Medical Tourism Market Size

Name: Medical Tourism Market Research Report - Forecast till 2035
Creator: Market Research Future
License: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/pages/terms-and-conditions

ID: MRFR/MED/1443-CR

90 Pages

Rahul Gotadki

August 2018

Medical Tourism Market Research Report by Treatment type (Orthopaedic, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Cosmetic Surgery, Cardiovascular, Dentistry, Neurology, Fertility, Others), by Service Provider (Public, Private), By Region - Forecast to 2035

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Summary Table of Contents Segmentation Download PDF

Medical Tourism Size

Medical Tourism Market Growth Projections and Opportunities

Ongoing technological advancements considerably inspire the biosensor market. Continuous improvements in sensor technology, including the improvement of miniaturized and wearable biosensors, beautify their performance and develop their packages in numerous industries. The shift toward factor-of-care trying out is another market driver. Biosensors are indispensable to POCT devices, imparting actual diagnostic outcomes on the affected person's bedside. The convenience, pace, and accuracy of biosensors in point-of-care packages make a substantial contribution to their marketplace boom. Biosensors play a critical position in environmental tracking, detecting pollution, pathogens, and contaminants in air, water, and soil. With the development of environmental issues and guidelines, the usage of biosensors in environmental packages is on the upward thrust, influencing market dynamics. The need for greater meal safety and a great warranty also drives the biosensor market. Biosensors are hired to locate contaminants, allergens, and spoilage signs in food merchandise making, ensuring compliance with food protection standards and guidelines. Ongoing studies and improvement activities contribute substantially to the biosensor market. Investments in exploring new materials, sensing technology, and enhancing detection capabilities power innovation, leading to the creation of superior biosensor products with better performance. Collaborations and partnerships between key industry players, educational establishments, and research companies contribute to marketplace increase. These collaborations facilitate information trade, get the right of entry to assets, and join efforts in developing contemporary biosensor technologies. Efforts to reduce the value of biosensor production and gain mass manufacturing competencies are pivotal factors in marketplace expansion. As economies of scale are realized, biosensors grow to be more handy to a much broader variety of packages, further using marketplace demand. Government initiatives and policies touching on healthcare, meal safety, and environmental tracking have an impact on the biosensor market. Supportive regulations, investment, and regulatory frameworks can definitely affect the adoption of biosensor technologies in diverse sectors. The globalization of change and trade contributes to the enlargement of the biosensor market. As biosensors discover packages throughout borders, the demand for those gadgets increases on an international scale, growing new possibilities for marketplace gamers. Increasing client awareness of the advantages of biosensors and their reputation in daily lifestyles contributes to the marketplace boom. The integration of biosensors into patron electronics, health trackers, and clever wearables displays the growing recognition of this technology amongst the overall populace.

Market Highlights

Author

Rahul Gotadki

Assistant Manager

He holds an experience of about 7+ years in Market Research and Business Consulting, working under the spectrum of Life Sciences and Healthcare domains. Rahul conceptualizes and implements a scalable business strategy and provides strategic leadership to the clients. His expertise lies in market estimation, competitive intelligence, pipeline analysis, customer assessment, etc. In addition to the above, his other responsibility includes strategic tracking of high growth markets & advising clients on the potential areas of focus they could direct their business initiatives

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FAQs

What is the current valuation of the Medical Tourism Market in 2024?

The Medical Tourism Market was valued at 49,279.57 USD Million in 2024.

What is the projected market size for the Medical Tourism Market by 2035?

The market is projected to reach 2,92,866.10 USD Million by 2035.

What is the expected CAGR for the Medical Tourism Market during the forecast period 2025 - 2035?

The expected CAGR for the Medical Tourism Market during 2025 - 2035 is 18.02%.

Which treatment type segment is expected to show significant growth in the Medical Tourism Market?

Surgical Procedures are anticipated to grow from 3.5 USD Billion in 2024 to 10.2 USD Billion by 2035.

How do dental procedures contribute to the Medical Tourism Market?

Dental Procedures are projected to increase from 2.0 USD Billion in 2024 to 5.8 USD Billion by 2035.

What role do international patients play in the Medical Tourism Market?

