Why Foreigners Are Coming to India: A Look Beyond Tourism
If you think foreigners only visit India to explore its vibrant culture, think again!
While the Taj Mahal and the bustling streets of Mumbai undoubtedly hold immense allure, a new wave of international travellers is heading to India for a completely different reason: world-class healthcare at surprisingly affordable prices.
Why India?
See, India’s appeal lies in its combination of medical cost efficiency, expertise, and advanced facilities.
Because of this, India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for medical tourism, and the numbers behind the industry paint a compelling picture.
In 2024, India’s medical tourism sector reached a remarkable $7.69 billion, with global patients arriving for treatments that cost 65-90% less than in Western countries.
A knee replacement surgery, for instance, costs about $8,500 in India - far more affordable than the $40,000 price tag in the U.S.
India also boasts one of the largest pools of experienced doctors and specialists in South Asia, ensuring patients receive expert care.
Our top-tier hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, rivalling the best facilities worldwide.
The reach is global too. According to data released by CRISIL, the number of medical tourists is projected to increase to 7.3 million in 2024, up from 6.1 million in 2023.
In 2023, over 60% of these medical tourists travelled from West Asia, Africa, and South Asia to benefit from India’s medical services.
With healthcare costs soaring globally, India is fast becoming a haven for affordable, high-quality medical care.
But, what’s driving this growth?
India's government hasn’t just been watching this boom from the sidelines. They are the ones actively fueling it.
Patients from 165 countries can now secure fast-tracked medical visas, making travel easy and efficient.
Then, there is the “Heal in India” initiative. This one-stop online portal connects international patients with the best hospitals across the country, simplifying the search for treatments.
To top it all off, the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) scheme provided by the Ministry of Tourism provides financial support to tourism service providers. This helps local service providers promote their offerings to international patients.
Despite its many strengths, India’s medical tourism industry has some hurdles to clear.
India must significantly enhance its global marketing to compete effectively with tourism powerhouses like Thailand, Singapore, and Turkey.
Many people still don’t realise just how advanced India’s healthcare facilities are.
Pricing transparency is another key issue.
While costs are low, inconsistent pricing and referral margins can complicate the billing process. This leaves patients unsure of the total costs and hampers their experience.
Despite these obstacles, India's medical tourism market is poised for exponential growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 17.2% from 2024 to 2034.
By 2029, the industry could reach $14.31 billion, with India setting its sights on capturing the title of the world’s top medical tourism destination and revenue goals of $13 billion.
Meanwhile, India's emergence as a global leader in medical tourism represents more than just an economic opportunity.
It also provides a chance to reshape the future of healthcare worldwide and make it affordable for all.
Sources:
Times of India
Transplant Counsellor
Business Standard
Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
Invest India
Future Market Insights Inc.
Mordor Intelligence
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