Medical Tourism Market

Medical Tourism Market Size and Share:

The global medical tourism market size was valued at USD 144.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 704.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.08% from 2025-2033. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 25.5% in 2024. The heightened need for affordable and effective healthcare services, rising occurrence of critical health conditions among the masses, and increasing popularity of adopting minimally invasive cosmetic surgeries are some of the key factors impelling the growth of the market.

The medical tourism market is propelled by various factors, including affordable travel and accommodations, enabling access to high-quality care abroad. Advances in global healthcare infrastructure have established internationally accredited facilities offering specialized treatments. Initiatives such as the World Economic Forum and BCG’s Digital Healthcare Transformation Initiative, launched in January 2024, leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to tackle global healthcare challenges, fostering efficiency, access, and patient outcomes. Long waiting times in public health systems and the availability of treatments unavailable or restricted in certain regions also drive medical travel. Additionally, wellness tourism combining medical care with holistic recovery experiences augments its appeal.

The United States medical tourism market flourishes on access to cutting-edge technology and advanced procedures, drawing international patients seeking superior care. Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s recent partnership with Responsive Arthroscopy on November 14, 2024, highlights the U.S.'s advancements in orthopaedic solutions, enhancing surgeon support and patient outcomes in sports medicine. The presence of a large number of skilled healthcare professionals and specialists are also bolstering the reputation  Competitive pricing for treatments compared to other developed nations and access to experimental procedures and clinical trials is further driving interest. Streamlined visa processes and robust patient support systems, including multilingual services and concierge assistance, enhance accessibility, making the U.S. a preferred destination for medical tourists worldwide.

Medical Tourism Market Trends:

Increasing Preference for Cosmetic Procedures

Increasing preferences for cosmetic procedures is contributing to the market growth. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) released the results of its annual Global Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures in June 2024 at the ISAPS World Congress in Cartagena, showing a higher increase of 5.5% in surgical procedures, with more than 15.8 million procedures performed by plastic surgeons and 19.1 non-surgical procedures in 2023. Over the last four years, the overall increase is 40%. As appearance and beauty are considered important for gaining confidence, more people are going for cosmetic treatments to improve their facial aesthetics. Medical tourism solves the problem of the exorbitant pricing that developed countries demand for these services by offering both access to reasonably priced mutilation treatments and operations in the world’s top expert destinations. Patients get the chance to have breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and facelifts for a fraction of the cost that these procedures would normally cost in their home countries. This cost advantage, coupled with the availability of skilled cosmetic surgeons and modern facilities, attracts a significant number of individuals to travel abroad for cosmetic procedures, thereby driving medical tourism market demand. As per the article published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, minimally invasive (MI) procedures gained traction in 2023 among the masses who want to stay away from surgeries and associated complications.

Rising Healthcare Costs in Developed Countries

According to the article, ‘National Health Expenditures 2022 Highlights’, published in 2023 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. healthcare spending grew 4.1% to reach USD 4.5 Trillion in 2022. The healthcare cost in developed nations is considered to be increasing in recent days. As extremely expensive medical treatments and procedures rise in their own countries, more people feel forced to have the treatments performed in other nations. Therefore, they set off in search of destinations where the procedures are cheaper and more reliable. This is where medical tourism helps to deliver an attractive option with efficient services which are very expensive in many of these developed countries. For people seeking advanced medical amenities and treatments done by expert healthcare professionals at an affordable price, medical tourism is considered a valid option. Patients are preferring to travel outside in order to receive quality-based healthcare at a much lesser cost than what they would spend in their own nations, thereby offering a favorable medical tourism market outlook.

Rapid Technological Advancements in the Healthcare Industry

Reforms in the healthcare industry and fast technological advancements in the sector are supporting the market growth. According to world economic forum report, in 2021 alone, global spending on health reached a staggering USD 9.8 Trillion, accounting for 10.3% of global GDP.  Technological advancements in the field of medicine are enabling the development of innovative procedures and treatments that were previously inaccessible. These breakthroughs provide patients with expanded opportunities to address their healthcare needs effectively. Consequently, many individuals are exploring medical tourism destinations to access cutting-edge treatments and technologies that may not be readily available in their home countries. This trend reflects a growing global demand for advanced medical solutions and specialized care. Furthermore, people looking for cutting-edge medical treatments are drawn to medical tourism locations by the allure of these cutting-edge technologies combined with the knowledge of medical specialists. In 2024, Sony Group Corporation announced the development of a microsurgery assistance robot that can automatically swap surgical instruments and allow fine control.

Medical Tourism Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global medical tourism market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on treatment type and region.