International Patients are expected to grow from 3.27 USD Billion in 2024 to 9.81 USD Billion by 2035.

What are the key funding sources for patients in the Medical Tourism Market?

Self-Payment is projected to rise from 3.5 USD Billion in 2024 to 10.1 USD Billion by 2035.

Which companies are considered key players in the Medical Tourism Market?

Key players include Bumrungrad International Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic, among others.

What is the expected growth for wellness services in the Medical Tourism Market?

Wellness Services are anticipated to grow from 1.09 USD Billion in 2024 to 3.18 USD Billion by 2035.

How does the Medical Services segment perform in the Medical Tourism Market?

Medical Services are projected to increase from 5.45 USD Billion in 2024 to 15.73 USD Billion by 2035.

1. Market Overview

2. Market Trends

3. Market Segment Insights

4. Key Players and Competitive Insights

5. Industry Developments

6. Market Segmentation

7. Report Scope

8. Market Highlights

9. FAQs

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Market Summary

As per Market Research Future analysis, the Medical Tourism Market Size was estimated at USD 49,279.57 Million in 2024. The Medical Tourism Market is projected to grow from USD 55,883.04 Million in 2025 to 2,92,866.10 USD Million by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.02% during the forecast period 2025 - 2035.

Key Market Trends & Highlights

The Medical Tourism Market is experiencing robust growth driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.

North America remains the largest market for medical tourism, driven by high-quality healthcare services. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, attracting patients with competitive pricing and advanced medical technologies. Surgical procedures continue to dominate the market, while cosmetic procedures are witnessing the fastest growth due to rising demand for aesthetic enhancements. Cost-effectiveness of treatments and increasing awareness of medical tourism are key drivers propelling market expansion.

Medical Tourism Market

CAGR

18.02%

Market Size & Forecast

2024 Market Size	44,844.8 (USD Million)
2035 Market Size	2,92,866.10 (USD Million)
CAGR (2025 - 2035)	18.02%

Major Players

Apollo hospitals, Bumrungrad International Hospital, and Bangkok hospital.

Market Trends

The Medical Tourism Market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a mix of technological innovation, shifting patient expectations, government support, and global health trends. One of the most notable shifts is the growing trend of regional and domestic medical travel, as patients increasingly opt for nearby destinations due to the rising costs of international flights and a reduced desire for long-distance travel. This change is especially relevant post-COVID, where convenience, safety, and reliability have taken precedence over sheer cost savings. In fact, many modern medical tourists are not just seeking the cheapest options, but rather better-quality care, faster access to treatments, and availability of procedures that may be restricted or delayed in their home countries.

Cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatments, orthopedic care, and elective surgeries continue to be among the most sought-after services in the medical travel industry. Moreover, telemedicine and cross-border digital consultations have become integral parts of the patient journey. Patients can now consult with specialists abroad before deciding to travel, and also receive post-operative care remotely, reducing the need for follow-up visits. These technological advances are making healthcare more accessible, even without crossing borders, and are helping build trust in international medical care providers.

At the same time, governments and private healthcare providers are taking a far more organized and strategic approach to attract international patients. Countries that have identified medical tourism as a priority sector, such as those in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, are investing in infrastructure, streamlining visa processes, and marketing their services globally. Providers are establishing offices in source countries, building networks with insurance companies and facilitators, and offering bundled treatment-travel packages that include everything from airport pickups to hotel stays. Healthcare companies are also setting up operations overseas, extending their footprint to markets where demand is rising.

In a strategic move to strengthen India's leadership in cross-border healthcare facilitation, Vaidam Health, a leading Gurugram-based medical tourism startup, acquired MediJourney in June 2025—a digital-first medical tourism platform previously incubated by Ferns N Petals (FNP). This acquisition aligns with Vaidam’s vision to create the world’s most comprehensive and reliable medical tourism platform, going beyond aggregation to offer a full-stack, high-touch experience built on transparency, advanced technology, and empathetic care. This move highlights a broader trend where Indian healthcare providers are scaling digitally to meet the growing international demand.

