GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Medical Tourism Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Medical Tourism Statistics

  • An estimated 1.9 million Americans are expected to go abroad for medical care in 2019.
  • The global market size for medical tourism is expected to reach almost $150 billion by 2027.
  • The annual growth rate for the medical tourism industry averaged 15-25% before the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • North America and Asia are the largest source markets for medical tourists.
  • India, Mexico, and Thailand are the top three most visited countries for medical tourism.
  • The average savings for healthcare procedures overseas range from 30% to 90%.
  • Istanbul is the most popular city for medical tourism in Turkey, attracting 30% of the country’s medical tourists.
  • The top medical procedures sought by tourists include cosmetic surgery, dental, cardiovascular, orthopedic, cancer, and reproductive treatments.
  • Costa Rica accounts for around 15% of the world’s plastic surgery tourism.
  • Saudi Arabia became the world's first "Medical Tourism Capital" in 2020.
  • The US loses about $15-$20 billion yearly due to medical tourism.
  • In Latin America, Mexico is the top medical tourism destination, followed by Costa Rica and Brazil.
  • Medical tourism generates approximately $60 Billion a year.
  • South Korea witnessed more than a million medical tourists in 2019.
  • In India, Chennai is referred to as "India's health city", as it attracts 40% of the country's medical tourists.
  • 90% of medical tourists to Mexico are from the United States and Canada.
  • Malaysia has been voted the world’s best medical tourism destination by the International Medical Travel Journal three times.
  • Florida, Texas, and California are the most influential states for directing patients abroad for lower-cost treatments.
  • The Joint Commission International (JCI), the main accreditation agency for international hospitals, added over 70 new hospitals in 2019.

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Medical tourism, the act of traveling internationally to receive medical care, has emerged as a significant area of study in the global health sector. Harnessing the nuances of statistical data can provide profound insights into this rapidly evolving phenomenon. This blog post aims to delve into the world of medical tourism statistics, offering a detailed look into recent trends, popular destinations, most sought after treatments and the economic impact tied to this ever-growing industry. Through this exploration, we strive to provide a thorough understanding of the medical tourism landscape and its implications on the future of global healthcare.

The Latest Medical Tourism Statistics Unveiled

An estimated 1.9 million Americans are expected to go abroad for medical care in 2019.

In the grand tapestry of Medical Tourism Statistics, the fabric thread depicting a projected 1.9 million Americans venturing abroad for healthcare in 2019 is far from insignificant. It paints an evocative picture of a growing trend, underscoring the escalating allure of overseas treatment options for the American populace due to factors like lower healthcare costs or shorter waiting periods. This finding further serves as a powerful indicator that international boundaries are dissolving in pursuit of advanced, affordable, and efficient medical care, echoing the expanding global footprint of medical tourism.

The global market size for medical tourism is expected to reach almost $150 billion by 2027.

Illuminating the growing prominence of health-focused wanderlust, the anticipated surge of the global medical tourism market to a staggering $150 billion by 2027 quite fittingly underscores the narrative of our blog post on Medical Tourism Statistics. This bold forecast not only spotlights the burgeoning economic significance of this sector but also offers an intriguing testimony to the shifting global healthcare patterns and patient preferences. Effectively, it intricacy paints a picture of a world increasingly embracing cross-border healthcare options due to a myriad of reasons ranging from affordability and accessibility to cutting-edge medical technologies and shorter wait times. This projection is more than just a number; it’s a story about the dynamic evolution of healthcare delivery on a global scale.

The annual growth rate for the medical tourism industry averaged 15-25% before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Undeniably, the potent thrust of 15-25% annual growth rate for the medical tourism industry prior to the COVID-19 crisis serves as an economic beacon in the medical tourism statistics canvas. It illuminates the significant evolution and burgeoning demand of this specialized sector and potentially influences decisions of stakeholders – from policy makers to investors. The frequency of individuals crossing borders to seek affordable, high-quality medical treatment seems robust, thereby hinting at the windfall of opportunities for nations promoting medical tourism, and the scope it imparts for employment, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic development. As we journey through the pandemic aftermath, this statistic offers a reference point to gauge recovery speed and future trajectory of this industry.

