Medical Tourism Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2025 - 2032

Medical Tourism Market Size and Trends

The global medical tourism market size is anticipated to reach US$ 35.4 Bn in 2025. The industry is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 22.6% to attain a value of US$ 147.9 Bn by 2032.

Rising cost of healthcare in areas like the U.S. and Western Europe is pushing patients to seek affordable medical treatments abroad. For instance,

• The cost of orthopedic surgery in India is 70% lower compared to the U.S.

Adoption of innovative medical technologies, robotic surgeries, and minimally invasive procedures in emerging medical tourism destinations enhances the quality of care. Thailand and Singapore have implemented AI-driven diagnostic tools and novel telemedicine services for international patients.

Key Industry Highlights

• Increased airline connectivity and streamlined visa processes have facilitated easier travel for medical tourists.
• In 2025, India introduced an e-Medical Visa system, which reduced the visa processing time by 30%.
• Patients are seeking treatments that combine traditional healthcare with wellness practices.
• North America is estimated to witness a CAGR of 24.6% through 2032 owing to high success rate of medical operations.
• Governments in Asia Pacific and the Middle East are actively investing in medical infrastructure to attract international patients.
• Based on application, the therapeutic services segment is predicted to hold a share of 53% in 2025 owing to rising prevalence of chronic diseases across the globe.

Global Market Attributes	Key Insights
Medical Tourism Market Size (2025E)	US$ 35.4 Bn
Market Value Forecast (2032F)	US$ 147.9 Bn
Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032)	22.6%
Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024)	21.2%

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

Pent-up Demand and Lower Healthcare Costs Fueled Post-pandemic Recovery in the Industry

The global medical tourism market growth was robust at a CAGR of 21.2% in the historical period. During this period, countries like Thailand, India, and Mexico emerged as the top destinations for cosmetic and elective procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the market owing to international travel restrictions and safety concerns. Virtual healthcare solutions and telemedicine emerged as interim substitutes.

• Asia Pacific regained momentum during the period with India and Thailand witnessing 400,000 international patients combined.

The industry witnessed robust growth by the end of the period owing to the pent-up demand for elective procedures and decreased healthcare costs in destination countries.

Sustainable Healthcare Facilities and Eco-friendly Tourism Packages to Gain Popularity through 2032

The medical tourism industry is predicted to showcase a CAGR of 22.6% through 2032. The period is likely to witness an increased adoption of telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics to enhance patient care. Demand for treatments that combine healthcare with holistic wellness practices is predicted to rise. For instance,

• An analysis by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that the use of complementary health approaches among U.S. adults increased from 19.2% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2022.

Countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are predicted to make hefty investments to capture a significant market share. The forecast period is also likely to witness a growing demand for eco-friendly healthcare facilities and medical tourism packages.

Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

Budget Airlines to Boost Medical Tourism as Airfares Drop in Key Global Corridors

Several countries have established direct flights to key medical tourism hubs to decrease travel times. Türkiye’s Istanbul Airport became a crucial hub, connecting over 350 global destinations, making it a preferred stop for medical tourists heading to Europe and the Middle East. For example,

• Asia Pacific, a key medical tourism hub, saw international air traffic increase by 52% in 2022, driven by destinations such as Thailand, India, and Malaysia.
• According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic rebounded by 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and is projected to fully recover by 2025.

Rise of budget carriers such as AirAsia, Ryanair, and Indigo have made international travel more affordable.

• Airfares have decreased by 20% between 2019 and 2023 in key medical tourism corridors like Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

Market Restraining Factors

High Post-surgery Infection Rates Highlight the Risks of Inadequate Follow-up for Medical Tourists

Medical tourists often struggle to find local healthcare providers willing to take on post-treatment care. Differences in medical records formats and treatment protocols are likely to create additional complications. For example,

• A 2023 survey by the International Medical Travel Journal found that 47% of medical tourists faced difficulties in arranging follow-up consultations in their home countries.

Lack of proper follow-up increases the risk of complications after surgeries or procedures. Infection rates among medical tourists undergoing surgical procedures abroad were found to be 2.5 times higher compared to patients receiving care domestically. For instance,

• A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine reported that 15% of medical tourists experience post-operative complications, often requiring further treatment.

Key Market Opportunities

Employers to Save on Healthcare Costs as Insurers Offer Coverage for Overseas Treatments

Insurers are partnering with hospitals in top medical tourism destinations to provide comprehensive packages covering travel, accommodation, and treatment costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield, a leading U.S.-based insurer, has partnered with hospitals in Mexico, India, and Thailand to offer discounted treatment plans for its policyholders. For instance,

• A 2023 survey by the International Healthcare Research Group revealed that 35% of U.S. citizens considered seeking treatment abroad due to the availability of insurance coverage.

Insurers benefit from covering medical procedures abroad, where costs can be 50% to 70% lower than in developed countries. For instance,

• Companies offering cross-border insurance options have reported savings of up to 40% on employee healthcare costs.

While traditional health insurance often excludes cosmetic and elective procedures, international medical coverage is more flexible in including these treatments.

• A study highlighted that 25% of cross-border insurance claims in 2022 were for cosmetic and dental procedures.

Medical Tourism Market Insights and Trends

Service Provider Insights

Private Service Providers Dominate as Patients Seek Quick Treatment Access and Luxurious Care

Private service provider is predicted to hold a share of 72% in 2025. International patients prefer private healthcare facilities for their luxurious amenities, privacy, and personalized care. For example,

• A 2023 survey by the International Medical Travel Journal revealed that 70% of medical tourists opted for private hospitals over public institutions due to better service quality and comfort.

Private healthcare providers offer faster access to surgeries and treatments, a key attraction for international patients. In Canada, the average wait time for elective surgery in the public sector was 22.4 weeks in 2022, whereas private providers abroad often schedule surgeries within one to two weeks. Private hospitals are also likely to adopt the latest medical technologies and equipment.

• According to a 2023 report, 85% of private healthcare facilities in Asia Pacific offer robotic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, compared to 45% in public hospitals.

Treatment Insights

High Costs in Western Countries Push Patients toward Affordable Cosmetic Surgeries Overseas

By treatment type, cosmetic is anticipated to hold a share of 26% in 2025. Social media influence and changing beauty standards are driving demand for cosmetic treatments. For example,

• According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), cosmetic procedures grew by 19% globally in 2023, with breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction among the most popular surgeries.

Several medical tourists seek cosmetic procedures abroad due to significant cost savings.

• A 2023 report by Medical Tourism Magazine highlighted that cosmetic surgeries can cost 50% to 80% less in popular destinations compared to the U.S. or Europe.

Development of advanced, minimally invasive techniques has increased patient confidence in seeking cosmetic treatments abroad.

• Non-surgical procedures like Botox and dermal fillers accounted for 68% of total cosmetic treatments in 2023, according to ISAPS.

Regional Insights and Trends

Strong Travel Connectivity and Central Location Position Europe as a Key Medical Tourism Hub

Europe medical tourism market is projected to hold a share of 39% in 2025. Countries in the region are renowned for their cutting-edge medical technologies and well-established healthcare infrastructure. For example,

• According to the European Commission, over 70% of hospitals in the EU are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, attracting medical tourists from across the globe.

Europe has also gained a reputation for specialized treatments, including orthopedics, oncology, cardiology, and fertility treatments.

• Germany is popular for advanced cancer treatments and cardiovascular care, treating 250,000 medical tourists annually as of 2023.

The region’s central location and extensive travel connectivity make it an accessible destination for medical tourists from the Middle East, Asia, and America.

• According to Eurostat, Europe had over 200 million international passengers in 2023, with a significant portion linked to medical and wellness tourism.

Accredited Healthcare Facilities and Cost Savings Make Asia Pacific a Preferred Choice for Medical Tourists

Asia Pacific medical tourism market will likely generate a share of 28% in 2025. The region offers high-quality treatments at significantly lower costs compared to Western countries.

• A 2023 report by Global Healthcare Insights highlighted that patients can save 50% to 90% on procedures in Asia Pacific compared to the U.S. and Europe.

Leading hospitals in countries like India, Singapore, and South Korea are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.

