The UK government publishes practical safety guidance for patients travelling abroad for treatment. Here is what it actually says — and what to do about it.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office publishes country-specific advice for British nationals travelling for medical treatment. It is not generic — it draws on real consular cases.
For Turkey, the FCDO has issued repeated notices about deaths following cosmetic surgery, particularly in unlicensed facilities. For Mexico, it warns about safety in border regions where many bariatric clinics operate. For Thailand, it covers complications from long-haul flights post-surgery.
None of this should put you off treatment abroad. It should change how you choose your provider. Read the FCDO page for your destination before you book, not after.
Frequently asked questions
What is FCDO advice and why does it matter for treatment abroad?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office publishes country-specific advice for British nationals, including guidance for people travelling for medical treatment. It is not generic boilerplate — it is drawn from real consular cases, which is what makes it worth reading before you book rather than after.
What does the FCDO say about cosmetic surgery in Turkey?
The FCDO has issued repeated notices about deaths following cosmetic surgery in Turkey, particularly in unlicensed facilities. The relevant conclusion is not that Turkey should be avoided, but that whether a facility is properly licensed is a question you have to answer yourself before you travel.
Does FCDO advice mean I should not travel for treatment?
No. FCDO notices are about how to choose a provider, not about whether to go. They tell you which specific risks have actually materialised for British patients in that country — unlicensed facilities in Turkey, regional safety around some Mexican border clinics, post-surgical long-haul flight complications from Thailand — so you can screen for them.
Where do I find FCDO advice for my destination?
At gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, by country. Read the page for your destination before you book. Advice is updated as new consular cases arise, so check it again close to your travel date.
Related reading on cliniccheck
- Is surgery abroad safe? A country-by-country guide for UK patients2026-08-08 · 12 min
- Medical tourism in Mexico: the 2026 UK patient guide to Cancun, Tijuana and Mexico City2026-07-14 · 13 min
- 10 warning signs of a medical tourism scam — and how to avoid them2026-05-26 · 10 min
- NHS aftercare for treatment abroad: what UK patients are entitled to2026-05-26 · 8 min
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