Medical tourism continues to grow in 2024, with millions of patients traveling abroad for affordable, high-quality healthcare. Popular procedures include dental care, cosmetic and plastic surgeries, fertility treatments, obesity treatments, orthopedic surgeries, and eye procedures.
With rising healthcare costs in developed nations, patients seek world-class medical services in top destinations like Turkey, India, Thailand, Mexico, and Spain. This article explores the latest trends, numbers, and most sought-after medical treatments.
Medical Tourism Statistics and Popular Treatments in 2024
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most popular medical tourism treatments, their global market share, and the best destinations in 2024:
| Category | Percentage of Medical Tourism | Popular Procedures | Top Destinations | Market Growth & Trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Treatments | 15% | Implants, veneers, teeth whitening | Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica | High demand due to cost savings and quality care |
| Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeries | 25% | Breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts | Turkey, Thailand, South Korea | Turkey attracted over 1 million medical tourists |
| Fertility Treatments | 12% | IVF, egg donation, surrogacy | India, Barbados, Spain | CAGR of 9.7% in fertility tourism market |
| Obesity Treatments | 10% | Bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve | Mexico, Turkey, UAE | Growing trend due to rising obesity rates and lower costs |
| Orthopedic Treatments | 14% | Knee/hip replacement, spinal surgeries | India, Germany, Thailand | High demand due to aging population and sports injuries |
| Eye Treatments | 8% | LASIK, cataract surgery, retinal treatments | India, Spain, Hungary | Advanced technology and lower costs attract patients |
| Total Medical Tourism Market | 100% | All medical procedures | Asia-Pacific leading (India, Thailand, Malaysia) | Asia-Pacific accounts for one-third of revenue |
Top Medical Tourism Destinations in 2024
1. Turkey – The Hub for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
Turkey continues to dominate the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector, welcoming over one million medical tourists in 2024. With state-of-the-art clinics and affordable procedures, Turkey is a top destination for:
✔ Hair transplants
✔ Liposuction
✔ Rhinoplasty (nose job)
✔ Facelifts
2. India – A Leader in Orthopedic, Fertility, and Eye Treatments
India attracts thousands of medical tourists for:
✔ Affordable orthopedic surgeries (knee/hip replacements, spinal procedures)
✔ IVF and surrogacy treatments
✔ Advanced eye care (LASIK, cataract surgeries)
With world-renowned hospitals and low costs, India remains a top choice for international patients.
3. Thailand – A Top Choice for Dental, Cosmetic, and Orthopedic Care
Thailand is famous for:
✔ Affordable dental treatments (implants, veneers)
✔ Plastic surgeries (breast augmentation, liposuction)
✔ Orthopedic procedures
The country offers luxury medical facilities at a fraction of the price found in Western countries.
4. Mexico – A Medical Tourism Giant for North Americans
Mexico is a top destination for U.S. and Canadian patients due to its:
✔ Low-cost dental care (crowns, implants, full-mouth restorations)
✔ Obesity treatments (gastric sleeve, bariatric surgery)
✔ Cosmetic enhancements
Many clinics in Tijuana, Cancun, and Mexico City offer high-quality services with English-speaking staff.
5. Spain & Hungary – European Leaders in Eye and Fertility Treatments
✔ Spain is a hub for IVF, surrogacy, and fertility treatments, with world-class fertility centers.
✔ Hungary is a top choice for eye treatments, offering affordable LASIK and cataract surgeries.
Why Patients Choose Medical Tourism in 2024
Medical tourism is growing due to:
✅ Affordable Healthcare – Patients save 50-80% on treatments compared to the U.S. or UK.
✅ Shorter Waiting Times – Faster access to life-changing procedures.
✅ Advanced Medical Facilities – Many hospitals are JCI-accredited with world-class specialists.
✅ Vacation & Recovery – Many medical tourists combine treatment with a luxury vacation
Final Thoughts: Is Medical Tourism Worth It?
Absolutely! With rising healthcare costs, millions of patients are traveling abroad in 2024 for affordable and high-quality treatments. Top destinations like Turkey, India, Mexico, and Thailand offer advanced medical care at a fraction of the price.
Before traveling, always research clinics, check accreditations, and consult with doctors to ensure the best medical experience abroad.