Government should create an accreditation body for overseas medical providers advertising to UK patients, require them to offer complication insurance and UK-based aftercare, allow only accredited providers to advertise in the UK, and set up a national database to track clinical outcomes.

In 2023, over 430,000 UK residents went abroad for medical treatment. Many of those who receive treatment abroad return with complications, and many medical tourism-related complications are managed on the NHS. Some patients have died following medical treatment abroad. The Government must act to ensure patient safety, accountability, and reduce the financial and healthcare burden on the NHS by introducing clear legal regulations for medical tourism providers.