korean medical tourism

DESTINATION

Brief Introduction to Korea and Its Reputation in Medical Tourism

South Korea, often simply known as Korea, is a country located on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Over the past decade, the nation has emerged as a global leader in medical tourism, attracting international patients with its advanced healthcare system, state-of-the-art technology, and highly skilled medical professionals. With medical centers that adhere to international standards and a government that heavily supports the growth of the medical tourism industry, Korea offers a blend of quality healthcare and cultural richness, making it an attractive destination for medical tourists.

Historical and Cultural Significance in Medicine

Korea has a rich history in the field of medicine, with its traditional medicine known as "Hanbang," which dates back several thousand years. This system incorporates herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietetics, among other modalities. While the country has fully embraced Western medicine and technology, the wisdom and practices of traditional medicine continue to influence modern healthcare. Many hospitals offer holistic treatment plans that integrate both Western and traditional Korean medicine.

Reputation and Recognition

Internationally, Korea has garnered a reputation for excelling in complex procedures such as organ transplants, cosmetic surgery, and cancer treatments. It is home to some of the best hospitals in the world, often equipped with cutting-edge technology and specialized care units. The government also has a strong focus on research and development, making Korea one of the most advanced countries in healthcare innovation.

Importance for Medical Tourists

For medical tourists, Korea presents an opportunity to access world-class healthcare services at competitive prices. Alongside medical care, patients often take the chance to explore the rich cultural tapestry of the country, ranging from its historic sites to its contemporary marvels. With a relatively low language barrier and high standards of patient care, Korea is not just a destination for healthcare but also for holistic well-being.

Popular Medical Procedures

List and brief descriptions.

• Cosmetic Surgery : Korea is known as the plastic surgery capital of the world. Procedures like rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and breast augmentation are commonly sought after.
• Orthopedic Surgery : Spinal surgeries and joint replacements are expertly handled, often using minimally invasive techniques.
• Cancer Treatments : Offering cutting-edge oncology services, Korea provides treatments like targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and advanced surgical interventions.
• Organ Transplant : Specializing in kidney, liver, and heart transplants, Korean medical facilities offer comprehensive transplant services.

Specializations or Pioneering Treatments

Korea is at the forefront of medical research and has made significant advances in stem cell therapy, robotic surgery, and telemedicine. Some of the pioneering treatments offered include "gamma knife" surgery for treating brain tumors and other abnormalities.

Top Hospitals & Clinics

Renowned hospitals and clinics.

• Seoul National University Hospital
• Asan Medical Center
• Samsung Medical Center
• Yonsei University Severance Hospital

Accreditation and Affiliation

Most top-tier hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) or have received accreditation from national bodies. Many are also affiliated with prestigious universities and research institutions.

Special Features, Awards, or Recognitions

Several Korean hospitals have received global recognition for their cutting-edge technology and patient care, winning awards for their innovative treatments and research contributions.

Cost Comparison

Comparative data.

The cost of medical procedures in Korea is competitive when compared to Western countries. For example, a typical rhinoplasty may cost between $3,000 and $8,000 in Korea, compared to $10,000 or more in the United States.

Price Ranges

While prices can vary depending on the hospital and the complexity of the procedure, patients can generally expect to save between 30% and 60% compared to costs in Western countries.

Quality & Safety

Medical standards and practices.

South Korea's healthcare system is renowned for its high standards. The country's medical facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are staffed by professionals who often receive training both domestically and internationally. Quality of care is comparable to, or even exceeds, that of Western nations in many specialties.

Accreditation Systems, Regulatory Bodies, and Quality Checks

Most top-tier hospitals in Korea are accredited by global and domestic accrediting bodies, ensuring that they meet international healthcare standards. Regulatory bodies such as the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare oversee healthcare services and regularly audit medical institutions for quality assurance.

Patient Safety Protocols and Rights

Korea places a high emphasis on patient safety, with protocols in place that range from infection control measures to secure data management. Patients also have a legally protected right to confidentiality and informed consent, safeguarding their interests at every stage of medical intervention.

Medical Visa Information

Guidelines and requirements.

Most countries will require a visa for entry into South Korea. While a regular tourist visa may suffice for short-term medical treatments, a specific medical visa is advisable for extended stays or complex procedures. The medical visa, usually classified under the C3-3 visa category, allows for longer stays and multiple entries.

Duration, Documentation, and Application Process

The medical visa can be extended up to one year and often takes approximately one to two weeks for approval. Documentation such as a letter from the medical institution, medical records, and proof of financial means are usually required. An application can be submitted through the nearest Korean consulate or embassy.

Travel Advisories or Restrictions

Always check for any travel advisories or restrictions related to health, geopolitical situations, or the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying updated will help you plan your trip more effectively.

Cultural Considerations

Local customs and etiquette.

Understanding Korean cultural norms like bowing and removing shoes indoors can enhance your experience. Showing respect to elders and avoiding direct eye contact during conversations are also considered polite behaviors.

Language and Communication

While English is not the native language, it is widely understood in medical settings. Many top hospitals have interpreters and international patient centers to assist foreign patients.

Dietary Considerations

Korean cuisine is varied, but it can be heavy on spices and fermented foods. Those with dietary restrictions should inform the medical staff in advance.

Travel & Accommodation

Popular areas to stay.

Gangnam and Myeongdong in Seoul are popular places to stay given their proximity to major hospitals and clinics. These areas also offer various shopping and dining options.

Proximity to Medical Facilities

Most recommended accommodations are within a 20-30 minute drive to major medical facilities, making it convenient for patients and their families.

Transportation and Infrastructure

South Korea has a well-developed public transportation system. Medical facilities are easily accessible by subway, bus, or taxi.

Post-procedure Relaxation and Recuperation

Jeju Island is a popular destination for relaxation with its serene beaches and natural beauty, providing an ideal atmosphere for post-procedure recuperation.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Legal rights of patients.

Patients have the legal right to informed consent, second opinions, and confidentiality, among others. The Korean Patient Charter of Rights and Responsibilities outlines these rights comprehensively.

Medical Malpractice Laws

Medical malpractice laws in Korea are stringent, offering a legal pathway for patients to seek compensation or corrective treatment in the event of a medical error.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations are consistent with global standards. Issues like organ sourcing adhere to strict ethical guidelines and regulations.

Benefits & Risks

Patients seeking medical treatment in Korea benefit from cutting-edge technology, high standards of care, and specialized expertise. The cost-effectiveness of treatments is another significant advantage.

Language and cultural barriers, while minimal, do exist. Additionally, the legal process for medical disputes might differ from your home country, which could be a potential risk.

Post-procedure Care

Post-operative care and rehabilitation centers.

Most Korean hospitals offer exemplary post-operative care, with several also providing rehabilitation services. The country is home to specialized rehabilitation centers that focus on helping patients recover more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is English spoken widely in Korean medical facilities?

Yes, English is commonly spoken in major hospitals, and translation services are usually available.

