medical tourism 2022

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Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism

Statistics, Benefits, and Risks

Planning Ahead

Frequently asked questions.

Medical tourism is a term that refers to traveling to another country to get a medical or dental procedure. In some instances, medical tourists travel abroad seeking alternative treatments that are not approved in the United States.

Medical tourism is successful for millions of people each year, and it is on the rise for a variety of reasons, including increasing healthcare costs in the United States, lack of health insurance, specialist-driven procedures, high-quality facilities, and the opportunity to travel before or after a medical procedure.

According to a New York Times article from January 2021, pent-up demand for nonessential surgeries, as well as the fact that many Americans lost their health insurance during the coronavirus pandemic led to a surge in medical tourism once other countries re-opened.

However, there are specific risks that come with traveling overseas for surgery. If you're thinking of pursuing a medical procedure in another country, here's what to know about the benefits and the risks.

Medical Tourism Benefits

The most common procedures Americans go abroad for include dental care, cosmetic procedures , fertility treatments, organ transplants , and cancer treatment.

This is not to be confused with having an unplanned procedure in a foreign country due to an unexpected illness or injury.

Among the reasons a person might choose to go abroad for a medical procedure are:

Lower Costs

Medical tourists can save anywhere from 25% to 90% in medical bills, depending on the procedure they get and the country they travel to. There are several factors that play into this:

The cost of diagnostic testing and medications is particularly expensive in the United States.
The cost of pre- and post-procedure labor is often dramatically lower overseas. This includes labor costs for nurses , aides, surgeons, pharmacists, physical therapists , and more.
High cost of malpractice insurance—the insurance that protects medical professionals against lawsuits—in the United States.
Hospital stays cost far less in many overseas countries compared to the United States. In other words, quality care, hospital meals, and rehabilitation are far more affordable abroad for many people.

For someone who doesn't have insurance , or someone having a procedure that is not covered by insurance , the difference can be enormous.

Popular Countries for Medical Tourism

Dominican Republic

South Korea

Culture and Language

Many immigrants prefer to have treatments and procedures done in their country of origin—a sensible decision, considering just how much language barriers alone can affect the quality of their care.

Furthermore, at least 25% of immigrants and noncitizen residents in the United States are uninsured, compared to 9% of American citizens. Children with at least one noncitizen parent are also more likely to be uninsured.

Practicalities aside, many people choose to have their procedure done in their country of origin simply because it allows them to be close to family, friends, and caretakers who can assist them through their recovery .

Insurance Incentives

Some insurance companies have started promoting medical tourism. The reason behind this is simple: savings for the insured means savings for the insurance provider and vice versa.

Several insurance providers, including Aetna have programs specifically geared at promoting safe medical tourism. Some insurance providers even offer financial incentives for medical tourism, like discounts on medical bills .

That said, many insurance companies will not pay for surgery performed outside of the country unless it is an emergency.

Luxury and Privacy

Medical tourism is a lucrative business for many countries, and much of the money brought in by medical tourists is reinvested into the local economy and health infrastructure.

The effect of this is apparent in the spa-like luxury that some foreign hospitals offer, providing medical tourists the opportunity to be pampered during their stay for a fraction of the cost they would pay at home.

Some facilities offer hospital rooms that are more like a hotel suite than a traditional hospital room. Other hospitals offer one-on-one private nursing care, which is far more generous and attentive than the staffing ratios that most hospitals allow.

Medical tourists who seek that added layer of privacy can find it abroad. Many can return home from their "vacation" without anyone knowing they had a procedure at all.

Vacation in a Foreign Country

Medical tourists often take advantage of their stay in a foreign country to travel for pleasure by scheduling a vacation before or after their procedure.

This is an especially inexpensive way to travel to a foreign country, especially if their insurance provider is paying for the flight and the cost of staying is low.

While it seems logical to recover on a beach or in a chalet by the mountains, keep in mind that it's important not to jeopardize your recovery.

Swimming isn't recommended until your incisions are completely closed. You may not feel up to doing much more than napping in the days following your procedure, either.

Don't let your vacation disrupt your recovery. Any time you have a procedure done, especially a surgery, it's important to listen to your body, take your medications as directed, and follow your doctor's recommendations closely.

Bypassing Rules and Regulations

Some travelers seek surgery abroad to bypass rules that are set in place by their own government, insurance company, or hospital. These rules are typically in place to protect the patient from harm, so getting around them isn't always the best idea.

For example, a patient may be told that their weight is too low to qualify for weight loss surgery . A surgeon in a foreign country may have a different standard for who qualifies for weight loss surgery, so the patient may qualify overseas for the procedure they want.

Talented Surgeons

Surgeons in certain countries are known for their talent in a specific area of surgery. For example, Brazilian surgeons are often touted for their strong plastic surgery skills .

Whereas in the United States, insurance companies might only cover cosmetic procedures if it is medically necessary, cosmetic surgery is often free or low-cost in Brazil's public hospitals—giving cosmetic surgeons there ample practice.

Thailand is reported to be the primary medical tourism destination for individuals seeking gender reassignment . It is often easier to qualify for surgery and the cost is significantly reduced. Surgeons are performing the procedures frequently, and as a result, many have become quite specialized in them.

It is often surprising to many medical tourists that their physician was trained in the United States. Not all physicians are, of course, but a surprisingly high percentage of them working in surgery abroad are trained in English-speaking medical schools and residency programs and then return to their home country. These physicians often speak multiple languages and may be board certified in their home country and a foreign country, such as the United States.

Medical tourism isn’t limited to countries outside of the United States, either. Many people travel to the United States for medical care due to the country's cutting-edge technology, prescription medication supply, and the general safety of healthcare.

Medical Tourism Risks

The financial and practical benefits of medical tourism are well known, and you may even know someone who had a great experience. Nonetheless, the downsides of medical tourism can be just as great if not greater. Sometimes, they can even be deadly.

If you are considering a trip abroad for your procedure, you should know that medical tourism isn't entirely without obstacle and risks. These include:

Poorly Trained Surgeons

In any country—the United States included—there will be good surgeons and bad. And just as there are great surgeons abroad, there are also some surgeons who are less talented, less trained, and less experienced.

Regardless of what procedure you are getting or where, you should always do some preliminary research into the surgeon or physician who will be treating you as well as the hospital you will be treated at.

In the United States, it is fairly easy to obtain information about malpractice lawsuits , sanctions by medical boards, and other disciplinary actions against a physician.

Performing this research from afar can be challenging, especially if you don't speak the local language. Yet countless people take the risk anyway, without knowing whether the physicians who will treat them are reputable.

A physician should be trained in the specific area of medicine that is appropriate for your procedure. For example, you should not be having plastic surgery from a surgeon who was trained to be a heart doctor. It isn’t good enough to be a physician, the physician must be trained in the specialty .

Prior to agreeing to surgery, you should also know your surgeon’s credentials : where they studied, where they trained, and in what specialty(s) they are board-certified. Do not rely on testimonials from previous patients; these are easily made up for a website and even if they are correct, one good surgery doesn’t mean they will all be successful.

Quality of Staff

Nurses are a very important part of healthcare, and the care they provide can mean the difference between a great outcome and a terrible one.

A well-trained nurse can identify a potential problem and fix it before it truly becomes an issue. A poorly trained nurse may not identify a problem until it is too late. The quality of the nursing staff will have a direct impact on your care.

Once again, it's important to research the hospital staff where you will be having your procedure done. Read the reviews but don't trust them blindly. If you can, seek out a recommendation from someone who can vouch for the medical staff where you will be going.

Quality of the Facility

While researching healthcare facilities for your procedure, you want to learn not just about the quality of the facilities themselves, but about the country's healthcare system as a whole.

In some countries, there is a marked distinction between public hospitals and private hospitals. In Turkey, for example, private hospitals are considered on-par with hospitals in the states, while many locals will advise you to steer clear of public hospitals if you can.

You will also want to seek out facilities that are internationally accredited. In the United States, the Joint Commission evaluates hospitals and certifies those that provide safe, quality care. The international division does the same for hospitals outside the United States.

Once you have a few options for potential facilities, you can start to investigate specifics. For one, you should find as many pictures and reviews of the facility as you can. Ask yourself whether the facility is state of the art or whether it seems dirty and outdated.

You will also need to find out if the facility has ICU level care available, in case something goes wrong. If not, there should be a major hospital nearby so that you can be transferred quickly.

To learn more about a healthcare facility, consider joining expat groups on social media for the city or country you will be traveling to. Ask the group for recommendations, or inquire about any positive or negative experiences they may have had at a particular facility.

Flying Home After Surgery

Any surgery comes with risks, including infection and blood clots . Flying home increases the risk of blood clots, especially on long-haul flights that are longer than four hours.

Try to avoid flying home in the days immediately after surgery; waiting a week will decrease the chances of developing a blood clot or another serious complication during the flight.

For longer flights, plan on getting up and walking up and down the aisles each hour to improve blood flow in your legs. You might also benefit from wearing compression socks with your doctor's approval.

If you are taking blood thinners or are at-risk of blood clots , be sure to talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk of blood clots after your procedure and while traveling.

Furthermore, you should know the symptoms of blood clots and stay alert.

Unplanned Illness

Any time you travel abroad, you run the risk of catching an illness that you have never been exposed to or that your body is not prepared to fight off. This is especially a concern when spending time in a foreign hospital.

If you have a sensitive stomach, you may also want to think long and hard about having surgery abroad. The food is often very different in foreign hospitals, and in some areas, there is a risk that even the water will be upsetting to your body.

Having diarrhea or postoperative nausea and vomiting makes for a miserable recovery experience, especially if you do not have a friend or family member nearby who can help you through it.

Before you travel abroad, check with your doctor to see if you need any vaccines to travel to your destination or if there are any foreign illnesses you should be aware of. Picking up an illness abroad, particularly after your surgery, can potentially be life-threatening.

Language Barriers

If you are having surgery in a country where English is not the primary language, you will need to make preparations in order to be able to communicate with the staff.

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the staff speaks your primary language well. If not, then you will need to consider how you will make your wishes and needs known to the surgeon, the staff, and others you will meet.

Whether you are at home or abroad, remember to speak up and advocate for yourself to make sure your needs are met. If you don't speak the local language, download a language translation app on your smartphone and don't hesitate to use it to communicate your needs. Hiring a translator is another option.

A Word About Transplant Tourism

Transplant tourism is one area of medical tourism that is strongly discouraged by organ and tissue transplant professionals in multiple countries. Most international transplants are considered “black market” surgeries that are not only poor in quality, but ethically and morally wrong.

China, for example, the country that is believed to perform more international kidney transplants than any other country, is widely believed to take organs from political prisoners after their execution.

In India, living donors are often promised large sums of money for their kidney donation, only to find out they have been scammed and never receive payment. Selling an organ in India is illegal, as it is in most areas of the world, so there is little recourse for the donor.

Then there is the final outcome: how well the organ works after the surgery is complete. With black market transplants, less care is often taken with matching the donor and recipient, which leads to high levels of rejection and a greater risk of death. Furthermore, the new organ may not have been screened for diseases such as cytomegalovirus , tuberculosis , hepatitis B , and hepatitis C . It is often the new disease that leads to death, rather than the organ rejection itself.

Finally, transplant surgeons are often reluctant to care for a patient who intentionally circumvented the donor process in the United States and received their transplant from an unknown physician.

It is important to arrange your follow-up care prior to leaving your home country.