Analysis by Treatment Type:

• Cosmetic Treatment
• Dental Treatment
• Cardiovascular Treatment
• Orthopaedic Treatment
• Bariatric Surgery
• Fertility Treatment
• Ophthalmic Treatment
• Others
   

Cosmetic treatment leads the market with around 23.9% of market share in 2024. This is driven by the growing demand for aesthetic procedures and cost advantages offered by medical tourism destinations. Countries like Thailand, South Korea, and Turkey have emerged as hubs for the most advanced cosmetic surgeries such as rhinoplasty, liposuction, and facelifts for patients in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Highly skilled surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and shorter wait times make these destinations even more attractive. Bundled packages that combine procedures with luxury travel experiences also contribute to the growing preference for cosmetic treatments within medical tourism.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • India
  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • United Kingdom
  • Spain
  • France
  • Russia
  • Czech Republic
• Latin America
  • Mexico
  • Brazil
  • Costa Rica
  • Colombia
• Middle East and Africa
   

In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share of over 25.5%. The Asia Pacific market is witnessing significant growth, driven by a combination of factors that render the region an attractive destination for healthcare services. One of the primary drivers is the cost advantage as medical treatments in countries like India, Thailand, and Malaysia are substantially cheaper compared to Western nations without compromising on quality. Additionally, the region boasts highly skilled medical professionals and world-class healthcare facilities accredited by international bodies. Advanced medical technologies and treatments, coupled with shorter waiting times for procedures, further enhance the appeal. Government initiatives and policies improving medical tourism market revenue, such as streamlined visa processes and promotional activities, also play a crucial role. Furthermore, the cultural allure and tourism opportunities in Asia Pacific countries add an extra incentive for patients and their companions. Strategic partnerships between healthcare providers and travel agencies, along with comprehensive healthcare packages, have made the process more convenient and attractive. The increasing demand for affordable cosmetic surgery procedures is also encouraging people to travel to Asian countries.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Medical Tourism Market Analysis

In 2024, the United States constituted 75.0% of the North America medical tourism market. Medical tourism in the USA witnessed remarkable growth over the years. As per an industrial report, in 2019, the country hosted over 1.9 million medical tourists. Inbound patients are drawn to the United States for medical tourism given its state-of-the-art medical facilities, internationally recognized doctors, and innovative therapies. For intricate and sophisticated medical operations including organ transplants, heart surgery, and cancer treatments, the United States is especially sought after. For example, in 2023, most foreign patients who travelled to the United States for medical care were seeking treatments in cardiology and oncology.

The accessibility of cutting-edge medical technology and innovative treatments is one of the main motivators. For instance, according to the data by the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT), around 46 facilities in the United States provide proton treatment for cancer, which is only available in a few nations worldwide. The United States also leads the world in clinical trials and experimental therapies, which makes it an attractive place for patients seeking innovative solutions.

The quality and standing of healthcare practitioners are other important factors. Due to their international recognition for quality, organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic draw patients from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. High-quality care is also guaranteed by the strict accreditation requirements of the American healthcare system, such as those set by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Finally, proximity and well-established networks with nations such as Canada and Mexico also help to draw in patients, especially for complex and elective treatments that are either delayed or unavailable in their native countries.

Europe Medical Tourism Market Analysis

The market in Europe benefits from its sophisticated healthcare systems, extensive array of specialist therapies, and, in some areas, a balance between affordability and quality. Inbound medical tourists looking for top-notch care, especially in orthopedic, cardiology, and oncology, congregate in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. Due to its reputation for advanced medical technology and highly qualified medical personnel, over 65,000 foreign patients from 177 different nations travelled to Germany in 2020 for medical care, as per an industrial news report. While most of the non-European patients were from Saudi Arabia, most European visitors were from Poland and the Netherlands.

However, attributed to their affordable dentistry and cosmetic care, nations like Hungary, Poland, and Turkey have grown to be popular destinations for European patients traveling abroad. For instance, 40% of dental tourism in Europe occurs in Hungary, which offers discounts of 50-70% when compared to Western European nations. Additionally, wellness tourism is experiencing significant growth, encompassing spa services and rehabilitation programs in prominent regions such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Asia Pacific Medical Tourism Market Analysis

Affordability, first-rate medical facilities, and the availability of specialty therapies have made the Asia-Pacific area one of the biggest and fastest-growing destinations for medical tourism. The sector is dominated by nations such as Thailand, Singapore, and India, which together generate more than half of the region's income from medical tourism. For example, India, which specializes in orthopedic, cardiac, and organ transplant surgery, provides treatments that are 50% to 80% less expensive than those in Western nations. According to industry data, the medical tourism sector in India is projected to increase from INR 87,050 crore (USD 10.33 Billion) in 2024 to INR 425,630 crore (USD 50.50 Billion) by 2034. In 2024, there will likely be 7.3 Million medical tourists, up from 6.1 Million in 2023. Along with a strong healthcare infrastructure that includes more than 1,600 hospitals with NABH accreditation, India's affordable pricing, which offers treatments that are frequently three times less expensive than in the US and Europe, supports the industry.

