By Health Correspondent | Real Time Trip News | April 23, 2025
Singapore/Dhaka – A growing number of international travelers are now packing their bags not for sightseeing — but for surgery. The global trend of health travel, also known as medical tourism, is on the rise as patients seek affordable, high-quality healthcare in foreign countries.
From heart surgeries in India to dental care in Thailand and cosmetic procedures in Turkey, thousands of travelers are bypassing long waits and high costs in their home countries by flying abroad for medical treatments.
“I saved over 60% on my knee replacement surgery by coming to Dhaka instead of doing it in the U.S.,” said James Collins, a 63-year-old patient from California.
🌐 A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry
Medical tourism has grown into a $100+ billion global industry, according to the latest report from the International Health Tourism Association. Countries in South and Southeast Asia are leading the way, offering modern hospitals, trained specialists, and English-speaking support staff — often at a fraction of Western prices.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Emerging as a Health Travel Hub
In Bangladesh, private hospitals in Dhaka and Chittagong are seeing a sharp uptick in foreign patients, especially from the Middle East and South Asia.
“We’ve invested in advanced diagnostics, surgical units, and international patient care. Bangladesh is now on the map,” said Dr. Nusrat Jahan of a top Dhaka clinic.
Health packages offered in Bangladesh often include:
- ✅ Treatment + Post-op care
- ✅ Hotel stays for patient and family
- ✅ Airport pickup and translators
🧳 Popular Health Travel Procedures
- Cardiac bypass surgery
- Organ transplants
- Cosmetic & reconstructive surgery
- IVF and fertility treatments
- Dental implants and full-mouth restorations
🛫 Healing with a View: Combining Treatment with Travel
Many health travelers extend their stay to recover in scenic or peaceful locations. Beach resorts, hill stations, and wellness centers are partnering with hospitals to offer packages that blend medical recovery with tourism.
“After my dental surgery, I spent a week in Cox’s Bazar to relax before flying back. It was the perfect recovery,” shared a patient from Dubai.
🚨 Risks and Precautions
While the benefits of medical tourism are clear, experts caution travelers to do thorough research before choosing a destination. Not all clinics meet international standards, and follow-up care may be limited after returning home.
Tips for Safe Health Travel:
- Verify hospital accreditation
- Consult with your doctor at home
- Understand the legal risks and policies
- Arrange for follow-up care if needed
With affordable healthcare, cutting-edge facilities, and a touch of travel, health tourism is redefining how people around the world approach medical care.
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