North America and Asia are the largest source markets for medical tourists.

Highlighting the colossal role of North America and Asia as the predominant source markets for medical tourism, underscores the magnitude and growth potential of this industry across these regions, crucial for anyone involved or interested in global health-related travel. In the context of medical tourism statistics, understanding these geographic hotspots provides invaluable insight into cultural, economic, and health system factors that drive people to seek medical care abroad. This intelligence serves not only as a strategic tool for healthcare providers, medical tourism facilitators and insurers but also as a telling narrative of global healthcare consumer trends and preferences, essential for forecasting future industry trajectories.

India, Mexico, and Thailand are the top three most visited countries for medical tourism.

Highlighting India, Mexico, and Thailand as the top three medical tourism destinations presents an essential tableau in the narrative of the global medical tourism landscape. It underscores the magnetic appeal that these nations hold for medical travelers seeking high-quality, cost-effective healthcare alternatives. Evaluating this statistic in a blog post dedicated to medical tourism would shed light on unique tourism ecosystems, investment potential in healthcare infrastructure, and further stimulate discussion of the critical factors contributing to their leading positions. Unpacking these dynamics can illuminate trends and strategies for other nations aspiring to break into this lucrative sector.

The average savings for healthcare procedures overseas range from 30% to 90%.

Highlighting the assertion that ‘The average savings for healthcare procedures overseas range from 30% to 90%’ offers a compelling incentive for healthcare consumers exploring medical tourism. It frames the significant financial benefits obtainable when seeking medical treatments outside a home country, thereby underscoring the attractiveness of medical tourism. In the realm of healthcare where high costs can be prohibitive, such a discount range portrays a persuasive argument for patients to consider global options, thereby driving the robust growth in the medical tourism industry. This statistic not only underscores the economic dynamics propelling the medical tourism trend, but also acts as a key motivator for patients to seek high quality, yet economical healthcare solutions abroad.

Istanbul is the most popular city for medical tourism in Turkey, attracting 30% of the country’s medical tourists.

Unveiling Istanbul as the premier hub for medical tourism within the robust panorama of Turkey illustrates its distinguished role in this expanding industry. The city’s magnetic pull, captivating 30% of the country’s medical tourists, echoes its ascendant reputation in providing top-tier healthcare services. This statistic seamlessly integrates into the narrative of Medical Tourism Statistics, shedding light on the city’s prominence, underlining market trends and the geographical distribution of demand. Consequently, it signifies areas of growth and competitive advantage to stakeholders, ranging from hospital administrators, health professionals to potential patients and policy-makers, thus driving strategies and decisions within this dynamic sector.

The top medical procedures sought by tourists include cosmetic surgery, dental, cardiovascular, orthopedic, cancer, and reproductive treatments.

Illuminating the popularity of specific treatments, such as cosmetic surgery, dental, cardiovascular, orthopedic, cancer, and reproductive procedures reveals the diverse needs, interests and extent of trust medical tourists place in receiving healthcare away from home. In a blog post about Medical Tourism Statistics, this particular detail further supplements an understanding of this growing industry, providing potential insights into market trends, consumer behaviors, as well as the international healthcare facilities’ areas of specialization. Consequently, this invaluable statistic serves as a cornerstone for stakeholders – patients, healthcare providers, and policy makers to make informed decisions and strategies.

Costa Rica accounts for around 15% of the world’s plastic surgery tourism.

In the realm of medical tourism statistics, the fact that Costa Rica makes up for approximately 15% of the world’s plastic surgery tourism can’t be discounted. This intriguing insight underscores Costa Rica’s significance within the lucrative global market of plastic surgery tourism. With its affordable prices, highly skilled surgeons, and world-class medical facilities, Costa Rica has impressively secured its position on the global stage, attracting a significant portion of those who travel internationally for aesthetic medical procedures. This data, consequently, underscores the rising trend of combining healing with travel, substantiating not just the popularity of Costa Rica as a destination, but the broader industry’s impressive growth.