• How do I choose the right hospital or clinic?

Research and consult with medical professionals to find a facility that specializes in the treatment you require.

• What payment methods are accepted?

Most hospitals accept insurance and various forms of payment including cash, credit cards, and even international wire transfers.

• Is it safe to travel alone?

South Korea is considered a safe country, but it's always advisable to have a companion, especially when undergoing significant medical procedures.

Global Provider Members

51.23 million

The South Korean climate is temperate with four distinct seasons that coincide with the northern part of the United States: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The monsoon and typhoon seasons run from late June to late August, in which the country gets 60 percent of its annual rainfall. During that time, when it’s not raining, the weather is hot and humid, with an average July temperature ranging from 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit (22-25 degrees Celsius).

Facilitators

Seoul, Korea

Seoul, South Korea

Dobong-gu, Korea

Seoul , Korea

Featured Treatments

MedicalTourism.com

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.

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We Korea’s largest and most trusted government approved medical tourism service provider. We have access to all the top hospitals in: plastic surgery, vision correction, dentistry, dermatology and general hospital care.

We have native speakers who can accommodate a variety of languages and help you with the pre-visit consulting, airport pick up, accommodations, translation, post-op care and aftercare. As the largest and most trusted provider of medical tourism in Korea, we have been chosen by major media such as American NBC News, Canadian CBC News, Estonian News, Forbes Magazine etc. Seoul Guide Medical, happy patients, always!

We are Korea’s largest and most trusted government approved medical tourism service provider. We have access to all the top hospitals in: plastic surgery, vision correction, dentistry, dermatology and general hospital care.

Step 1:  Contact us and you will get an on-line consultation. Our service is free of charge to you and the cost of your medical procedure will be the same if you use our service or not.

Step 2:  Start packing and get yourself ready for Korea. We will guide you along the way and help you out with the details.

Step 3:  We meet you in Korea and help you through the entire process from start to finish and beyond.

OUR GUARANTEE

We only work with the best doctors and top-rated hospitals in Seoul, as we have insider knowledge and relationships with all of them and the  Seoul Metropolitan Government . We are fully licensed are here to make things easy for you.  We can provide: airport pick up, help with transportation, securing accommodations and  any problem you may have. We will be with you every step of the way. This is our guarantee!

We only work with the best doctors and top-rated hospitals in Seoul, as we have insider knowledge and relationships with all of them and the  Seoul Metropolitan Government . We are fully licensed are here to make things easy for you.  We can provide: airport pick up, help with transportation, securing accommodations and we trouble shoot any problem you may have. We will be with you ever step of the way. This is our guarantee!

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“ For the past 4 years I have used Seoul Guide Medical to take care of my teeth, my skin and I chose them to help me with my Rhinoplasty as well! They fixed my broken nose from my bike accident, my skin has never felt better and my teeth don’t hurt any more. They often show up on our We Fancy Youtube videos because they have become part of our awesome life in Korea. There is no one I trust more than SGM to take care of me whenever I want to improve the way I look. They are trustworthy, friendly and detailed. Cheers SGM! Xander England

“ Having known Seoul Guide Medical for years now, I can honestly tell you that there is no one better to help you with skin, dental, plastic surgery, laser eye, and general hospital care in Korea. I’ve gone to them for my skin care, had laser hair removal, had laser vision correction, had non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty. Botox, filler and have been to their dentist regularly. Soon they will help me with my hair transplant as well! This is something I have wanted for a long time and I only trust them to see me through the whole process. They are awesome! Haeppy Canada

“ I am from Saudi Arabia and many of the gulf region embassies ask me to advise medical tourism patients coming from abroad. I always send them to SGM because I trust them 100%. For years they have taken care of hundreds of our people with excellent results. Our embassy and the gulf region embassies work with them as there is no one better suited to take care of our people. They are very culturally fluent and adapt to serving our needs extremely well. On behalf of the gulf region embassies here in Korea, thank you to Seoul Guide Medical. Yaser Khalifa Saudi Arabia

“ SGM has helped me get all kinds of treatments here in Seoul and they take care of all my international friends. Whenever anyone needs a clinic, I point them to SGM first. They have a very international staff from places like Canada, the United States, China, Taiwan, Korea etc. This makes dealing with them very easy because they not only translate everything into your language but also take care of you in the way you are used to. Thank you for treating myself and my friends throughout the years! Amy Aleha Canada

“ I was recommended to SGM through my embassy for skin treatment and I am so happy they did! I was very scared because I can’t speak Korean well yet but they took care of me and made it so easy. I asked so many questions and they answered everything. Lots of my Mongolian friends now use this service. The SGM staff is there during the consultation in the clinic, during the procedure and afterwards as well. This is very helpful as the aftercare is the most important part of the treatment for me. I want to express my thanks to SGM for everything! Enji Eldev Mongolia

“ I came to Korea in December of 2017 for a lot of plastic surgery. Ever since I turned 60 my eyelids sagged causing me difficulty when opening my eyes, my under eye dark circles and bags made me look 20 years older and I felt so heavy. I had upper and lower eye blepharopasty, lower eye fat repositioning, double chin lipo, arm lipo, 360 tummy lipo, leg lipo and a tummy tuck. It all turned out so well! They even accepted my request to have this video recorded as I want to show other brave men and women about my journey. They even baby sat my grand daughter who came with me to Korea and she is just 1! Thank you so much for changing my life for the better! Susan James Canada

“ I'm an actress from Vietnam and I found SGM through other people in the movie industry in Vietnam. They were so fast and detailed when answering me and they took the best care of me I could have asked for. I really enjoyed how they fed me and gave me pumpkin juice after my surgery. Little details like this are wonderful and show they care. Their apartments are great and right in Gangnam and the doctor they chose for me gave me exactly what I wanted. My rhinoplasty and fat grafting was successful and now they are taking care of a lot of my friends who are doing plastic surgery in Korea. Annie Vu Vietnam

“ When I was in Korea SGM took care of my skin treatments and I'm so glad they did. Their consulting skills are on a whole other level. Because they know the ins and outs of each procedure, it helped me to better decided which route to take for my skin treatments. It isn't just their translation but how they take care of you that makes the difference. I really need my skin looking better for my Youtube channel and they always delivered what I needed. Thank you so much and see you again when I return to Korea! Lala United States

“ SGM took such good care of me and my skin when I was in Korea and the treatments really helped me to look better as I'm an actress in Hollywood. I asked a friend of mine in the industry to connect me to the best service for medical tourism in Korea and the first name they said was Seoul Guide Medical. From beginning to end they took care of me and explained everything in detail. I like how they are there with you throughout the whole process including the aftercare because it makes all the difference in the world! Thank you so much SGM for everything! Amber Stevens-West United States

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Medical Tourism

South korea targets a surge in medical tourism to reach 700,000 by 2027.