Medical Tourism Market Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Cancer

The rising awareness about medical tourism among patients has become one of the most influential forces shaping the global healthcare landscape. Over the past decade, access to information has dramatically improved through the internet, social media platforms, digital healthcare directories, and specialized medical tourism agencies. Patients are far more informed about their treatment options, healthcare costs, and potential outcomes, enabling them to make cross-border healthcare decisions with greater confidence. Unlike in the past, when medical tourism was viewed as a niche choice, it has now gained mainstream acceptance across different patient demographics, particularly among those seeking affordable care, quicker procedures, and high-quality medical services abroad.

Low cost of medical treatment in developing countries

The low cost of medical treatment in developing countries has emerged as one of the most powerful drivers of medical tourism, encouraging patients from developed nations to seek care abroad where healthcare services are available at a fraction of the cost while maintaining comparable quality. In countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Turkey, and the Philippines, advanced medical procedures including cardiac surgery, orthopedic interventions, cosmetic enhancements, fertility treatments, and dental care—can cost 50–80% less than in the United States, Canada, or Western Europe, even after accounting for travel, accommodation, and additional expenses.
This cost advantage is largely driven by lower labor costs, favorable currency exchange rates, and reduced administrative and insurance overheads in developing economies, allowing hospitals to deliver affordable yet high-quality care supported by internationally trained doctors and modern infrastructure. Patients facing exorbitant costs or lack of insurance coverage in their home countries often find medical tourism a practical and attractive alternative, especially for elective or non-emergency procedures that can be planned in advance.
In September 2025, Fortis Healthcare launched a 200-bed multispecialty hospital in Greater Noida, strategically located near the upcoming Jewar International Airport. This proximity is expected to significantly boost cross-border patient inflow, making advanced healthcare more accessible to international travelers. By combining modern infrastructure with improved connectivity, the facility is poised to strengthen India’s position as a leading medical tourism destination.

Market Segment Insights

Medical Tourism Market By Service Provider:

Based on service provider, the Medical Tourism Market has been segmented into public and private. The Private segment held the largest market share in 2024 and the same is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2025 -2035.Public service providers are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping and scaling medical tourism, particularly in nations with government-supported infrastructure that facilitates international patient interaction. In Malaysia, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), which is part of the Ministry of Health, has established the country as an industry leader by combining regulatory control, worldwide branding, and patient facilitation on a single platform. MHTC actively assists public and commercial hospitals through accreditation alignment, digital marketing, and worldwide collaboration. In Turkey, USHAŞ (International Health Services Inc.) is a government-established body that coordinates international health services, oversees quality standards, promotes Turkish healthcare abroad, and helps public hospitals better manage foreign patients.

In India, the Rajasthan state government launched the "Heal in Rajasthan" initiative, in July 2025 which involves upgrading public hospitals to meet global care benchmarks, training personnel in hospitality and medical ethics, and facilitating international patient travel through dedicated liaison cells and dispute-resolution frameworks. South Korea's "Medical Korea" initiative, led by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), also offers a structured government-led platform for certifying providers, promoting national healthcare abroad, and assisting foreign patients with travel coordination and hospital selection via multilingual support centers located at major transportation hubs. These government-led approaches not only improve worldwide competitiveness, but they also build trust in national healthcare systems by ensuring standardization, safety, and patient rights across both public and private providers. Private healthcare providers are using innovation and expansion to increase their worldwide appeal in the medical tourism industry. Apollo Hospitals had a strong Q4 performance, with a 13% increase in healthcare services revenue and approximately ₹4 billion in net profit. The company expects to add 4,300 beds over the next three to four years to accommodate rising demand, including international patients. Their digital healthcare and pharmacy branch (Apollo HealthCo) experienced a strong 17% increase, indicating an accelerated shift toward integrated care-forward models. Furthermore, Apollo's leadership is campaigning for expedited medical visas, pressing the government to implement enhanced e-visa facilities similar to Thailand and Singapore, as part of the broader 'Heal in India' initiative to eliminate entry friction and optimize inflows of medical tourists. Moreover, Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand demonstrated its dedication to providing superior treatment for more than a million patients each year by obtaining its third Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) with "Excellence," a rare 100% score across all assessed criteria. Additionally, the organization is growing by opening a brand-new, cutting-edge facility in Phuket that is designed to draw in both foreign and expatriate patients looking for premium medical care in a picturesque location. These instances demonstrate how private hospital groups are actively coordinating regulatory advocacy, infrastructure development, and accreditation excellence to establish themselves as reliable, easily accessible international healthcare providers.

Medical Tourism Market By Treatment type:

Based on treatment type, the Medical Tourism Market has been segmented into orthopaedic, ophthalmology, oncology, cosmetic surgery, epilepsy, cardiovascular, dentistry, neurology, fertility, and others. Dentistry further segmented into dental implants, orthodontics, dental cosmetics, and others. The Cosmetic Surgery segment held the largest market share in 2024, and Fertility is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2025 -2035. The ophthalmology in the medical tourism industry is growing rapidly, driven by rising global demand for low-cost, high-quality eye care. Countries such as India, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, and the UAE have established themselves as top destinations by providing modern procedures such as LASIK, cataract surgery, and corneal transplants at substantially lower costs than Western markets. These countries use cutting-edge technology, internationally approved facilities, and multilingual medical practitioners to attract international patients looking for both quality and value. Hospitals and leading eye centers are investing in advanced diagnostic and surgical devices including femtosecond lasers, premium intraocular lenses, and AI-powered imaging systems. Furthermore, the combination of teleophthalmology and digital patient platforms improves pre- and post-operative treatment, as well as the overall patient experience. The sector also benefits from increased awareness generated by focused medical tourism marketing and government-backed initiatives that encourage specialized care hubs. For instance, in August 2021, Bascom Palmer launched rapid virtual eye care that established excellent clinical care practices.

This innovative initiative enables patients to interact with clinical providers via laptop, smartphone, or tablet for a virtual consultation on their eye and vision issues.Recent advancements, such as the introduction of latest ophthalmology units with improved diagnostic capabilities across Europe, demonstrate the sector's ongoing innovation and expansion. For instance, in August 2025 ZEISS Medical Technology received CE mark clearance for CIRRUS PathFinder, a new clinical support tool that fully integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to help clinicians make more confident decisions and accelerate their workflow with OCT interpretation aid.As global demand for vision correction and age-related eye procedures rises, ophthalmology remains an important development sector in the medical tourism scene, providing clear benefits to both providers and consumers.

Beyond cost arbitrage, oncology in medical tourism is emerging as a valuable intersection of accessibility, innovation, and institutional legitimacy. Top-tier institutions' service consolidation and strategic technological advancements, such AI tools, proton therapy, and HIPEC, are enabling areas like India to transition from treatment centers to international oncology partners. At the same time, through international cooperation and sponsorship, rising governments and emerging regions continue to modify access. For instance, in May 2025, KGMU, Lucknow launched hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for advanced abdominal tumors at a far lower price, democratizing access to this sophisticated therapy and maintaining patients within the region. In order to attract foreign patients, providers in places like India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico are capitalizing on their advantages in terms of cost, medical knowledge, and certification. To improve patient experience and results, these centers usually combine digital assistance, individualized care coordination, and surgical, radiation, and medical oncology. Prominent Indian institutions, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital, and Tata Memorial Centre, are influencing this environment by combining advanced care, multidisciplinary care, extensive research partnerships, subsidized access, and hub-and-spoke outreach strategies. Their reputations strengthen India's position as a top oncology destination worldwide, especially when combined with cost and institutional expertise. Moreover, On the global level, partnerships established at events such as the Global Oncology Summit 2025 in Dubai are speeding up cross-border research, education, and clinician collaboration highlighting the growing relationship of medical tourism with knowledge sharing and innovation sharing. Cosmetic surgery is increasingly seeking for aesthetic improvements overseas that offer both cost savings and outstanding outcomes. Strong infrastructure, authorized clinics, and efficient care coordination—including tourism-integrated recovery packages that combine surgery with leisure and wellness activities—are what draw foreign patients to Thailand, India, Turkey, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. A significant shift toward minimally invasive procedures that improve patient comfort and decrease downtime, like fillers, thread lifts, and lasers, is driving innovation in this industry. Additionally, new techniques like PRP and stem-cell-based rejuvenation are becoming more popular, and 3D imaging, artificial intelligence, and AR/VR platforms are being utilized more and more for treatment planning and simulated results to increase patient trust and customization. According to ASPS statistics, women accounted for 93% of all cosmetic surgery patients in the United States in 2022, with the bulk of them aged 40-54. Patients who choose for cosmetic surgery on vacation typically reflect this demographic. Epilepsy is growing as a major focus area in the Medical Tourism Market, driven by rising demand for modern, cost-effective therapies that are not widely available in many countries. With nearly 80% of epilepsy patients living in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to specialized care, there is an increasing trend of seeking cross-border healthcare. Medical tourists are rapidly moving to countries like India, Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand, which provide high clinical expertise, modern neurosurgery methods including laser ablation and neurostimulation therapies (VNS, DBS), and comprehensive care pathways at much reduced prices. Meanwhile, current research projects, such as the Australian Epilepsy Project, are improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, adding to the global demand of specialized epilepsy facilities. For healthcare providers and investors, this creates a strategic opportunity to expand offerings, form international collaborations, and address the unmet demand of a severely underdeveloped patient population, all while aligning with global trends in precision medicine and minimally invasive care. Cardiovascular care has emerged as a pillar of medical tourism, owing to the increasing global prevalence of heart disease and the prohibitively expensive treatment in developed nations. Patients are increasingly seeking accessible, advanced cardiac procedures abroad, with India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico becoming as prominent destinations that provide equivalent clinical standards at much reduced costs. For instance, angioplasty expenses in India and Thailand typically range from USD 3,000 to USD 7,000—roughly one-quarter of equivalent treatments in the U.S.—and bypass surgeries show significant savings without compromising quality. Moreover, in January 2025, The opening of the Northern Heart Hospital (NHH) strengthens Penang's position in medical tourism and establishes the state's reputation as a premier healthcare hub in Southeast Asia. NHH, the first and only cardiac and vascular specialist hospital in Penang and located in the northern region of the peninsula, stated it provides a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment services for cardiovascular disorders, including heart disease. The hospital's launching is expected to boost the state's position in medical tourism, which is becoming increasingly popular among medical tourists who desire high-quality, affordable treatment.Emerging digital and remote-care technologies are transforming the method in which cardiovascular therapies are offered to international patients. Telemedicine, AI-enabled diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) promote care continuity, patient satisfaction, and reduce postoperative risks. Innovative tools like IoT-driven monitoring systems and three-dimensional surgery planning simplify pre-arrival preparation and post-treatment follow-up, enhancing the popularity of cross-border cardiac care.Dental treatments have evolved as a cornerstone of medical tourism, owing to persisting cost variations, increased availability of modern methods, and seamless travel experiences. Dental tourism in Mexico and Turkey takes leverage of significant economic arbitrage, allowing high-quality care—including implants, crowns, veneers, and oral surgeries—to be delivered at a fraction of the cost of Western procedures. This value offer is strengthened by supportive infrastructure, accreditation activities, and the incorporation of leisure into treatment.

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Regional Insights

North America:

The North America medical tourism market accounted for USD 8,879.36 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.06% during the forecast period. North America is further segmented into the US and Canada.

The North America medical tourism sector has shifted rapidly in responses to continuously high domestic healthcare costs, insurance gaps, and challenges to timely access. Mexico has emerged as a popular destination for Americans seeking lower-cost dental and cosmetic services, both to geographic proximity and government efforts to promote health travel. In contrast, the United States, despite being an appealing location for medical tourists, attracts inbound patients seeking highly specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and advanced surgeries, offered by world-class facilities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a retired US couple flew to Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and the Caribbean for cancer treatment for a cost of USD 18,807, saving almost USD 100,000 compared to US prices and bypassing Medicare constraints. A US patient chose a USD 4,000 hysterectomy in Colombia over a USD 15,000 to USD 40,000 treatment in the US. They cited economical, high-quality care, full English assistance, and debt-free recovery. Despite these benefits, safety remains an important concern. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, some 400,000 Americans sought medical operations in Mexico each year.

