Medical Tourism Is currently experiencing a peak in popularity. Here's what you need to know for a smooth journey, and how to leverage travel rewards for additional savings.
Medical Tourism: A Growing Trend in 2024
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, medical tourism continues to gain momentum as more people seek affordable and advanced treatments across the globe. Here's a round-up of some of the key destinations for medical tourism in 2024 and beyond.
India
India is expected to see a significant increase in medical tourists, with an estimated 7.3 million visitors in 2024. The market for medical tourism in India is projected to grow from USD 7.69 billion in 2024 to around USD 14.31 billion by 2029, with a growth rate of 14-15%. This surge in medical tourism is attributed to India's affordable advanced treatments and eased visa regulations [5].
Jordan
Jordan is another rapidly growing destination, attracting over 224,000 medical tourists in 2024. The country's appeal lies in its specialized care and natural healing environments, such as the Dead Sea [1].
United States
The United States remains a top destination for medical tourism, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, advanced procedures, and competitive pricing in some areas. Global patients flock to the US, especially for orthopedic innovations [2][3].
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific holds over 25.5% of the global market share in 2024, led by affordable treatments, accredited healthcare, and government support. Thailand is a regional tourism leader, contributing significantly to the growth of medical tourism [2][3][4].
Other Notable Destinations
- Egypt is known for its affordable cosmetic surgeries.
- Singapore attracts about 500,000 people for treatment each year.
- Türkiye is renowned for its affordable hair transplants.
- Over 1 million people traveled to Malaysia for medical treatment in 2023.
- Costa Rica attracts about 13.4% of its annual tourists for medical purposes.
- Greece has options for fertility treatments.
- South Korea sees over 600,000 visitors for treatment in 2023.
- Mexico hosts an estimated 1.4 to 3 million people for medical purposes in 2020.
Travel Tips
Before embarking on a medical tourism journey, it's essential to ensure your passport is up to date and to apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Protecting yourself with travel insurance is also recommended.
If you have medical insurance, it's worth consulting your agency to see if it would cover any costs outside of the U.S. Applying for Global Entry can help avoid significant headaches during travel.
An interesting fact: it's possible to earn and redeem miles for an Airbnb stay. Airbnb gift cards can be purchased at a discounted price from retailers like Costco and Sam's Club.
Looking Ahead
By 2029, India is expected to grow significantly as a key destination, while Asia-Pacific and the U.S. maintain strong positions. Jordan is notable as a fast-growing regional hub in the Middle East, while the U.S. retains leadership in advanced care [1][2][3][5].
The global medical tourism market is projected to reach USD 144.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach approximately USD 704.8 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 19.08% from 2025 to 2033 [2][3][5].
In conclusion, medical tourism is expected to expand robustly in the coming years, with India and Asia-Pacific leading growth in terms of volume and market value by 2029. It's always advisable to do thorough research before selecting a provider for medical procedures abroad.
- With a projected growth of 14-15% from 2024 to 2029, India's finance sector is likely to see significant investments in the medical-conditions sector, fueled by the increased demand for affordable and advanced treatments.
- As more people prioritize health-and-wellness in their lifestyles, they are turning to travel for fitness-and-exercise retreats, making destinations offering such services, like Singapore, more appealing.
- Education about personal-finance is crucial for anyone considering a medical tourism journey, as understanding the costs associated with medical treatments in foreign countries is essential.
- The recent news about the rise in medical tourism has sparked interest in the science behind the advanced treatments offered in countries like the United States.
- As medical tourism becomes a growing trend, experts predict a future where travel and finance industries will closely collaborate, offering tailored packages for health, education, and cultural experiences.
- In addition to medical procedures, some medical-tourism destinations, such as Egypt, are gaining popularity for cosmetic surgeries, contributing to the broader culture and commerce of the destination.
- With the growth of medical tourism, there is an increased focus on health and a call for investments in the infrastructure and facilities related to health, finance, and travel industries, further boosting the global economy.
