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Medical Treatments: British Nationals Abroad

Asked by Michael WheelerLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 15 June 2026UIN 7321

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help improve patient awareness of the potential risks of undergoing medical procedures overseas.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Department has recently updated guidance that advises anyone considering a procedure abroad to carefully research the treatment in question, the qualifications of their clinician, and the regulations that apply in any specific country.

The Department has also launched communications campaigns to encourage people to review the Government’s travel advice alongside relevant guidance from the National Health Service and other relevant professional bodies. By taking such steps before treatment, patients are able to make more informed decisions about treatments abroad, to help protect themselves and the NHS from any potential negative consequences of medical tourism.

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