Why are patients from Wales traveling to Poland for cosmetic surgery?

When you think of cosmetic medical tourism  people often think of Turkey as a destination. However there has been a lot of bad press in the media about Turkey recently. There has been an increase in the number of patients travelling to Poland.

Wales is very near Bristol and Liverpool airport and Ryanair provide cheap flights to Wroclaw Poland form these aiports.

Patients travel to Poland because:

• Significant price differences: Procedures in Poland can be 30–70% cheaper than in the UK.
• No NHS coverage: Since cosmetic surgery isn’t usually covered by the NHS, private UK clinics can be very expensive.
• For example:
  • A rhinoplasty in the UK might cost £5,000–£7,000.
  • The same procedure in Poland may cost £2,000–£3,000.

Europesurgery is a popular clinic in Poland and you can see how much cheaper their cosmetic surgery prices are than the UK. Europesurgery has become a popular choose for Uk patients due to word of mouth and the number of celebrities who have travelled to the clinic.

High-Quality Care

• Poland has a strong reputation for medical training, particularly in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Many Polish surgeons train or work abroad, especially in Western Europe, and speak fluent English. For example Adam Kalecinski who works at Europe Surgery has worked in the Queen Elizabeth II hospital in Welwyn Garden City.
• Clinics often invest in modern facilities and equipment to attract international patients.

Short Waiting Times

• In the UK, patients often face long wait times for consultations and surgery.
• In Poland, private clinics typically offer faster scheduling, with many offering “surgery holidays” — where a consultation and procedure happen in a single trip.

Medical Tourism Infrastructure

• Poland has developed a strong medical tourism sector with tailored packages:
  • Airport pickup
  • Accommodation
  • Surgery
  • Post-operative care
• These packages make the process more convenient and less intimidating for international patients.

EU Access (Pre-Brexit and Even Post-Brexit)

The UK has maintained a Global health card which can be used across Europe so that if you needed to go to a national health hospital in Poland it would be free of charge. However this is not true for patients travelling to Turkey because it’s not part of the European Union so if complications occur in Turkey the patients have to pay for the hospital care.

Word of Mouth and Online Reviews

• Social media and forums feature positive reviews and personal stories from patients who’ve had successful outcomes in Poland. Celebrities have been to the Polish clinics for example Helen wood and Christopher Moloney and this has increased the social media posts about Poland.
• Influencers and vloggers often document their “surgery trips,” further promoting Polish clinics.

Patients from the UK and other countries sometimes choose Poland over Turkey for cosmetic surgery due to a combination of safety perceptions, travel preferences, cultural familiarity, and quality assurance. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:

1. Perception of Higher Safety and Medical Standards

• EU regulations: Poland is an EU member, meaning its healthcare system adheres to European Union health and safety standards. This gives some patients greater confidence in the quality and regulation of care.
• Stricter oversight: Polish clinics often face tighter scrutiny compared to some lower-cost Turkish providers, reducing the risk of “cosmetic surgery tourism gone wrong.”

2. Cultural and Geographical Proximity

• Poland is geographically closer to the UK than Turkey. Flights are generally shorter (2–3 hours vs. 4+ to Turkey), making the trip feel easier and more manageable.
• Polish cities often feel more culturally similar to Western Europe, which can make recovery and post-op care more comfortable for some patients.

3. Language and Communication

• Many Polish medical professionals speak excellent English, especially in private clinics that cater to medical tourists.
• While Turkey also has English-speaking clinics, some patients report communication challenges in less established facilities.

4. Reputation for Subtle, Natural Results

• Poland has a reputation for refined, understated cosmetic work, particularly among clients seeking natural-looking results (e.g., nose reshaping, facelifts, breast augmentation).
• Some Turkish clinics, especially those that target influencers or social media trends, may focus more on dramatic transformations, which doesn’t suit everyone.

5. Smaller, More Personal Clinics

• Many Polish clinics are smaller and boutique-style, offering a more personalized patient experience.
• Turkey, while highly popular for medical tourism, often operates large, high-volume clinics, which some patients see as less personal or rushed.

6. Fewer Negative Media Reports

• Turkey has had more high-profile negative media coverage around botched surgeries, especially in dental and cosmetic tourism.
• While both countries have reputable providers, Poland tends to attract less sensational media attention, which builds a sense of security for risk-averse patients.

7. Poland Seen as a “Middle Ground”

• Some patients view Poland as a balance between affordability and caution:

• • Cheaper than the UK, but perceived as safer or more regulated than Turkey.
  • For someone unwilling to go all the way to Turkey, Poland feels like a “compromise destination.”

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor, GP, or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Do not take any medication, supplements, or undergo any procedures without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider.