Medical Tourism Market Analysis and Global Forecast (2023-2033) with COVID Impact Analysis

Medical Tourism Market Overview

Medical Tourism Market Size is expected to reach USD 114.06 Billion by 2033. The Medical Tourism industry size accounted for USD 15.99 Billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.71% from 2023 to 2033. Medical tourism is the process of traveling to a different country for medical treatment that is either unavailable or too expensive in one’s own country. The industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by a variety of factors such as rising healthcare costs, long waiting lists for certain medical procedures, and the increasing popularity of medical travel as a way to combine healthcare with leisure. The medical tourism market is a multi-billion-dollar industry that encompasses a wide range of medical services, including dental, cosmetic, and fertility treatments, as well as major surgical procedures.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis and Post-COVID Scenario

The medical tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the implementation of travel restrictions and border closures, many patients have been unable to travel to other countries to receive medical treatment. The fear of contracting the virus while traveling has also deterred many patients from seeking medical treatment abroad. As a result, the medical tourism industry has seen a sharp decline in demand.

However, with the gradual easing of travel restrictions and the availability of vaccines, the medical tourism industry is expected to recover in the post-COVID scenario. The increasing demand for elective procedures and the backlog of medical procedures postponed during the pandemic are likely to drive the market’s growth. In addition, the focus on improving healthcare infrastructure in developing countries and the growing availability of affordable medical treatment in these countries is expected to drive medical tourism.

Global Medical Tourism Market Growth Factors

⮚     The cost savings that are achieved by traveling to a different country for medical treatment

One of the primary driving factors of the medical tourism market is the potential for cost savings. Patients who are unable to afford medical procedures in their home country may be attracted to the lower costs of medical tourism.

For example, a hip replacement surgery that costs $40,000 in the US may only cost $10,000 in India or Thailand. This cost differential is driving many patients to seek medical treatment abroad.

Global Medical Tourism Market Restraining Factors

• The lack of standardization in the quality of care

One of the primary restraining factors of the medical tourism market is the lack of standardization in the quality of care across different countries and healthcare providers. Medical tourists may be hesitant to travel to certain countries or providers due to concerns over the quality of care and the risk of complications. This is particularly true in cases where patients are seeking major medical procedures, such as heart surgery or organ transplants.

Global Medical Tourism Market Opportunity Analysis

• The increasing demand for affordable medical treatments

The global medical tourism market presents significant opportunities for growth in the coming years. The increasing demand for affordable medical treatments, the availability of advanced medical technologies, and rising healthcare costs in developed countries are some of the key opportunities for market growth.

Another opportunity factor in the medical tourism market is the increasing trend of medical outsourcing by employers and insurance companies. This trend is expected to continue as employers and insurance companies look for ways to reduce healthcare costs while providing high-quality care to their employees and clients.

Global Medical Tourism Market Segment Analysis

The cosmetic treatment segment is expected to hold the largest market share in the Medical Tourism Market in 2023

Based on the Type, the global Medical Tourism market has been divided into Dental Treatment, Cosmetic Treatment, Cardiovascular Treatment, Orthopedic Treatment, Neurological Treatment, Cancer Treatment, Fertility Treatment, and Others. The Cancer treatment segment is expected to hold the largest market share in the Medical Tourism Market. The rising demand for cancer treatment is the major driving factor for the growth of this segment.

Global Medical Tourism Market, Segmental Chart

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global Medical Tourism market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the use of the Medical Tourism market followed by the Latin America regions.

Regional Coverage:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Benelux
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Australia
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • India
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Asia Pacific Market

In Asia, countries such as India, Thailand, and Singapore have emerged as major medical tourism destinations, offering high-quality medical procedures at significantly lower costs than in developed countries. In addition, the region’s large population and rapidly growing middle class are fueling demand for medical services.

Latin America Market

In Latin America, countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Costa Rica are experiencing significant growth in the medical tourism market. The region’s proximity to the United States, as well as its growing reputation for high-quality medical care, are attracting medical tourists from around the world.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape includes key players (tier 1, tier 2, and local) having a presence across the globe. Companies such as Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, Fortis Healthcare Limited, Asian Heart Institute, and Kpj Healthcare Berhad are some of the leading players in the global Medical Tourism market. These players have adopted partnership, acquisition, expansion, and new product development, among others as their key strategies.

Key Market Players:

• Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited
• Fortis Healthcare Limited
• Asian Heart Institute
• Kpj Healthcare Berhad
• Ntt Medical Center Tokyo
• Seoul National University Hospital.
• Uz Leuven
• Wooridul Spine Hospital
• Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital
• Barbados Fertility Center

Market Share Acquisition Strategies: Analysis of Key Approaches Employed by Top Players

 In 2021, UZ LEUVEN opened a COVID testing center in several locations, primarily for travelers. This has assisted the company in reaching out to new customers and increasing its business, particularly during the Ontario Hockey League, organized by the GP association Khobra.

 In 2021, Egypt declared the launch of a program intending to provide advanced medical and therapeutic services to foreign patients.

Report Scope:

Global Medical Tourism Market, by Type

• Dental Treatment
• Cosmetic Treatment
• Cardiovascular Treatment
• Orthopedic Treatment
• Neurological Treatment
• Cancer Treatment
• Fertility Treatment
• Other Treatments

Global Medical Tourism Market Synopsis:

Report Content Brief:

• High-level analysis of the current and future Medical Tourism market trends and opportunities
• Detailed analysis of current market drivers, restraining factors, and opportunities analysis in the future
• Historical market size for the year 2021, and forecast from 2023 to 2033
• Medical Tourism market share analysis for each segment
• Competitor analysis with a comprehensive insight into its product segment, financial strength, and strategies adopted.
• Identifies key strategies adopted by the key players including new product development, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships.
• To identify and understand the various factors involved in the global Medical Tourism market affected by the pandemic
• To provide year-on-year growth from 2022 to 2033
• To provide short-term, long-term, and overall CAGR comparison from 2022 to 2033.
• Provide Total Addressable Market (TAM) for the Global Medical Tourism Market