The Price of Beauty: An Explainer on the Rising Risks and Rewards of Medical Tourism
As more New Zealanders head to Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico for surgery, experts warn of the high risks of complications, DVT, and the hidden costs of "buyer beware" medical tourism.
By: AXL Media
Published: Apr 28, 2026, 6:17 AM EDT
Source: RNZ Pacific
Why are New Zealanders Going Abroad?
The primary driver for medical tourism is affordability. For many, overseas surgery is the only way to bypass years of waiting in the public system or avoid the high costs of New Zealand's private clinics.
Cost Comparison: A facelift that costs up to $40,000 in NZ can be found for $12,000 in India. Similarly, hip replacements in India are roughly $12,000, compared to up to $40,000 privately in NZ.
The "Social Media" Effect: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have normalized cosmetic surgery, making it accessible to a broader demographic beyond the "rich and famous."
Common Procedures & Top Destinations
While Kiwis travel for various needs, the industry is currently dominated by:
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