• According to the Joint Commission International (JCI), Asia Pacific accounted for 45% of its accredited hospitals globally in 2023, reflecting high healthcare standards.

Governments across the region have launched initiatives to attract international patients.

• E-Medical visa program introduced in 2017 streamlined medical travel, contributing to 650,000 medical tourists annually by 2023.
• The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) reported a 25% increase in international patients in 2023.

High Treatment Success Rates Attract International Patients to North America’s Healthcare Facilities

North America medical tourism market is estimated to account for a share of 26% in 2025. The region is home to the world’s most prominent healthcare facilities and specialists. For example,

• The U.S. alone accounted for 8 out of the top 10 hospitals globally as per the World Hospital Rankings 2023.

North America attracts patients from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East due to its high treatment success rates.

• According to the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), the U.S. treated over 500,000 international medical tourists in 2023, generating $5 billion in revenue.

Medical tourism to Mexico and Canada has grown significantly due to their affordable healthcare options. Canada offers cost-effective orthopedic treatments and is increasingly popular among American patients.

• In Mexico, dental procedures and bariatric surgeries cost 50% to 70% less than in the U.S.

Medical Tourism Market Competitive Landscape

Companies in the medical tourism industry are collaborating with airlines, travel agencies, insurance companies, and wellness centers to offer comprehensive medical tourism packages. For instance, Apollo Hospitals partnered with Emirates Airlines to provide discounted travel and treatment packages, boosting patient inflow by 15% in 2023.

Businesses are also working on the continuous upgrading of medical equipment and infrastructure to maintain global standards and accreditation. Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand invested over US$ 150 Mn in novel robotics-assisted surgery systems and telehealth technology.

Organizations are using digital channels including social media, SEO, and influencer marketing to attract medical tourists. Costa Rica’s Health Tourism Board reported a 30% increase in medical tourists after launching a targeted digital marketing campaign in 2023.

Key Industry Developments

• In February 2025, the Government of Maharashtra announced its plans to draft a comprehensive health policy for medical tourism, aimed at enhancing healthcare services to attract international patients. A high-level meeting led by State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasized accrediting hospitals and forming an Expert Committee for effective policy development.
• In February 2025, Finance Minister of India, Nirmal Sitharaman shared her vision for medical tourism in India stating that medical tourism and health in India will be promoted in partnership with private sector along with capacity building and easier visa norms.
• In February 2024, the Union Budget 2025 focuses on health with Rs. 99,858.5 crore allocation. Key measures include extending Ayushman Bharat to gig workers, increasing medical seats by 75,000, and establishing cancer daycare centers. These measures aim to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability across India.

Medical Tourism Market Report Scope

Report Attributes	Details
Historical Data/Actuals	2019 - 2024
Forecast Period	2025 - 2032
Market Analysis Units	Value: US$ Bn/Mn, Volume: As applicable
Geographical Coverage	North America Europe East Asia South Asia and Oceania Middle East and Africa Latin America
Segmental Coverage	Service Provider Treatment Age Group Application Traveller Region
Competitive Analysis	Penang Adventist Hospital Twin Towers Medical Center Institute Jantung Negara National Heart Institute Max Superspeciality Hospital Fortis Healthcare Apollo Hospital Morula IVF Mother & Child Hospital Bundamedik Healthcare System Bali Mandara Hospital Bali Royal Hospital BIMC Siloam Nusa Kasih Ibu Hospital Kedonganan Love Tabanan Hospital Mo Singapore General Hospital Changi General Hospital Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical Centre Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Report Highlights	Market Forecast and Trends Competitive Intelligence & Share Analysis Growth Factors and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives Pricing Analysis & Technology Roadmap Future Opportunities and Revenue Pockets Industry Market Analysis Tools
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

Medical Tourism Market Segmentation

By Service Provider

• Private
• Public

By Treatment

• Dental
• Cosmetic
• Cardiovascular
• Orthopedic
• Neurological
• Cancer
• Fertility
• Others

By Age Group

• Children
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Geriatric Population

By Application

• Wellness Services
• Therapeutic Services

By Traveler

• Independent Travelers
• Group Travelers

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia and Oceania
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America

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