With an ambitious vision, South Korea is looking to usher in 700,000 medical tourists by 2027. A twofold approach combining an overhaul in healthcare services with a dash of tourism is the linchpin of this strategy. The Ministry of Health and Welfare declared a string of initiatives on Monday, signifying the government's commitment towards this goal. The tactics include revamping immigration processes, promoting equitable healthcare services distribution, fortifying industry robustness, and enhancing international awareness. As part of its four-pronged strategy, the South Korean government intends to augment the count of healthcare facilities capable of e-visa applications on behalf of foreign patients from last year's 27 to at least 50. This step is instrumental in the broader ambition of welcoming 700,000 medical tourists. Tailored medical and tourism packages aimed at VIP and long-term patients are also on the cards, with marketing strategies leveraging the magnetic charm of Korean cultural phenomena like K-pop and popular television dramas. Additionally, the government aims to bolster and advertise cutting-edge medical programs such as transplants, cancer treatment, and the rich tradition of Korean herbal medicine. In 2022, South Korea played host to 248,000 medical tourists, a number that had halved due to the global pandemic. Moving forward, South Korea is eager to reinstate its transit visa exemptions for transit passengers, a feature that was temporarily shelved during the pandemic. On the horizon, the government plans to establish six innovative tourism hubs integrating medical treatments and local tourism attractions. These convergence clusters, planned in prominent cities like Incheon and Daegu, will provide comprehensive services to foreign patients and their companions. Furthermore, advanced technologies will be harnessed to expand remote medical services and post-treatment care for overseas medical tourists, supporting the government's push for legal, non-contact healthcare services. The Medical Tourism Association , launched South Korean’s medical tourism initiative in 2008 and has worked with the Korean government every year since. “Korea is a model for every government and healthcare cluster in the world to follow. When the MTA started working with Korea they had “zero” patients, what they have accomplished has been phenomenal.  This April 2023 we finished another marketing and business development initiative in hosting a large medical tourism “buyer” event for South Korea,” said Jonathan Edelheit, President of Medical Tourism Association.

To explore partnership opportunities with the Medical Tourism Association, and to learn more how the MTA can help you, please visit our website at https://www.globalhealthcareresources.com/medical-tourism-consulting .

Unveiling the Power of Social Media Marketing in Medical Tourism

Korea: turning the focus to an emerging global leader in medical tourism, exploring the surge of cosmetic tourism: trends and considerations in aesthetic procedures abroad, holistic healing: exploring integrative medicine and wellness retreats, meeting the surge: the growing demand for knee replacement surgeries and advances in the field, stem cells show promise for hair thickening, stem cell injection for back and neck pain, in pursuit of excellence: ceo spotlight with ms. artirat charukitpipat, south korea, a medical tourism leader pioneering the future of medicine  , continue reading, best countries for stomach cancer treatment: a global perspective, ponderas academic hospital: elevating medical tourism with jci accreditation and personalized care, featured reading, medical tourism magazine.

The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

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Medical Checkup in Korea for Foreigners: a Must-Try Futuristic Experience

Thoughts on the $10,000 health screening that cost me $500.

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I’ve been back to Korea dozens of times over the years and have pretty much checked off everything on my bucket list. However t his fall, on my list for the first time was the Korean comprehensive health check-up .   I was a bit nervous about it, but it ended up being one of the best things I’ve ever done there.

The half-day health screening program available in Korea is a game changer. For a bit of background, Korea has one of the best healthcare systems in the world and consistently ranks higher than the US in life expectancy. U nlike the United States where the system is focused on treating existing conditions, the Korean healthcare system depends on preventative medicine and maintaining general well-being to keep the cost of healthcare low for the entire population. This commitment is reflected in Korea’s National Health Screening Program (NHSP) which allows Koreans to receive a regular comprehensive health check-up (CHC).

Revolutionizing the world of preventive medicine with this one-day program, the Korean system is state-of-the-art, efficient and affordable. In stark contrast to extremely expensive and inefficient healthcare testing in the United States, CHCs amazingly typically take only 3-4 hours and cost a small fraction of what a similar battery of tests would cost in the US. That is, if you are lucky enough to convince your American doctor to allow such a comprehensive exam. 

What’s Included in a Comprehensive Health Check-up?

CHCs are designed to assess an individual’s general health and provide early diagnoses of diseases, including: cancer, cerebrovascular disease and heart disease, the leading causes of death in Korea, to help ensure better outcomes.   CHCs consist of a multitude of medical tests to assess the major organs and key body functions, such as:

• Comprehensive blood, urine, and stool tests, including checks for tumor-markers
• Advanced medical imaging like MRIs, PET-CTs, and MRAs
• Ultrasounds to check for internal anomalies
• Endoscopy / Colonoscopy
• Heart and lung screenings including ECG
• Body composition tests
• Cognitive function tests

Sound amazing? I thought so too. Comprehensive health check-ups are available at most major hospitals and also at specialty clinics focused on providing CHCs. Best of all, these CHCs are available to foreigners, making Korea a top destination for medical tourism where foreigners can obtain first-class preventative care.

The endoscopy center at Hanaro Leaders Healthcare, Seoul, Korea.

I scheduled my comprehensive health check-up with Hanaro Leaders Healthcare , a specialty clinic that only provides CHCs. As of this writing, the English version of the website is under construction but you can have your browser translate the page to English. I chose Leaders because they cater to English-speaking clients, are a well-known provider with recognizable corporate partners such as Google, and are easily accessible in Gangnam.  

I emailed Leaders and communicated with Ms. Jiyun who explained the process to me in fluent English. She informed me that there are three packages to choose from — I chose Package C because it was the most comprehensive. I also had the option to add on additional procedures to each package for an additional fee.  She helped me select the package and optional procedures that best suited my needs and scheduled me for an appointment for two weeks later.

I chose Package C, which includes all of the below tests, and I also selected add-on tests for an additional fee. The Package C price of KRW 600,000 is equivalent to about $460 at the time of writing of this article. This is the friends and family pricing and their regular pricing is slightly higher.

A Walk Through of the Comprehensive Health Check-up Process

I was nervous when I arrived at Leaders at 8:30am (appointment times vary from morning to early afternoon).   Ms. Jiyun helped check me in and explained the testing process step-by-step.   She then directed me to the locker room where I locked up my personal belongings and changed into what I’ll call my exam PJs, which consisted of a loose cotton top and pants that were warm and comfortable – very similar to regular pajamas.   I also received a “watch” with scanning technology that I wore on my wrist.  

Ms. Jiyun guided me to the first test station where I scanned this watch against a panel next to the testing room door, which alerted the technician that I was waiting and electronically delivered my details to them. When the technician called my name I entered the private testing room, received my test and was directed to the next testing station where the process repeated.   There were color coded signs and directions throughout the facility, making it easy for me to journey from one station to the next.  

Even though the facility was busy, I breezed from station to station because the process has been fine-tuned to be incredibly easy and efficient, and my nervousness quickly faded.   A few hours later, I arrived at my last station where I was sedated for my endoscopy and colonoscopy.   Before I knew it, I was eating complimentary pumpkin porridge by 2pm, feeling very fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive such incredible care, and all for only about $500.

