What are the risks of health tourism? Why MEPs are calling for better protection of patients abroad
ADVERTISEMENT
Lower costs, a more comfortable experience, and the lack of availability of certain treatments closer to home are some of the reasons Europeans seek healthcare abroad. However, this so-called 'health tourism' comes with unpredictable risks.
'More and more European citizens are traveling abroad to receive medical treatment, attracted by lower costs and shorter waiting times, but often without proper awareness of the associated risks,' MEP Michele Picaro (Italy/ECR) told Euronews.
He wants a European-level discussion on the need for minimum safety and quality standards even in non-EU healthcare facilities, to protect citizens by giving them more information about what's at stake.
Countries such as Turkey, Thailand, and South Korea have become popular destinations, offering low prices and experiences that resemble five-star hotel services.
'Healthcare is getting more and more expensive and getting difficult to access in some countries across Europe. So, it's only reasonable to expect that some of our citizens will travel to wherever they can to get the best value and a timely service for their money,' said MEP Billy Kelleher (Ireland/Renew Europe) during a recent debate in the European Parliament.
However, despite the initial appeal of seeking treatment abroad, there are significant risks linked to aftercare and potential side effects that pose problems once patients are back in Europe.
High price to pay
There have been several reports in the EU of patients returning from treatment abroad with complications.
In March 2023, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) linked 87 cases of botulism - an illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves causing breathing difficulty, muscle paralysis, and even death in some cases - to intragastric injections of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), commonly known as Botox, carried out in Turkey.
Private clinics in Turkey advertise the local affordability of such procedures compared to elsewhere, with prices often around half of equivalent costs in Europe.
'In the beginning, patients come back feeling quite pleased because they think that their problems have been solved at half the price. But six months later there are often relapses, serious infections, and sometimes then the treatment is even more complex and more costly,' said Valentina Palmisano (Italy/The Left).
Another concern raised is the lack of access to up-to-date medical records for treatments conducted abroad, which makes aftercare in Europe more difficult.
Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi also warned of the risks of relying on clinics in third countries that may not uphold the same standards as those in the EU.
"In many cases, there is little or no legal recourse if something goes wrong. and patients may be exposed to unregulated medical practices", he told MEPs in Strasbourg.
He added that while EU medical facilities must comply with strict health and safety regulations, ensuring treatments meet high standards, regulations in non-EU countries vary significantly.
European cross-border healthcare
The EU has already tools in place for citizens who need to seek medical treatment outside of their country, but within European borders: the cross-border healthcare directive.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, MEPs warned that its implementation remains inconsistent.
"Cross-border medical care enables patients in the EU to seek medical treatment in other member states, but the rules are still too complex and not used enough,' said Tomislav Sokol (Croatia/EPP).
He added that, although these rules are in place, many patients are unaware of their rights or how to benefit from them, and called on the Commission to simplify the rules and ensure easier access to cross-border care.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
At least 12 injured after unknown powder found at German DHL centre
At least a dozen people were injured on Friday after a suspicious package was located at a DHL distribution centre in Langenzenn in southern Germany. Several mail centre employees reportedly came into contact with an unknown white powder through a suspicious package, local media reported. The mail centre staff later complained of feeling ill shortly after the package was discovered, including suffering from rashes. The substance was found on the outside of the parcel and allegedly caused irritation. At least eight people were hospitalised after touching the powder. However, a spokesperson for the regional police said this number could increase. This discovery prompted a response from several emergency departments including police, firefighters and hazardous materials specialists. Around 100 emergency personnel were deployed. A local fire department set up a decontamination site at the scene and the distribution centre was evacuated. The police spokesperson told local media that a so-called decontamination shower had been taken to the warehouse. Such a device can be used to wash off potentially hazardous substances. According to reports, 35 people have already used the shower. Dangerous goods specialists are examining the package, but for now, it is unclear what it contains. Meanwhile, the public has been asked to avoid the area until firefighters give the all-clear. Proposals to allow charging air passengers for carry-on cabin baggage were green-lit by EU transport ministers on Thursday as part of wider reforms of EU air passenger rights, despite resistance from Germany, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. As Euronews reported, the proposal would create a new free hand luggage item, one that can be slipped under the seat, leaving other stowed cabin bags exposed to charges. The agreed proposals would mean airlines must reroute passengers at the earliest opportunity, including through other carriers or transport modes when appropriate. If rerouting isn't offered within three hours, passengers may book their own travel and claim up to 400% of the original ticket cost in reimbursement. Delays of over four hours on short and intra-EU flights (under 3,500 km) will trigger €300 in compensation. Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km) will warrant €500 after six hours of delay. Airlines would no longer be permitted to invoke "extraordinary circumstances" unless they prove all reasonable measures were taken to avoid disruption. Airlines would also be explicitly required to provide food, drinks, and accommodation during delays. If they fail to do so, passengers may arrange these themselves and claim costs back. To bolster enforcement, the rules impose stricter information requirements. Airlines must clearly inform passengers of their rights at booking and during complaints handling. New timelines are foreseen: passengers would have up to six months to submit a claim, and airlines must respond within 14 days. 