Dental care is becoming increasingly expensive: the exodus of Campanian patients abroad is growing.

Amid inflation, waiting lists and cost differences, more and more people are turning to Albania and the Balkans for quality dental treatments.

Over the past two years, price increases have also affected private healthcare. Dental costs in Italy have increased by an average of 18%, according to industry data, putting many Campania families in difficulty.
It's no surprise, then, that more and more citizens of Naples, Salerno, and Avellino are looking beyond their borders in search of more sustainable alternatives.

"We receive requests daily from Italians who can no longer afford dental care in their own country," says a clinic manager in Tirana. "Many come from southern Italy."

The phenomenon of health tourism

Is called health tourism, and it doesn't just concern cosmetic or surgical interventions. Today, patients who need to travel are also those who need to dental implants, prosthetics or conservative treatments.
Albania has quickly become one of the most popular destinations: close by, easily reachable with direct flights from Naples-Capodichino and with dental standards now European.

Many local clinics work with Italian-trained professionals, offering clear quotes and short wait times.

A journey of health and savings

Patients who choose to seek treatment abroad do so for a combination of factors:

• Average savings between 40% and 60% compared to Italian prices;
• Cost transparency before departure;
• Integrated services, which include accommodation and transportation to/from the airport.

According to some trade associations, in 2024 the flow of Italians to the Balkans for dental care exceeded 40.000 Guests, a figure never recorded before.
Among the best known realities in this field stands out Dental Trio, which accompanies Italian patients at every stage — from initial consultation to follow-up after their return.

Concerns and cautions

Naturally, there is no shortage of doubts. Italian professional associations invite citizens to check accreditation of foreign structures and to demand written guarantees on the materials and work carried out.
Many patients, however, report positive experiences, especially when they choose clinics that maintain a relationship of continuity with the patient even after returning to Italy.

Conclusion

Traveling for medical treatment is no longer a niche option, but a concrete reflection of the country's economic and health difficulties.
In Campania, where the average dental expenditure remains lower than the national average but the needs are high, dental tourism represents for many a balanced solution between quality and accessibility.
A trend that speaks not only to a problem, but also to the ability of Italians to seek new answers—even beyond their borders.