The International Health Service

[Doc Alan]

Although the Philippines does not fall into the category of countries “ where healthcare is largely publicly funded ” it appears to me that they ENCOURAGE health tourism. This includes procedures such as surgery ( cosmetic, weight loss, eye and orthopaedic ), dermatology and dentistry. They’re said to be aiming for $ 2 billion by 2015 ( http://investvine.com/philippines-ey...ourism-income/ ).




• Many British “ tourists “ now travel abroad, including the Philippines, for such purposes.

• For procedures where there is NHS entitlement that SAVES money for our NHS, and reduces waiting lists.

• For anyone considering this, the advice I’ve given before still applies.

• Do your research into the clinic / hospital, including language used / communication / costs.

• Have a full consultation with the doctor or dentist.

• Consider aftercare such as corrective treatment.

• Consider travel risks such as air travel after surgery.

• Many insurers won't cover planned treatment abroad.


It may well be that the UK is a net exporter of patients.

Not only that, but the number of foreigners coming here with the intention of using the NHS – and paying – may well outstrip the number estimated to be misusing the service (

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...675-X/fulltext ).





For personal reasons, I “ tightened my belt “ several years ago , and, like every other member, I’m happy to contribute to the Forum for nothing !

[Dedworth]

For personal reasons, I “ tightened my belt “ several years ago , and, like every other member, I’m happy to contribute to the Forum for nothing !

Same here Doc but if I could have had a fiver for every post ..............

Interesting fact you've got on PH that is exactly how health tourism should be - you travel to the place where you are happiest with the price, medical expertise etc. Totally in contrast to the UK where the likes of naive Dr Kailash Chand want the British Taxpayer to fund free healthcare for the rest of the world.