Many physicians and surgeons are hesitant to take care of a patient who received care outside the country, as they are often unfamiliar with medical tourism and have concerns about the quality of care overseas.

Arranging for follow-up care before you leave will make it easier to transition to care at home without the stress of trying to find a physician after surgery .

Just be sure to inform your follow-up care physician where you are having your procedure done. After you return, they will also want to know what prescription medications you were given, if any.

What are popular countries for medical tourism?

Mexico, India, Costa Rica, Turkey, Singapore, Canada, and Thailand are among the many countries that are popular for medical tourism.

How safe is medical tourism?

Medical tourism is generally considered safe, but it's critical to research the quality of care, physician training, and surgical specialties of each country. There are several medical tourism organizations that specialize in evaluating popular destinations for this purpose.

What countries have free healthcare?

Countries with free healthcare include England, Canada, Thailand, Mexico, India, Sweden, South Korea, Israel, and many others.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering medical tourism, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and consider working with your insurance provider to arrange a trip that balances financial savings with safety. (Also, before you embark on a trip overseas for your procedure, make sure you are financially prepared for unexpected events and emergencies. Don't go abroad if you don't have enough money to get yourself home in a crisis.)

A medical tourism organization such as Patients Without Borders can help you evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of healthcare in various countries. Making sure a high level of care is readily available will lead to a safer, more relaxing experience.

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Medical tourism: Getting medical care in another country .

University of the Incarnate Word. Center for medical tourism research .

Patients Beyond Borders. Facts and figures .

Kaiser Family Foundation. Key facts on health coverage of immigrants .

Paul DP, Barker T, Watts AL, Messinger A, Coustasse A. Insurance companies adapting to trends by adopting medical tourism . Health Care Manag . 2017;36(4):326-333. doi:10.1097/HCM.0000000000000179

Batista BN. State of plastic surgery in Brazil . Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open . 2017;5(12):e1627. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001627

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - Global Health Now. Brazilians' risky right to beauty . Published May 2018.

Chokrungvaranont P, Selvaggi G, Jindarak S, et al. The development of sex reassignment surgery in Thailand: A social perspective . Sci World J . 2014 Mar;2014(1):1-5. doi:10.1155/2014/182981

The Joint Commission. For consumers .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding your risk for blood clots with travel .

Hurley R. China harvested organs from political prisoners on substantial scale, says tribunal . BMJ . 2018 Dec;363(1):5250. doi:10.1136/bmj.k5250

Ambagtsheer F, Van Balen L. I'm not Sherlock Holmes: Suspicions, secrecy, and silence of transplant professionals in the human organ trade . Euro J Criminol . 2017;5(12):e1627. doi:10.1177/1477370818825331

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About transplant safety .

By Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine.

Our Response to COVID-19 →

Medical Tourism

Key insights from the medical tourism index.

The Medical Tourism Index (MTI) stands as a pivotal resource in the burgeoning field of medical tourism. This sector, representing a unique intersection of healthcare and travel, has witnessed exponential growth over the past decade. The MTI offers critical insights into trends, patient experiences, destination popularity, and the overall impact on the global healthcare landscape. This article aims to distill key findings from the MTI, providing industry professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future prospects of medical tourism.

Understanding the Medical Tourism Index

The Medical Tourism Index is a robust tool that evaluates and ranks destinations based on several criteria, including quality of care, patient experience, and destination attractiveness. This index is crucial for patients considering overseas medical care and for professionals looking to understand the dynamics of this industry.

Global Trends in Medical Tourism

Recent data from the MTI highlights significant trends in the global medical tourism landscape. These include an increase in the number of patients traveling abroad for medical treatments, diversification of services offered, and the emergence of new destinations.

Popular Medical Tourism Destinations

The MTI identifies top destinations for medical tourism based on healthcare quality, affordability, and availability of specialized treatments. Countries like Thailand, India, and Singapore consistently rank high, attracting patients worldwide.

Patient Experience and Satisfaction

Patient experience is a core component of the MTI. The index sheds light on patient satisfaction, considering factors like medical staff competence, hospital infrastructure, and post-treatment care.

Impact on Global Healthcare

Medical tourism significantly impacts global healthcare systems. The MTI helps understand this impact, particularly on the economies of host countries, the quality of local healthcare services, and global healthcare standards.

Challenges and Opportunities

The MTI also outlines challenges facing medical tourism, such as ethical considerations, regulatory issues, and quality assurance. Conversely, it highlights opportunities for growth and improvement in the sector.

Technological Advances in Medical Tourism

Technological advancements play a vital role in medical tourism. The MTI examines how telemedicine, digital health records, and online consultations are reshaping patient experiences and treatment accessibility.

The Role of Insurance in Medical Tourism

Insurance coverage is a critical aspect of medical tourism. The MTI provides insights into how insurance companies are adapting to cover treatments abroad and the implications for patients and providers.

The Economic Aspect of Medical Tourism

The economic dimension of medical tourism, as analyzed in the MTI, includes the cost-effectiveness of treatments abroad and the financial impact on destination countries' economies.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legal and ethical issues are at the forefront of medical tourism. The MTI addresses these concerns, focusing on patient rights, legal liabilities, and ethical practices in international healthcare.

Future Directions in Medical Tourism

Looking ahead, the MTI predicts future trends and potential shifts in the medical tourism industry, including emerging destinations, evolving patient needs, and changes in global healthcare policies.

The Medical Tourism Index is an invaluable resource for industry professionals, offering a detailed overview of the current landscape and future trends in medical tourism. Understanding these insights is essential for anyone involved in this dynamic and ever-evolving sector.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

For those seeking medical care abroad, we highly recommend hospitals and clinics who have been accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). With a strong emphasis on exceptional patient experience, GHA accredited facilities are attuned to your cultural, linguistic, and individual needs, ensuring you feel understood and cared for. They adhere to the highest standards, putting patient safety and satisfaction at the forefront. Explore the world's top GHA-accredited facilities here . Trust us, your health journey deserves the best.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

The latest updated global medical tourism report looks at how medical tourism will change in 2022 and beyond.

Medical tourism in 2022 and beyond will not be a restart of how it was left in 2019 and earlier as previous trends will not return. This report looks at the potential and future in the context of how some countries are improving healthcare.
Medical tourism is often described as travelling from one country to another, but often forgotten is travelling within a country.
And if you include teleconsulting and telemedicine, does medical tourism even have to involve any travel?
Some countries have taken stock and seek to increase inbound medical tourism while others are moving from increasing medical tourism numbers to increased revenue. Others have decided that wellness tourism is far more lucrative than medical tourism.
Outbound medical tourism costs some countries millions of dollars in exchange revenue but produces revenue for others. China wants medical tourists to remain in Greater China rather than going elsewhere. The myth that Asian medical tourism destinations can target customers from the USA and Western Europe is fully busted. The reality is that medical tourists are from Asia, Eastern Europe and the Pacific.
Several existing and new countries are ramping up their national and local medical tourism campaigns targeting locals and overseas medical tourists.
The amount of money being spent by some countries to promote tourism and medical tourism is staggering as they all compete for a market where the size will be much smaller than in 2019.
Some are targeting specific countries and/ or specific medical tourism categories- often moving away from global targets to more local/regional ones.
Customers are going to be wary of travelling far. They will look for places they see as safe.
Countries are moving away from the numbers approach to tourism. Instead they want higher spenders. This approach will affect medical tourism.
Some countries will make a choice that their future is bound up with responsible and ecotourism. So they will stop promoting medical tourism.
Who goes from where to where and why could change quickly in 2022.
Medical tourism is not dead, nor dying, nor booming. It is evolving so companies and countries that do not evolve with it will lose market share or go out of business.
Medical tourism market growth will be accelerated by the expansion of inbound medical travel.
Telemedicine, telehealth, and other technologies are allowing patients to book appointments, consult doctors, and avail quality care from anywhere in the world.
2020 and 2021 have been dramatic times for medical tourism so it is vital for those wishing to stay or enter the market to understand how it is changing from 2022.

Who the report is for

Professionals working in global healthcare markets
Hospital and clinic groups operating internationally
International patient departments
Travel and medical travel agents
Banks and other financial institutions
Investors and private equity
International insurers
National and local government policy makers
Travel and tourism organisations
Destination management organisations
Policy advisors
Think tanks
Management consultants

Key Topics Covered:

MEDICAL TOURISM

MEDICAL TOURISM IN 2022

MEDICAL TOURISM IN 2023 AND BEYOND

DIASPORIC MEDICAL TOURISM

HIGH VALUE STATE PAID PATIENTS

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2022

Cayman Islands
Czech Republic
Czech Tourism new marketing strategy for 2022 promotes Dominican Republic
Ivory Coast
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
South Korea
Trinidad and Tobago

WHAT'S PLANNED FOR 2023 AND BEYOND

WHAT'S NEW FROM LEADING ACCREDITORS

American Accreditation Commission International
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory
Accreditation Commission for Health Care
Global Healthcare Accreditation
International Society for Quality in Health Care
Joint Commission International
Temos International

REGIONAL OVERVIEW - AFRICA

REGIONAL OVERVIEW - AMERICAS

REGIONAL OVERVIEW - ASIA-PACIFIC

REGIONAL OVERVIEW - CARIBBEAN

REGIONAL OVERVIEW - EUROPE

REGIONAL OVERVIEW - GULF AND MIDDLE EAST

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL TOURISM FIGURES

Global figures on medical tourism
International patients
Why migration alters figures
Global medical tourism figures by country
Key reasons for overestimates
Global medical tourism country figures illusions

TOP 50 MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS 2019

MEDICAL TOURISM INBOUND 2020

MEDICAL TOURISM INBOUND 2021

TOP 50 MEDICAL TOURISM SOURCES 2019

MEDICAL TOURISM REVENUE TOP 25 DESTINATIONS

MEDICAL TOURISM REVENUE DESTINATIONS 2020

MEDICAL TOURISM REVENUE DESTINATIONS 2021

RECENT RESEARCH

Hair transplant surgery
Wellness travel motivations

REGIONAL MEDICAL TOURISM

DOMESTIC MEDICAL TOURISM

GENERAL PREDICTIONS

Future of medical tourism
Top twelve countries

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4imq2c

ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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Revival Of Medical Tourism In 2022 To Drive Short-Term Growth In Healthcare Markets Of Key Emerging Economies

Tourism / Global / Fri 07 Jan, 2022

Key emerging markets will benefit from a revival in medical tourism in 2022 as travel restrictions are relaxed, which will generate short-term growth in the markets for healthcare and medical devices products.
Tourist numbers in 2022 will rebound following two years of Covid-19 pandemic-induced disruption, although arrival numbers will still be below pre-pandemic levels.
Medical tourism revenues can be a substantial source of income for healthcare systems in many emerging markets.
Further travel restrictions, new waves of Covid-19 outbreaks or the emergence of new coronavirus variants are a risk to our expectation of a recovery in the medical tourism sector over 2022.

The healthcare and medical devices markets of many emerging economies will benefit from a revival of medical tourism in 2022 as strict travel restrictions around the world are relaxed. An expected increase in tourism numbers over 2022 will include medical tourists seeking healthcare services abroad which will support short-term growth in healthcare markets in these destinations. Medical tourism is the term used to describe people seeking elective and non-emergency medical treatment in a country other than where they reside. Medical tourism is driven primarily by consumers in developed economies which have a high cost of healthcare, seeking more affordable options and by consumers in developing economies seeking better quality healthcare treatments abroad. While medical tourism is ubiquitous across the world, many countries stand out as key destinations for medical tourists and are supported by specific policies by national governments to drive growth in this market. This includes developed nations such as the US, Canada and the UK and significant emerging markets such as Turkey, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, India and Malaysia.

