Health tourism is one of the branches and types of the tourism industry that has seen significant growth and development in recent years. Governments and the private sector in various countries around the world have paid special attention to it.
In recent years, health tourism has led to a significant influx of people seeking treatment in various countries. Previously, patients had to be hospitalized in busy hospitals within their own cities, but statistics now show that more than 11 million people traveled to other countries just for medical services in the past year, let alone nearby cities. Unofficial statistics even report numbers beyond this.
The most common reasons people travel to other countries for health tourism are: cosmetic surgery, dental care (general, restorative, and cosmetic), and heart surgery. Other medical services with high demand include: orthopedics (joint and spine; sports medicine); cancer (usually advanced stages); reproduction (fertility, IVF, and women's diseases); weight loss (LAP-BAND and gastric bypass), imaging, various tests, medical check-ups, and consultations with other doctors. The best health tourism countries aim to provide not only medical facilities and expert staff in their hospitals but also places for recreation and mental well-being. Below is an introduction to seven famous and top countries in health tourism:
Malaysia
Malaysia offers the best healthcare facilities relative to cost for its guests. Most health tourists in Malaysia come from Southeast Asia, as the cost difference there is significant, and Muslim people from other countries prefer Malaysia for treatment due to its Islamic culture. Patients are admitted to hospitals with rooms that resemble hotels more than hospitals. Some hospitals even have hydrotherapy pools. Upon request, specialists and assistants accompany the patient from the airport to the hospital. Malaysia won the Medical Travel Magazine's "Health and Wellness Destination of the Year" award in 2015 and 2016.
Health travelers in Malaysia save 65% to 80% compared to the United States' healthcare costs. Both Penang and Kuala Lumpur International Airports provide services through the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), including lounge services and food from the moment visitors arrive.
India
Recently, a report predicted that India’s health tourism market will grow by about $4 billion, double its value in the past three years. Of 250,000 international patients, many travel to cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. One reason for the growth of health tourism in Hyderabad, for instance, is the arrival of patients from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. People from Africa, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States prefer India for treatment due to the significant cost differences.
Health tourists in India can also enjoy tours of famous attractions like the Taj Mahal alongside their treatment. Services include transportation from the airport to the hospital, Wi-Fi in hospital rooms, and personal chefs preparing dietary meals. Common medical services in India include fertility, orthopedics, heart and gland diseases, and organ transplants.
Turkey
Turkey, known for tourist-friendly cities like Istanbul and Izmir, where the West and East meet, is another leading health tourism destination. Most medical services in Turkey have zero waiting times, and popular treatments include organ transplants, genetic testing, and neurosurgery. Patients traveling to Turkey for treatment often receive discounted flight tickets. In addition to medical services, visitors can enjoy mineral baths and traditional Turkish baths.
Turkey is a strong contender in the medical tourism market, offering affordable and high-quality services. Specifically, in organ transplant surgery, radiation therapy for cancer, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and genetics, Turkey is highly regarded by international patients. Healthcare costs in Turkey are 50% to 65% lower than in the United States.
Singapore
Singapore, like other Southeast Asian countries, offers high-quality medical services. English is the business language, making communication easy for international visitors. Major hospitals like Farrer Park and Gleneagles have over 300 specialist doctors, and their services include everything from obtaining a visa to post-treatment hotel stays.
Singapore's healthcare system ranks sixth globally. In 2019, over 500,000 international medical tourists visited Singapore. Healthcare costs are significantly lower than in the United States and the UK. Singapore is widely recognized for its effective cancer treatments, with many top cancer specialists located here. According to the World Health Organization, Singapore has the sixth-best healthcare system in the world and the best in Asia.
Thailand
Thailand is known for its unique hospitality and exotic beaches. The country boasts numerous internationally accredited hospitals, attracting many medical tourists every year. Thailand is particularly known for advanced dental treatments and cosmetic and skin procedures. Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, with its World Health Organization accreditation for medical services, is one of the best hospitals in Thailand, serving over 400,000 medical tourists annually.
Thailand's rich culture and beauty also provide recovery insurance in the form of therapeutic gardens, Thai massages, and other relaxing methods. Medical services in Thailand offer 50% to 75% savings compared to the United States.
Brazil
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Brazil as offering the best healthcare services in Latin America. Brazil is home to 43 accredited JCI hospitals and renowned surgeons. It is a leading center for cosmetic and plastic surgery, and it ranks as the third-most visited country for these procedures, especially by citizens from the United States and China.
Brazil offers affordable plastic and cosmetic surgery, drawing more and more medical tourists. Cities like Florianópolis and São Paulo are known for their advanced medical technology, medical advancements, and innovations. Brazil is also popular among patients seeking unique procedures like Brazilian body aesthetics or other specialized services from world-renowned surgeons. U.S. health travelers save 20% to 30% on medical costs when receiving care in Brazil.
Taiwan
Taiwan has gradually expanded its medical tourism in recent years. With advances in heart disease and orthopedic treatments, Taiwan is on the verge of becoming a leading center in these medical fields. It is also the first in Asia for kidney transplants. Taiwan's National Taiwan University Hospital provides affordable and high-quality treatments for medical tourists.
Taiwan is also known for its pioneering pediatric liver transplants, with over 400 successful procedures performed. On average, patients in Taiwan save 40% to 55% on healthcare costs compared to the United States.