'The position finally adopted today answers to an urgent call by air passengers and airlines for up-to-date, clearer and more straightforward rules. The revised rules will bring over 30 new rights to the air passengers, applicable from the moment when they buy a ticket, until they arrive at their destination, and in some cases even beyond. It is a historical milestone as an agreement couldn't have been reached in the last 12 years,' Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure of Poland, whose country holds the presidency of the Council, told reporters. European consumer organisation BEUC criticised the position adopted by member states, saying it 'substantially decreases several key rights'. 'Although the deal improved some rights on paper, giving consumers improved access to information in case of disruption, care and assistance, it represents a substantial rollback of other key rights. Take compensation for instance. The new eligibility thresholds will deprive the majority of passengers from their compensation rights as most delays are between two and four hours,' Agustín Reyna, BEUC's director general, said after the vote. 'Consumer groups have already pointed out that airlines should stop charging passengers for their hand luggage by lodging a complaint with the consumer protection authorities and the European Commission last May. Such practices are contrary to EU rules and EU top court case law which states that hand luggage is an essential aspect of passengers' carriage. On the contrary, the text adopted by the Council legitimises charging for reasonably sized hand luggage,' the director added. The next legislative steps Now it is the turn of the European Parliament to adopt its position on the file. If it does so, the text will enter interinstitutional negotiations with member states, the Parliament and the Commission to find a common position on the new rules. BEUC lamented the fact that the revision is being conducted through an expedited procedure that gives shorter deadlines in the Parliament, which will only need to approve the proposal by an absolute majority.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Euronews
"The green transition and competitiveness are not contradictory," says EU Environment commissioner
Jessika Roswall is convinced that water cannot be taken for granted by Europeans. "We cannot continue like that because extreme weather events have become the new normal in one way," she said in an interview with Euronews as part of a presentation of the new European Water Resilience strategy. Europe is facing a problem of quantity: drought is a problem not only in the south of the continent but also in the north. On the flipside, there have also been severe floods in Valencia and southwest France. "The water scarcity that Europe is facing, the Europe's land, is 30%. So, we have both problems with too much water sometimes, too little water, but also polluted water, so we need to act." The goal for the Commissioner is to have clean and affordable water for everybody including industry and farmers. "We need to be smarter on using water. How can we be more efficient? And then it's also about innovation and how can we use the techniques." The quality of water is another major issue facing the Commission. The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals,' have been accumulating across EU waters for decades, posing a serious risk to human health and the environment. The European Commission says it's preparing to support a major clean-up initiative set to begin in 2026. The Commission also says it's working towards an eventual ban on the use of PFAS when it comes to consumer products including pizza boxes, cosmetics, rain clothes or firefighting foams. But it becomes much more difficult for medical products like inhalers, surgical equipment or items where there is no suitable alternative. "We need to discuss both how industries that need it can use it safely, and how we can protect it from leaking into nature or otherwise harming people's health," Roswall said. "We are working on both, how to use it in a sustainable way if you may say but we need also at the same time work on how to clean up." The Commissioner firmly believes that the "green transition and competitiveness is not contradictory." She thinks the solution lies through dialogue, including industry, NGOs and member states. The PFAS actions are intended to complement ongoing efforts to review the EU's REACH framework, which oversees EU regulation of chemicals. The revised text could come by the end of the year, following several postponements. Roswall denies accusations from environmental and consumer groups that the Commission is prioritising the demands of industry over the environment. "When we see the chemical industry, which is an important industry for all other industries, that is true because other industries need the products and we need an industry here in Europe, that is important for all of us." Roswall said she believes it's possible to support the environment and also relieve the burden on farmers when it comes to regulations. "If we don't have nature, we don't have farming—and of course, the opposite is also true. So, I would say that we are working toward the same goal. When it comes to simplification, for me, it's really about reporting. For example, I know we're focusing on how we can make it easier for farmers to report less." When discussing the needs of tackling the collapse of biodiversity, Roswall says she is pushing for a dialogue between farmers and NGOs which she says is key in understanding each other's perspectives. She suggests nature credits - financial instruments that can be traded or used to offset biodiversity impacts - would boost private sector investment and biodiversity conservation. "I would still argue that this is something that we need to do and we know that we want to do it, but we need to be smarter when we do it," she said.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Euronews
Overdoses and drug-related gang violence are rising, EU officials say