Tourist numbers in 2022 will significantly rebound following two years of disruption as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, although arrival numbers will likely still be below pre-pandemic levels in many countries. Many of the leading destinations of medical tourism recorded significant declines in arrival numbers over 2020 and 2021 with the pandemic forcing the implementation of travel restrictions in order to curb the spread of the virus. Over 2022, we forecast arrival numbers to increase substantially in many of these leading emerging markets for medical tourism. However, in many emerging markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, Brazil and India, arrival numbers will still be depressed compared to 2019 levels. Mexico and Turkey will see the greatest recoveries in tourism, with forecasted arrivals for 2022 comparable to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Rebound In Tourism Over 2022 Will Revive The Medical Tourism Sector

Select emerging markets – total tourist arrivals, 2019-2022 (in millions).

Governments and businesses are taking measures to support and revive their respective medical tourism sectors. Thailand is a leading destination for medical tourism supported by its highly developed tourism industry and low cost, high quality treatment services. In October 2021, the Thai government announced that it was planning to reopen the country to foreign tourists as part of its strategy of learning to live with Covid-19. Hospitals and businesses in the country are offering Covid-19-related services as well seeking to revive medical tourism, with some providers offering alternative high-end quarantine resorts for incoming medical tourists. Turkey is a major destination of medical tourism supported by its strategic location at the intersection of three continents, hosting around 700,000 visitors each year pre-pandemic. The government has sought to promote the medical tourism industry through the creation of the state-owned International Health Service (USHAS) in 2019 to promote and regulate health tourism.

Revenues from medical tourism can be a substantial source of income for some emerging economies and the resumption of medical tourism will support short-term growth in healthcare and medical device markets. The popularity of medical tourism has increased significantly over the last several decades. In Turkey, the share of health expenditures in tourism increased from 1% in 2002 to 4.5% in 2020, according to data from USHAS. The country recorded over USD1bn in revenues in 2019 for foreign visitors and citizens living abroad visiting for health and medical reasons. This figure dropped to just over USD0.5bn in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic and decline in international tourists. In India, the government has sought to attract visitors seeking healthcare and expand the county’s medical tourism industry. Figures from the country’s Ministry of Tourism in 2019 showed that the market could grow 200% by 2020 achieving a value of USD9bn, although the onset of the pandemic will have impacted this projection. India is a popular medical tourism destination for neighbouring countries, with the highest medical tourist numbers coming from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq and Oman. Mexico’s medical tourism industry benefits strongly from its close proximity to the US, with many border towns on the US-Mexico border key destinations for US medical tourists. Over one million visitors from the US alone are estimated to travel to Mexico for medical treatment each year, representing a substantial source of income for Mexico’s healthcare and medical device markets.

Rises in Covid-19 case burdens or the emergence of new coronavirus variants and subsequent travel restrictions is a risk to the recovery of the medical tourism sector over 2022. Our expectation of a revival in medical tourism in 2022 is countered by the possibility of new waves of Covid-19 outbreaks or even the emergence of new coronavirus variants. For example, the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant in November 2021 led to the introduction of new travel restrictions. This was initially for people from South Africa and surrounding countries where the variant was first discovered, but this has extended to more wider restrictions on global travel, with many countries entering into nationwide lockdowns in attempts to curb rising Covid-19 case numbers. We note that the tourism industry will continue to be exposed to Covid-19 risks for the duration of the pandemic, specifically from potential restrictions on travel resulting from high case numbers. Travel restrictions will impede tourists seeking medical treatment abroad and may weigh on the growth of healthcare and medical device markets in many key emerging markets with a greater emphasis on medical tourism.

This commentary is published by BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, and is not a comment on Fitch Ratings Credit Ratings. Any comments or data included in the report are solely derived from BMI and independent sources. Fitch Ratings analysts do not share data or information with BMI. Copyright © 2023 Fitch Solutions Group Limited. All rights reserved. 30 North Colonnade, London E14 5GN, UK.

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Medical Tourism Market

"Designing Growth Strategies is in our DNA"

Medical Tourism Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Service (Medical Treatment {Cardiac Procedures, Oncology Procedures, Orthopedic & Spine Procedures, Dental Procedures, and Others}, Cosmetic Treatment {Cosmetic Procedures, Rejuvenation Procedures, and Others}, and Alternative Treatment), By Service Provider (Public and Private), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 | Format: PDF | Report ID: FBI100681

Segmentation
Methodology
Infographics
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KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

The global medical tourism market was valued at USD 24.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth USD 29.26 billion in 2024 and reach USD 137.71 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.4% during the forecast period (2024-2032). According to the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), every year, around 14.0 million people globally travel to other countries to receive medical care. Drastic advancements in the healthcare industry due to the launch of medical devices and non-invasive surgical procedures are major factors responsible for increased tourism for medical procedures globally. Medical tourism has gained traction in the last few years among high-income countries such as the U.S.

Furthermore, patients from developed countries, such as the U.S. and the U.K., are travelling to less developed countries to access health services, mainly driven by the low-cost treatments available in emerging economies. In addition, both national governments and private business sectors in developing and developed nations have significantly promoted medical tourism as a potential source of foreign revenue.

Most of the people travel to different countries to seek medical care owing to the availability of advanced technology and highly trained professionals. This shift is also due to the fact that patients require quick medical service without a long waiting period.

Moreover, the availability of low-cost treatment for various conditions, such as knee replacement , dental, and cosmetics, among others in Singapore, Thailand, and Dubai is proliferating the market value in these countries. For example, Singapore receives 500,000 medical tourists annually; half of the tourists are from Indonesia. Therefore, the growing rate of medical tourists coupled with demand for medical and cosmetic procedures is anticipated to drive the medical tourism market growth during the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the market growth as most of the countries had imposed travel restrictions in 2020. Moreover, hospitals had suspended their non-essential medical procedures to focus more on treating COVID-19 patients, owing to which patient visits were reduced, ultimately impacting the market growth. However, during 2021 and 2022, the market stabilized as the majority of the services resumed and travel restrictions were revoked.

Medical Tourism Market Trends

Active Consumer Preference Towards Cosmetic Procedures

Growing awareness among individuals about the importance of personal care has led to greater demand for cosmetic procedures, such as body fat reduction and acne treatment. The common surgeries performed typically consist of liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and gluteal augmentation.

According to the data published by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, an overall increase of 11.2% was witnessed in 2022 for total cosmetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons. In 2022, approximately 33.7 million surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed globally, compared to about 30.3 million in 2021.

As COVID-19 cases started to decline in some countries and travel restrictions were eased, there has been an increase in demand for procedures that were delayed or postponed during the pandemic. Awareness among individuals about the importance of personal care has led to greater demand for cosmetic procedures such as body fat reduction and acne treatment .

According to surgeons from the American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), there was an increase in the appointments for and treatments, such as facelift, eyelift, and others, despite the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2021. Additionally, the availability of trained professionals coupled with access to quality care is responsible for the rising preference for these procedures in other countries.

Thus, the growing preference for cosmetic treatments resulting in increased patient visits in clinics, which is expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

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Medical Tourism Market Growth Factors

Low-Cost Care for Surgeries to Boost Market Progress

The rise in healthcare costs in developed nations has become a burden for healthcare providers as well as patients. Also, regulations imposed on the healthcare system by governments in several countries are leading to delays in various procedures. This has urged people to travel abroad for medical care. Thailand is the leading destination for healthcare tourism, with well-developed and affordable healthcare infrastructure and highly skilled medical professionals.

According to the data published by the International Trade Administration, the average medical tourist can save 25%-75% on several procedures and treatment options. For instance, a heart bypass surgery costs around USD 13,000, which is nearly nine times less when compared to the U.S. (USD 113,000).

Therefore, a higher rate of inbound health tourism in countries, such as Thailand and India to receive affordable and quick medical care is contributing to the increased volume of surgeries. Additionally, lower cost of advanced surgeries is a major factor boosting the market growth.

According to data by Apollo Hospitals, a hip replacement surgery in Thailand costs around USD 7,800 as compared to USD 50,000 in the U.S.

Increase Inbound Medical Travel to Augment Market Growth

Growing technological advancements in the healthcare industry in terms of medical devices , surgical procedures, wearables, and connected healthcare have urged end-users to adopt better healthcare facilities for improving the quality of patient care. Telemedicine, information & communication technology, and telehealth have opened doors for patients across the world to consult doctors, book appointments, and receive high-quality medical attention without hesitation.

This has increased inbound tourism in developing nations, such as Thailand, India, and many others. For instance, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Thailand has been ranked fifth in terms of inbound medical travel after the U.S., France, Turkey, and Belgium. Therefore, the demand for low-cost treatment and availability of advanced medical infrastructure are contributing to the expansion of the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Pandemic-Induced Travel Restrictions Hampered Market Growth

Medical tourism is solely dependent on patients’ ability to travel from one country to the other to receive medical treatments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic compelled governments to impose strict regulations with respect to receiving medical care abroad, which hampered the market growth. For instance, according to the World Tourism Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic caused almost 73% decline in tourist travels globally in 2020.

This negatively impacted the industry owing to decline in the rate of medical procedures for international travelers. Asia Pacific was severely impacted due to travel restrictions, causing a decline in the number of tourists by 84% in 2020. Such a factor hampered the market value and is anticipated to take a longer duration to return to pre-pandemic growth levels.

Medical Tourism Market Segmentation Analysis

By service analysis.

Lower Cost of Surgeries in Developing Countries to Boost Demand for Medical Treatment

Based on service, the market is segmented into medical treatment, cosmetic treatment, and alternative treatment. The medical treatment segment dominated the global market in terms of market share in 2023. Increased demand for medical procedures, such as dental, orthopedic, spinal, and cardiac, is contributing to the growth of the segment. Availability of advanced facilities & services in developing countries, such as India, Singapore, and Thailand, at a lower cost is encouraging tourists from high-income countries to opt for medical visas to visit these nations.

According to the data published by the Ministry of Health in December 2023, India has witnessed a significant increase in medical tourists. The statistics published by MOH India state that the visits increased from 183,000 in 2020 to 504,000 in 2023.

However, as the restrictions have been eased in some countries, the uptake of these procedures is likely to surge, resulting in strong growth of the segment during the forecast period. Additionally, the cosmetic treatment segment is likely to flourish during the forecast period owing to the rising demand for enhancing aesthetic appearance, body fat reduction, and rejuvenation. Also, the launch of advanced medical devices for cosmetic procedures is another factor contributing to the growth of the segment.

By Service Provider Analysis

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Emergence of Private Players Offering Advanced Facilities to Boost their Demand among Patients

Based on service provider, the market is segmented into public and private. The private segment held a dominating medical tourism market share in 2023. The growing number of private service providers globally delivering world-class medical services has attracted several tourists. The availability of advanced medical infrastructure, increasing government support, constant technological advances, and value-based care at a lower cost are some major factors responsible for the dominance of private service providers in the market.

According to the data published by the International Trade Administration, the Thailand government plans to invest in Phuket healthcare and convert it into a healthcare tourism hub by 2028. Thus, continuous support by the country’s government will advance the healthcare service offerings in the country, thereby increasing international medical visits and preferences.

