India’s medical tourism sector is entering a phase that not only strengthens the country’s economy but also offers a new lease of life to millions of foreign patients. Professor Bonnie from Michigan University, whose 2 kg cancer tumour posed a complex challenge for American doctors, found a cancer-free life in India. Similarly, 56-year-old Toby James Barr from the UK underwent knee surgery at Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad and, within four days, was living pain-free.
In this article, we will explore the current state of medical tourism in India and what draws foreign patients here.
What’s Happening?
India’s medical tourism sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Data from 2024 shows that around 73 lakh foreign patients travelled to India for various medical treatments. This reflects a strong recovery after the pandemic. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the number of foreign tourists rose from just 1.8 lakh in 2020 to nearly 6.5 lakh in 2024, more than a threefold increase. In fact, in the first four months of 2025 alone, the figure has already reached 1,31,856.
India’s global competitiveness is also evident, with the country ranking 10th among 46 nations in the Medical Tourism Index 2020-21.
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India: The New Global Hub of Medical Tourism
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s 2023 data, medical travellers came primarily from West Asia (22.7%), Africa (21.2%), and South Asia (19.8%). However, India’s reach is expanding beyond these regions, with patients from Europe and the UK increasingly choosing Indian hospitals.
From complex cancer surgeries to joint replacements and rare orthopaedic procedures, Indian healthcare has become a trusted option for those who have either lost hope or face limited choices in their own countries.
Factors Driving Medical Tourism
India’s rise as a global hub for medical tourism is fuelled by three key factors:
Rising Healthcare Challenges in Developed Countries: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) highlights this crisis. Currently, 74 lakh people are on its waiting list, with 28.3 lakh waiting for more than 18 weeks. Alarmingly, over 1.9 lakh patients have been waiting more than a year for elective care. Against this backdrop, India presents itself as a viable and timely alternative.
Affordable Treatment: Medical procedures in India cost 60–80% less than in developed countries.
Simplified Visa Rules: The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced simpler visa regulations, making medical travel easier for international patients.
What’s in it for Investors?
India’s healthcare sector is no longer dependent solely on domestic demand. Patients are now coming not just from South Asia, Africa, and West Asia, but increasingly from Europe and the UK as well. This growing demand is creating new growth opportunities for Indian hospitals.
Leading healthcare providers like Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, and Aster DM Healthcare are positioning themselves as global solution providers. Many of them aim to double their revenue from foreign patients in the coming year.
For investors, this points to long-term growth potential in Indian healthcare stocks. Rising international demand, revenues in foreign currency, and supportive government policies make this sector especially attractive.
What’s Next?
India’s medical tourism market is projected to reach USD 18.2 billion by 2025 and grow to USD 58.2 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.3%. Globally, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 16% to reach USD 101.98 billion by 2030.
India attracts nearly 20 lakh patients annually from around 78 countries. According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) data, 3.75 lakh medical visas were issued in 2019, which increased to 4.63 lakh in 2024. Even during the pandemic, India issued 1.52 lakh medical visas, showcasing the sector’s resilience and strength.
*The companies mentioned in the article are for information purposes only. This is not investment advice.
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