Saudi Arabia became the world’s first “Medical Tourism Capital” in 2020.

In unraveling the narrative of Medical Tourism Statistics, the fact that Saudi Arabia took the lead as the globe’s debut “Medical Tourism Capital” in 2020 emerges as a captivating chapter. It not only showcases the remarkable strides made by the Middle Eastern nation in healthcare infrastructure but also denotes a shift in the global dynamic, as patients start seeking their medical solace in previously unexplored terrains. This milestone creates a precedent, hinting at how the future map of medical tourism might be dictated by innovative, emerging players, thereby reshaping the industry’s traditional power structure.

The US loses about $15-$20 billion yearly due to medical tourism.

Highlighting the loss the US accrues, to the tune of $15-$20 billion annually due to medical tourism, paints a vivid picture of the economic consequences of this phenomenon. In a blog post explicating Medical Tourism Statistics, including this figure serves as a stark reminder of the opportunities lost and underscores the pressing need to revisit and, possibly, restructure healthcare policies. It fosters a conversation about the factors that drive American patients to seek medical care abroad, such as the high cost of healthcare, long wait times, or accessibility to certain treatments, and nudges towards urgent systemic change. This prominent statistic acts as a conduit to larger discussions and deeper analyses that could help stimulate healthcare reform.

In Latin America, Mexico is the top medical tourism destination, followed by Costa Rica and Brazil.

Our globe-trotting within the realm of medical tourism takes us to Latin America, where Mexico rules the roost. This leading position is no small feat, as it offers individuals globally a compelling choice for their medical needs. Not too far behind in the race, we find Costa Rica and Brazil, adding to the continent’s allure in the medical tourism sector. These rankings offer a compass pointing towards these nations’ healthcare systems, indicating the confidence and preference bestowed upon them by international patients. They illuminate the evolving landscape of global healthcare, underscoring the need to acknowledge, understand, and incorporate these trends into strategic planning and discussions in the wider context of medical tourism.

Medical tourism generates approximately $60 Billion a year.

Featuring prominently within the panorama of global health care, medical tourism reportedly teems with a staggering yield of approximately $60 billion each year. Such a grand figure highlights the intense financial vitality of this sector, signifying the powerful allure it possesses for patients worldwide. Consequently, these figures not only underscore the critical fiscal impetus it provides to the global economy but also emphasizes the phenomenal growth prospects in this burgeoning industry. Bolstering discussion on medical tourism statistics, these numbers serve as persuasive testimony to the sector’s astonishing growth and its foreseeable future expansion.

South Korea witnessed more than a million medical tourists in 2019.

The intriguing rise in medical tourists flocking to South Korea illuminates a crucial trend in the global healthcare landscape. In 2019, exceeding a million medical tourists, South Korea cemented its reputation as a premium medical tourism destination, signaling the success of its vigorous healthcare system, advanced medical technologies, and the strategic positioning of its medical services on the global platform. In the context of the medical tourism statistics blog post, this trend underlines the emerging dynamism, competitiveness, and the significant economic contribution of the medical tourism sector, serving as a beacon for nations aiming to increase their footprint in this booming industry. It offers readers a comprehensive view into which locations are excelling in providing highly sought-after healthcare service and the potential growth areas in the medical tourism sector.

In India, Chennai is referred to as “India’s health city”, as it attracts 40% of the country’s medical tourists.

One might refer to Chennai as the beating heart of India’s medical tourism due to the impressive fact that it garners 40% of the nation’s medical tourists. This statistic serves as a pulse check on the country’s health tourism landscape, placing a spotlight on Chennai’s dynamic role in the industry. In the vibrant tapestry of a blog post about medical tourism statistics, it does more than just delineate Chennai’s prominence, it also provides a compelling vantage point to understand the geographical distribution of healthcare services, helping readers to unearth patterns and trends in the health-seeking behavior of medical tourists.

90% of medical tourists to Mexico are from the United States and Canada.