However, the public service provider segment is anticipated to witness slower growth owing to the lack of funding received for medical treatment in some countries. For example, Canadians prefer private service providers as the majority of medical treatments are either not available or not funded in public hospitals.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

North America Medical Tourism Market Size, 2023 (USD Billion)

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The market size in North America stood at USD 6.23 billion in 2023. The regional market is characterized by the higher rate of tourists visiting the U.S. for medical treatments, such as cardiology and orthopedic procedures, thereby increasing the revenue margins of the medical service providers.

According to the data published by the International Trade Administration (ITA) 2023, education and health-related tourism in the U.S. totaled USD 4.20 billion in January 2023, an increase of approximately 11% compared to the previous year. Medical tourism, short-term workers, and education accounted for 29% of the total U.S. travel and tourism exports.

Europe accounted for a leading position in the global market due to the growing availability of medical infrastructure and facilities for medical tourists in countries such as Spain, the U.K., Mexico, France, and Belgium.

For instance, according to the data published by HealthCare, Inc., approximately 787,000 Americans are anticipated to travel abroad for dental and medical treatment in 2022. Mexico is the preferred destination for the U.S. outbound medical and dental travel markets owing to the lower prices of the services offered. The liposuction procedures performed in Mexico cost USD 2,500 compared to the U.S., which costs USD 6,000.

The market in Asia Pacific is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to the high number of patients travelling to Asian countries for medical treatment due to the availability of low-cost facilities.

For instance, according to the Medical Tourism Index, India is ranked 10 th on the list of popular destinations for healthcare treatments in the world. Also, bypass surgery in India costs around USD 10,000 as compared to the U.S., which costs USD 113,000. Moreover, countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea are expected to gain traction during the forecast period owing to the increased volume of patients for cosmetic procedures in these countries.

The Latin American market is expected to witness slower growth as the region is still in its early stages with respect to offering a robust medical infrastructure to foreign patients. The Middle East & Africa are among the famous destinations for healthcare tourism for cosmetic and rejuvenation procedures. Countries such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Turkey are popular destinations.

For instance, according to the Dubai Health Authority report published in 2023, 674,000 medical tourists visited Dubai in 2022, of which 39% were from Asian countries, 22% were from Europe, and 21 % from Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

List of Key Companies in Medical Tourism Market

Diverse Service Portfolio of Healthcare Providers at Lower Cost to Increase Volume of Medical Tourists

The global market is a fragmented one, with the majority of the medical service providers emerging from the Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern countries. A diversified service portfolio and the constant launch of new programs by healthcare providers are prominent factors responsible for the strong presence of reputed companies.

For instance, in June 2022, the Greek Health Tourism Council (ELITOUR) entered into a definitive agreement with the Athens International Airport to promote health tourism. This agreement aims to contribute to the development of the visitor economy in Athens and ensure the development of Greek health tourism.

Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the leading providers of medical services for international travelers. Such initiatives are likely to boost the medical tourism industry in Asian countries. Moreover, a strong emphasis on international tourists getting cosmetic treatments at a lower cost is anticipated to drive the profit margins of the service providers during the forecast period.

LIST OF KEY COMKPANIES PROFILED:

Bumrungrad International Hospital (Thailand)
Apollo Hospitals (India)
Bangkok Chain Hospital (Thailand)
Fortis Healthcare (India)
Asian Heart Institute (India)
KPJ Healthcare Berhad (Malaysia)
Livonta Global (India)
Gleneagles Hospital (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

February 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism announced the launch of a unified platform for health tourism, with both healing and medical services. The Tourism Ministry will partner with international experts to identify Egypt’s healthcare tourism destinations and outline a unified health tourism strategy to receive investments in this market.
January 2024 – Sunway Healthcare Group entered into a collaboration agreement with PT JCB International Indonesia, JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB) subsidiaries, to promote medical tourism in Malaysia by introducing Sunway Healthcare Group’s services to more than 156.0 million JCB card members worldwide.
May 2023 - Advantage Health Care India acknowledged Fortis Healthcare for making India a preferred healthcare tourism destination.
April 2023 - The Rattinan Medical Centre, specializing in cosmetic surgery and laser treatments in Thailand, in collaboration with FICO Group, launched a new clinic to augment wrinkle-free medical tourism.
January 2023 - The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched ‘Dubai in One day’, an innovative medical tourism package targeting international patients. DHA’s health initiative at the Arab Health 2023 aimed to allow international medical tourists to book procedures and access a wide range of tourism services within a few hours.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report includes detailed information regarding various insights and statistics of the market. Some of them are growth drivers, restraints, competitive landscape, and regional analysis. It further offers an analytical depiction of the global market trends and estimations to illustrate the market’s investment potential. The market is quantitatively analyzed from 2019 to 2032 to provide the financial competency of the industry. The information gathered in the report has been taken from several primary and secondary sources.

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Report Scope & Segmentation

Jignesh Rawal ( Assistant Manager -Healthcare )

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2023, the market value stood at USD 24.14 billion.

Registering a CAGR of 21.4%, the market will exhibit strong growth during the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The medical treatment segment is expected to be the leading segment in the market during the forecast period.

Growing inbound tourism coupled with preference for low-cost care in medical facilities are the key factors driving the global market.

Bumrungrad International Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, and Bangkok Chain Hospital are the key players in the market.

Europe region held the highest market share in 2023.

Rising preference for cosmetic procedures is the major trend boosting the growth of the market.

STUDY PERIOD: 2019-2032
BASE YEAR: 2023
HISTORICAL DATA: 2019-2022
NO OF PAGES: 115

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Jignesh is a skilled practitioner with over 8 years of extensive experience in market analysis and advisory services within the medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences & biotechnology sectors. His career journey has equipped him with a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic insights that drive business growth. He specializes in research within various domains, including cardiology, cosmetics, neurology, and wound care, among others.

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The global medical tourism market size is projected to grow from $29.26 billion in 2024 to $137.71 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 21.4%

Medical Tourism

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Matthew Crist, Grace Appiah, Laura Leidel, Rhett Stoney

Categories Of Medical Tourism

The Pretravel Consultation

Risks & complications, risk mitigation, additional guidance for us health care providers.

Medical tourism is the term commonly used to describe international travel for the purpose of receiving medical care. Medical tourists pursue medical care abroad for a variety of reasons, including decreased cost, recommendations from friends or family, the opportunity to combine medical care with a vacation destination, a preference to receive care from a culturally similar provider, or a desire to receive a procedure or therapy not available in their country of residence.

Medical tourism is a worldwide, multibillion-dollar market that continues to grow with the rising globalization of health care. Surveillance data indicate that millions of US residents travel internationally for medical care each year. Medical tourism destinations for US residents include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Singapore, and Thailand. Categories of procedures that US medical tourists pursue include cancer treatment, dental care, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and various forms of surgery, including bariatric, cosmetic, and non-cosmetic (e.g., orthopedic).

Most medical tourists pay for their care at time of service and often rely on private companies or medical concierge services to identify foreign health care facilities. Some US health insurance companies and large employers have alliances with health care facilities outside the United States to control costs.

Categories of Medical Tourism

Cosmetic tourism.

Cosmetic tourism, or travel abroad for aesthetic surgery, has become increasingly popular. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that most cosmetic surgery patients are women 40–54 years old. The most common procedures sought by cosmetic tourists include abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Popular destinations often are marketed to prospective medical tourists as low cost, all-inclusive cosmetic surgery vacations for elective procedures not typically covered by insurance. Complications, including infections and surgical revisions for unsatisfactory results, can compound initial costs.

Non-Cosmetic Medical Tourism

Cancer treatment.

Oncology, or cancer treatment, tourism often is pursued by people looking for alternative treatment options, better access to care, second opinions, or a combination of these. Oncology tourists are a vulnerable patient population because the fear caused by a cancer diagnosis can lead them to try potentially risky treatments or procedures. Often, the treatments or procedures used abroad have no established benefit, placing the oncology tourist at risk for harm due to complications (e.g., bleeding, infection) or by forgoing or delaying approved therapies in the United States.

Dental Care

Dental care is the most common form of medical tourism among US residents, in part due to the rising cost of dental care in the United States; a substantial proportion of people in the United States do not have dental insurance or are underinsured. Dentists in destination countries might not be subject to the same licensure oversight as their US counterparts, however. In addition, practitioners abroad might not adhere to standard infection-control practices used in the United States, placing dental tourists at a potential risk for infection due to bloodborne or waterborne pathogens.

Fertility Treatments

Fertility tourists are people who seek reproductive treatments in another country. Some do so to avoid associated barriers in their home country, including high costs, long waiting lists, and restrictive policies. Others believe they will receive higher quality care abroad. People traveling to other countries for fertility treatments often are in search of assisted reproductive technologies (e.g., artificial insemination by a donor, in vitro fertilization). Fertility tourists should be aware, however, that practices can vary in their level of clinical expertise, hygiene, and technique.

Physician-Assisted Suicide

The practice of a physician facilitating a patient’s desire to end their own life by providing either the information or the means (e.g., medications) for suicide is illegal in most countries. Some people consider physician-assisted suicide (PAS) tourism, also known as suicide travel or suicide tourism, as a possible option. Most PAS tourists have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or suffer from painful or debilitating medical conditions. PAS is legal in Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and New Zealand, making these the destinations selected by PAS travelers.

Rehab Tourism for Substance Use Disorders

Rehab tourism involves travel to another country for substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation care. Travelers exploring this option might be seeking a greater range of treatment options at less expense than what is available domestically (see Sec. 3, Ch. 5, Substance Use & Substance Use Disorders , and Box 3-10 for pros and cons of rehab tourism).

Transplant Procedures

Transplant tourism refers to travel for receiving an organ, tissue, or stem cell transplant from an unrelated human donor. The practice can be motivated by reduced cost abroad or an effort to reduce the waiting time for organs. Xenotransplantation refers to receiving other biomaterial (e.g., cells, tissues) from nonhuman species, and xenotransplantation regulations vary from country to country. Many procedures involving injection of human or nonhuman cells have no scientific evidence to support a therapeutic benefit, and adverse events have been reported.

Depending on the location, organ or tissue donors might not be screened as thoroughly as they are in the United States; furthermore, organs and other tissues might be obtained using unethical means. In 2009, the World Health Organization released the revised Guiding Principles on Human Cell, Tissue, and Organ Transplantation, emphasizing that cells, tissues, and organs should be donated freely, in the absence of any form of financial incentive.

Studies have shown that transplant tourists can be at risk of receiving care that varies from practice standards in the United States. For instance, patients might receive fewer immunosuppressive drugs, increasing their risk for rejection, or they might not receive antimicrobial prophylaxis, increasing their risk for infection. Traveling after a procedure poses an additional risk for infection in someone who is immunocompromised.

Ideally, medical tourists will consult a travel medicine specialist for travel advice tailored to their specific health needs 4–6 weeks before travel. During the pretravel consultation, make certain travelers are up to date on all routine vaccinations, that they receive additional vaccines based on destination, and especially encourage hepatitis B virus immunization for unvaccinated travelers (see Sec. 2, Ch. 3, Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis & General Principles , and Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 8, Hepatitis B ). Counsel medical tourists that participating in typical vacation activities (e.g., consuming alcohol, participating in strenuous activity or exercise, sunbathing, swimming, taking long tours) during the postoperative period can delay or impede healing.

