Why the world is turning to the UK for addiction treatment

What’s included?

1. Introduction
2. Future of health tourism
3. Why are people travelling to Delamere for their treatment?
4. How Delamere can help

Health tourism is on the rise in the United Kingdom. According to the latest data by the Office for National Statistics, over half a million (523,000) people flew from the UK abroad for medical reasons in 2024 – which is more than double the number reported in 2021.

The most popular destinations for Brits have been Turkey, Portugal and Poland, where appointments are easier to come by and treatments are more affordable. This surge reflects a growing frustration with the NHS long waiting lists, which The Telegraph recently reported reached 7.41 million by the end of August 2025. 

While more people are heading overseas for healthcare year-on-year, this corresponds with another growing trend: inward health tourism.

A study published last year by the Private Healthcare Information Network found that there has been an 800% increase in the number of non-UK patient admissions for private medical treatment and diagnosis since 2016.

This is a trend we have seen first-hand at Delamere, where a growing number of our guests have travelled from overseas for their stay and treatment.

Since 2023, we’ve experienced a 58% increase in admissions from guests based in 15 countries worldwide. Additionally, there has been a consistent rise in the number of enquiries we’ve received over the past couple of years from people based overseas. Is this what the future looks like?

Future of health tourism 

Looking ahead, the future of health tourism to the UK is set to become increasingly global and dynamic. 

Beyond strong interest from regions such as the Middle East, Western Europe, and North America, we’re also seeing growing numbers of guests from countries such as Turkey and Nigeria. 

This trend highlights the UK’s expanding reputation as a trusted destination for recovery, wellbeing, and specialist addiction treatment.

As more people seek high-quality addiction treatment in the UK, Delamere stands ready to meet the needs of all its guests, blending clinical expertise with genuine compassion and a holistic approach that heals the person, not merely the symptoms.

Why are people travelling to Delamere for their treatment?

Many assume the UK is an expensive destination for healthcare;  the reality is that receiving addiction treatment here can often be more cost-effective than travelling to comparable clinics overseas, particularly when considering the quality of care, regulation, and aftercare provided.

The Delamere Treatment Model is unlike anything available elsewhere – a pioneering approach that draws people from around the world to the UK. 

Developed through clinical expertise and backed by years of therapeutic practice, it blends evidence-based treatment with holistic, person-centred care in a way few clinics can replicate. 

Rather than simply treating the symptoms of addiction, at Delamere we focus on uncovering and healing the underlying cause of addiction, integrating advanced therapies with experiential practices that inspire deep, lasting transformation and genuine personal growth.

The Stop, Start, Grow, Bloom programme provides a clear, supportive framework for transformation, guiding each guest through every stage of recovery:

• Stop harmful behaviours safely and supportively.
• Start uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of addiction.
• Grow by developing healthier coping strategies and emotional resilience.
• Bloom into lasting recovery and a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

This structured yet deeply personal approach ensures every guest receives the professional care, compassion, and guidance they need to heal fully.

Nestled in the heart of Cheshire’s countryside, Delamere offers a discreet, restorative environment where guests can heal in complete privacy. 

Combining world-class clinical expertise with the tranquillity of nature, it provides the perfect escape from everyday pressures, a safe and nurturing space to pause, reflect, and begin again.

How Delamere can help

If you or a loved one are considering travelling to the UK for addiction treatment, Delamere could be the place for you.

The Delamere Treatment Model integrates traditional talking therapies with holistic and experiential practices.

From psychotherapy and somatic healing to nature immersion and creative therapies, at Delamere, we help individuals grow beyond addiction.

To learn more about how Delamere can support your or a loved one’s addiction recovery, you can email us admissions@delamere.com for a consultation or fill out our contact form.

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Call us confidentially at any time to speak to a member of our team.

Call us now: 0330 111 2015

Summary

Article Name

Why the world is turning to the UK for addiction treatment | Delamere

Description

Find out why the world is turning to the UK for addiction treatment & how health tourism is on the rise according to ONS.

Author

Youssef

Publisher Name

Delamere Health Ltd

Publisher Logo

About the author: Youssef

Youssef’s understanding of addiction come from time spent working in the recovery mentor role and his own personal experience. Alongside work, he is completing a degree in psychology at the University of Manchester.