Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Report

Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Size and Share:

The global virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market size was valued at USD 1,069.88 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 8,414.22 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 24.47% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a market share of 39.3% in 2024. At present, as health issues are increasing in prevalence, hospitals and clinics are employing VR to improve treatment efficiency and patient involvement. Besides this, the growing adoption of wearable technology is contributing to the expansion of the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market share.

At present, the growing need for more sophisticated training, better patient care, and enhanced treatment results is positively influencing the market. VR lowers errors and increases trust by allowing medical personnel to rehearse surgeries and procedures in a secure, simulated setting. Through engaging and stimulating therapeutic activities, it aids in both cognitive and physical rehabilitation. VR is also a major part of mental health care, helping patients manage phobias, anxiety, and PTSD through immersive exposure therapy. VR is being used in hospitals to assist patients in feeling less stressed by diverting their attention from pain during procedures. Healthcare practitioners are implementing VR solutions to improve productivity, patient satisfaction, and clinical results as technology is becoming widely available and more reasonably priced.

The United States has emerged as a major region in the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market owing to many factors. Rising demand for innovative medical training and efficient treatment methods is fueling the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market growth. Medical schools and hospitals are employing VR to train students and professionals through realistic simulations, improving skills without real-world risk. The high prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression is driving the demand for VR, as it supports anxiety reduction during therapy sessions. The 2024 findings from the American Psychiatric Association’s yearly mental health survey indicated that adults in the US experienced heightened levels of anxiety. In 2024, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious, rising from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. Mental health professionals are utilizing VR for treating PTSD, phobias, and stress through controlled virtual environments. The strong presence of tech companies in the country is promoting continuous innovations and the integration of VR in healthcare systems.

Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Trends:

Growing incidence of health disorders

The growing incidence of health disorders is driving the demand for effective and innovative treatment solutions. Many patients are suffering from chronic diseases, mental health issues, and physical disabilities, which require advanced care approaches. VR provides immersive therapy options for pain relief, rehabilitation, anxiety, PTSD, and phobias, helping patients manage symptoms in a non-invasive way. The rising geriatric population is also catalyzing demand, as older adults often need personalized rehabilitation and cognitive therapy. According to a 2024 report from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), around 95% of people aged 60 and above experienced at least one chronic health condition, while about 80% dealt with two or more issues. Healthcare providers are using VR to improve medical training and surgical precision, leading to better patient outcomes. As health disorders are becoming more common, hospitals and clinics are adopting VR technologies to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient engagement.

Rising adoption of wearable technology

The increasing adoption of wearable technology is impelling the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market growth. Wearable devices like sensors and trackers collect real-time data on patients’ movements, vital signs, and health conditions, which VR systems use to create personalized and interactive treatment plans. This integration improves rehabilitation exercises, pain management, and mental health therapies by providing precise feedback and progress monitoring. Healthcare providers are utilizing wearables to monitor patients remotely during VR therapy, making care more accessible and continuous. The growing popularity of wearables is also encouraging the development of more advanced and user-friendly VR solutions. As patients and providers are becoming more comfortable with wearable technology, VR adoption in healthcare is increasing, helping deliver better outcomes and improve patient engagement across various medical treatments. According to the IMARC Group, the global wearable technology market is set to attain USD 200.75 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 13.58% from 2025-2033.

Increasing expenditure on healthcare sector

Rising investments in the healthcare sector are positively influencing the market. For example, worldwide spending on healthcare hit an all-time high of USD 9.8 Trillion in 2021, accounting for 10.3% of the worldwide GDP, as reported by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Governments, private companies, and healthcare institutions are allocating more budget to innovate and improve patient care using VR solutions. This investment helps develop advanced VR hardware and software, making these technologies more effective and affordable. It also supports training programs for healthcare professionals to use VR tools confidently. Increased funding enables hospitals and clinics to implement VR for pain management, rehabilitation, surgical training, and mental health therapy. As investment is growing, more pilot projects and clinical trials are taking place, proving VR’s benefits and encouraging wider adoption.

Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on component, technology, product, application, and end user.

Analysis by Component:

• Hardware
• Software and Services

The hardware segment dominates the market, holding a share of 48.7%. It includes devices like VR headsets, motion sensors, controllers, and display systems. These components enable immersive virtual experiences essential for medical training, therapy, and patient care. Hospitals and clinics are investing in advanced, lightweight, and comfortable hardware to ensure accurate simulations and ease of use. Continuous innovations in hardware improve resolution, tracking accuracy, and user comfort, driving adoption. Hardware also inculcates projector and display walls used in group learning and surgical planning.

Analysis by Technology:

• Head-Mounted
• Gesture-Tracking
• Projector and Display Walls

Projector and display walls lead the overall market as they offer immersive, large-scale visuals that enhance training, simulation, and patient engagement. These systems provide high-resolution images on wide screens, allowing medical professionals and students to observe detailed anatomical structures, surgical procedures, and complex simulations in a collaborative setting. Unlike individual headsets, display walls support group learning and team-based decision-making, which are essential in medical environments. Hospitals and training centers prefer projector-based systems for their ability to involve multiple users at once without the discomfort some users experience with VR headsets. These technologies are also easier to integrate into lecture halls, simulation labs, and operating room training suites. Their durability and high-performance output make them ideal for repeated use in clinical education. Consequently, projector and display walls are gaining popularity for delivering a realistic and interactive experience, helping improve medical accuracy, teamwork, and overall learning outcomes in the healthcare sector.

Analysis by Product:

• VR Semiconductor Components
• VR Devices
• VR Sensors
• Others

VR sensors play a critical role in creating realistic and responsive virtual environments. These sensors track body movements, eye motion, hand gestures, and physical positioning, allowing precise interaction within virtual simulations. In medical training, VR sensors help simulate surgical procedures with high accuracy, giving users real-time feedback and improving their skills. In rehabilitation, sensors monitor patient movements and progress, enabling personalized therapy plans and accurate performance tracking. Mental health treatments also benefit, as sensors detect responses to stress and anxiety triggers in immersive environments. VR sensors enhance the realism and effectiveness of simulations by making experiences more interactive and immersive. Their ability to gather real-time data improves treatment outcomes and learning efficiency. According to the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market forecast, with more healthcare facilities adopting VR for diagnostics, education, and therapy, the demand for reliable and advanced sensors will continue to grow. Their essential role in functionality and user engagement makes them a leading product in the market.

Analysis by Application:

• Pain Management
• Medical Training and Education
• Surgery
• Patient Care Management
• Rehabilitation and Therapy Procedures
• Others

For pain management, VR provides a non-invasive and drug-free method. VR distracts the brain by immersing patients in calming and engaging virtual environments, which helps reduce the perception of pain during medical procedures and recovery. Hospitals and clinics are using VR for patients undergoing surgeries, burn treatments, dental work, and chronic pain therapy. This approach improves patient comfort, lowers stress levels, and decreases reliance on pain medications, including opioids. VR pain management is especially effective in pediatric care, where distraction plays a major role in calming young patients. It is also employed in physical therapy to motivate patients through interactive tasks that aid in managing discomfort during movement. Healthcare providers are adopting this solution for its ability to improve patient satisfaction and support faster healing.

Analysis by End User:

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Research Laboratories
• Others

Hospitals and clinics hold 55.3% of the market share. They are primary centers for patient care, medical training, and therapy. These facilities are adopting VR technology to improve clinical outcomes, enhance medical education, and provide better patient experiences. VR enables healthcare professionals to rehearse intricate procedures within a secure and regulated setting, minimizing risks and enhancing abilities. Hospitals are employing VR for pain management, rehabilitation, and mental health treatments, offering patients innovative and non-invasive care options. Clinics are incorporating VR in therapy sessions for anxiety, PTSD, and phobias, aiding patients through immersive exposure techniques. The growing focus on personalized and patient-centered care is encouraging these healthcare providers to invest in VR to boost engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, hospitals and clinics benefit from VR’s ability to streamline workflows and reduce treatment time. As they have the resources and motivation to adopt advanced technologies, hospitals and clinics remain the largest and most influential end users in the market.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