Additionally, Thailand is the world leader in wellness and cosmetic tourism, with hospitals in Bangkok seeing a sharp rise in international patients seeking spa treatments and plastic surgery. In a similar vein, Singapore's top-rated medical facilities draw wealthy individuals from nearby nations as well as abroad. The industry is also being helped by growing regional partnerships like the ASEAN Medical Tourism Initiative.

Latin America Medical Tourism Market Analysis

The market for medical tourism in Latin America is expanding due to its closeness to North America, affordable prices, and the availability of qualified medical personnel. The most popular countries are Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia, especially for American patients looking for cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery, and dental care. It is unsurprising that the majority of medical tourists in Mexico originate from the United States. Some estimates put the total number of medical tourists to Mexico at between 1.4 to 3 million annually, with 40%-60% of those people coming from the U.S. The majority of medical tourists in Mexico, as expected, come from the United States. Cost analysis is showing that Americans save on average between 40 to 60 percent in Mexico on common medical procedures. Some sources put the savings for Americans at even higher levels. Majority of Costa Rica's medical tourists travel for dental implants and operations, making the country a leader in dental tourism. In contrast, Colombia is known for its cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, drawing clients from across the Americas and Europe.

Middle East and Africa Medical Tourism Market Analysis

The availability of specialist treatments, rising healthcare investments, and government attempts to support medical tourism are the main drivers of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) medical tourism market. The United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a major hub for medical tourism. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) reports that in 2023, over 691,000 international health tourists visited Dubai, spending a total of more than AED 1.03 Billion (USD 280 Million) on medical care. These figures were higher than those of 2022, when there were over 674,000 foreign health tourists and they spent AED 992 Million (USD 270 Million). The area provides cutting-edge wellness and cosmetic procedures, backed by modern medical facilities and opulent facilities. With reasonably priced cosmetic surgery, dental care, and rehabilitation services, South Africa is a popular destination for medical and wellness tourism. South Africa attracts patients from the United States and Europe not only for medical care but also for the chance to combine it with safari travel. It is anticipated that strategic government initiatives and collaborations will propel the industry.

Competitive Landscape:

Medical tourism companies are implementing a range of strategies to enhance their business and cater to the growing demand for international healthcare services. One key approach is the development of comprehensive service packages that include not only medical treatments but also travel arrangements, accommodation, and post-operative care, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for patients. These companies are forging partnerships with top-tier hospitals and clinics to guarantee high-quality care and access to advanced medical technologies. Additionally, they are investing in marketing and branding efforts to build trust and raise awareness about their services, often highlighting the credentials and success stories of affiliated medical professionals. To improve patient experience and satisfaction, many companies are incorporating personalized concierge services, offering language support, and ensuring culturally sensitive care. Digital platforms and telemedicine are being leveraged to facilitate initial consultations and follow-up care, providing convenience and continuity for patients. For instance, Emoha partnered with Aditya Birla Health Insurance in 2024 to offer personalized senior care solutions to people.

The medical tourism market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the medical tourism industry include:

• Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital
• Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited
• Asian Heart Institute
• Barbados Fertility Center
• BB Healthcare Solutions
• Fortis Healthcare
• Healthbase
• KPJ Healthcare Berhad
• Prince Court Medical Centre
• Samitivej
• Seoul National University Hospital
• UZ Leuven

Latest News and Developments:

• September 2024: Recognizing the significant increase in demand for facial contouring, ViMUT Hospital, a leading private healthcare facility in Bangkok, opened its new Maxillofacial Contouring Centre, marking a significant expansion into Thailand's thriving cosmetic surgery market.
• September 2024: EaseMyTrip is investing a total of INR 90 crore to enter the medical tourism industry by purchasing a 49% share in Pflege Home Healthcare for INR 30 crore and a 30% stake in Rollins International for INR 60 crore. With this calculated move, they hope to expand their healthcare services and wellness products and capitalize on the fast-expanding global medical tourism market. 
• January 2024: Apollo Hospitals, known for bringing international patients to India, plans to invest Rs 3,000 crores to add 2,000 beds in all its branches till 2028.
• May 2024: Fortis Healthcare partnered with mental health super app United We Care to establish Adayu Mindfulness, a service to provide telemental health services, along with residential in-patient care that comprises psychiatry, addiction treatment, and rehabilitation.

Medical Tourism Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the medical tourism market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global medical tourism market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the medical tourism industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.