The Results

Two weeks later, Leaders emailed me a report of approximately twenty pages that details my results in Korean with an English translation.   The first couple pages consist of a summary of the results and recommendations for next steps while the remainder of the report provides detailed results of each test.   Leaders only provides CHCs and does not provide medical treatment, so I have to follow-up with my regular doctors.   However, they provide the option of a consultation with a Leaders physician about the results.   Upon request, Leaders will provide the images that were taken (x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, etc.) so you can share them with your physician.

A sample page from a Korean Comprehensive Health Check-up Results Report from Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

My time is precious in Korea and I hate medical testing so I was initially reluctant to get a CHC but I’m so glad I did. I learned a lot about the condition of my body and my risk factors. For example, I feared I was at higher risk of heart disease because of my love of fatty food, but I learned my arteries are very healthy! However, I’m at a higher risk of certain cancers, so I know to get regular screening and avoid activities that increase this risk. This new vital information about my health I’m now empowered with and the accompanying peace of mind is well worth the time and cost.  

Several of my friends traveling with me received CHCs from other providers and they were all as impressed as I was. The best-known hospitals that offer a CHC are: Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, and Seoul National University Hospital. These large facilities offer excellent programs that are more expensive than the clinic I chose with costs starting at about $1,500 for the basic exams. But, they offer the added benefit of being able to provide treatment if the CHC reveals any concerns. Regardless of the provider, all of these costs are still a small fraction of what it would cost back home, which to my best estimation would be well over $10,000. I plan to obtain CHCs regularly in the future and encourage everyone to find a provider they are comfortable with and schedule a CHC during their next visit to Korea.

Author:  Huiri Kim

Huiri Kim is a full-time pragmatist based in Chicago, working as a corporate lawyer and also as CEO of a mobile health startup. She is also a part-time idealist, devising ways to see and save the world, then eventually retire in a warmly decorated tiny home. She is a Wellness and Beauty critic for Best of Korea. Read More From Huiri Kim

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South Korea’s Medical Tourism Competitiveness and Future Strategy: Focused on Cancer Treatment: A Review

Hyoungsup kim.

1. College of Humanities, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Youngsub Lee

2. Asia Contents Institute, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background:

Medical tourism is a leading industry of South Korea. Since the transition from the latest health pandemic to endemic, foreign patients have been on a rapid increase. The Korean government regards medical tourism as a major national industry and pursues medical, legal, and policy strategies with the goal of attracting 700,000 foreign patients by 2027.

Examining objective data and statistics as well as academic articles, we investigated the strengths and advantages, which might persuade foreign medical tourists to visit South Korea by performing a comparative analysis with high-income or medically advanced countries among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other competing Asian countries.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Compared with other advanced countries and Asian competitors in cancer treatment, South Korea shows excellent result of major cancers treatments, accessibility to hospitals and medical professionals, and competitiveness in terms of surgery and treatment costs.

Conclusion:

South Korea has excellent competitiveness both in price and in cancer treatment with the outstanding results of cancer mortality rates and 5-year survival rates. The achievement of Korea’s cancer treatments is due to accurate diagnosis with the advantage of PET-CT, 64-sllice CT, 3.0 TESLA MRI, etc., and the use of cutting-edge equipment, such as CyberKnife and Da Vince robotic surgery. Besides, the Korean central and local governments actively support for the promotion of Korea’s medical tourism industry, such as issuance of visas for foreigners, the hospital certification system, and medical tourism convergence cluster project.

Introduction

The medical tourism industry is a highly value-added industry, and most competitive countries around the world compete to attract foreign patients. According to a report by market research firm Fortune Business Insights, the size of the global medical tourism market was $11.56 billion in 2020. It is expected to grow to $53.51 billion in 2028 with an average annual growth rate of 21.1% ( 1 ).

As presented in Fig. 1 , medical tourism fell by 34% from US$105 billion in 2019 to US$71 billion in 2020. It has since grown around 15% annually, and in 2023, the market value exceeded 2019 levels for the first time. Furthermore, global medical tourism market by value is expected to grow up to US$182 in 2025 ( 2 ).

Global Medical Tourism Market by Value (USD Billion) (Source: https://www.consultancy-me.com/ )

South Korea also has the interests for the promotion of medical tourists from all over the world. The number of foreign patients visiting Korea in 2022 was 248,000, an increase of 70.1% from 146,000 in 2021, which is a figure that has recovered to 50% compared to 2019 (497,000) before the COVID-19 global pandemic ( Fig. 2 ). In 2009, South Korea attracted 60,000 people, 300,000 people in 2015, and 500,000 people in 2019, but due to the corona pandemic, it decreased to 120,000 in 2020 and increased again to 250,000 in 2022 ( 4 ).

Foreign patients visiting South Korea from 2009 to 2022 ( 2 )

With cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Most of all, recent research published in the Lancet reveals cancer is associated with twice as many deaths as CVD in high-income countries ( 5 ). In the case of USA, death rates from all cancers combined have been steadily falling over the past decade (1.5% per year since 1993 among men and 0.8% per year since 1992 among women), but in 1999, the number of cancer deaths surpassed heart disease mortality in those younger than age 85( 6 ).

The 10 major cancers worldwide are breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, thyroid cancer, and bladder cancer ( 7 ). South Korea is the world-renowned leader in cancer treatment ( 8 ). Global No.5 and three of the top 20 global hospitals for cancer treatment are based in South Korea. The Korean medical institutions and organizations, such as hospitals, universities, and various research institutes, etc., seek for new medical technologies and methods for cancer treatment. A majority of foreign patients who visit Korea for medical purpose prefer robotic surgeries or laparoscopic surgery to treat various cancers, including colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. Especially, since the incidence of stomach cancer is high in Korea, the abundant clinical experience resulting from this shows excellent results in treating stomach cancer ( 9 – 11 ).

Medical treatment in South Korea is well-known for its high quality, efficiency, and technological advancements, attracting from around the world those who seek specialized treatments and procedures. South Korea has effective health care systems based on national health insurance that all the citizens can join and benefit from. It is proved by the 2021 edition of the CEOWORLD magazine Health Care Index, which ranks 89 countries according to factors that contribute to overall health. Of the 89 countries surveyed, South Korea’s healthcare comes in 1 st place on the list scoring 78.72 out of 100 on the Health Care Index in 2021, 2 nd place with the score of 82.7, and 3 rd place with the 84.8 in 2023 ( 12 ). The Health Care Index is a statistical analysis of the overall quality of the health care system, including health care infrastructure; health care professionals (doctors, nursing staff, and other health workers) competencies; cost (USD per capita); quality medicine availability, and government readiness. Even though, such basis are more applicable for residents of South Korea, it is likely that such a well-stablished system can perform an effective role for the foreign patients as well.

