Global Medical Tourism Market Forecast

Global Medical Tourism Market Forecast (2017–2027): Comprehensive Analysis of Key Treatment Categories and Regional Trends Worldwide

Report ID: GMRI0018 | Published Date: Jul 2021 | Report Format: PDF

Price : $3500

The Global Sports Medicine Market was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 10.1 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period (2020–2027). While sports serve as an essential and active form of physical exercise, they often result in various types of injuries. Timely and accurate assessment of these injuries is crucial. Sports medicine, a specialized branch within the healthcare system, integrates elements of sports, medical science, health, and fitness to support injury prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Market Drivers, Segmentation, and Trends

Market Drivers and Growth Factors

The global medical tourism market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality healthcare and advancements in medical technologies. A major contributing factor is the affordability of treatments in developing countries, making them attractive destinations for patients from both developed and underdeveloped regions. These countries often offer competitive pricing without compromising treatment standards, thereby encouraging medical travel.

The surge in demand for cosmetic procedures, cardiovascular care, fertility treatments, and oncology services is further propelling market growth. Additionally, the ease of international travel, rising awareness about global healthcare options, and supportive government policies are facilitating the expansion of the medical tourism industry.

However, one key challenge facing the industry is the potential difficulty in managing post-surgical follow-ups and complications after patients return to their home countries. This poses a restraint on long-term market sustainability, particularly for complex or high-risk procedures.

Market Segmentation

By Treatment Type

Fertility Treatment
Cosmetic Surgery
Dental Surgery
Cardiovascular Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Oncology Treatment
Others

Among these, cardiovascular and oncology treatments held a dominant share in 2020. This is attributed to the rising incidence of heart diseases and cancer globally, along with the availability of specialized treatment options at lower costs in countries like India, Thailand, and Mexico.

By Region

North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa

The Asia Pacific region emerged as a leading medical tourism destination in 2020 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Factors such as cost-effective treatments, availability of skilled healthcare professionals, modern infrastructure, and increasing investments from public and private players have contributed to this growth. Government efforts to promote the region as a medical tourism hub—especially in India, Thailand, and Malaysia—are also boosting the regional market.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Availability of quality healthcare at affordable prices in emerging economies
Increasing global awareness and acceptance of medical tourism
Adoption of international standards in medical care and infrastructure
Government initiatives to support and promote medical tourism
Increased ease of global travel and visa accessibility

Restraints

Delays in certain medical procedures
Post-treatment complications and lack of continuity in care

Opportunities

Growing government initiatives to invest in and promote medical tourism infrastructure
Emerging economies tapping into specialized care such as fertility, oncology, and cosmetic procedures

Impact of COVID-19 on the Medical Tourism Market

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily hindered the growth of the medical tourism sector due to international travel restrictions and lockdowns. Healthcare systems worldwide were overwhelmed, reducing the capacity for non-emergency procedures and limiting access for international patients. The cosmetic surgery segment, which relies heavily on elective procedures, was particularly affected. However, the market is expected to rebound as restrictions ease and healthcare systems stabilize.

Recent Developments and Investments

Apollo Hospitals (May 2020) announced the launch of a new women and children’s care unit in Karnataka, India, featuring 43 ICU beds and 4 neonatal beds—an initiative aimed at expanding service capabilities and attracting more medical tourists.
Raffles Medical Group (January 2019) opened a new 700-bed facility in Chongqing, China, enhancing its capacity to serve international patients and strengthen its regional footprint.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players in the Global Medical Tourism Market

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.
Seoul National University Hospital
Aditya Birla Health Services Ltd.
Fortis Healthcare Limited
Barbados Fertility Center
Asian Heart Institute
Healthbase
Samitivej Hospital Group
BB Healthcare Solutions
UZ Leuven
Prince Court Medical Center
KPJ Healthcare Berhad
Min-Sheng General Hospital
Omron Healthcare, Inc.

Unique Insights Offered by the Report

Comprehensive value chain analysis
Opportunity mapping by treatment and region
Regulatory landscape overview
Key player positioning matrix
Post-COVID impact analysis
Product and treatment benchmarking
Market trends and strategic heat maps

AI and Machine Learning Integration, American Marketing Association (AMA), Associate Consultant, Associate Partner (Consulting), Brand Awareness/Perception Studies, Branding Research, Case Studies, Competitor Analysis, Competitor Research, Comprehensive Approach, Consultant, Consulting/Consultancy, Consistency and Brand Alignment, Cost-Effectiveness, Council of American Survey Research (CASRO), Customer Journey Maps (CJM), Customer Research, Customer Understanding, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Digital Transformation Consulting, Director of Market Research, Economic Consulting, Efficiency, Enhanced Decision-Making, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Consulting, ESOMAR, Exploratory Research, Financial Advisory, Flexible Models and Specialization (Consulting), Human Element (Consulting), Human Resources (HR) Consulting, Implementation Consulting, In-house Market Research Capabilities, Insights Analyst, Insights Generation, Integrated Services, Intern (Consulting), IT/Technology Consulting, Manager (Consulting), Market Research, Market Research Analysts, Market Research Reports, Market Segmentation Reports, Marketing Data Analyst, Marketing Research Association (MRA), Observational Research, Optimized Resource Allocation, Partner (Consulting), Personalized Solutions (Consulting), Primary Research, Problem Solving, Product Research, Product Research Analyst, Qualitative Research, Qualitative Research Assistant, Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA), Quantitative Research, Real-Time Data Analytics, Remote Work (Consulting), Risk Consulting, Risk Reduction, Secondary Research, Senior Associate Consultant, Senior Manager (Consulting), Social Media Listening, Specific Research, Strategic Plans, Strategy Consulting, Sustainability Consulting, SWOT Analysis, Target Market/Audience.