Medical Tourism Market Regional Insights

Europe:

The Europe medical tourism market accounted for USD 7,733.00 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.88% during the forecast period. Europe is further segmented into the Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy, Spain, and Rest of the Europe.

Medical tourism has grown in prominence throughout Europe as patients seek more timely and cost-effective treatments in the midst of burdened home healthcare systems and long waiting lists. In the UK, post-COVID, the outflow began to accelerate. By 2022, around 350,000 UK residents traveled abroad for procedures (hip, knee replacements, cataracts, cardiology), up from around 248,000 in 2019, pushed mostly by overburdened NHS waiting times. Clinics in Lithuania, Poland, Croatia, and France are increasingly catering to these patients, providing faster access at reduced costs. A Highland patient's hip replacement in Poland, for instance, cost about half as much as private care in the UK.

The UK has seen an concerning surge in post-operative complications: NHS hospitals report that returning patients frequently have back superbug infections, leading to sepsis, chronic wounds, and, in some cases, death—complicating the NHS's ability to meet home care demand. Furthermore, aggressive social media advertising, like as Instagram ads for Brazilian butt lifts in Turkey, has generated ethical concerns, particularly after claims that at least 25 UK citizens have died following such procedures since 2019.

Asia-Pacific:

The Asia-Pacific medical tourism market accounted for USD 20,744.93 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.31% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is further segmented into China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific.

The Asia-Pacific medical tourism market has been strongly influenced by rising healthcare expenses in Western countries, the development of technologically advanced medical infrastructure throughout Asia, and increased consumer awareness of cross-border treatment choices. Since 2019, Thailand, India, Malaysia, and South Korea have attracted millions of patients each year seeking high-quality, low-cost medical operations ranging from cardiac surgery and orthopedics to cosmetic enhancements and fertility treatments. Thailand's combination of refined wellness with therapeutic services has made it a top destination, particularly for cosmetic and gender-affirming procedures. Malaysia, which had over 1.22 million medical tourists in 2019, has emerged as a destination for cardiology, fertility, cancer, and dental treatments, with specialized patient centers and regional offices. Thailand, a long-standing leader in the region, continues to draw international patients for cosmetic, wellness, and regenerative therapies, supported by world-class facilities and tourism integration.

India continues to draw a huge number of overseas patients from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia due to its low cost, English-speaking doctors, and a reputation for expertise in cardiac treatment, oncology, and organ transplants. Despite disruptions during the pandemic, medical travel from nations including as Bangladesh, Iraq, Nigeria, and Kenya has steadily increased, according to India's Tourism Ministry. Moreover, according to the Ministry of Tourism, India registered 1,31,856 foreign visitor arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes between January and April 2025, accounting for around 4.1% of overall FTAs during that time. The data was provided by the Union Minister of Tourism and Culture. To make things easier for international patients, the Government of India has extended e-medical visa and e-medical attendant visa capabilities to people of 171 countries. Furthermore, during the last five years, Bangladesh has emerged as the leading source country for medical tourists, with 4,82,336 arrivals expected in 2024, followed by Iraq (32,008), Somalia (11,717), Oman (10,431), and Uzbekistan (8,921). According to the Bureau of Immigration, the overall number of free trade agreements for medical purposes in 2024 was 6,44,387, up significantly from 1,82,945 in 2020.

Rest of the World:

The rest of the world medical tourism market accounted for USD 11,922.29 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.21% during the forecast period. Rest of the World is further segmented into Middle East, Africa and South America. Africa is further segmented into Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, and Rest of Africa.

The Rest of the World medical tourism market has seen significant transformation, owing to a combination of strategic infrastructure investments, government initiatives, and growing patient flows. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have established themselves as a leading worldwide healthcare destination. In 2023, Dubai alone attracted roughly 691,000 medical tourists, who spent approximately AED 1 billion (nearly USD 280 million) on medical treatments. Its popularity arises from a seamless blend of high-end medical facilities, short treatment wait times, opulent recuperation alternatives, and integrated tourist, with platforms such as DXH offering one-stop access to consultations, accommodation, visas, and tourism packages.