North America, accounting for a share of 39.3%, enjoys the leading position in the market. The region is noted for its strong healthcare infrastructure, advanced technology adoption, and high investments in research and development (R&D) activities. The region has a large number of hospitals, medical institutions, and universities that actively integrate VR into training, therapy, and treatment processes. The presence of major VR and healthcare technology companies supports rapid innovation and product development. Government support and funding for digital healthcare solutions are further encouraging the utilization of VR in medical settings. North American users and healthcare providers are quick to adopt new technologies, which aids in strengthening the market. The growing focus on personalized and patient-centered care is also driving the demand for immersive and engaging solutions like VR. In addition, the region, including the United States and Canada, has a well-established telehealth network, making it easier to introduce VR-based remote care and rehabilitation services. According to the IMARC Group, the United States telehealth market size reached USD 5.6 Billion in 2024.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Analysis

The US market, holding a share of 88.70%, is primarily driven by advancements in technology, an increasing focus on patient care and outcomes, and rising demand for innovative treatment options. VR is being widely adopted for various applications, including pain management, physical rehabilitation, surgical training, and mental health treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of February 2025, around 90% of the yearly USD 4.1 Trillion healthcare spending in the US was allocated for the treatment and management of chronic diseases and mental health issues. The ability of VR to create immersive and controlled environments enables patients to participate in treatment exercises and procedures in a safe and comfortable setting, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness. Additionally, the adoption of VR for chronic disease management is gaining traction, as it provides patients with tools to manage conditions, such as arthritis, stroke recovery, and PTSD, without the need for prolonged hospital stays or expensive therapies. According to the National Center for PTSD, in 2020, around 13 Million people in the US experienced PTSD. It is anticipated that 6% of the US population will experience PTSD at some time during their lives. This highlights the critical need for appropriate treatment and interventions. Besides this, the rise of health-conscious users and a shift towards preventative care is catalyzing the demand for VR-enabled wellness programs.

Europe Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Analysis

The market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by advancements in medical technology, high demand for enhanced patient care, and the increasing recognition of VR’s potential in improving healthcare outcomes. As healthcare systems across Europe are facing challenges, such as increasing geriatric populations and rising treatment costs, VR is offering an innovative solution for delivering cost-effective and scalable healthcare services. The application of VR in medical training and education is also expanding, as it enables healthcare providers to carry out intricate procedures in a secure, regulated setting, enhancing their skills without jeopardizing patient safety. Additionally, VR is being employed in the treatment of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression by providing immersive environments that allow patients to confront their fears and emotions in a safe space. According to Eurostat, in 2019, 7.2% of people in the European Union indicated experiencing chronic depression. Furthermore, in 2021, mental and behavioral disorders accounted for 3.6% of total deaths in the European Union, underscoring the essential demand for effective treatment and management strategies. As healthcare providers in Europe continue to invest in digital health technologies, VR is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of patient care and medical training.

Asia-Pacific Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Analysis

In the Asia-Pacific region, the market is expanding due to rapid technological advancements, increasing healthcare investments, and the region’s growing focus on improving patient care. The rising demand for accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas, has led to the adoption of VR solutions that enable remote consultations, telemedicine, and virtual therapies. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing geriatric population across the region are creating the need for innovative healthcare solutions, with VR proving effective in areas, such as pain management, physical rehabilitation, and mental health treatment. For instance, as per the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), in 2022, 670 Million people in the Asia-Pacific region were aged 60 years or older. This number is set to reach 1.3 Billion by 2050. Apart from this, the growing awareness about VR’s potential in medical training and simulation is further promoting its utilization.