With such global recognitions and objective indicators, South Korea potentially plays a leading role in cancer treatment. In particular, we examined cancer treatment, i.e., cancer mortality rate, 5-year survival rate, excellence in cancer treatment including proton/heavy ion therapy treatments, and governmental supports for medical tourism, such as simplification of visa issuance for foreign patients and medical tourism convergence project, etc.

Cancer Mortality Rate & 5-year Survival Rate

The Medical Tourism Index Overall Ranking 2020–2021 ( 13 ) was released in July 2020, Canada ranked 1 st with a score of 76.47, Singapore (76.43) ranked 2 nd , Japan (74.23) 3rd, Spain (72.93) 4th, and United Kingdom (71.92) took 5th place. Dubai and Abu Dhabi took 6th and 9th place with 71.85 and 70.26 respectively. India, which is famous for medical tourism in Asia, ranked 10th with 69.80, and Korea ranked 14th with 68.81.

When compared with its Asian rivals, i.e., Japan, Singapore, India, Thailand, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the recently rising popularity, South Korea gained unsatistactory outcomes of a poor performance ( Table 1 ). However, unlike these overall rankings, in the field of cancer surgery and cancer treatment, South Korea performs very well as shown Fig. 3 above in cancer-related achievements rather than European advanced countries (such as England, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and England), and North American countries (such as the United States and Canada).

Global Cancer Mortality for Both Sexes 2020 ( 14 )

International comparison of 5-year cancer survival rates (unit: %) ( 16 )

According to the data pronounced by 2020 World Cancer Research Fund International ( 14 ), South Korea recorded 75.3, which is lower than any other medically advanced country, such as Spain (90), Israel (89.8), Sweden (87), USA (85.7), Switzerland (82.9), and Japan (81.3). This is the lowest ASR/100,000 in 2020. Compared with Singapore (111.3), Thailand (99.8), and Japan (81.3), which are famous Asian countries for medical tourism, the record of 75.3 is an excellent score ( 14 ).

The survival rate of patients with major cancers in Korea is the highest in the world ( https://visitkorea.or.kr/ ). Especially, the five-year survival rate of stomach cancer patients is 77% in Korea, which is two or three times higher than that of medically advanced countries, such as the US (32.4%) and UK (21.6%) ( 15 ). Moreover, approximately 1,000 foreign doctors around the world apply for medical training in Korea to learn the country’s integrated cancer treatment systems, including integrated precision medicine platforms that leverage clinical data on cancer patients in addition to robotic surgeries.F

Korean cancer centers provide one-step services to support prevention, testing, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up management. University hospitals and general hospitals as well as 12 government-designated cancer centers offer effective and affordable cancer treatments. As shown below, the 5-year survival rate of cancer patients in Korea is the highest in the world for almost all major cancer types.

Excellence in Cancer Treatment

South Korea’s age-standardized cancer mortality rate was 151.8 per 100,000 people and ranked as the 5th lowest among OECD countries. The OECD average age-adjusted cancer mortality rate was 186.3 (OECD Health Statistics 2021) ( 17 ). The United States ranked 13th with 178.3, Canada 20th with 192.6, Germany 19th with 192.3, and Japan 6th with 164.1 ( 17 ).

1) Top-notch medical technology in Korea

The competitiveness of Korean medical care can be summarized as efficiency and systematization. Cancer treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis( 18 ). South Korea is famous for using advanced technology to make accurate diagnoses at an early stage of cancer. Such cancer screening process includes the following technology: i) PET-CT, which can detect the smallest changes in the body with 99% accuracy, ii) 64-slice CT, which provides even more detailed images of internal organs, and iii) 3.0 Tesla MRI, which distinguishes tumors or metastases as small as 1 mm.

CyberKnife is a unique radiosurgery system to remove hard-to-reach tumors without surgery. The technology targets cancer cells with millimeter precision without damaging surrounding healthy tissue ( 19 ). The system is computer-controlled and controls the direction of the radiation in real-time ( 20 ). Proton/Heavy Ion Therapy is one of the effective ways of treating cancer by utilizing protons, which have high energy and allow the most accurate delivery of radiation inside the neoplasm ( 21 ). This method can minimize negative effects on surrounding healthy tissues, such as near the eyes or in the brain, etc. ( 22 , 23 ). Most of the radiation oncology practitioners would agree that the physical properties of the proton beam provide a clear advantage in radiation treatment ( 24 ). But the expensive cost of proton therapy facilities is still one of the main reasons that hospitals are reluctant to introduce them in Korea ( 19 ). Last month, Yonsei University Medical Center ( 25 ) became the first in Korea and the 16th in the world to introduce and operate heavy ion therapy devices. In addition, Seoul National University Hospital plans to introduce an intermediate ion therapy device to the Busan Gijang Cancer Center and operate it from 2027( 26 ). Da Vinci is a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive surgical procedures with precision and accuracy. Da Vinci robotic surgery is already proved to be a powerful tool for performing difficult techniques using high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images and the EndoWrist equipped with seven degrees of freedom ( 27 , 28 ).

2) Unparalleled Cancer Care System and Infrastructure

According to ‘the World Best Hospitals 2022’ ( 29 ) by Newsweek and powered by Statista, 21 countries are represented in the global top 150. South Korea has 8 hospitals on the list, while USA leads with 33 hospitals, followed by Germany with 14, Italy and France with 10 each. Asan Medical Center in Seoul ranks in 30 th and Samsung Medical Center in Seoul in 43 rd . On the list of the world best hospitals, South Korea ranks 12 th with 2 hospitals in neurosurgery, 12 th with 6 hospitals in cardiology, 2 nd with 12 hospitals in pediatrics, 4 th with 8 hospitals in gastroenterology, 12 th with 3 hospitals in cardiac surgery, 2 nd with 17 hospitals in endocrinology, 4 th with 10 hospitals, 3 rd with 12 hospitals in pulmonology, 2 nd with 14 hospitals in orthopedics, and 8 th with 13 hospitals in oncology ( 29 ). This result proves that Korea has the world-class medical technology and medical staff in various fields, and is at a level that can stand shoulder to shoulder with advanced medical countries, i.e., the United States, England, Germany, Spain, France, and Japan. In particular, South Korea shows an incomparable level of excellence in many medical fields in comparison with India, Thailand, Brazil, and Turkey, which are world-widely famous for medical tourism ( 30 ). Even when compared with Japan, South Korea is ahead of Japan, a medically advanced country, in the fields of pediatrics, gastroenterology, endocrinology, neurology, pulmonology, and orthopedics.

According to the medical quality evaluation report Samsung Cancer Hospital, the 5-year relative survival rate of Samsung Cancer Hospital (2008–2019) for gastric cancer is 87.7% ( 31 ). It is higher than the Korean average (77.0%, Korean cancer registration statistics from 2014 to 2018) and significantly exceeds the US average (32.4%, US cancer registration statistics from 2011 to 2017). The 5-year relative survival rate for distant metastasis of pancreatic cancer at Samsung Seoul Hospital was 26% (2011–2015), which is 10 times higher than the national average (2%) ( https://www.medicaltimes.com/Main/News/NewsView.html?ID=1117672 ).