Advise medical tourists to also meet with their primary care provider to discuss their plan to seek medical care outside the United States, to address any concerns they or their provider might have, to ensure current medical conditions are well controlled, and to ensure they have a sufficient supply of all regular medications to last the duration of their trip. In addition, medical tourists should be aware of instances in which US medical professionals have elected not to treat medical tourists presenting with complications resulting from recent surgery, treatment, or procedures received abroad. Thus, encourage medical tourists to work with their primary care provider to identify physicians in their home communities who are willing and available to provide follow-up or emergency care upon their return.

Remind medical tourists to request copies of their overseas medical records in English and to provide this information to any health care providers they see subsequently for follow-up. Encourage medical tourists to disclose their entire travel history, medical history, and information about all surgeries or medical treatments received during their trip.

All medical and surgical procedures carry some risk, and complications can occur regardless of where treatment is received. Advise medical tourists not to delay seeking medical care if they suspect any complication during travel or after returning home. Obtaining immediate care can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment and a better outcome.

Among medical tourists, the most common complications are infection related. Inadequate infection-control practices place people at increased risk for bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV; bloodstream infections; donor-derived infections; and wound infections. Moreover, the risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant infections might be greater in certain countries or regions; some highly resistant bacterial (e.g., carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales [CRE]) and fungal (e.g., Candida auris ) pathogens appear to be more common in some countries where US residents travel for medical tourism (see Sec. 11, Ch. 5, Antimicrobial Resistance ).

Several infectious disease outbreaks have been documented among medical tourists, including CRE infections in patients undergoing invasive medical procedures in Mexico, surgical site infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in patients who underwent cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic, and Q fever in patients who received fetal sheep cell injections in Germany.

Noninfectious Complications

Medical tourists have the same risks for noninfectious complications as patients receiving medical care in the United States. Noninfectious complications include blood clots, contour abnormalities after cosmetic surgery, and surgical wound dehiscence.

Travel-Associated Risks

Traveling during the post-operative or post-procedure recovery period or when being treated for a medical condition could pose additional risks for patients. Air travel and surgery independently increase the risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli (see Sec. 8, Ch. 3, Deep Vein Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism ). Travel after surgery further increases the risk of developing blood clots because travel can require medical tourists to remain seated for long periods while in a hypercoagulable state.

Commercial aircraft cabin pressures are roughly equivalent to the outside air pressure at 6,000–8,000 feet above sea level. Medical tourists should not fly for 10 days after chest or abdominal surgery to avoid risks associated with changes in atmospheric pressure. ASPS recommends that patients undergoing laser treatments or cosmetic procedures to the face, eyelids, or nose, wait 7–10 days after the procedure before flying. The Aerospace Medical Association published medical guidelines for air travel that provide useful information on the risks for travel with certain medical conditions.

Professional organizations have developed guidance, including template questions, that medical tourists can use when discussing what to expect with the facility providing the care, with the group facilitating the trip, and with their own domestic health care provider. For instance, the American Medical Association developed guiding principles on medical tourism for employers, insurance companies, and other entities that facilitate or incentivize medical care outside the United States ( Box 6-07 ). The American College of Surgeons (ACS) issued a similar statement on medical and surgical tourism, with the additional recommendation that travelers obtain a complete set of medical records before returning home to ensure that details of their care are available to providers in the United States, which can facilitate continuity of care and proper follow-up, if needed.

Box 6-07 American Medical Association’s guiding principles on medical tourism 1

Employers, insurance companies, and other entities that facilitate or incentivize medical care outside the United States should adhere to the following principles:
Receiving medical care outside the United States must be voluntary.
Financial incentives to travel outside the United States for medical care should not inappropriately limit the diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives that are offered to patients or restrict treatment or referral options.
Patients should only be referred for medical care to institutions that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies (e.g., the Joint Commission International or the International Society for Quality in Health Care).
Prior to travel, local follow-up care should be coordinated, and financing should be arranged to ensure continuity of care when patients return from medical care outside the United States.
Coverage for travel outside the United States for medical care should include the costs of necessary follow-up care upon return to the United States.
Patients should be informed of their rights and legal recourse before agreeing to travel outside the United States for medical care.
Access to physician licensing and outcome data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data, should be arranged for patients seeking medical care outside the United States.
The transfer of patient medical records to and from facilities outside the United States should be consistent with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Action (HIPAA) guidelines.
Patients choosing to travel outside the United States for medical care should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.

1 American Medical Association (AMA). New AMA Guidelines on Medical Tourism . Chicago: AMA; 2008.

Reviewing the Risks

Multiple resources are available for providers and medical tourists assessing medical tourism–related risks (see Table 6-02 ). When reviewing the risks associated with seeking health care abroad, encourage medical tourists to consider several factors besides the procedure; these include the destination, the facility or facilities where the procedure and recovery will take place, and the treating provider.

Make patients aware that medical tourism websites marketing directly to travelers might not include (or make available) comprehensive details on the accreditations, certifications, or qualifications of advertised facilities or providers. Local standards for facility accreditation and provider certification vary, and might not be the same as those in the United States; some facilities and providers abroad might lack accreditation or certification. In some locations, tracking patient outcome data or maintaining formal medical record privacy or security policies are not standard practices.

Medical tourists also should be aware that the drugs and medical products and devices used in other countries might not be subject to the same regulatory scrutiny and oversight as in the United States. In addition, some drugs could be counterfeit or otherwise ineffective because the medication expired, is contaminated, or was improperly stored (for more details, see the previous chapter in this section, . . . perspectives: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel ).

Table 6-02 Online medical tourism resources

Checking credentials.

ACS recommends that medical tourists use internationally accredited facilities and seek care from providers certified in their specialties through a process equivalent to that established by the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Advise medical tourists to do as much advance research as possible on the facility and health care provider they are considering using. Also, inform medical tourists that accreditation does not guarantee a good outcome.

Accrediting organizations (e.g., The Joint Commission International, Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) maintain listings of accredited facilities outside of the United States. Encourage prospective medical tourists to review these sources before committing to having a procedure or receiving medical care abroad.

ACS, ASPS, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery all accredit physicians abroad. Medical tourists should check the credentials of health care providers with search tools provided by relevant professional organizations.

Travel Health Insurance

Before travel, medical tourists should check their domestic health insurance plan carefully to understand what services, if any, are covered outside the United States. Additionally, travelers might need to purchase supplemental medical insurance coverage, including medical evacuation insurance; this is particularly important for travelers going to remote destinations or places lacking medical facilities that meet the standards found in high-income countries (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ). Medical tourists also should be aware that if complications develop, they might not have the same legal recourse as they would if they received their care in the United States.

Planning for Follow-Up Care

Medical tourists and their domestic physicians should plan for follow-up care. Patients and clinicians should establish what care will be provided abroad, and what the patient will need upon return. Medical tourists should make sure they understand what services are included as part of the cost for their procedures; some overseas facilities and providers charge substantial fees for follow-up care in addition to the base cost. Travelers also should know whether follow-up care is scheduled to occur at the same facility as the procedure.

Health care facilities in the United States should have systems in place to assess patients at admission to determine whether they have received medical care in other countries. Clinicians should obtain an explicit travel history from patients, including any medical care received abroad. Patients who have had an overnight stay in a health care facility outside the United States within 6 months of presentation should be screened for CRE. Admission screening is available free of charge through the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network .

Notify state and local public health as soon as medical tourism–associated infections are identified. Returning patients often present to hospitals close to their home, and communication with public health authorities can help facilitate outbreak recognition. Health care facilities should follow all disease reporting requirements for their jurisdiction. Health care facilities also should report suspected or confirmed cases of unusual antibiotic resistance (e.g., carbapenem-resistant organisms, C. auris ) to public health authorities to facilitate testing and infection-control measures to prevent further transmission. In addition to notifying the state or local health department, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at [email protected] to report complications related to medical tourism.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Isaac Benowitz, Joanna Gaines

Bibliography

Adabi K, Stern C, Weichman K, Garfein ES, Pothula A, Draper L, et al. Population health implications of medical tourism. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;140(1):66–74.

Al-Shamsi, H, Al-Hajelli, M, Alrawi, S. Chasing the cure around the globe: medical tourism for cancer care from developing countries. J Glob Onc. 2018;4:1–3.

Kracalik I, Ham C, Smith AR, Vowles M, Kauber K, Zambrano M, et al. (2019). Notes from the field: Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase–producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in U.S. residents associated with invasive medical procedures in Mexico, 2015–2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68(20):463–4.

Pavli A, Maltezou HC. Infectious complications related to medical tourism. J Travel Med. 2021;28(1):taaa210.

Pereira RT, Malone CM, Flaherty GT. Aesthetic journeys: a review of cosmetic surgery tourism. J Travel Med. 2018;25(1):tay042.

Robyn MP, Newman AP, Amato M, Walawander M, Kothe C, Nerone JD, et al. Q fever outbreak among travelers to Germany who received live cell therapy & United States and Canada, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015;64(38):1071–3.

Salama M, Isachenko V, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Westphal LM, et al. Cross border reproductive care (CBRC): a growing global phenomenon with multidimensional implications (a systematic and critical review). J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018;35(7):1277–88.

Schnabel D, Esposito DH, Gaines J, Ridpath A, Barry MA, Feldman KA, et al. Multistate US outbreak of rapidly growing mycobacterial infections associated with medical tourism to the Dominican Republic, 2013–2014. Emerg Infect Dis. 2016;22(8):1340–7.

Stoney RJ, Kozarsky PE, Walker AT, Gaines JL. Population-based surveillance of medical tourism among US residents from 11 states and territories: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2022;43(7):870–5.

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Top 10 medical tourism destinations in the world.

With rising healthcare costs in the US and the rise of health tourism destinations that offer quality and affordable healthcare perked up by a beautiful travel experience, patients from around the world are scampering to book appointments with healthcare providers far away from home.

Yearly, millions of patients travel from countries lacking healthcare infrastructure or less advanced in a particular area of medical care to countries that provide highly specialized medical care. Patients book trips to countries for various medical procedures ranging from cosmetic surgery, dental work, to orthopedic procedures at affordable rates.

For the health tourism destinations and healthcare providers, the competition is fierce, requiring an interplay of factors to drive medical travel and improve their brand in the medical tourism market.

But choosing a destination for one’s medical needs can be an arduous task; with multiple risks sold by the media about medical travel, health consumers are now being more careful about their medical travel choices. The Medical Tourism Index provides a critical gauge for medical tourism destinations, evaluating countries across key indicators that define an excellent medical travel hub.

The MTI assesses medical travel destinations across three main dimensions: Destination Environment, which provides an overview of the socioeconomic and cultural factors that promote inbound travel; Medical Tourism Industry, which assesses the medical tourism infrastructure, including seamless communication, effective medical travel facilitation, and culturally competent programs, and; Quality of Facilities and Services, which evaluates the quality of care provided, quality of healthcare professionals, as well as presence of third-party accreditations.

Medical travel professionals, healthcare organizations, and governments around the world are investing heavily in accessing the right tools and resources to rank higher in the MTI to attract more clients and health payers. Global Healthcare Accreditation, a global leader in healthcare accreditation helps these stakeholders to reposition themselves and conform to industry best practices to achieve these metrics.

Global Healthcare Accreditation offers accreditations, medical training programs and certifications to help healthcare providers, governments, and medical tourism facilitators gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and become more equipped to handle the challenges in the industry and deliver world-class service.

Using the Medical Tourism Index 2020-2021, which ranks 46 destinations against these indicators, these are the best destinations to travel to for your healthcare needs.

