Every year, September 27 is celebrated as World Tourism Day, a reminder of how travel fosters cultural exchange, economic growth, and global connections. While leisure and heritage remain central themes, in recent years a new dimension of tourism has gained prominence—medical tourism. Increasingly, people are traveling not just for recreation but also for healing, seeking affordable and advanced healthcare abroad.
India, with its blend of cutting-edge medical technology, skilled doctors, and comparatively lower treatment costs, has emerged as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism. In 2025, this trend is more visible than ever, with foreign patients arriving in large numbers, making India a global healthcare hub that unites the worlds of travel and medicine.
As per Ministry of Tourism, between January and April 2025, India welcomed 1,31,856 foreign tourists specifically for medical purposes, accounting for about 4.1% of total foreign arrivals during this period. Countries like Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Oman, and Uzbekistan contributed the most to these numbers. Bangladesh alone sent over 4.8 lakh medical tourists in 2024. This growing interest shows that India is increasingly trusted as a destination for quality healthcare. 1
One of the main reasons patients are turning to India is cost. Medical procedures here are often 60–80% cheaper than in Western countries. For example:
A heart bypass surgery costs around $7,000 in India, compared to $120,000 in the U.S.
A knee replacement is about $6,000 in India versus $35,000 abroad.
Such cost savings make life-changing treatments accessible to patients who might otherwise struggle with the financial burden in their home countries.
India’s hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technologies, offering everything from routine check-ups to highly complex surgeries. Many doctors are trained internationally or have experience working in countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia. This combination of cutting-edge technology and expert care gives patients confidence that they will receive top-notch treatment without compromise.
To make it even easier for international patients, the Indian government launched the ‘Heal in India’ campaign, which promotes India as a healthcare destination worldwide. The initiative includes improved hospital infrastructure, easier visa processes, and public-private partnerships. For instance, patients from 171 countries can now apply for e-medical visas and e-medical attendant visas, making travel and treatment smoother and faster.
Bonnie, a professor from the United States, battled breast cancer for several years. Limited treatment options in her home country led her to India, where Dr. Mandeep Singh and his team at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, performed a complex surgery. The procedure involved the removal of a 2-kilogram tumor and reconstruction of the chest wall. Today, Bonnie has fully recovered, exemplifying the high level of care and expertise available in India.
The population of Medical Value Travelers (MVT)—individuals traveling abroad in search of healthcare services—is witnessing rapid global growth. According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the worldwide MVT market was valued at $115.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach approximately $286.1 billion by 2030.
In India, the MVT sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% between 2020 and 2027, with projections estimating the market will hit $13 billion by 2026. The majority of international patients visiting India—around 88%—come from Bangladesh, Iraq, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
India’s leading healthcare services for medical travelers include heart surgery, knee replacements, cosmetic procedures, and dental care, with treatment costs among the lowest in Asia, making the country a highly attractive destination for quality, affordable healthcare. 2
India’s healthcare system is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a global hub for quality and affordable medical care. The country’s diverse network of public and private hospitals serves over 1.4 billion people, offering a wide range of medical services across specialties.
Government initiatives such as the National Health Mission and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme have strengthened access to healthcare, improved infrastructure, and provided financial protection to millions of families. Innovations in low-cost medical devices, advanced treatment models, and streamlined healthcare delivery have further enhanced India’s medical landscape.
These factors, combined with cost-effective treatment, advanced technology, and English-speaking medical professionals, have positioned India as a preferred destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from around the world seeking high-quality care at affordable prices. 3
In a very recent case an Indian Techie from Hyderabad working in the UK was facing severe back pain when he went to the doctor and was referred to a specialist and also for a MRI scan, however the only available dates for both the appointments were 2 months away.
Being in Pain for the next 2 months, the techie decide to return to India for his treatment where he was diagnosed with Pott's spine, which is a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that predominantly affects the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
Recent success stories, from complex cancer surgeries to timely treatments for conditions like Pott’s spine, showcase India’s ability to provide world-class care efficiently and safely. As medical value travel continues to grow, India is well-positioned to remain a trusted destination for patients seeking effective, affordable, and timely healthcare solutions.
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Apollo Hospital, Delhi
Manipal Hospital, Gurgaon
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi
Paras Hospital, Gurgaon
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
References:
1. Press Information Bureau. Medical Tourism in India. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. August 7, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2153611.
2. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Medical Value Travel (MVT). Accessed September 27, 2025. https://ficci.in/public/sector/medical-value-travel-mvt/home.
3.Kumar, Ankit. "The Transformation of the Indian Healthcare System." Cureus, May 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10292032/?
(Rh/ARC/MSM)