The Samsung Cancer Center has saved more than 8 out of 10 lung cancer patients in the early stage, and is performing better than major hospitals in medically advanced countries such as the United States and Japan (as of 2011). Recently, 1,785 lung cancer patients were followed up for 5 years, and the cure rate of early lung cancer patients was 82%. These results are records that exceed that of lung cancer surgery treatment in medically advanced countries, such as the United States, France, and Japan. In fact, according to the stage 7 staging revision data surveyed by the World Lung Cancer Association, stage 1 lung cancer has a cure rate of 73% ( 32 ). Samsung Cancer Center’s pulmonary esophageal surgery team performed the first lung cancer surgery in 1994 and has performed the most surgeries in Korea, exceeding 5,000 cases in 16 years. Samsung Seoul Hospital, Cancer Center was ranked 6th among the ‘2023 Global Cancer Hospitals’ selected by U.S. Newsweek and ranked 1st in Asia. As a result, Samsung Seoul Hospital ranked on an equal footing with MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Mayo Clinic in the US, and higher than Johns Hopkins hospital or Japan’s National Cancer Center.

Samsung Cancer Hospital treats about 12% of the 250,000 new cancer patients in Korea, and 1 out of 10 cancer patients in Korea is receiving treatment at Samsung Cancer Hospital. For stomach cancer, which is common in Koreans, the 5-year survival rate is 87.7%, colorectal cancer 84%, lung cancer 50.7%, breast cancer 95.3%, and liver cancer 55.5% ( 33 ).

3) Effectiveness in Cancer Research

Recent research at Yale University conducted a cross-sectional study on cancer-related expenditure and mortality in the United States and 21 high-income countries, and then evaluated that the level of cancer-related expenditure may not be proportional to the reduction in cancer mortality ( 34 ). Among the main contents, the research reveals that cancer care expenditures are not proportional to cancer survival rate and that Korea has the lowest cancer mortality rate among the 22 major high-income countries is noteworthy.

As shown in Fig. 4 , Korean ranks in the 8 th in cancer care expenditure, but in the lowest in cancer mortality rates in Fig. 5 . That is, Korea takes advantage of the positive result between cancer care expenditure and cancer mortality rates. For the examples of Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States, they are the three countries that spend the most expenditure. Luxembourg ranks in the 9 th , Switzerland – in the 4 th , and the United States – in the 7 th lowest in cancer mortality rates.

Cancer Care Expenditure

Cancer Mortality Rate

As you can see from the Figs. 4 and ​ and5, 5 , the United States spends the most expenditure for cancer care, while the mortality rate ranks 7 th low. Denmark ranks 12th out of 22 countries in terms of expenditure, while its mortality rate remains the highest (22 nd ). Japan ranked 9th in expenditure and had the lowest mortality rate (2 nd ), except for Korea. South Korea ranked 15th out of 22 countries in terms of spending, but mortality rate of South Korea is the lowest (1 st ). South Korea has proven to be very efficient in spending on cancer research and treatment ( 35 ). It was found that Korea invests more in cancer treatment and research than Spain, Italy, Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom, which are known as medically advanced and high-income countries ( 34 ).

The Fig. 6 shows the trend and change of Cancer-related patents of USA and Korea. The total number of USA patents is 38,318, while average annual growth rate is 10.53%. On the other hand, Korea’s average annual growth rate is 17.59%, which is much higher.

Cancer-related patents of USA and Korea ( 36 )

Medical Tourism Convergence Cluster Project

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (henceforth, MCST) integrated the two support projects into the ‘Wellness and Medical Tourism Convergence Cluster Project’ (medical-oriented 3 cities & wellness-oriented 3 cities/provinces) to strengthen the competitiveness of K-tourism by linking the wellness tourism industry with the medical tourism industry (Wellness is a compound word of well-being, happiness, and fitness. Wellness tourism is a tourism activity that seeks to restore and improve health.) Because of the contest for metropolitan/local autonomous governments, the Korean MCST selected six business sites to expand medical infrastructure concentrated in Seoul and the metropolitan area to nationwide.

Incheon is developing a tourism product, linking neighboring areas to the medical industry, by taking advantage of its proximity to Seoul. Daegu/Gyeongbuk-do is developing medical tourism products by linking plastic surgery, dermatology treatment, and skin care with the specialized resources of Mt. Sobaek. Busan develops eastern, western, urban and marine wellness tourism resources and products and promotes them through videos. In particular, cancer treatment and organ transplantation are being promoted intensively. Gangwon, Chungbuk-do, and Jeonbukdo are developing tourist attractions such as hot springs, natural recovery in forests, and oriental medicine, focusing on regional specialization.

With an initiative of ‘Medical Korea’ under the slogan “Smart Care,” the Korean governments and government-affiliated institution KHIDI (Korea Health Industry Development Institute) endeavor to perform professional and systematic support to enhance the opportunities of health care services for foreign medical tourists.

Currently, medical tourism visas for the purpose of medical use can be issued for short-term medical tourism visas (C-3-3) and long-term medical tourism visas (G-1-10). Realistically, when a foreigner enters the country for the purpose of medical use, overall services are required. For example, medical tourism visa issuance service, medical interpretation service, medical professional coordinator performance service, customized tourism tour service, and medical professional counselor and continuous health care service. This one-stop service is actively supported by professional medical tourism companies, travel agencies, and general hospitals and specialized hospitals.

South Korea is a competitive medical tourism country with cost-effective results of surgery and treatment ( 37 ). According to the results of the 2022 Health Care and Industrial Technology Level Assessment conducted by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) ( https://www.khidi.or.kr/eps ), for 77 health care and industrial technologies, South Korea’s level was 79.4%, when USA with the highest technology is considered as 100%. The technology level of Korea falls behind 2.5 years.

In the early stages of application of proton/heavy ion therapy treatment, major hospitals in Korea are developing new technologies and treatment methods, and are trying to reduce the treatment costs. Proton/heavy ion therapy treatment takes advantage of its simple operation and patients’ short recovery time. Although foreign patients from low and middle-income countries cannot afford the high costs, foreign patients from high-income countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France are more likely to visit Korea because the economic burden of treatment in Korea is lower than in their home country.

The world-class outcomes and achievements of Korea’s cancer treatment result from accurate diagnosis with the advantage of PET-CT, 64-sllice CT, 3.0 TESLA MRI, etc., the use of cutting-edge equipment, such as CyberKnife, Da Vinci robotic surgery system, and Proton/heavy ion therapy system. Moreover, due to the strong national medical insurance, patients can easily go to the hospital, and the accumulation of these data strengthens the expertise and quality of medical professionals and staffs.

