Global medical tourism grows 70%, offers economic boost for middle-income countries

Medical tourism has emerged as a booming global industry, growing 70% between 2019 and 2023, and offering middle-income countries a valuable opportunity to generate jobs, foreign exchange, and enhance healthcare services, according to a new World Bank report.

The report highlights how countries such as Türkiye, Thailand, and Mexico have leveraged their medical expertise, competitive costs, and world-class facilities to attract millions of foreign patients annually, generating billions in revenue.

The medical tourism industry is characterized by high spending per visitor, as patients often travel with family members, creating additional economic spillovers in sectors such as hospitality, transport, and retail.

The industry’s expansion is being fueled by several factors, including overburdened and costly healthcare systems in high-income countries, rising middle-class demand in developing nations where healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate, and improved global access to medical service information and international accreditation of healthcare facilities.

Several middle-income countries have successfully positioned themselves as top medical tourism hubs, specializing in specific treatments.

For instance, Thailand has become a global leader in cosmetic surgery, dental care, and cardiac procedures, attracting over three million medical tourists and generating $600 million in 2019.

India has focused on complex surgeries, including organ transplants, cardiac procedures, and orthopedic treatments, attracting 476,000 foreign patients in 2023 through initiatives like the e-Medical Visa and the “Heal in India” campaign.

Türkiye has rapidly expanded its medical tourism sector, growing from $0.8 billion in 2013 to $2.1 billion in 2023, with a strong focus on cosmetic surgeries.

The private sector is playing a crucial role in this expansion, with increased investment in medical infrastructure, international certifications, and skilled workforce development driving growth.

While medical tourism offers significant economic benefits, the World Bank report warns that governments must ensure it does not exacerbate healthcare inequalities or divert resources away from domestic patients.