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What Canadians Need to Know About Getting Surgery Abroad in 2025

As waiting times for health care continue to climb in Canada, a growing number of Canadians are seizing the practical opportunity to seek surgery abroad. Medical tourism offers the chance to quickly get quality health care that may be considerably cheaper. A guide on how Canadians can select the best international health options in 2025, covering the cost, destinations, insurance coverage, and the safety of patients, follows.

If you’re considering surgery abroad and need assistance, Contact Anavara, a trusted medical tourism facilitator, at info@anavara.com for expert guidance throughout your journey.

Why Consider Surgery Abroad?

Canadians often travel to other countries for surgery because of long wait lists for non-emergency procedures such as hip replacements, dental surgeries, or other cosmetic operations. The advantages of undergoing surgery abroad are:

  • Less time spent on the waitlist to have elective surgery
  • Cheaper compared to private health care services in Canada
  • Availability of certain specialized surgeries not so easily offered locally
  • Combination of healthcare with travel experiences
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Best Countries for Surgery Abroad in 2025

Most of the Canadians seeking surgery abroad wish to find those places that are known for safety and have an accredited record in their healthcare systems. The countries making the list of best places for surgery abroad include:

Thailand: Cosmetic and dental surgeries are very renowned.

India: Cardiothoracic, organ transplant and orthopedic surgeries draw a huge clientele.

Mexico: Easy to access from Canada and at somewhat affordable rates of care.

Turkey: Most trustworthy destination for hair transplantation and plastic surgeries.

Accredited hospitals with internationally trained doctors in each of these destinations ensure proper care for the patients. Contact Anavara at info@anavara.com to explore the best options and facilities tailored to your Procedure.

Best Countries for Surgery Abroad in 2025 image
Picture Courtesy: Vecteezy 

Cost of Having Surgery Abroad for Canadians

The cost of having surgery abroad greatly varies depending on the country or type of surgery. A general comparison is given below for typical surgeries in countries:

ProcedureCanadaIndiaMexicoThailand
Hip replacement$25,000+$7,000$12,000$10,000
Cosmetic surgery$10,000+$4,500$6,000$5.500
Dental implant5,000 per tooth$1,200$1,800$1,500

Travelling to another country may save a Canadian as much as 60% in surgical costs.

Is It Safe to Have Surgery Abroad?

For Canadians traveling to have surgery, safety is one of the major concerns. Following are some tips related to patient safety that one should consider:

  • Read reviews from patients who have gone through similar procedures.
  • Check the travel advisory put forward by the Canadian government to confirm the destination country where you plan to go is safe.
  • Follow up with your Canadian physician after returning home.
Is It Safe to Have Surgery Abroad? image
Picture Courtesy: Vecteezy 

Safety Considerations for Surgery Abroad

Having surgery abroad is not a problem as far as being safety goes, but one does have to take some precautions:

Consult Your Physician in Canada

 A consultation before your flight can make sure you are fit for surgery; follow-up visits can monitor recovery.

Be Informed

 Every surgery comes with its risks, which may be enhanced by long flights and unknown surroundings. Make certain that your chosen hospital has instructed you in detail as to aftercare.

Legal protections may be sparse when going outside the country for care. Look at locations where the medical tourism industry is more developed and has overall better standards of care.

Steps to Take On for Canadians Contemplating Surgery Abroad

The following are steps you can take in preparing for your surgery abroad:

  1. Research Destination Options: Research the most popular countries for medical tourism and what procedures they offer.

To read more about popular destinations and healthcare options abroad, check out our articles on best countries for medical tourism and medical tourism in Mexico.

  1. Compare Costs and Services: Budget for surgery, travel, and postoperative care. 
  1. Go to a reputable hospital With a surgeon who has good credentials in his/her speciality and a good reputation with the local population/customers. As previously noted, read patient testimonials about the program.
  1. Travel and Prepare for Surgery Abroad: You will want to book accommodations close to the hospital and make sure you have an escort to accompany you.
  1. Make after-care arrangements in Canada: You will want to make sure you can follow up with a physician in Canada. This may also be required by your foreign doctor who wants you to maintain a relationship with him as well, which is important.

Conclusion: Is Surgery Abroad Right for You?

For many Canadians, surgery abroad in 2025 is a very effective means by which one can receive high-quality healthcare treatment with much more affordable prices and no long waiting time. Extensive research must be conducted, health care providers consulted before embarking on medical tourism..

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgery Abroad for Canadians

1. Do I need a visa to travel to another country for surgery?

Some countries require that you have a medical visa. You need to check the country you are going to visit for specific requirements.

2. Can I use Canadian health insurance to pay for surgery abroad?

Generally speaking, international procedures are excluded under public healthcare insurance, but they can be under private insurance.

3. How do I locate an accredited hospital abroad?

Research hospitals are accredited by world-recognized accrediting bodies like the Joint Commission International (JCI).

4. Can I bring a companion for support?

Having a support person can be helpful. Sometimes, especially during post-op recovery, it is necessary. Many hospitals have guest lodgings or partner with local hotels.

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Read more