Latin America Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Analysis

The Latin America market is significantly influenced by the growing demand for accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions and advancements in digital health technologies. As healthcare systems in the region are facing pressure from rising costs and limited resources, VR is offering an innovative way to deliver treatment and medical training remotely. Telemedicine adoption is also increasing, with VR playing a critical role in virtual consultations and therapy sessions, allowing patients in remote and underserved areas to receive care without traveling long distances. For instance, the telemedicine market in Brazil reached USD 1.98 Billion in 2024 and is set to grow at a CAGR of 21.60% during 2025-2033, as per a report by IMARC Group. The expansion of healthcare infrastructure, rising government initiatives to promote digital health, and the growing awareness about VR's potential are further stimulating the market growth.

Middle East and Africa Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare Market Analysis

In the Middle East and Africa region, the market is driven by a growing focus on patient-centered care and increasing healthcare investments. For instance, in May 2025, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designated SR 86,253,063 for the Ministry of Health (MOH) for FY25, representing 7% of the national budget. The region’s expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has led to the integration of advanced technologies like VR for both medical training and patient treatment. Additionally, VR’s potential in mental health treatment, pain management, and rehabilitation therapies is gaining recognition, leading to its widespread adoption. Government initiatives aimed at promoting digital health innovations, combined with a rising middle class and improved healthcare spending, are further enhancing the employment of VR in healthcare across the Middle East and Africa.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players are designing specialized VR tools for medical training, surgical simulation, and patient therapy, making healthcare more efficient and interactive. These companies are collaborating with hospitals, universities, and research centers to create tailored solutions that meet clinical needs. They also focus on improving the realism, comfort, and accessibility of VR headsets and software. Marketing efforts and awareness campaigns by these players help educate healthcare providers and encourage adoption. Many key players are also supporting pilot programs and trials that demonstrate the effectiveness of VR in real-world medical settings. Overall, through innovations, partnerships, and education, they aid in expanding the use of VR in healthcare and stimulating the market growth. For instance, in March 2025, NHS Fife adopted VR technology as a treatment method to assist patients in coping with chronic pain. The technology generated lifelike virtual environments by utilizing hand controllers and headsets. Through this, patients could engage in various virtual activities, including meditation classes and interactive sports.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• AppliedVR Inc.
• EchoPixel Inc.
• EON Reality
• Firsthand Technology Inc.
• ImmersiveTouch Inc.
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Microsoft Corporation
• Siemens Healthineers AG (Siemens AG)
• Surgical Science Sweden AB
• SyncThink Inc.
• Virtually Better Inc.
• XRHealth

Latest News and Developments:

• April 2025: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) partnered with MedisimVR, a leading supplier of virtual reality (VR) solutions for medical education, to promote skill enhancement. They sought to establish a VR skills laboratory on campus and progress cutting-edge VR research in the realms of healthcare and medical education through various initiatives.
• April 2025: Wolters Kluwer and Laerdal Medical improved their VR nursing education platform, vrClinicals for Nursing, by incorporating conversational AI. This development enabled students to participate in authentic voice-based exchanges with virtual patients, replicating real-world clinical dialogue and decision-making more precisely. The engaging VR setting offered multiple patient scenarios, aiding students in honing clinical judgment and prioritization skills within a controlled environment.
• March 2025: In partnership with Riada Care Ltd., the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) initiated a VR project aimed at enhancing the standard of living for senior inhabitants. Backed by the Data2Sustain European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), the initiative was set to introduce 360° virtual reality (VR) videos to recovery care centers, providing people engaging experiences that evoked outdoor recollections and promoted stronger emotional bonds.
• March 2025: Relias enhanced its healthcare training portfolio by purchasing InceptionXR, incorporating VR into its initiatives. This VR-centered training delivered engaging, scenario-oriented experiences, particularly in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), enabling healthcare workers to observe germ transmission as it occurred.

Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare 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 virtual reality (VR) in healthcare market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global virtual reality (VR) in healthcare 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 virtual reality (VR) in healthcare 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.