Injecting life into the realm of Medical Tourism Statistics, the impressively high proportion of visitors from the United States and Canada to Mexico for medical tourism paints a vivid picture of North America’s significant role. The 90% rate not only underscores the gravity of Mexico’s role as a key destination but also highlights the distinct trust value it holds among its northern neighbors. In essence, it serves as a solid testament to the quality, affordability, and accessibility of Mexican healthcare for those seeking alternatives outside their home countries. This statistical highlight, therefore, wields dual significance, enhancing our understanding of both the demand trends in the medical tourism industry and Mexico’s reputation within it.

Malaysia has been voted the world’s best medical tourism destination by the International Medical Travel Journal three times.

Highlighting Malaysia’s impressive feat of securing the title of the world’s best medical tourism destination not just once, but thrice, by the prestigious International Medical Travel Journal offers stark testament to its remarkable credentials in the medical tourism industry. This recognition underlines Malaysia’s consistent commitment to exceptional healthcare services, state-of-the-art medical technologies and its dedication towards patient satisfaction. In the realm of medical tourism statistics, this achievement should certainly be seen as a beacon of excellence, serving as a pivotal reference point that could shape related discussions, analyses, and forecasts.

Florida, Texas, and California are the most influential states for directing patients abroad for lower-cost treatments.

Illuminating the landscape of Medical Tourism, the revelation that Florida, Texas and California spearhead in directing patients abroad for lower-cost treatments is a pivotal datapoint. This statistic underscores the gravitational pull of these states in the medical tourism industry, likely driven by their diverse demographics and proximity to international borders. Embedded within this fact is the reality that healthcare expense in America encourages patients to seek affordable options without compromising quality. Therefore, understanding the role of these key states enables a comprehensive perspective of Medical Tourism’s reach and scope in the United States, ultimately empowering patients, policymaker and health care providers to make informed decisions.

The Joint Commission International (JCI), the main accreditation agency for international hospitals, added over 70 new hospitals in 2019.

The recent addition of over 70 new hospitals to the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation list in 2019 serves as a vibrant indicator of the expanding landscape of medical tourism. As the premier accrediting institution for medical institutions globally, a rise in JCI-accredited hospitals underscores the commitment to safety, quality, and high-level care tailored for international patient needs. Consequently, this growth influences the surge in medical tourism, setting the stage for individuals seeking reputable and accredited healthcare services around the globe.

Conclusion

Medical tourism has seen remarkable growth as indicated by the statistics, with increasing numbers of people traveling abroad for a range of medical procedures. Key factors such as cost efficiency, immediate access to treatments, and enhanced quality of care contribute to this rise, highlighting a robust future for the global medical tourism industry. Nevertheless, it becomes essential for potential medical tourists to carry out detailed research and meticulous planning to ensure their safety and satisfaction with medical services abroad.

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FAQs

What is medical tourism?

Medical tourism refers to individuals traveling across international borders with the intention of receiving some form of medical treatment, such as surgery, therapy, or preventative care, which may also be paired with the individual's leisure activities.

What are the main reasons people engage in medical tourism?

People engage in medical tourism for a variety of reasons. These may include the search for lower cost treatments, the desire for higher quality care, the availability of more advanced or specific treatments not available in their home country, shorter wait times, and the opportunity to combine medical treatment with travel or vacation.

Which countries are popular for medical tourism and why?

Countries like Thailand, India, Singapore, Mexico, and South Korea are typically popular for medical tourism. They offer high-quality medical care at significantly cheaper rates than developed countries. Other factors include advanced medical technologies, highly skilled and specialized professionals, and less waiting time for certain treatments or surgeries.

Are there any risks involved in medical tourism?

Yes, there are risks involved in medical tourism. These might include issues like language barriers, substandard quality of medical care, complications from traveling after surgery, difficulty in receiving follow-up care, and issues with the legal system in case of malpractice.

How has the medical tourism industry been impacted by COVID-19?

The medical tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and fears of virus transmission have led to a decrease in international medical travel. Additionally, many hospitals have had to allocate more resources to COVID-19 patients, potentially leading to postponements or cancellations of elective procedures. However, once the situation stabilizes, it's expected that the industry will recover over time.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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