The global medical tourism market was valued at USD 16,761 million in 2018, and it is expected to reach USD 27,247.6 million by 2024, while registering a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period, 2019-2023. Medical tourism is in growth mode lead by Asia.
The factors associated with the growth of the market include higher treatment cost in developed countries, availability of the latest medical technologies, growing compliance on international quality standards, high quality of service, health insurance portability, and advertising and marketing of the medical tourism.
The cost of undergoing medical treatment in a developed country is very high. It is estimated that although the treatments are of reliable quality, the procedures tend to be on the expensive side. Along with this, the major healthcare products are also quite extravagantly priced. This scenario places a big burden on the healthcare systems, worldwide, accompanied by the additional rising costs of litigation during recent times.
Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of both the direct and indirect costs and consider how the implementation of prevention protocols may offer cost savings in the longer term. People in developed countries cannot afford the huge expenditure associated with medical treatments.
Not all medical bills are covered by insurance companies, which makes the patients turn to countries abroad. Countries in Asia, the Middle East, and South America provide high-quality medical services at a much lower rate, as compared to the developed economies. There are companies that cater to all the medical and non-medical needs of the tourist during their travel.
Key Market Trends
Fertility Treatments Segment Expected to Have Highest CAGR
The fertility treatments segment of the medical tourism market is believed to show the fastest growth over the forecast period. The segment is expected to record a CAGR of 9.7% over the forecast period. Fertility treatment is one of the most common treatments for which medical tourists elect to travel across international borders. Fertility tourism or reproductive tourism is one of the fastest-growing areas.
About 20,000 to 25,000 couples annually seek assisted reproductive technology services abroad. An estimated 4.0% of European Union citizens receive treatment in other countries. Fertility treatment procedures are regulated in most European countries.
Asia-Pacific Currently Dominates the Market
The Asia-Pacific region currently dominates the medical tourism market and it is expected to continue its stronghold for a few more years. This region is expected to increase its market share in the future, owing to the raised preference of medical tourism across the developing countries of this region.
China holds the majority of the market in the Asia-Pacific region. This is due to the lower cost of the treatment in China and the better healthcare services provided.
Competitive Landscape
The global medical tourism market is moderately competitive and consists of several major players. In terms of market share, few of the major players currently dominate the market. However, with technological advancement and quality service provision, mid-size to smaller companies are increasing their market presence by introducing new products with fewer prices.
Companies, like Health Base, Apollo Hospitals, KPJ Healthcare, and Klinikum Medical Link hold the significant market share in the medical tourism market.
Medical tourism growth will continue over the next several years and will continue to play a major role in developing Asian economies.