International Travel Medicine Center of Iran International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health 2322-1100 13 4 2025 12 01 Ethical Considerations of Medical Tourism: A Review Based on the Four Principles of Medical Ethics: A Narrative Review Article 248 252 230414 10.30491/ijtmgh.2025.485724.1467 EN Jannat Mashayekhi Spiritual Health Research Centre, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahdieh Farzanehpour Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0001-8562-2295 Journal Article 2025 03 18 Abstract:<br>Introduction: Medical tourism has grown significantly in recent years, attracting substantial government investment due to its potential economic benefits. However, this emphasis on financial gains risks overshadowing critical ethical issues.<br>Method: This manuscript presents a narrative review of the literature. Articles in English related to ethical issues in medical tourism were selected. Although the search for sources was not limited by date, older sources deemed less relevant were excluded.<br>Findings: <br>Medical tourism can seriously challenge patient autonomy and decision-making, potentially undermining informed consent. In certain instances, it may jeopardize patients’ interests and expose them to harm. Without careful policymaking, health equity may be compromised. Ethical review of medical tourism regulations should be a priority for health systems, ensuring that benefits from the tourism industry do not diminish its importance.<br>Conclusion: <br>Healthcare professionals and policymakers should be well-versed in the ethical concerns associated with medical tourism, not solely focused on its development. Comprehensive ethical audits of strategies should be conducted as part of planning for the industry’s expansion. This article examines the ethical dimensions of medical tourism through the lens of the four principles of medical ethics. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_230414_db4bd388973c532f65bb8e57f9499f62.pdf