Brits turn medical tourists to avoid NHS lists

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Around three-quarters of Brits who travel abroad for medical treatment are doing so because they are fed up with UK waiting lists, however, this could affect consumer non-disclosure, suggests a report published by Norwich Union Healthcare.

According to a recent survey, one in five (20%) GPs questioned say they have seen “a notable increase” in the number of their patients going abroad, as around 45% of are travelling overseas to get medical treatment for serious operations such as cardiac surgery and hip replacements. NU has highlighted the research as part of its own marketing campaign to potential new clients who seek to “jump the NHS queue” with private medical cover. That said, NU also acknowledges this could have an unexpected impact on insurers and the underwriting information available on some clients, in relatio...

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