient safety standards, and experienced surgical teams.
You can explore all available destinations and compare top-rated General Surgery clinics directly on Flymedi to find the one that best fits your medical needs and treatment goals.
While traveling for surgery is an excellent option for many, it is important to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Ideal candidates typically are:
Your choice of clinic will be the most important factor in your medical journey. Focus on these key elements to make an informed decision:
Visa requirements vary by country, so you must check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country. However, the documents typically required for a medical visa include:
At Flymedi, we understand the importance of making healthcare accessible and manageable for everyone. That’s why we’re excited to offer flexible financing options that let you spread the cost of your treatment over convenient monthly installments.
Whether you are planning a minor procedure or a more significant treatment, our payment plans ensure you can focus on your health without worrying about financial strain.
At Flymedi, we make high-quality healthcare more accessible with flexible installment options tailored to your country. Payments can be spread over up to 72 months (6 years).
| Country | Maximum Financing Amount |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | up to £50,000 |
| Germany | up to €50,000 |
| New Zealand | up to NZD 75,000 |
| Australia | up to AUD 75,000 |
| Canada | up to CAD 100,000 |
| United States | up to USD 100,000 |
| Romania, France, Spain, Italy | up to €1,500 (max 3 months) |
Financing is also available in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and other European countries (limits vary).
For application steps, eligibility, and more details, please visit our Payment Plan page.
While treatment packages are often all-inclusive, you should clarify what is covered. Potential extra costs to budget for include flights, accommodation outside of the hospital stay, daily living expenses, travel insurance, and any unforeseen medical needs or extended stays.
Financing allows you to break down the total cost of your general surgery procedure into manageable monthly payments. After being approved by a third-party lender, the funds are paid directly to the clinic. You then repay the loan over a predetermined period with an agreed-upon interest rate, making high-quality care affordable on your budget.
Yes, it is safe, provided you choose a reputable, internationally accredited hospital and a highly qualified surgeon. Thorough research is key to ensuring your safety and a successful outcome.
Savings can be substantial, typically ranging from 40% to 70% compared to prices in the US or Western Europe. The exact amount depends on the procedure and destination.
Joint Commission International (JCI) is a US-based organization that accredits healthcare facilities worldwide. A JCI-accredited hospital meets the highest international standards for patient safety and quality of care.
Top international hospitals have dedicated staff who are fluent in English and often other languages. They will assist you with everything from consultations to daily needs.
General surgery includes a wide range of procedures, primarily focused on the abdomen. Popular options abroad include bariatric surgeries (gastric sleeve, bypass), hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and appendix removal.
Look for a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in your specific procedure. Review their credentials, read patient testimonials, and if possible, have a video consultation before making a decision.
Packages often include the cost of the surgery, surgeon and anesthesia fees, hospital stay, pre-operative tests, and ground transportation (airport-hotel-clinic transfers). Some may also include accommodation.
This depends on your procedure. For a laparoscopic hernia repair, you might need to stay for 5-7 days. For more complex surgeries like a gastric bypass, you may need to stay for 2-3 weeks.
Reputable clinics provide clear post-operative care instructions and are available for remote consultations. It is also wise to have a local doctor informed about your procedure who can assist with follow-up care.
Absolutely. Many patients plan their trip so they can enjoy some light tourism before their surgery or during the later stages of their recovery, once cleared by their doctor.
Most clinics accept wire transfers, credit cards, and cash. Financing options through services like Flymedi are also available to help you manage the cost.
Some private insurance plans may cover a portion of the costs, but it is not common. You should check directly with your insurance provider to understand your policy.
You will recover initially in the hospital under medical supervision. After discharge, you will continue your recovery at your hotel before being cleared to fly home. The clinic will provide detailed guidelines for this period.
Your surgeon will advise you based on your specific procedure. Generally, for laparoscopic surgeries, you may be able to fly after 7-10 days. For open surgeries, you may need to wait longer to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Common tests include blood work, an EKG, a chest X-ray, and any specific evaluations related to your procedure. These are usually done at the destination hospital a day or two before your surgery.
