The medical tourism market involves people traveling to other countries to receive medical care, often at a lower cost or with shorter waiting times than in their home country. Common treatments sought through medical tourism include cosmetic surgery, dental care, fertility treatments, and major surgeries like cardiac or orthopedic procedures. The market is growing rapidly due to rising healthcare costs in developed countries, improved medical infrastructure in emerging nations, and increasing availability of high-quality services abroad. Countries in Asia-Pacific, such as India, Thailand, and Malaysia, are leading destinations due to affordability and skilled healthcare professionals.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global medical tourism market was valued at USD 31.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 38.20 billion in 2025 to USD 162.80 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.0% during the forecast period. In 2024, Europe led the market with a 36.41% share.
In October 2024, KPJ Healthcare partnered with Malaysia International Healthcare to host the “Malaysia International Healthcare Megatrends 2024” event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The conference showcased the latest innovations in medical technology and healthcare solutions, reinforcing KPJ’s leadership in the region.
Fortune Business Insights defines medical tourism as individuals traveling internationally to receive medical treatments at lower cost and comparable quality. The report covers the period from 2025 to 2032 (base year 2024), with historical data and forecast estimates.
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