Between 'unprecedented' cocaine availability, counterfeit painkillers that contain deadly synthetic opioids, and evasive trafficking networks, Europe's drug problems are more complex than ever. That's according to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), which says illegal drugs are taking their toll across the entire bloc due to addiction, increases in gang violence, and burdened health systems. 'Today we face a fast-changing situation everywhere in Europe,' Alexis Goosdeel, the agency's executive director, told Euronews. An estimated 7,500 people died from drug overdoses in 2023, up from about 7,100 the year before, the analysis found. Most overdose deaths involved opioids, but the risks are changing as more people turn to synthetic drugs and use multiple substances. EU officials called for more proactive efforts to prevent and treat addiction, rather than simply monitoring drug use, as well as increased police efforts to dismantle criminal networks that traffic drugs. Here's what the latest data shows on illegal drug trends across the EU, Norway, and Turkey – and what health authorities are most worried about going forward. Europe's opioid market is changing, with other substances emerging alongside long-term heroin risks. After the Taliban took over in Afghanistan in 2021 and banned opium production the following year, European officials warned that heroin could become harder to find, prompting people to turn to dangerous fentanyl derivatives or synthetic opioids. In 2023, authorities dismantled 14 heroin production sites in Europe, mostly in the Netherlands. One type of synthetic opioid, called nitazenes, is already causing problems in places like Denmark and the Netherlands, where health authorities have warned that people could be buying counterfeit painkillers that actually contain nitazenes. In 2023, the number of nitazene powders detected in Europe tripled. The drugs are so potent that even a small dose can be life-threatening. Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway have reported clusters of overdoses linked to nitazenes, the EUDA said, while the drugs appear to be responsible for a 'significant share' of overdose deaths in Estonia and Latvia. 'What we see already is people who are buying on the internet molecules, believing that they are medicines while in fact they contain other substances,' Goosdeel said. In the past year, about 4.6 million European adults have used cocaine, making it the bloc's most commonly used illegal stimulant. It's also becoming more popular. In 2023, EU member states seized 419 tonnes of cocaine – marking the seventh year in a row of record seizures. The biggest busts were in Belgium (123 tonnes), Spain (118 tonnes), and the Netherlands (59 tonnes), which are key entry points for cocaine trafficked into Europe from elsewhere in the world. Last year, Spain seized 13 tonnes of cocaine, which were hidden in bananas from Ecuador – its largest ever haul from a single bust. Cocaine is also developed in the EU, with authorities dismantling 34 production sites in 2023. The competitive market is driving an uptick in cocaine-related crime and gang violence, the report found. The EUDA expects there to be a surge of people seeking addiction treatment in the coming years, given that there tends to be a lag of about 13 years between someone's first time trying cocaine and their first time seeking treatment. 'We need to build the capacity to be prepared for treatment,' Goosdeel said, because at the moment, 'we are not ready'. An estimated 8.4 per cent of adults – 24 million people – used cannabis in the past year, making it Europe's most commonly used illegal drug, the report found. Cannabis seizures rose slightly in 2023 after falling the year before, the report found. The market is worth at least €12.1 billion, and is run by organised criminal groups that cultivate, traffic, and sell the drug across Europe. Cannabis may be common, but it isn't without its health risks. It can cause or worsen chronic respiratory issues and psychotic symptoms, with long-term, regular users at higher risk. Meanwhile, a class of drugs known as synthetic cannabinoids are a growing concern, the EUDA said. These highly potent drugs may be added to edibles or other cannabis products without people's knowledge, raising the risk of poisoning or other health problems. Last year, European countries detected 20 new cannabinoids, representing more than 40 per cent of the new substances identified by the EU's early warning system. The possible health consequences of cannabinoids are 'poorly understood,' the report said. Still, they may be tied to fatal poisonings or other problems because they have such a high concentration of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that makes people feel high. 'So yes, there is a danger,' Goosdeel said. Health experts and parents have been raising the alarm about a surge in ADHD cases, particularly among young people – but the increase appears to have tapered off in recent years. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting an estimated 8 per cent of children and teenagers. Worldwide, around 366 million adults have ADHD, with symptoms including trouble focusing, restlessness, and impulsivity. But a new analysis, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggests the apparent recent uptick in ADHD cases may be more due to recognition than reality. It looked at 40 studies on ADHD from 2020 onward. While there were major gaps in data, the highest-quality studies found no significant increase in the overall prevalence of ADHD in that time. They also found no meaningful increase in new diagnoses from 2020 to 2024, though they have been trending upward in recent decades. Researchers also noted that a growing number of people are getting tested and seeking support for ADHD. 'Our best evidence suggests the true rate of ADHD isn't increasing that much,' Philip Shaw, director of the King's Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People, told journalists. 'My hunch is there's such a huge awareness of ADHD that it's often used as… the way young people express they are struggling at school and need help,' added Shaw, who was not involved with the new study. Researchers said the longer-term increase in ADHD cases is likely due to some combination of 'catch-up' diagnoses among people whose conditions were not detected when they were young, as well as changes to how ADHD is diagnosed, pandemic-era disruptions, social media, and other unknown reasons. Some have proposed that constant stimulation from social media and mobile phones – which has earned young people the title of the 'distracted generation' – could be driving an increase in ADHD. A 2023 study, for example, found a link between ADHD symptoms and excessive social media use, smartphone dependence, and internet addiction. But not all attention problems are ADHD, and 'it's too early to say what's causing what here,' Shaw said. 'We don't know what's the chicken and what's the egg'. Researchers said more studies are needed to confirm whether more people are actually developing ADHD than in the past, or if they are simply more likely to be diagnosed. 'We should be looking at these questions… and I think that is what's happening,' Shaw said.