Canada’s rank as number one in the 2020 edition of the Medical Tourism Index comes as no surprise as the second-largest country in the world boasts of a robust tourism industry that attracts more than 14 million Americans each year. Its proximity to the US affords the country a massive influx of tourists and patients who seek to bypass the long wait times and high healthcare costs at home.

Canada ranks high in its reputation for offering quality and highly-specialized medical treatments and world-class healthcare facilities, particularly in orthopedic procedures and complex heart surgeries. It is ranked at the top position for its Destination Environment, 7 th in the Medical Tourism Industry dimension, and 4 th in the Quality of Facilities out of 46 destinations assessed.

Singapore comes second-place in the Medical Tourism Index, hitting top spot in ranking for the Quality of healthcare Facilities and Services in the country. As of 2019, more than 500,000 foreign tourists visited Singapore for its affordable and quality healthcare services.

Singapore recently set up International Patient Service Centers (IPSCs) that act as medical travel agencies to mediate between international patients and Singaporean healthcare providers, as a way to drive more growth in the industry and allow a much more seamless medical travel journey.

Singapore boasts world-class mutli-specialist centers that collaborate with centers of excellence around the world, including the Singapore General Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, and the Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Singapore is a choice destination for an array of cosmetic procedures and oncology treatments, with internationally accredited centers and qualified healthcare professionals. ‍

Ranking second in the Medical Tourism Industry and the Quality of Facilites and Services categories, and 5 th in the Destination Environment dimension, Japan ranks as one of the most developed healthcare systems in the world, by every measure. Leading recent advances in technology and medicine, Japan continues to deliver top-notch healthcare services to citizens and foreign tourists, most of which come from mainland China.

Low cost of care is also a major driver of Japan’s inbound medical travel, attracting medical tourists from across the world to its expertise in minimally invasive medicine and tech-driven procedures in plastic and orthopedic surgery.

Spain is known as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, with a tourist profile that pulls tens of millions of tourists every year. The country is ranked high by the MTI as the choicest medical tourist destination in Europe as it offers foreign patients excellent healthcare services with a beautiful travel experience.

Spain attracts a growing number of international tourists from the Middle East, North Africa, and the British Isles, many of who visit the country for advanced orthopedic, cosmetic, and dental procedures.

Spain boasts of several hospitals that are accredited by international bodies, including the renowned Hospital Universitario de Madrid and Sanitas Hospitales in Madrid.

United Kingdom

The UK ranks fifth in the global ranking of medical tourism destinations by the MTI. The UK is home to renowned medical institutions including the London Orthopedic Clinic, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the Cambridge Complex Orthopedic Trauma Center, known for top-quality healthcare services.

The UK is also a choice tourist destination center, welcoming more than 31 million international tourists every year, many of whom are attracted to the rich cultural heritage of the Great Britain.

The United Kingdom takes its highest point in the Destination Environment category, ranking 3 rd out of 46 destinations, notably for its richness as a tourist destination.

Dubai known for its ultramodern architecture, high-rise buildings, and luxury shopping. Dubai, with a population of more than 9.4 million welcomes more than 10 million tourists every year. The congenial environment and beauty of Dubai gives a boost to travel experience for millions of international patients that arrive Dubai for world-class care.

The Medical Tourism Index ranked Dubai the top medical destination in the Arab region, as it boasts of world-class hospitals and international doctors across several specialties. Dubai welcomes medical tourists mainly from Asia and neighboring Arab and Gulf countries, and some trips from European and African nations.

Dubai continues to receive millions of tourists yearly, hundreds of thousands of which visit the DHCC for mostly complex cosmetic, dental, and fertility treatments. The city, which is home to renowned hospitals, Mediclinic City Hospital and Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital, has become a one-stop-shop to medical tourists mainly from the GCC and the wider Arab world.

Costa Rica is fast rising as a leader in the medical tourism market. Known for its beautiful sights and competitive prices, Costa Rica welcomes millions of medical tourists from neighboring countries including the US and Canada ‍

This Central American country has ranked high in dentistry and cosmetic surgery - above Canada and US - consistently in the last few years. The country is also building a name in the fields of eye surgery, cancer therapy, and bariatric surgery. The CheTica Ranch located in San Jose provides exotic recovery retreats for medical travelers for patients who relish recovery in a relaxing ambiance. This ranch is also staffed with highly-trained nurses to cater to the medical needs of these patients as they recover.

Costa Rica ranks 1 st in the Medical Tourism Industry category and 6 th in the Destination Environment dimension and 13 th In the Quality of Facilities and Services dimension. ‍

‍The global Medical Tourism Index ranks Israel as the 8th top medical tourism destination in the world, citing the large pool of tourists that visit the Dead Sea and the massive drift of medical tourists seeking IVF and other fertility treatments in the country.

Israel ranked high in international reputation, patient experience, quality of healthcare, and accreditation of healthcare facilities in the MTI. Israel is 3 rd in the Qualities of Facilities and Services dimension, boasting world-class healthcare institutions and internationally trained healthcare providers.

The renowned Sheba Medical Center, which is known for its excellence in complex surgical procedures, launched an international medical tourism division that offers medical services to thousands of international patients from around the world including Russia, Cyprus, Georgia, and the US.

The capital city and the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirate, Abu Dhabi, has built a strong medical tourism platform that can see it emerge the best in the region.

The emirate launched the Abu Dhabi Medical Tourism e-portal in 2019 that provides international patients with details of all the medical offerings and healthcare facilities in the city. Prospective patients can also access medical tourism insurance packages as well as other tourist services such as hotel bookings, transportation, and recreational activities via the e-portal.

Healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi comply with strict quality rules set by the city’s Department of Health, ensuring they deliver nothing short of top-quality care. Abu Dhabi works closely with Global Healthcare Accreditation and the Medical Tourism Association, which have been integral to transforming the country’s medical travel and healthcare landscapes to attracting more medical tourists and health payers.

India is one of the major players in the Asian medical tourism industry, ranking first in the Medical Tourism Industry dimension of the MTI. India is one of the most visited countries for health care, with an expanded visa policy that eases travel for medical tourists. The medical visa policy allows patients to stay up to 60 days and also offers a medical attendant visa for blood relatives that wish to accompany the patient.

The Indian government launched a to provide patients with access to their network of healthcare facilities and a list of medical services available in the country. This allows patients schedule appointments with healthcare providers and even book for other services including accommodation and recreational activities before their arrival.

India ranks 6 th in the Medical Tourism Industry and Quality of Facilities and Services categories, with world-class centers that offer complex transplant services, orthopedic procedures, and complex heart surgeries.

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Unveiling the Power of Social Media Marketing in Medical Tourism

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Medical Tourism Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Global Medical Tourism Market Report is Segmented by Treatment Type (Cosmetic Treatment, Dental Treatment, Cardiovascular Treatment, Orthopedics Treatment, Bariatric Treatment, Fertility Treatment, Ophthalmic Treatment, and Other Treatment Types) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

Medical Tourism Market Size

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Medical Tourism Market Analysis

The Medical Tourism Market size is estimated at USD 84.92 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 239.37 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 23.03% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The key factors propelling the market's growth include the high treatment costs in developed countries, technological advancements in medical devices and healthcare services offered in developing countries, and growing compliance with international quality standards.

The significantly lower medical treatment costs are expected to drive market growth in developing countries compared to the high treatment costs in developed countries. This is due to lower medical treatment costs in developing countries than in developed countries. Moreover, healthcare costs in countries like Germany and France are lower than in the United States. For instance, according to a report published by the World Economic Forum in February 2023, in Germany, healthcare costs were 40% lower than in the United States in 2022. Moreover, healthcare costs are slightly lower, around USD 5,000 per capita, in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Additionally, in developed nations, per-capita healthcare costs were the lowest in Eastern Europe.

According to the data published by the Peterson-Kff Health System Tracker Organization in January 2024, US healthcare expenses are higher than in other countries, resulting in fewer angioplasty surgeries and more knee replacements than in different countries, leading to shorter hospital stays. Due to the high healthcare costs associated with such procedures, patients are likely to adopt other countries and contribute to market growth. Moreover, the United States spends more than USD 4,000 per person on administrative costs, four times the average for other wealthy countries and about the same amount as it spends on preventive and long-term care.

The increasing focus on research and development to foster innovation in healthcare is projected to support market growth during the study period. Developing countries are expected to attract foreign patients looking for advanced treatments like robotic surgery and oncology treatments that are not readily available in their home countries. In March 2023, the Medical Tourism Association, in collaboration with Global Healthcare Resources and the International Healthcare Research Center, launched the first Medical Tourism Moonshot to break down the significant barriers preventing access and growth in medical tourism. Such efforts to foster the development of advanced medical devices are projected to augment the attraction of foreign patients to seek advanced medical care in the country, thereby supporting market growth.

Hence, the high treatment and healthcare costs in developed countries increase the demand for medical tourism, which are expected to propel market growth during the forecast period. However, issues with patient follow-up, post-procedure complications, and medical record transfer are expected to restrain the development of the gait trainer market during the forecast period.

Medical Tourism Market Trends

Cosmetic Treatment Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period

Cosmetic treatments refer to a range of medical procedures and interventions performed to enhance a person's appearance, improve their self-esteem, or address aesthetic concerns. These treatments are often elective and non-essential from a medical perspective, focusing on areas such as skin care, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and more. Medical tourism plays a significant role in the world of cosmetic treatments due to several key factors. First and foremost, it offers individuals the opportunity to access high-quality cosmetic procedures at a fraction of the cost they might incur in their home countries. Many countries, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, have developed a reputation for providing high-quality cosmetic services at competitive prices. Thus, this cost advantage often attracts individuals from more expensive healthcare systems in North America, Western Europe, and other developed regions.
The growing self-awareness about aesthetic appearance and rising demand for cosmetic procedures are the key factors driving the cosmetic medical tourism market, as people are opting more for these procedures in some other countries primarily due to the high cost of cosmetic procedures in their residing country. For instance, according to the data published by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) in September 2023, about 14.98 million surgical and 18.86 million non-surgical cosmetic procedures were performed globally in 2022, of which the highest number of procedures were reported in the age group of 35 to 50 years (about 4.4 million procedures), followed by the 18 to 34 years (about 2.2 million procedures).
As per the above-mentioned source, the top five countries with the highest number of cosmetic surgical procedures in 2022 were the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and Colombia. The United States reported the highest number of procedures owing to the presence of a sophisticated healthcare system and the presence of a large number of plastic surgeons.
Moreover, governments and companies are investing heavily to develop the medical tourism industry and boost cosmetic medical tourism in their home countries, which is also projected to play a significant role in the growth of cosmetic medical tourism as with the new investments and launches, there will be more improvement in the infrastructure, leading to increase in the influx of medical tourists seeking cosmetic treatment. For instance, in March 2023, in Indonesia, GC Bio group launched its medical aesthetic clinic NULOOK on Bali Island, which will provide comprehensive K-beauty aesthetic procedures based on bio-medical technology and establish the region as a major cosmetic medical tourism hub. Similarly, in July 2023, India-based SPARSH Group of Hospitals launched its latest state-of-the-art medical department - The Institute of Cosmetic Surgery and Cosmetology, to provide world-class comprehensive aesthetic medicine solutions and can be an option for medical tourists seeking cosmetic procedures in India.
In conclusion, the growing demand and number of cosmetic procedures and the launch of new cosmetic or aesthetic clinics or departments in countries that offer cosmetic procedures at a very reasonable cost are expected to drive the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

Medical Tourism Market: Cosmetic Surgical Procedures by Country (in Thousand), 2022

