The medical tourism market refers to the growing trend of people traveling abroad to access medical and surgical care—typically motivated by lower costs, shorter wait times, or specialized services not readily available in their home countries. Popular treatments include elective surgeries, dental care, fertility procedures, and cosmetic enhancements. Countries like India, Turkey, Thailand, and South Korea have emerged as leading destinations due to their combination of high-quality care, advanced infrastructure, and affordability—and are often supported by government initiatives and tourism packages that streamline access and enhance convenience. This market is expanding rapidly as patients pursue cost-effective, high-quality care while also combining their treatment with travel and tourism. However, it comes with important risks: variation in medical standards, language and cultural barriers, legal and regulatory inconsistencies, and challenges with post-procedure care and follow-up. Institutions that prioritize accreditation, transparent information, patient support services, and continuity of care are better positioned to earn patient trust.
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 dominated the market with a 36.41% share.
In October 2024, KPJ Healthcare collaborated with Malaysia International Healthcare to organize the event The Malaysia International Healthcare Megatrends 2024, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, showcasing the latest in medical technology and healthcare solutions.
The market growth is fueled by multiple factors:
Restraints, while not detailed explicitly in the cited report, may include logistical challenges, regulatory barriers, and concerns over post-treatment care continuity—common in medical tourism contexts.