On an average, around 17-18 million people travel across the world for medical tourism. Currently, it can be considered a booming market all over the world.

People from across the globe travel to India and other countries as medical tourists for many reasons. Quality of service, excellence of choice, affordability are some of them.

Care to know which are the top medical destinations around the globe?

In this blog, Karetrip will be discussing the top 10 medical tourism destinations across the globe.

Overview of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism refers to traveling abroad to receive medical treatment. Usually, the trend of medical tourists from a place where the medical and health care services are quite high to affordable locations without compromising quality of care.

According to research, the global market is increasing and is expected to see a significant hike in the coming years. It is estimated to have a rise of 12% in the next decade.

Growth factors of Medical Tourism

• Cost effectiveness: The cost of treatment is high in developed countries. Hence, overseas care can reduce up to 25% of the cost of medical care.

• Accessibility: Some services like organ transplants have longer waiting periods in some countries. Hence, opting overseas treatment not only saves time and money, but at times can be life saving.

• Improved technology and infrastructure: Many medical tourism destinations have world class infrastructure, advanced medical technologies and top specialists.

• Supportive Government policies: Countries promoting medical tourism have a lenient visa process and follow ups.

Future of Medical Tourism

Currently Asia reigns in medical tourism with around 55% of the total medical tourists. This region is famous for its cheap medical services and skilled doctors. Followed by Latin America and the Caribbean with 20%.

The number of medical tourists in the coming year is expected to be over 23 million.

Over the next decade, all the countries are planning to expand their market fluxing the maximum patients and revenue from this.

Key Industry Segments

The choice of overseas medical care depends on many factors, so does the type of care.

The most globally attractive care includes

• Oncology
• Cardiovascular treatments
• Dental treatments
• Fertility treatments
• Cosmetic treatments etc.

Top 10 Medical Tourism Destinations

India

As a developing country India's progress in medical tourism is very impressive. The geographical advantages and the skilled physicians help India to achieve this great opportunity.

Combining the traditional healing methods to the modern medical technologies India possesses a high reputation among the medical tourism reputation. The affordability and ease of visa procedures also contribute to this.

Moreover the language barrier is very low in India to English speakers. There are many health care platforms, like Kartetrip, acting as third parties to make the hospital experience hassle free.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Heart Surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and angioplasty.

Thailand

Thailand is most famous for its cosmetic surgeries, especially the gender reassignment surgeries or the sex changing surgeries.

Bangkok has numerous specialists; not just gender reassignment but also eye surgery, heart surgery and many more.

From cosmetics to complex surgeries; Thailand is also filled with its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscape for the medical tourists to enjoy.

The doctors are highly skilled with most of them graduated from western countries or Singapore and with good fluency in English for seamless communication attract top notch medical tourists.

For example, cosmetic surgery costs as little as 15% to 20% of that of the cost in western countries and for heart surgeries the discount is as far as 80% of the required cost in western nations.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Cosmetic and plastic surgery, including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and facelifts.

Singapore

World class quality without sacrificing the affordability compared to the developed countries may be the reason for this acceptance Singapore is receiving,

Singapore is one of the most famous medical tourism destinations.

Singapore’s exceptional healthcare system has earned it the esteemed title of the best in Asia and sixth-best in the world, as rated by the World Health Organization.

International Patient Service Centers (IPSCs) set up by the Malaysian government make the sector more organized. Hence this helped them in better management and scheduling of International Patients.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Fertility Treatments, fertility treatment including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing.

Mexico

The geographical location is the greatest benefit for Mexico. With its closeness with The United States and Canada it attracts a lot more with affordable healthcare and quality medical services.

The options for private insurance available even to expats add on to the pros for the medical tourists. The government run medical facilities are also available at minimal costs.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Dental Procedures, including dental implants and smile makeovers.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its wellness retreat and holistic environment is a highly sought medical tourism destination. They promote yoga and meditation therapies along with your healing journey.

Compared to the United States their medical expenses are as little as a quarter of the expected cost.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Dental care, implants, crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures.

Germany

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is a hub for medical tourists.

Germany is known as the ‘Hospital of Europe’ for a reason. The cutting edge technologies and skilled doctors add to the privilege. The medical standard of the hospital is one of the highest here.

No vaccinations for travel, no waiting list, wide language availability are all considered benefits here.

Turkey

Istanbul is particularly the biggest hub of the Turkish medical tourism sector.

With its closeness with Asia, Europe and Middle East Turkey is trying to expand its tourism sector by offering a variety of services and options. From skilled dentistry and cosmetic surgery to spa rejuvenation Turkey is establishing a strong foundation in the industry.

The country promises you the best of the best especially in eye surgery with the lowest cost you would incur elsewhere.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Eye Surgery, including LASIK and cataract removal.

Malaysia

Malaysia has advanced technologies enough to compete with Singapore’s standards but with a lower cost.

To utilize most from the growth of the medical tourism sector Malaysia had accelerated to set up agencies that could attract world class medical tourists.

As Singapore healthcare becomes expensive, Kuala Lumpur has access to these vacant seats to provide the services at affordable rates.

The infrastructural benefits and the communicational advantages are invited more than half a billion of Asia’s medical tourists.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Orthopedic Procedures, including joint replacements and spine surgeries

Canada

Being the second largest country in the world. Canada is bound to be an attraction for medical tourists.

Advanced medical technology and skill doctors specialized in orthopedic and complex heart surgery contribute to the medical tourism sector in Canada.

Most Popular Medical Treatments: Orthopedic Surgery including hip and knee replacements and advanced procedures like minimally invasive heart surgeries are popular.

Spain

They are particularly known for their expertise in cosmetic surgery, dentistry, fertility and orthopedic.

Spain as an emerging medical tourism hub with annual growth of 20% tourists.

These countries are recognised for their high standards of medical care, affordable prices, and the added benefit of a rich cultural experience.

When considering medical tourism, it is essential to research accredited facilities, consult with healthcare professionals, and consider personal needs to ensure a successful and satisfying healthcare journey abroad.

Disclaimer: The rankings provided in this article may vary based on individual preferences, affordability, specialisation, and factors. It's important for readers to conduct thorough research, consult with healthcare professionals, and consider personal needs when choosing a medical tourism destination.