North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period

The North American market for medical tourism is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to factors such as an increased healthcare infrastructure, well-developed research, and improved overall medical science with its clinical research.
Additionally, increasing technological advancements have led to access to top-notch medical procedures such as cardiovascular surgeries and transplants, cosmetic surgeries, and cancer treatments, leading to proven results with quality care that are further likely to drive market growth in the region.
Although the medical tourism healthcare cost in the developed nations such as the United States and Canada is expensive compared to many countries, the quality of care for the patients undergoing complicated surgical procedures is worth the cost of medical tourism, driving the market growth. However, the price of medical tourism in the region is lower compared to some European countries overseas. For instance, according to the Go Digit General Insurance Limited company in August 2023, the United States provided quality healthcare through its varied medical facilities and infrastructure, such as ambulatory surgical centers, blood banks, imaging and radiology centers, urgent care facilities, and innovative medical devices and equipment.
Furthermore, the huge number of well-developed healthcare institutions in North America is anticipated to drive market growth in the region. For instance, according to the American Hospital Association 2024, there were 6,120 hospitals in the United States in 2022. Similarly, according to the government of Canada, in May 2023, the number of medical and surgical hospitals in the country was 779 in the year 2022. This substantial hospital network led to a surge in medical tourism, with patients seeking advanced healthcare treatments being drawn to the country, thereby driving market growth.
The rising initiatives and investments from the key market players and the governments are anticipated to propel the market’s growth during the forecast period. Government funding to support healthcare infrastructure in the region is also expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in February 2023, the government of Canada invested CAD 198.6 billion (USD 144.4 billion) over the past 10 years, including CAD 46.2 billion (USD 33.60 billion), in new funding, to improve health care services in the region.
In conclusion, the North American medical tourism market is poised for substantial growth driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, technological advancements, and government investments aimed at enhancing healthcare service.

Medical Tourism Industry Overview

The global medical tourism market is moderately competitive and has several major players. In terms of market share, few of the major players currently dominate the market. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a few international and local companies that hold market shares and are well-known, including Healthbase, Apollo Hospitals, KPJ Healthcare, and Prince Court Medical Centre.

Medical Tourism Market Leaders

Apollo Hospitals

KPJ Healthcare

Klinikum Medical Link

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Medical Tourism Market News

February 2024: The governments of Thailand and Saudi Arabia entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the medical tourism industry in both countries. As Thailand is a popular destination for seeking medical treatments for international patients, including Saudi Arabia, the developments in medical tourism in Thailand are expected to promote medical tourism in the country.
January 2024: Parexel and the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR) strategically collaborated to accelerate the accessibility of oncology clinical trials in Japan and open wide opportunities for patients to participate in cancer research in Japan.

Medical Tourism Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumption and Market Definition

1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Market Drivers

4.2.1 High Treatment Cost in Developed Countries

4.2.2 Availability of Latest Medical Technologies and High Quality of Service

4.2.3 Growing Compliance of International Quality Standards

4.3 Market Restraints

4.3.1 Issues with Patient Follow Up and Post-procedure Complications

4.3.2 Medical Record Transfer Issues

4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants

4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products

4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD)

5.1 By Treatment Type

5.1.1 Cosmetic Treatment

5.1.2 Dental Treatment

5.1.3 Cardiovascular Treatment

5.1.4 Orthopedics Treatment

5.1.5 Bariatric Surgery

5.1.6 Fertility Treatment

5.1.7 Ophthalmic Treatment

5.1.8 Other Treatment Types

5.2 By Geography

5.2.1 North America

5.2.1.1 United States

5.2.1.2 Canada

5.2.1.3 Mexico

5.2.2 Europe

5.2.2.1 Germany

5.2.2.2 United Kingdom

5.2.2.3 France

5.2.2.4 Italy

5.2.2.5 Spain

5.2.2.6 Rest of Europe

5.2.3 Asia-Pacific

5.2.3.1 China

5.2.3.2 Japan

5.2.3.3 India

5.2.3.4 Australia

5.2.3.5 South Korea

5.2.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific

5.2.4 Middle East and Africa

5.2.4.1 GCC

5.2.4.2 South Africa

5.2.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa

5.2.5 South America

5.2.5.1 Brazil

5.2.5.2 Argentina

5.2.5.3 Rest of South America

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Company Profiles

6.1.1 MedRetreat

6.1.2 Healthbase

6.1.3 Apollo Hospitals

6.1.4 KPJ Healthcare Behard

6.1.5 Klinikum Medical Link

6.1.6 BB Health Solutions

6.1.7 Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital

6.1.8 Fortis Healthcare Limited

6.1.9 NTT Medical Center Tokyo

6.1.10 Prince Court Medical Centre

*List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

Medical Tourism Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism, or global healthcare) is a term used to describe the rapidly growing practice of traveling across international borders to seek healthcare services. The medical tourism market is segmented by treatment type and geography. The treatment type is further segmented into cosmetic treatment, dental treatment, cardiovascular treatment, orthopedics treatment, bariatric surgery, fertility treatment, ophthalmic treatment, and other treatment types. The geography segment is further segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, And South America. The report offers the value (USD) for the above segments.

Medical Tourism Market Research FAQs

How big is the medical tourism market.

The Medical Tourism Market size is expected to reach USD 84.92 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 23.03% to reach USD 239.37 billion by 2029.

What is the current Medical Tourism Market size?

In 2024, the Medical Tourism Market size is expected to reach USD 84.92 billion.

Who are the key players in Medical Tourism Market?

Healthbase, Apollo Hospitals, KPJ Healthcare, Klinikum Medical Link and Medretreat are the major companies operating in the Medical Tourism Market.

Which is the fastest growing region in Medical Tourism Market?

Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).

Which region has the biggest share in Medical Tourism Market?

In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Medical Tourism Market.

What years does this Medical Tourism Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?

In 2023, the Medical Tourism Market size was estimated at USD 65.36 billion. The report covers the Medical Tourism Market historical market size for years: 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Medical Tourism Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

What is the dominant segment contributing to the largest market share in Medical Tourism?

Cosmetic Treatment is the dominant segment that holds the major share of the Medical Tourism Market.

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Medical Tourism Industry Report

This comprehensive report offers a deep dive into the medical tourism industry, providing a detailed analysis of key market drivers and market segments. Mordor Intelligence offers customization based on your specific interests, including: 1. Treatment Type: Cancer Treatment, Neurological Treatment, Gynecological, Spinal, Oncology Procedures, and Ophthalmology Treatment. 2. Cosmetic Treatment: Rejuvenation Procedures 3. Cardiovascular Treatment: Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG), Angioplasty 4. Type: Domestic, International 5. Healthcare Service: Alternative Treatment 6. Service Provider: (Private, Public).

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Medical Tourism Market Share
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Revolutionizing Medical Tourism with Mastercard and MTA

Become a medical tourism association member.

The Evolution of U.S. Medical Tourism Virtual Summit: Insights and Perspectives

Medical Tourism Patient Survey

The Medical Tourism Association, in collaboration with the International Healthcare Research Center, has gathered critical insights into why patients are increasingly choosing to travel for medical care. This comprehensive 31-page report sheds light on the decision-making process, motivations, and concerns of medical tourists, focusing on aspects like the search for superior medical expertise, trust in healthcare providers, cost-effectiveness, and the appeal of innovative treatments. These findings are crucial for healthcare providers looking to tailor their services to meet the evolving needs and expectations of patients globally, ensuring not only the highest standards of care but also building the essential trust and confidence that underpins the decision to seek medical treatment abroad.

Stats From the Report

We impact the private & public sectors.

The Medical Tourism Association is a global non-profit association for the medical tourism and international patient industry. The MTA works with healthcare providers, governments, insurance companies, employers, and other buyers of healthcare – in their medical tourism, international patient, and healthcare initiatives – with a focus on providing access to transparent, high-quality healthcare.

Medical Tourism Magazine

Medicaltourism.com.

World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress

Strategic partner.

Global Healthcare Accreditation is the official strategic partner of the Medical Tourism Association for training, accreditation and certification. Global Healthcare Accreditation® (GHA) is a recognized global authority in accreditation and certification with a specialized focus in workplace safety, health, and well-being as well as specializations in medical and wellness travel.

New MTA Members

Become A Member!

The medical tourism association® is a diverse international organization dedicated to the life cycle of healthcare and travel projects from inception to delivery. from the review of bench-marked results to the development of improvement mechanisms developed through proven customer experience techniques and measured outcomes, the medical tourism association® is the dedicated partner for businesses seeking to establish a greater global presence in healthcare, wellness, and tourism industries..

OUR MISSION To equip medical tourism and healthcare travel professionals with the tools they need to develop their business.
OUR EXPERIENCE 12+ years of leading events and industry education have allowed us to change the world
OUR VISION To have a world with the highest standard of healthcare throughout

Become a Certified Medical Travel Professional Today!

Become a recognized expert in your field. With Global Healthcare Accreditations' Certified Medical Travel Professional certification, you can easily link with healthcare or hospitality providers seeking exceptional services for their medical travel clients.

The Medical Tourism Association has been in business for more than 16 years now, working tireless to promote and expand the international patient industry. We’ve been fortunate enough to meet with engaging, intelligent people from every corner of the world, all of whom have one goal in mind – the continuous improvement of medical travel.

Demonstrate the Economic Impact of Medical Tourism in your Destination

The Medical Tourism Calculator (MTC) is an adaptable tool used by industry stakeholders to demonstrate the total economic impact of a medical travel program. It considers important factors like job creation and tax revenues, as well as the impact to hospitality and tourism, which are traditionally deemphasized in medical tourism forecasts.

Featured Clients

Medical Tourism Association

The Medical Tourism Association is a Global Non-profit association for the Medical Tourism and International Patient Industry. The MTA works with healthcare providers, governments, insurance companies, employers and other buyers of healthcare - in their medical tourism, international patient, and healthcare initiatives - with a focus on providing the highest quality transparent healthcare.

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Medical tourism market is projected to be us$ 80.07 billion by 2032, at a cagr of 24.7% from 2024 to 2032 | polaris market research (pmr).

The availability of affordable and advanced medical treatments in underdeveloped nations and the lack of insurance coverage in several nations drive the market growth.

New York, USA, Sept. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Market Overview:

The global medical tourism market size was valued at USD 11.20 billion in 2023. The market is anticipated to reach USD 80.07 billion by 2032 from USD 13.69 billion in 2024. It is expected that the industry will generate a CAGR of 24.7% from 2024 to 2032.

Market Introduction:

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism is the practice of traveling across international borders to obtain medical care. Also called health tourism or global healthcare, the term has gained much popularity in recent years among policy-makers, researchers, and the media. A medical tourist may travel from less-developed countries with poor medical treatments to more advanced countries in search of elective and cosmetic treatments such as plastic surgery, hair transplants, breast reductions, or cosmetic dental procedures. The US is one of the biggest markets for medical tourism, leading more than 2 million Americans to travel abroad for medical tourism each year due to the high cost of medical treatments in the US.

Download Free Sample PDF Copy of the Report:

https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-tourism-market/request-for-sample

Market Report Attributes:

Key Highlights of Report:

The medical tourism market is experiencing significant growth owing to factors including lack of insurance coverage in less-developed countries, rising demand for specialized treatments, and developments in healthcare technology.

The market is primarily segmented on the basis of treatment type, service provider, and region.

Based on region, the Asia Pacific region held the largest medical tourism market share in 2023.

