Many Australians travel overseas for cosmetic surgery. Lower prices and short waiting times are often part of the appeal. Some people also like the idea of recovering somewhere warm. Before you book, it helps to know what can go wrong and what protections you may lose.
Smartraveller, run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has a plain message in its advice for medical tourists. Do not decide on cost alone. All surgery carries risk, at home or abroad. This guide looks at the main points to weigh up first.
What protections apply in Australia
Australia changed its rules for cosmetic surgery in 2023. Ahpra says that from 1 July 2023, anyone considering cosmetic surgery must first get a referral from their GP. The referral gives the surgeon your medical history. Ahpra describes this as an added safety step.
There is also a cooling off period. Ahpra’s guide to cosmetic surgery rules in Australia says it must be at least seven days after you give consent. Only then can you book or pay for the surgery. Your surgeon must also explain the risks, recovery time, total costs and how to make a complaint.
Titles are controlled as well. Ahpra says only doctors with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology or ophthalmology can call themselves a surgeon. That includes the title cosmetic surgeon. You can also check any Australian practitioner on the national register.
These rules apply to practitioners in Australia. They do not follow you overseas. Ahpra’s guidance is to choose a practitioner registered to practise in Australia.
The main risks of surgery overseas
Smartraveller says all medical procedures carry risk, and complications can happen. In the worst case, a patient can die. A failed procedure can also leave you with a new or worse problem. Fixing that problem may cost more than the original surgery.
The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons lists anaesthetic problems, bleeding, wound infection and sepsis among the risks of cosmetic procedures. It also warns that complications can appear weeks later, after you are home. Finding specialist care at that point can be harder. Hospital and intensive care treatment can be expensive.
Infection is a particular concern. The society notes that bacteria in tropical countries may differ from those at home. Antibiotic resistance means some common antibiotics may not work. Smartraveller suggests checking a hospital’s reputation, including any reports of resistant bacteria.
Flying after surgery
Long flights and surgery can be a risky mix. The society says flights over four hours are linked to blood clots in the legs and lungs. Procedures that limit how much you move afterwards add to that risk. It names tummy tucks, body lifts and large liposuction as examples.
A clot in the deep veins of the leg is called deep vein thrombosis. A clot that travels to the lungs is a pulmonary embolism and can be life threatening. Smoking, the contraceptive pill and recent surgery are among the factors the society lists. Talk with your GP about this before you plan travel dates.
Checking the surgeon and the hospital
Training and registration rules differ between countries. Smartraveller suggests confirming the surgeon is qualified and accredited. It also suggests looking into their reputation and the experiences of past patients. Check that both the hospital and the doctor hold indemnity and malpractice insurance.
Good planning also means knowing the destination. Smartraveller suggests researching the local healthcare system before you commit. The same care applies to other health trips, and our tips for dental tourism cover similar ground. A clear aftercare plan with contacts who speak English is worth arranging early.
Ask who will actually perform your operation. The society warns about ghost surgery, where a different surgeon operates from the one you met. This often happens while the patient is under general anaesthetic and without their consent. The society describes the practice as unethical and illegal.
Communication is another thing to test early. The society notes that language barriers can lead to misunderstandings about what you want. Staff who speak English may be harder to reach once you are recovering. Agreeing on your goals in writing before surgery can help avoid an unwanted result.
Insurance and costs
You pay for treatment overseas yourself. Smartraveller says you or your travel insurer will also pay for any further care or evacuation. Basic travel insurance policies rarely cover medical tourism. You may need a special policy that covers the procedure itself.
Smartraveller suggests asking your insurer about care after surgery, complications and medical evacuation. Read the product disclosure statement so you know what is excluded. A medical evacuation to Australia can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unplanned bills like this can weigh heavily, and the links between financial health and mental health are well known.
Planning a safer trip
Smartraveller suggests talking with your doctor in Australia about your plans. It also suggests a health check at least six weeks before you leave. Take someone with you if you can. They can support you and may need to make decisions for you if things go wrong.
Recovery also changes how you spend your time away. Your surgeon may ask you to limit some activities while you heal, so read up on things to avoid in Bali for your health. A holiday and a recovery are not the same thing. Plenty of people enjoy a Bali villa holiday for rest, but surgery adds limits to that rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral for cosmetic surgery overseas?
The Australian GP referral rule applies to cosmetic surgery done by practitioners in Australia. Smartraveller still suggests talking with your doctor at home before you go. Your GP can also help plan care when you return.
Will my travel insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
Smartraveller says basic policies rarely cover medical tourism. Look for a policy that covers the procedure and complications. Read the product disclosure statement closely.
How soon can I fly home after surgery?
There is no single answer, as it depends on the procedure and your health. Flights over four hours carry a higher risk of blood clots. Ask your surgeon and your GP before you book flights.
Can I check an overseas surgeon on the Ahpra register?
The Ahpra register lists practitioners registered in Australia. A surgeon who works only overseas will not appear on it. You will need to check their training and accreditation in their own country.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with a doctor or qualified health professional before deciding on any surgery.
