Seeking healthcare elsewhere: The legal issues and ethical considerations of medical tourism

Medical tourism describes the phenomenon of individuals travelling from their home country to another destination with the intention of accessing medical care. It is a rapidly growing industry, with the number of UK citizens seeking medical treatment abroad rising annually. The increasing popularity of medical tourism presents both opportunities and challenges to the individual and the NHS. Therefore, it is imperative that patients make informed decisions regarding travelling abroad for medical treatment. This article will explore the development of medical tourism, focusing on the legal and ethical issues before considering a case scenario.