FOR THE MEDIA
QUICK FACTS ABOUT MEDICAL TOURISM
Our research and editorial team works hard to assemble the most accurate, current information on international medical travel, global healthcare, and the international patient experience.
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Below, we have compiled brief answers to some of the queries we receive most often. Members of the media, research and academic communities are invited to contact us with specific questions or concerns—we’re happy to work with you to provide the best source information, third-party references, patient case studies, industry contacts, and the latest research data. Or write to us directly: media at patientsbeyondborders.com.
What are
the top destinations?
Costa Rica, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States
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We are happy to provide detailed comparative cost data, by country and procedure to members of the media, upon request.
What are the top destinations?
Why these destinations?
The making of a world-class healthcare destination is complex. We consider a variety of factors, including:
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Government and private sector investment in healthcare infrastructure
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Demonstrable commitment to international accreditation, quality assurance, and transparency of outcomes
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International patient flow
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Potential for cost savings on medical procedures
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Political transparency and social stability
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Excellent tourism infrastructure
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Sustained reputation for clinical excellence
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History of healthcare innovation and achievement
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Successful adoption of best practices and state-of-the-art medical technology
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Availability of internationally-trained, experienced medical staff
Why these destinations?
What are the top specialties for medical travelers?
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Cosmetic surgery
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Dentistry (general, restorative, cosmetic)
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Cardiovascular (angioplasty, CABG, transplants)
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Orthopedics (joint and spine; sports medicine)
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Cancer (often experimental or last resort)
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Reproductive (fertility, IVF, women's health)
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Weight loss (LAP-BAND, gastric bypass)
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Scans, tests, health screenings and second opinions.
What are the top specialties for medical travelers?
Is the market growing?
Yes. The world population is aging and becoming more affluent at rates that surpass the availability of quality healthcare resources. In addition, out-of-pocket medical costs of critical and elective procedures continue to rise, while nations offering universal care are faced with ever-increasing resource burdens. These drivers are forcing patients to pursue cross-border healthcare options either to save money or to avoid long waits for treatment. We estimate the worldwide medical tourism market is growing at a rate of 15-25%, with inbound patient flows highest in Mexico, Southeast and South Asia.
Is the market growing?
How big is the market?
Patient flows have now returned to pre-pandemic levels in most destinations. Patients Beyond Borders pegged the 2023 medical tourism market size at USD $63-88 billion, based on approximately 21-22 million cross-border patients worldwide spending an average of USD $3510 per visit, including medically-related costs, cross-border and local transport, inpatient stay and accommodations. We estimated some 1.8 million Americans traveled outside the US for medical care in 2023.
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Current trends:
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As medical travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, we are seeing more patients willing to travel for high-acuity procedures, such as orthopedic, bariatric and cosmetic surgeries.
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Patients crossing borders for less complex procedures (such as dental fillings, vision care, screenings and the like) tend to integrate their visits with pre-planned leisure or business travel.
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The increased availability and patient comfort with telehealth technologies appear to have enhanced the willingness of patients to research, compare costs, select providers and travel internationally for all types of medical care.
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Note: Patients Beyond Borders’ editors define a medical traveler as anyone who travels across international borders for the purpose of receiving medical care. We do not count in-country expatriates, tourists in need of emergency medical care, companions accompanying medical travelers, or multiple patient episodes that occur over the course of one medical visit. ​
How big is the market?
How much can you save?
Using US costs across a variety of specialties and procedures as a benchmark, average range of savings for the most-traveled destinations:
Brazil: 20-30% | Costa Rica: 45-65% | India: 65-90% | Malaysia: 65-80% | Mexico: 40-65% | Singapore: 25-40% | South Korea: 30-45% | Taiwan: 40-55% | Thailand: 50-75% | Turkey: 50-65%
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Detailed comparative cost data, by country and procedure available to media, research, academic communities upon request.
How much can you save?
What is international accreditation?
Trusted international accreditation has become one of the biggest drivers in the growth of the medical tourism market. Responding to global demand for accreditation standards, the US-based Joint Commission launched its international affiliate agency in 1999, the Joint Commission International (JCI). In order to be accredited by the JCI, an international hospital must meet the same set of rigorous standards set forth in the US by the Joint Commission. More than 950 hospitals and clinical departments around the world have now been awarded JCI accreditation and that number is growing by about 20% per year.
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More recently, established agencies that accredit outpatient clinics, such as The Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF) have launched international initiatives that address ambulatory care.
What is international accreditation?
Researchers, journalists and industry leaders worldwide look to Patients Beyond Borders as the most authoritative resource for current, reliable data on international health travel and patient choice for high-quality, affordable medical care. We can help you find the right contacts for your story: leading international hospitals and clinics, practitioners, patients, medical travel agencies, employers, or insurers with compelling accounts about their personal and professional experiences.
Visit our Facts & Figures page for current information on the medical tourism market and top destinations.​
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