A recent survey conducted by international research organization YouGov, for the National newspaper, has suggested that medical treatment is likely sought overseas by more than 70 percent of UAE residents, if they fall seriously ill.

The survey also indicates that 57% of Emiratis are of the same viewpoint.

Out of 876 people polled by YouGov, 53% said that they will choose to return to their home countries for treatment; while 185 held that they would seek treatment in other countries.

If the numbers are further broken down, 71 percent of Asians, 57 percent of westerners and 42 percent of Arab expats opted to leave for treatment in their home countries.

The newspaper reported: "Elsewhere, 45 percent of respondents said that either their friends or family in the UAE or they themselves (13 percent) had traveled abroad for medical care, including surgery."

The newspaper added that it were the westerners (27 percent), who contributed to the main proportion of respondents who had traveled abroad for treatment.

With India being the most popular (57 percent), destinations for such medical tourism varied, largely according to nationality.

"Thailand was the top destination for Emiratis (64 per cent), while for western expats, the UK was the top choice (61 percent). Thailand and the US attracted 17 percent each," suggested the survey, whose report was published in the newspaper.