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guidesFebruary 5, 2026 min read

Tired of NHS Waiting Lists? Medical Treatment Abroad Could Be Your Answer

By Travel4Treatment Medical Team

Tired of NHS Waiting Lists? Medical Treatment Abroad Could Be Your Answer
## The NHS Waiting List Crisis As of 2026, over 7 million people in England are waiting for NHS treatment. Average wait times: - **Hip replacement**: 12-18 months - **Knee replacement**: 12-18 months - **Cataract surgery**: 6-12 months - **Heart surgery**: 3-6 months (urgent cases prioritized) - **Cancer treatment**: Variable, but delays are common For many, waiting isn't just inconvenient – it means living with pain, reduced mobility, and declining quality of life. ## The Overseas Alternative Thousands of UK patients travel abroad each year for faster treatment. Popular destinations include: ### Turkey - Flight time: 4 hours from London - Cost: 50-70% less than UK private prices - Wait time: Usually 1-2 weeks - Popular for: Orthopedics, cardiac, dental, cosmetic ### India - Flight time: 9 hours from London - Cost: 60-80% less than UK private prices - Wait time: Usually 1-2 weeks - Popular for: Complex cardiac, oncology, transplants ### Lithuania/Portugal - Flight time: 2-3 hours - Cost: 40-60% less than UK private prices - Within EU standards - Popular for: Dental, orthopedics ## Cost Comparison: NHS Private vs Abroad | Procedure | UK Private | India | Turkey | Savings | |-----------|-----------|-------|--------|--------| | Hip Replacement | £12,000-£15,000 | £4,500-£6,000 | £5,000-£7,000 | 50-65% | | Knee Replacement | £12,000-£15,000 | £4,000-£5,500 | £5,000-£7,000 | 50-65% | | Heart Bypass | £20,000-£30,000 | £6,000-£10,000 | £8,000-£12,000 | 60-70% | | Cataract (per eye) | £3,000-£4,000 | £800-£1,200 | £1,000-£1,500 | 65-75% | ## Is It Safe? Yes, when you choose the right hospital: 1. **JCI Accreditation** - Same standards as top UK hospitals 2. **UK/US trained surgeons** - Many trained at British institutions 3. **Modern facilities** - Often newer than NHS hospitals 4. **Proven outcomes** - Success rates comparable to UK ## What About Follow-up Care? This is crucial. At Travel4Treatment, we ensure: - Detailed discharge notes for your GP - Coordination with UK consultants if needed - Virtual follow-up appointments with your overseas surgeon - Emergency contact support ## Your Rights Under the NHS, you have the right to: - Choose where to be treated (within reason) - Request a referral to another hospital - Access your medical records to take abroad ## How to Get Started 1. **Get your medical records** from your GP/NHS 2. **Contact us** for a free consultation 3. **Receive options** within 48 hours 4. **Book treatment** - often within 2-3 weeks Don't let waiting lists control your health. Take charge today.

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