In addition, the efforts of the Korean government and local organizations also plays an important role. The central government has eased the visa issuance process and qualification conditions to make institutional improvements so that foreign patients can easily obtain visas, and is working to ensure that foreign patients can visit safely through the government certification system. Especially, local governments and hospitals plan to implement the medical tourism convergence cluster project to spread the medical infrastructure concentrated in Seoul and the metropolitan area to the provinces.

The medical tourism industry is one of South Korea’s future flagship industries. The size of the global medical market is estimated differently at $53.51 billion (by Fortune Business Insights) and $182 billion (by Glasgow Research & Consulting) in 2028. Its potential value in 2028, however, is expected to more than double in 2023.

In Korea, the central government, local governments, and each medical institution are making efforts to attract foreigners. The majority of foreign patients have been mainly visiting Korea for Internal medicine, plastic surgery, skin care, and dermatology. In particular, South Korea has excellent price competitiveness for cancer treatment when compared with other rival countries.

Although South Korea has medical potential and excellent performance, its reputation is less recognized as a medical tourism country when compared with Singapore, India, Thailand, and Japan. Medical tourism is one of the major industries of the country, and therefore the central and local governments, medical institutions and hospitals should endeavor to improve the quality of medical care as well as to raise awareness through promotional activities.

Journalism Ethical considerations

Ethical issues (Including plagiarism, informed consent, misconduct, data fabrication and/or falsification, double publication and/or submission, redundancy, etc.) have been completely observed by the authors.

Acknowledgements

1. This research was supported by the Chung-Ang University Research Grants in 2021.

2. Besides, it was supported by the KU Research Professor Program of Konkuk University.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

• Health, Pharma & Medtech

Medical tourism in South Korea - statistics & facts

South Korea is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations in the world. The country has been actively attracting foreign patients with advanced medical technologies and services during the past decade. As of 2021, the cumulative number of patients who visited Korea for medical purposes exceeded three million, with such services growing in popularity. Additionally, the increasing popularity of Hallyu content, such as K-pop or K-drama , has also led to an increase in the number of tourists visiting Korea. Prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, record numbers of medical tourists from 190 countries visited South Korea. As of 2022, patient numbers have yet to recover to pre-pandemic figures, but growth has been positive, with medical tourists increasing from around 117 thousand in 2020 to over 248.1 thousand just two years later. Among them, visitors from the United States and China accounted for the largest share of international patients coming to South Korea . A decade ago, the U.S. and Japan accounted for about half, but the nationality distribution of patients is becoming more and more diverse. In fact, the number of patients in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam as well as northern countries, including Mongolia and Kazakhstan, is increasing. In contrast, patients from Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, slightly decreased recently. The most visited medical department among foreign patients in Korea was the internal medicine department, followed by plastic surgery , and dermatology. The preferred medical treatments to receive in Korea differ from patients' region of origin. Patients from Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Thailand mostly visited Korea for cosmetic purposes such as plastic surgery and dermatology. With the surge in popularity of K-beauty and Korean singers and actors, this aligns with the impact of the Korean Wave ("hallyu") on the tourism sector in Korea. On the other hand, many visitors from the United States, Russia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan visited Korea for non-cosmetic treatment purposes, such as visiting an internal medicine practice or health checkup center. Prior to the pandemic, more than half of the patients who visited South Korea for medical treatment also enjoyed its additional tourism offers. Most visitors simply enjoyed shopping or city tours, while others visited historical sites and enjoyed its nature and scenery. Medical tourists' per capita spending on medical services lay at an average of around 6.5 thousand U.S. dollars, with drastic differences in expenditure depending on their country of origin. Overall, they were highly satisfied with the experience of medical services in Korea, and they were willing to revisit for medical treatment or recommend it to others. This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. Show more - Description Published by Statista Research Department , Dec 20, 2023

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Actual number of medical tourists travelling to South Korea 2009-2023

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Number of inbound visitors to South Korea from 2000 to 2023 (in millions)

Visitors in South Korea 2023, by purpose

Distribution of visitors in South Korea in 2023, by purpose

Actual number of foreign patients traveling to South Korea for medical treatment from 2009 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Reasons for inbound medical tourism South Korea 2022

Leading reasons for traveling to South Korea to receive medical treatment among medical tourists as of November 2022

Satisfaction of medical services among foreign patients South Korea 2015-2022

Satisfaction of medical services among foreign patients in South Korea from 2015 to 2022

Tourist arrivals

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Distribution of foreign patients traveling to South Korea for medical treatment in 2023, by country of origin

Number of U.S. American medical tourists South Korea 2009-2022

Actual number of U.S. American medical tourists traveling to South Korea from 2009 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of Chinese medical tourists South Korea 2009-2022

Actual number of Chinese medical tourists traveling to South Korea from 2009 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of Japanese medical tourists South Korea 2009-2022

Actual number of Japanese medical tourists traveling to South Korea from 2009 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of Thai medical tourists South Korea 2009-2022

Actual number of Thai medical tourists traveling to South Korea from 2009 to 2022

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Actual number of Vietnamese medical tourists traveling to South Korea from 2009 to 2022

Medical treatment

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Distribution of foreign patients traveling to South Korea for medical treatment in 2023, by department

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Number of foreign patients who visited internal medicine department in South Korea from 2012 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Foreign plastic surgery patient number South Korea 2009-2023

Number of foreign patients who visited plastic and cosmetic surgery departments in South Korea from 2009 to 2023

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Number of foreign patients who visited dermatology departments in South Korea from 2012 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

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Number of foreign patients who visited orthopedics departments in South Korea from 2012 to 2023

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Satisfaction of medical services among foreign patients South Korea 2022, by region

Satisfaction of medical services among foreign patients in South Korea as of November 2022, by region of origin

Number of medical tourists from the U.S. to South Korea 2022, by department

Number of medical tourists from the U.S. to South Korea in 2022, by department

Number of Chinese medical tourists to South Korea 2022, by department

Number of medical tourists from China to South Korea in 2022, by department

Number of Japanese medical tourists to South Korea 2022, by department

Number of medical tourists from Japan to South Korea in 2022, by department

Number of Thai medical tourists South Korea 2022, by department

Number of medical tourists from Thailand to South Korea in 2022, by department

Number of Vietnamese medical tourists South Korea 2022, by department

Number of medical tourists from Vietnam to South Korea in 2022, by department

Consumer behavior

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Medical tourists' sources to obtain information on medical service in South Korea as of November 2022, by channel

Average medical services expense per medical tourist South Korea 2022, by origin

Average per capita spending of medical tourists on medical services in South Korea as of November 2022, by country of origin (in U.S. dollars)

Medical tourists' payment methods for medical expenses South Korea 2022

Distribution of payment methods for medical expenses of medical tourists in South Korea as of November 2022

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Average number of travel companions of medical tourists who traveled to South Korea from 2017 to 2022

Medical tourists recommending medical services in South Korea 2022

Share of medical tourists who would recommend South Korea to others for its medical services as of November 2022

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Medical Tour in KOrea

Medical tourism packages, fully custom medical tours in korea.