1. Introduction

Product Outline
What is Medical Tourism?
Different Types of Medical Tourism
Analysis of the Medical Tourism Ecosystem
Supply Chain Analysis
COVID-19 Impact on Medical Tourism

2. Market Dynamics

Drivers
Restraints
Opportunities
Threats

3. Technology and Regulatory Landscape

Technology Overview
Regulatory Environment for Medical Tourism
Regulations and Standards

4. Market Pricing Analysis

Medical Tourism Product Pricing Overview
Price Differences: Developed vs Developing Regions

5. Medical Tourism Market by Treatment Type

Fertility Treatment
Cosmetic Surgery
Dental Surgery
Cardiovascular Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Oncology Treatment
Others

6. Regional Analysis

North America

U.S.
Canada
Mexico

Europe

Germany
United Kingdom
France
Norway
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
New Zealand
Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

South America

7. Key Strategic Insights

New Applications
Emerging Technologies
Opportunity Mapping
Critical Success Factors
Consumer Preferences
Key Market Trends & Recent Developments

8. Competitive Scenario

Competitive Strategies of Key Players
Mergers and Acquisitions
Investments
Joint Ventures
New Product Launches
Geographic Presence of Key Players

9. Key Global Players

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.
Seoul National University Hospital
Aditya Birla Health Services Ltd.
Fortis Healthcare Limited
Barbados Fertility Center
Asian Heart Institute
Healthbase
Samitivej Hospital Group
BB Healthcare Solutions
UZ Leuven
Prince Court Medical Center
KPJ Healthcare Berhad
Min-Sheng General Hospital
Omron Healthcare, Inc.

Report Research Methodology

At our global market research firm, we use advanced analytical tools and methodologies to deliver precise, data-driven insights. Our experienced analysts provide comprehensive research reports equipped with actionable strategies that can generate measurable business outcomes. We use a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches to examine the market from multiple perspectives.

This dual approach allows for thorough segmentation and enables a deep-dive analysis of each individual market segment.

We also adopt data triangulation methods to cross-validate data from various sources. This ensures our clients receive well-rounded, accurate market insights. The key elements of our research methodology include:

Exploratory Data Mining

We begin with an extensive data collection process, gathering raw information that is rigorously filtered to retain only what is relevant. This filtered data is verified for authenticity before being used further. In addition to new data, we also integrate validated insights from our internal database of previous reports and research studies.

Our extensive in-house data repository, along with access to reliable paid databases, forms the foundation for robust research outputs.

Market Landscape Understanding

To gain a holistic view of the market, we analyze both historical data and current trends. Our sources include industry stakeholders such as distributors and suppliers, in addition to credible government portals and official reports.

We also utilize qualitative inputs such as journal publications, survey responses, and customized questionnaires. Emphasis is placed on analyzing key industry dynamics like drivers, restraints, and economic factors. All collected data undergoes stringent validation and is refined using best-in-class cross-verification techniques.

Data Collection Matrix

Research Tools & Models

We use simulation-based models and business intelligence (BI) dashboards to deliver real-time statistics and predictive insights. Clients also benefit from our online reporting tools, which offer access to KPIs, brand performance data, and embedded analytics.

Our research models are tailored based on each client's unique needs. The datasets include market dynamics, technological developments, pricing trends, and application landscapes, all of which feed into forecasting models.

We provide both short-term econometric analysis and long-term technology market forecasts, helping clients seize emerging opportunities. By comparing variables like technological advancement, product innovation, and capital flow, we can assess their impact over the forecast period.

Our analysts apply correlation, regression, and time-series analysis to provide reliable business forecasts. They also account for external factors such as regulatory landscapes, technological shifts, and economic indicators.

We analyze demographic data regionally and then consolidate it to provide a “glo-cal” (global + local) perspective. Every report is curated to deliver actionable insights with precision and speed. Our team closely collaborates with clients throughout the research process—from market exploration to strategy execution.

Forecasting Parameters

We assign different weightages to forecasting factors to quantify their influence on market dynamics. This ensures a transparent and measurable projection of market trends. Parameters include:

Key market drivers and restraints, including their current and projected impact
Raw material availability and pricing trends
Regulatory frameworks and expected policy changes
Current and future production capacity through 2027

Primary Validation

The final stage of the research process involves market forecasting and expert validation. In-depth interviews are conducted with senior decision-makers and industry veterans to verify the research assumptions and findings.

We perform face-to-face and telephonic interviews with professionals across the value chain—suppliers, distributors, vendors, and end-users—to ensure unbiased and well-rounded insights. With a multilingual team, we conduct global interviews seamlessly.

These expert interactions enrich our reports with real-world context, enhancing their reliability and credibility. Our trained researchers engage with Key Industry Participants (KIPs), including:

Established market leaders
Raw data providers
Network partners like resellers and distributors
End-user representatives

Objectives of Primary Research

To confirm the accuracy and relevance of collected data
To understand current market conditions and forecast future trends

Industry Analysis Matrix