Medical tourism has become increasingly popular for Nigerians seeking high-quality, affordable, and timely medical care abroad. Due to limited access to advanced treatments, more Nigerians are choosing to travel to countries like India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, and the United Kingdom for specialized care.
Here, we explore the top four medical procedures Nigerians commonly seek abroad, including cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments.
1. Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a top reason for medical travel among Nigerians. Procedures such as body contouring, rhinoplasty, and facelifts are frequently sought after, with patients travelling to countries like Turkey, the UAE, and South Africa. Many of these destinations offer affordable packages for international patients, which often include accommodations, transportation, and post-operative care.
Popular Procedures:
- Liposuction and Tummy Tucks: Body contouring treatments are widely popular, especially in Turkey and the UAE, where medical facilities are equipped with the latest technology and experienced surgeons.
- Breast Augmentation and Reduction: Many patients travel to South Africa and Europe for breast surgeries, benefiting from high-quality care at affordable rates.
- Facial Surgeries: Procedures like rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and facelifts are common in Turkey and Dubai, known for their expertise and skilled plastic surgeons.
Why Nigerians Travel: Cosmetic surgery options in Nigeria may be limited or costly, and specialized clinics abroad offer both high standards of care and discretion. Many patients prefer undergoing these procedures abroad to maintain privacy and receive expert care from internationally trained surgeons.
2. Fertility Treatments
With infertility rates on the rise in Nigeria, fertility treatments have become a major reason for medical tourism. Many Nigerians travel to countries such as India, South Africa, and the UAE for assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments.
Popular Procedures:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is one of the most popular procedures among Nigerian couples seeking fertility assistance abroad. Clinics in India and South Africa are known for their high success rates and affordable prices.
- Egg and Sperm Donation: Due to the limited availability of egg and sperm donors in Nigeria, many patients go abroad, particularly to countries with robust donor programs like India and Cyprus.
- Surrogacy: Legal in some countries but restricted in Nigeria, surrogacy is a major reason for medical travel, with Nigerians seeking surrogacy services in places like Ukraine, Georgia, and India.
Why Nigerians Travel: Limited access to advanced reproductive technologies and the high cost of treatments in Nigeria push many people to seek fertility solutions abroad. Countries like India and the UAE have established fertility clinics with world-class facilities, experienced specialists, and less restrictive regulations on donor-assisted IVF and surrogacy.
3. Cardiovascular Procedures
For Nigerians in need of heart-related treatments, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty, medical tourism offers both affordable and immediate care. Heart disease remains a significant health concern in Nigeria, but due to limited specialized cardiac care, many patients travel to countries like India, the UAE, and Germany.
Popular Procedures:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): This is a common heart surgery for patients with severe heart disease. India is a top destination for CABG, with low costs and highly skilled cardiac surgeons.
- Angioplasty: For patients with narrowed or blocked arteries, angioplasty is a less invasive alternative to bypass surgery. Turkey and India offer affordable angioplasty procedures.
- Heart Valve Replacement: In cases of damaged heart valves, valve replacement surgery is often necessary. India and Germany are popular destinations, offering state-of-the-art cardiac care.
Why Nigerians Travel: Cardiovascular treatments abroad offer Nigerians access to advanced equipment, specialized cardiologists, and affordable care. The ability to access life-saving procedures with little to no waiting time is a strong motivator for patients seeking cardiac treatments internationally.
4. Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery, especially joint replacements and spine surgeries, is another highly sought-after treatment for Nigerian medical tourists. Patients suffering from chronic joint pain or debilitating spine conditions often face long waits or high costs for surgery in Nigeria. Countries like India, Turkey, and South Africa provide accessible, high-quality orthopedic treatments.
Popular Procedures:
- Hip and Knee Replacements: For patients suffering from arthritis or joint damage, hip and knee replacements are transformative surgeries. India and Turkey are leading destinations for these procedures, with skilled surgeons and affordable options.
- Spine Surgery: For complex spine surgeries, including herniated disc repairs and spinal fusions, Nigerians frequently travel to countries like Germany and South Africa for specialized care.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure for joint issues, arthroscopy is popular among those seeking faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Many Nigerians choose Turkey or India for this advanced option.
Why Nigerians Travel: Nigeria has limited access to advanced orthopedic care and specialized surgeons, particularly for joint replacement and spine surgeries. Patients can find affordable options, shorter recovery times, and cutting-edge technology abroad, especially in countries with high orthopedic expertise.
Final Thoughts
For Nigerians, medical tourism provides access to high-quality, specialized medical care that may not be available locally. By travelling abroad, patients can benefit from expertise in fields like fertility treatment, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular care. As more people turn to medical tourism to meet their healthcare needs, countries that cater to international patients continue to invest in advanced technology, skilled personnel, and patient-friendly services, ensuring Nigerian patients receive top-notch treatment.