Market Key Players

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

Bangkok Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital

B. L. Kapur Memorial Hospital

Kasemrad Hospital International Rattanathibet

Miot Hospital

Mission Hospital

MOHW Hengchun Tourism Hospital

Mount Elizabeth Hospitals

Penang Adventist Hospital

Raffles Medical Group

Request for a Discount on this Report Before Purchase:

https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-tourism-market/request-for-discount-pricing

Growth Drivers and Trends:

Robust Government Support: Patients are increasingly traveling abroad to seek advanced procedures and effective treatments for their medical conditions. To cater to the needs of international medical tourists, numerous national governments are investing in healthcare infrastructure and adopting strategies to promote health and wellness tourism within their nations. This is fueling medical tourism market growth.

Affordable Medical Services in Underdeveloped Nations: Compared to developed nations, patients can receive high-quality medical care in underdeveloped nations at low costs. The availability of advanced medical treatments at these reduced prices is driving people to relocate to these regions, fueling the medical tourism market demand.

Lack of Insurance Coverage: Many surgeries, such as weight loss, cosmetic, and certain dental procedures available by insurance companies in countries like Malaysia and Thailand, are not covered by insurance providers in the United States. As a result, an increasing number of people are traveling to Malaysia and Thailand for these medical treatments, which propels market expansion.

Which Region Dominates Medical Tourism Market Globally?

The Asia Pacific medical tourism market accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is anticipated to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. This is because compared to the United States private healthcare facilities, medical treatment is more than 90% cheaper in countries in the Asia Pacific.

Inquire more about this report before purchase:

https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-tourism-market/inquire-before-buying

Segmental Outlook:

Medical Tourism Market - By Treatment Type-Based Outlook:

Cosmetic Treatment

Bariatric Treatment

Dental Treatment

Cardiovascular Treatment

Orthopedic Treatment

Ophthalmology Treatment

Infertility Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Medical Tourism Market - By Service Provider-Based Outlook:

Medical Tourism Market - Region - Outlook:

North America (U.S., Canada)

Europe (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia)

Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia. South Korea)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina)

Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

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About Polaris Market Research & Consulting, Inc:

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for PMR’s clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve PMR’s diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semiconductors, and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide PMR’s customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high-growth markets, emerging business environments, and the latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced, and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts, and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to PMR’s customers.

Contact: Likhil G 8 The Green Ste 19824, Dover, DE 19901, United States Phone: +1-929 297-9727 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter

Key Findings

The world’s most attractive countries for medical Tourism are Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, and Costa Rica. For Americans, Canada is the most attractive medical tourism destination. The results of the sub-indexes reveal the following.

MTI Overall Rating

Destination environment, destination attractiveness, medical tourism costs, facility and services.

MedicalTourism.com

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.

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Health Care

The 4 kidnapped americans are part of a large wave of u.s. medical tourism in mexico.

Bill Chappell

A Red Cross worker closes the door of an ambulance carrying two Americans found alive after they were abducted in Matamoros, Mexico, last week. Two of four Americans have been found dead, after they were caught in a cartel shootout, officials said Tuesday. AP hide caption

The four Americans who were shot at and abducted in Mexico were reportedly visiting for medical tourism — making them part of a booming industry that is vital to Mexico's economy.

"Pre-pandemic, some 1.2 million American citizens traveled to Mexico for elective medical treatment," Josef Woodman, CEO of Patients Beyond Borders , told NPR. His firm publishes a guide to international medical travel.

Latin America

2 surviving americans who were kidnapped in mexico are back in the u.s..

Here's an update on medical tourism, and the recent tragedy:

U.S. medical travel is rising sharply

"Today, the market is recovering rapidly in Mexico, nearly back to its pre-pandemic levels," Woodman said.

Nearly 780,000 people were projected to leave the U.S. for health care in 2022, according to Healthcare.com , citing data from the medical travel website Medical Departures.

Medical tourism in Mexico isn't new, but the recent tragedy put it in the spotlight

Medical tourism in mexico isn't new, but the recent tragedy put it in the spotlight.

That outburst of activity got a big boost in late 2021, when the U.S. relaxed key border restrictions with Mexico.

Costa Rica is the second-most popular destination for U.S. visitors seeking medical care elsewhere, Woodman said. It's a particular draw, he added, for people in the Northeast and Southeast.

Most people travel for dental and cosmetic work

Cosmetic surgeries are just one of the procedures that are far cheaper in Mexico — for years, people have been visiting from the U.S. to get elaborate dental work or cosmetic treatments done, or to pick up antibiotics and other medicines at favorable prices.

Shots - Health News

A reason to smile: mexican town is a destination for dental tourism.

Many people also travel to get orthopedic work done, replacing knees or hips for less than half the cost of such procedures in the U.S.

"North American patients travel to Mexico for care primarily to save 50-70% over what they would pay in the United States for an elective treatment," according to Woodman.

Medical tourism does bring risks, experts say

While an element of risk is inherent in many procedures no matter where they're performed, medical tourism can heighten complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Potential problems range from the dangers of flying in a pressurized plane cabin too soon after a surgery to the complications of getting follow-up care for a procedure done in another country.

Medical tourism numbers are on the rise in Mexico, after the practice was curtailed by COVID-19 restrictions. Here, foreign patients are seen at the hospital Oasis of Hope in Tijuana in, 2019, in Mexico's Baja California state. Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Some of the most serious warnings from the CDC are for infections, from wound and blood infections to pathogens that might be more common or resistant in the host country than in the U.S.

"Recent examples include surgical site infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in patients who underwent cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic," the CDC says, "and Q fever in patients who received fetal sheep cell injections in Germany."

U.S. medical tourists rate Mexico highly

A 2020 research paper that surveyed some 427 Americans crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in California for medical services found that most of the respondents "felt that Mexican health care services are of the same or better quality compared with those in the United States, for a lower cost."

People had come from 29 states across the U.S. to get care in Mexico, with the vast majority driven by cost concerns, according to the paper, published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association .

Hit with $7,146 for two hospital bills, a family sought health care in Mexico

The researchers also collected data about the medical tourists themselves, reporting an average age of 64.5 years. Their most common yearly income range was reported to be between $25,001 and $50,000 — but that reflects less than a quarter of the respondents.

More than 400 of the survey's 427 participants said they would undertake more medical tourism in the future, the paper said.

Most of Mexico's hospitals follow U.S. standards

Mexico has worked for years to promote medical tourism to draw patients across the U.S. border. That includes improving its health system and following international standards.

"About 10 years ago, the Mexican federal government licensed the Joint Commission accreditation standards, which are used to accredit U.S. hospitals," as David Vequist, who runs the Center of Medical Tourism Research at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, told NPR's All Things Considered .

"So most Mexican hospitals are now basically using the same standards we use in hospitals in the United States," Vequist added.

Details of the recent violence are still emerging

At least one of the U.S. citizens who were caught up in the recent tragedy was reportedly going to Mexico for a tummy tuck operation. But the group's vehicle came under fire hours after entering the border city of Matamoros, Mexico, from Brownsville, Texas.

Two of the four died; all are reported to be natives of Lake City, S.C. Their identities have not been released, but relatives have been speaking to NPR and other outlets .

Mexican officials say they believe the four were caught in the middle of a conflict between drug cartels in the state of Tamaulipas — an area that is under a do-not-travel advisory from the U.S. State Department.

Medical tourism

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Health Professionals & Hospitals

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Medical tourism worldwide as of 2023, by procedure

Share of medical tourism worldwide as of 2023, by medical procedure

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Additional Information

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August 2023

The source uses a variety of resources, including paid and free sources, primary research, and phone interviews. Various sources include International Medical Travel Journal, McKinsey & Company, Medical Tourism Association, Medical Tourism Magazine, Patients Beyond Borders, and WHO. The source does not provide any information regarding percentage points exceeding 100 percent.

Statistics on " Cosmetic procedures in Brazil "

Leading cosmetic procedures worldwide in 2021, by monthly search volume
Cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2014-2023
Surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2014-2023
Surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023, by category
Search interest for surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2019-2023, by type
Global share of popular surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2014-2023
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023, by category
Popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023
Search interest for hyaluronic acid & chemical peeling in Brazil 2019-2023
Global share of popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023
Plastic surgeons registered in Brazil 2013-2022
Plastic surgeons density in Brazil 2013-2022
Plastic surgeons as share of doctors in Brazil 2013-2022
Plastic surgeons in Brazil 2022, by region
Plastic surgeons in Brazil 2022, by gender
Latin America: top medical tourism destinations 2020, by index score
JCI accredited medical institutions in Latin America 2023, by country
Medical Tourism Index ranking of Brazil 2020, by dimension
Cosmetic procedures: international patients in Brazil 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Cosmetic procedures in Brazil

Premium Statistic Percentage of plastic surgeons and plastic surgical procedures by country 2022
Premium Statistic Countries with highest number of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures 2022
Premium Statistic Leading cosmetic procedures worldwide in 2021, by monthly search volume
Basic Statistic Leading countries in cosmetic surgery in Latin America 2023
Premium Statistic Cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2014-2023

Surgical procedures

Premium Statistic Surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2014-2023
Premium Statistic Surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023, by category
Premium Statistic Popular surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023
Premium Statistic Search interest for surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2019-2023, by type
Premium Statistic Global share of popular surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023

Non-surgical procedures

Premium Statistic Non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2014-2023
Premium Statistic Non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023, by category
Premium Statistic Popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023
Premium Statistic Search interest for hyaluronic acid & chemical peeling in Brazil 2019-2023
Premium Statistic Global share of popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Brazil 2023

Plastic surgeons

Basic Statistic Plastic surgeons registered in Brazil 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Plastic surgeons density in Brazil 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Plastic surgeons as share of doctors in Brazil 2013-2022
Premium Statistic Plastic surgeons in Brazil 2022, by region
Premium Statistic Plastic surgeons in Brazil 2022, by gender

Medical tourism

Premium Statistic Medical tourism worldwide as of 2023, by procedure
Premium Statistic Latin America: top medical tourism destinations 2020, by index score
Premium Statistic JCI accredited medical institutions in Latin America 2023, by country
Premium Statistic Medical Tourism Index ranking of Brazil 2020, by dimension
Premium Statistic Cosmetic procedures: international patients in Brazil 2023

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Medical Tourism Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030
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Medical tourists can save anywhere from 25% to 90% in medical bills, depending on the procedure they get and the country they travel to. There are several factors that play into this: The cost of diagnostic testing and medications is particularly expensive in the United States. The cost of pre- and post-procedure labor is often dramatically ...
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The Medical Tourism Association (MTA) estimates that approximately 14 million people worldwide travel abroad each year for medical treatment. (+1) 424 283 4838 ... including CCPC for Lumbar Decompression and Fixation Program and Healthcare Asia Awards 2022's Best Hospital Of The Year - Thailand. All of the hospital's specialists have ...
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The Medical Tourism Market size is estimated at USD 84.92 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 239.37 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 23.03% during the forecast period (2024-2029). The key factors propelling the market's growth include the high treatment costs in developed countries, technological advancements in medical devices ...
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World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress (WMTC) is the medical tourism conference organized by the Medical Tourism Association. WMTC presents industry stakeholders and key leaders with an exclusive opportunity for one-on-one networking with the industry's largest buyers in a business-development-inspired event. VISIT WEBSITE →.
Medical Tourism Market is Projected to be US$ 80.07 Billion by 2032, at
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Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism. The world's most attractive ...
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Medical tourism in Mexico is rising among Americans
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