The country is also pushing beyond the boundaries of technological integration: hospitals are investigating metaverse-assisted facility tours, and telehealth services are becoming more firmly integrated in the patient experience. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to lead the low-cost cosmetic and dental surgery market. In 2019, Turkey treated approximately 264,000 medical tourists in the first half of the year, with forecasts aiming for a million by the end of the year. By 2023, the number increased to 1.8 million visitors, creating around USD 3.1 billion in revenue. Turkey's medical tourism sector aims to reach USD 20 billion by 2028.

However, these gains are surpassed by safety concerns. Since 2019, at least 28 British patients have died following elective treatments in Turkey, sparking increased scrutiny and calls for more international oversight.

In Africa, countries such as Tunisia and South Africa are carving out a niche by combining economical, high-quality care with cultural and recreational activities. Tunisia receives approximately 500,000 foreign hospital patients each year, as well as two million same-day medical visitors, and offers services in fertility, cosmetic surgery, and unique treatments such as thalassotherapy employing Mediterranean minerals. South Africa, long a leader in the region, continues to draw patients for complicated treatments such as open-heart surgery and cosmetic improvements, often at a fraction of Western pricing, usually centered around centers like Cape Town.

Key Players and Competitive Insights

The Medical Tourism Market is distinguished by the presence of numerous regional and local players catering to the Medical Tourism Market. Furthermore, the rising awareness about medical tourism among patients and low cost of medical treatment in developing countries, are driving the Medical Tourism Market.
The Medical Tourism Market is extremely competitive, with players competing and investing heavily in the development of innovative products to gain a significant market share. The market is highly fragmented with high competition in the market, increasing collaborative partnerships, and other strategic decisions to achieve operational efficiency.

The growth of prominent industry players is dependent on various factors, such as market conditions, service differentiation and innovation, and pricing strategies. It is also projected that the expansion of telemedicine and virtual consultations, and cross-border collaborations and hospital partnerships will boost the market's growth in the upcoming future.

Key Companies in the Medical Tourism Market include

Industry Developments

Bumrungrad International Hospital achieved its second GHA accreditation, earning a perfect score (100%) and being recognized in the category of “Excellence.” It was the first hospital outside the United States to receive this recognition, highlighting its global leadership in medical tourism. The accreditation process evaluated the full patient journey—from pre-treatment to post-treatment—covering patient rights, communication, quality of care, and international safety standards. This milestone reinforces Bumrungrad’s reputation for delivering safe, efficacious, and internationally benchmarked care for medical tourists worldwide.

Future Outlook

Medical Tourism Market Future Outlook

The Medical Tourism Market is projected to grow at a 18.02% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by rising healthcare costs and advancements in medical technology.

New opportunities lie in:

Development of telemedicine platforms for pre- and post-operative care. Partnerships with local healthcare providers to enhance service offerings. Investment in wellness tourism packages to attract diverse patient demographics.

By 2035, the Medical Tourism Market is expected to be robust, reflecting substantial growth and diversification.

Market Segmentation

Medical Tourism Market by Region

North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Rest of the World

Medical Tourism Market by Treatment type

Orthopaedic
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Cosmetic Surgery
Cardiovascular
Dentistry
Neurology
Fertility
Others

Medical Tourism Market by Service Provider

Public
Private

Report Scope

Market Size 2024	49,279.57 (USD Million)
Market Size 2025	55,883.04 (USD Million)
Market Size 2035	2,92,866.10 (USD Million)
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	18.02 % (2025 - 2035)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Base Year	2024
Market Forecast Period	2025 - 2035
Historical Data	2019 - 2023
Market Forecast Units	USD Million
Key Companies Profiled	Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Raffles Medical Group, Asklepios Kliniken GmbH & Co. KGaA, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, Medanta – The Medicity, Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Samitivej Hospital And Others
Segments Covered	by Treatment type, by Service Provider, by Region
Key Market Opportunities	Expansion of Telemedicine and Virtual Consultations Cross-Border Collaborations and Hospital Partnerships
Key Market Dynamics	Rising awareness about medical tourism among patients Low cost of medical treatment in developing countries
Countries Covered	U.S., Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific, GCC Countries, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa.