A declining access to treatment is purportedly driving thousands of Britons to seek medical care abroad, with a 198 per cent increase in the number of health tourism trips departing from the UK between 2014 and 2016. In 2017 alone, according to the Office for National Statistics, over 300,000 UK residents travelled overseas for the purpose of medical treatment. But why?

NHS waiting times, said to be the worst in the history of the service, may have something to do with it. In England, the 4-hour A & E target, which aims to resolve or otherwise address 95 per cent of emergency cases within the appointed time frame, has not been met since 2015. Moreover, the number of patients waiting longer than 18 weeks to receive treatment (non-urgent cases) rose from 445,000 to 556,000—the highest in a decade—between December 2017 and December 2018.

Last-minute cancellations are also becoming increasingly commonplace. In the last quarter of 2018, over 20,000 operations were suddenly cancelled on non-clinical grounds. Out of these cases, 1,666 of the patients concerned had still not received treatment 28 days later.

And there seem to be few alternatives, with the cost of private care proving prohibitive for many UK residents. It’s no surprise then that people are now looking to other lands where equivalent services may be obtained without the waiting times and at a fraction of the cost.

The good news is there are agencies and clinics within these lands rising to meet the demand. Medical Travel has been helping clients from abroad obtain affordable, high quality medical treatment in the Czech Republic for years now. And we can do the same for you. Get in touch with us today to find our more.

Time for a quick look at another of the lodging options we recommend for your stay in Prague—this time a 4-star hotel (that’s just one star shy of the top rank if you’re counting). Jurys Inn Prague is situated perfectly for excursions into the city and only a brief walk away from the famous Old Town Square. The hotel features a bistro-style restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and on-site garage. The public transit system is also readily accessible with a nearby metro station and tram stop. In other words, it’s a top spot. Learn more.

Then choose wisely. Not all destinations offer the same standards of health and safety. Find out which parts of the world have care and treatment regulations in place on which you can rely.

Go here to read more testimonials.

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