The rise of the health holiday: stats show more Brits are visiting countries like Bulgaria for dental and medical treatment
The summer holidays are here, and many of us are looking forward to soaking up the sun in exotic climes. For most, holidays involve sitting by the pool, chilling out at the beach or catching waves in the sea, but for some, being overseas offers a chance to take advantage of discounted medical and dental treatment.
Studies show that health holidays have become increasingly popular, mainly because treatment fees are significantly lower in some countries than they are in the UK. It is estimated that around 150,000 people are travelling abroad to have treatment.
Bulgaria is a destination, which has grown in popularity with Brits looking to undergo treatment on the cheap. A country that boasts scorching summers and snowy winters, the weather and the scenery aren’t the only draws for UK tourists. Low prices are attracting visitors in their droves. The cost of replacing a tooth and carrying out bone grafting procedures can rise to up to £5,000 in the UK, but in Sofia, patients are being offered implant treatment for around £600.
It’s not just visitors from the UK who have been impressed by Bulgarian dentists. In 2012, Sylvester Stallone broke a tooth while filming The Expendables 2 and he was so impressed by the service he received that he returned after filming to have 24 teeth replaced.
Although a health holiday offers many perks, especially for those searching for low prices, dentists in the UK have warned of the dangers of dental tourism. Standards of training may not be as high as at home, the risk of botched procedures is higher, and there may be concerns about a lack of regulation in some countries.
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