Here are the cheapest countries to travel to for gender-affirming surgery

A recent study has revealed the cost of gender affirming surgery around the world, from most expensive to least. Based on the concept of “medical tourism” (or traveling outside one’s home country for better access to medical procedures), the report offers prospective patients affordable international options for both general surgery and specific gender affirming procedures.

The 2024 report comes from medical media outlet HealthNews, conducted by the site’s research team of science and healthcare professionals. It compared prices for the 10 popular countries for medical tourism relating to gender reassignment surgery (GRS).

Using an average of 30 sources for each country, the study analyzed common GRS procedures like top surgery, breast augmentation, facial feminization surgery, phalloplasty, and vaginoplasty. Prices were then converted from local currency to USD.

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Coming in at the number one least affordable country, the United States boasts an average GRS cost of $23,094. The study notes that while the US has an internationally respected medical community of experts in transgender healthcare, limited insurance coverage and hostile legislation in some states have affected both cost and accessibility compared to other countries.

On the other end of the spectrum, the most affordable country is Turkey. The average cost for GRS there is $7,297, roughly 68% cheaper than the US.

In between these two extremes, the UK is the second most expensive at $20,806. Canada, Germany and South Korea are neck-and-neck, hovering around the $16,000 range. Belgium emerges as Europe’s most affordable country at $12,118. Thailand, which is often associated with medical tourism for GRS, landed fourth place at just over $11,000. Latin American countries Argentina and Brazil nearly tie in the top 3 at around $10,000 each.

The rankings shift slightly when looking into the affordability for individual procedures, as opposed to GRS in general.

For top surgery, South Korea has the most affordable average prices at just over $3,000. Argentina meanwhile, is the most affordable country for breast augmentation surgery at $3,716. But Turkey still boasts the cheapest options for phalloplasty, vaginoplasty and facial feminization surgery.

In addition to the country where the procedures take place, it’s important to note that the actual cost of surgery will always depend on the individual, their medical needs and insurance coverage. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of travel accommodations and all those beachside margaritas you’ll need during your recovery.