The Decibel The rise of medical tourism
Dec 18, 2025
Sarah Bartnicka, a freelance journalist for The Globe and Mail, dives into the booming trend of medical tourism among Canadians. She explores why people are seeking treatments abroad, from cosmetic surgeries to joint replacements, often driven by long wait times and cost savings. Sarah highlights key destinations like Turkey for hair transplants and Mexico for dental work, revealing substantial price differences. However, she also warns of the risks involved, including variable care standards and emergency costs, urging thorough vetting of clinics before travel.
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Medical Tourism Is Vast And Commercialized
- Medical tourism spans cosmetic, dental, fertility and major surgeries across many countries.
- Clinics in hubs scale quickly and often target English-speaking North American patients.
Wait Times And Marketing Drive Travel For Care
- Long wait times and uncovered elective care drive Canadians to consider treatment abroad.
- Social media and targeted marketing amplify demand for trendy or cheaper procedures.
A Senior's Successful Dental Trip To Costa Rica
- Ken, 76, flew to Costa Rica for implants and crowns after Canadian quotes felt unaffordable.
- He paid about $14,000 including travel and stayed confident after in-person visits and good clinic impressions.