The thought of receiving medical treatment in a foreign country can be daunting. Not being able to speak the language or being unfamiliar with your surroundings can make you feel vulnerable, but don’t worry. We’re here to help make your experience stress-free, comfortable and even enjoyable!

Trusted Doctors and Specialised Hospitals

We can determine your needs during an initial consultation and introduce you to experienced medical doctors and specialised hospitals offering the high-quality treatments you desire. In addition, we will be able to provide accurate pricing and suggest appropriate schedules and events for your stay.

Fully Tailored Medical Tourism Packages

As a comprehensive medical tourism agency in Korea, we can provide a complete medical tourism package based on your needs and fully manage the entire process. Or, if you prefer, we can just fill in the blanks for your exiting arrangements. Our services are 100% tailored to your individual needs.

Best Guides in Seoul (No Middle Man!)

As a service-based medical tourism agency in Seoul, we understand that our success is directly related to the quality and professionalism of our guides and staff. Therefore, our senior management handpicks each staff member to ensure we have the best team and stand out from the crowd.

Comfort and Peace of Mind

We can be with you every step of the way, from initial consultation and introducing local doctors to booking treatments and handling the logistics. We can help remove stress by taking care of the details, leaving you to focus on your recovery and make the most of your time in Korea.

Medical Tourism Korea

South Korea is a well-regarded hot spot for medical tourism. With vast expertise, highly trained doctors, world-leading medical services, and low-cost treatment, there is no surprise that people flock here looking for medical tourism packages.

World-Class Healthcare Facilities

Highly advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology accompany world-class healthcare services. In addition, the government continuously monitors the quality of care provided through hospital accreditation and strict evaluation programs, ensuring patient safety comes first. International medical societies highly respect our physicians, specialists, and surgeons.

Fast and Affordable Treatment

The cost of medical tourism in Korea is meagre compared to those in the USA and Japan. For example, haemorrhoid surgery in the USA costs approximately 10.91 million won, while for a fraction of the cost (roughly 1.27 million won), you can receive the same, if not superior, treatment in Seoul. In addition, some cancer treatments in Korea cost half of what you would pay in Singapore or Thailand.

Highly Accomplished and Skilled Doctors

In Korea, medical excellence standards are so stringent that only the top 0.5% of medical students can pass the rigorous exams and become practising professionals. So when you come to Korea for your medical needs, you are in the most capable hands.

Hub for Clinical Trials (Forefront of the Future)

South Korea has become one of the top 10 locations worldwide to conduct clinical studies. This is due to a mix of clinical experience, infrastructure, population density (Seoul), a supportive government, and access to highly educated, well trained medical professionals.

Leading Medical Tourism Fields

South Korea is considered a world leader in cosmetic surgery (plastic surgery), dermatology, and dentistry. In addition, Korea ranks among the world’s top tier in treating cancers, cardiac and vascular diseases, spinal disc repair and organ transplantation. There’s no surprise then that these treatments form Korea’s most popular medical tours.

Plastic Surgery

Specialities of Korean surgeons include wrinkle removal, breast surgery, microsurgery, scar removal, skin grafting, botox, anti-ageing treatments and aesthetic surgeries such as nose / eyelid surgery, hair removal / replacement and breast augmentation / reduction.

Korea offers the best dentistry services globally, from orthodontics, prosthodontics, wisdom tooth extraction and implants, to teeth whitening and general dental care. Using the latest technology, Digital CT Systems and 3D CT x-ray technology, treatment is fast, world-leading and very affordable.

Dermatology

Korea dominates the dermatology industry, with Korean women well-known for their beautiful skin. From aesthetic treatments for hair loss, dark spots, acne and wrinkles to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers, lesions and pigmentation, Korea is at the forefront with knowledge and expertise.

Infertility Treatment

Korean doctors can help treat blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, azoospermia, ovulation disorders, male infertility and Preimplantation Genetic Disorder (PGD). Treatments can include In Vitro Fertilization, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICIS), cryopreservation and artificial insemination.

Internal Medicine

Common ailments include paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, esophageal and gastrointestinal diseases, bowel disorders, pancreatic, liver and hematologic diseases, lumbar disc herniation, cervical disc herniation, scoliosis, spinal cord stenosis, facial palsy, obesity and weight management.

Cancer Treatment

Korea is a forerunner in robotic surgery, which can effectively remove cancerous cells in very thin and intricately intertwined lymph nodes. In addition, Korea has comparatively high survival rates for Thyroid, Breast, Cervical, Colon, Stomach, Liver, Lung and Pancreatic cancer treatments.

Orthopedics

Doctors are experts in treating pain from fractures, tendon injuries, meniscus, labral and rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Common treatments include arthroscopic surgeries, hip and knee replacement, rotator cuff and spinal surgery, Meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists in Korea are very highly skilled and offer some of the best treatments in the world. Some of the most common treatments locally and for medical tourists include laser eye surgery, retinal detachment surgery, cataract surgery with IOL replacement and LASIK eye surgery.

Oriental Medicine

In oriental medicine, acupuncture and moxa cautery are used alongside natural herbal medicines to restore harmony among the organs. Oriental clinics in Korea combine oriental and western medicine to meet patients’ needs and are well known for curing spinal diseases through non-surgical treatment.

Guide for Medical Tourists Visiting Seoul

Before setting off for medical tourism in Seoul, here are a few things you should consider. The better prepared you are on your arrival, the smoother and more comfortable your experience will be.

Entry Visas for Korea South Korea has visa-free travel agreements with 112 countries lasting 30-180 days. However, if you require a medical visa to enter Korea, we can assist you.

Bring Your Medical Records Bringing your medical records, prescriptions, or a doctor’s note from your home country can help save costs and aid your Korean doctor in choosing the best treatment for you.

Finding a Doctor in Korea We can introduce trusted, well-known hospitals, treatment centres and specialist doctors in Seoul. Alternatively, you are of course, welcome to find your own.

Local Friend and Transport Be sure to have a local friend with private transportation to get you to and from your appointments and show you around. In this regard, we can help you feel right at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions regarding medical tours and medical tourism in Korea. If you have any additional questions feel free to reach out to us at any time, and we’ll be happy to help.

What is a medical tourism package?

Medical tourism packages are fully customised around the needs of the patient and their comfort. Packages usually begin with a consultation and often include introducing trusted hospitals and doctors, booking medical procedures and accommodation, providing airport pick up, private transportation, an escort/interpreter and flexible post-treatment local tourism experiences.

How much does medical tourism in Korea cost?

With the enormous range of procedures, hospitals, and doctors in Korea, it is impossible to state exact costs for treatments and medical therapies. However, in general, most medical treatments and aesthetic surgeries can be up to 40% cheaper in Korea compared with the United States or Europe.

How much does a Korean plastic surgery tour package cost?

Each procedure requires differing amounts of time, resources and medical equipment, which means costs will vary greatly depending on what treatment you need. However, to give you some idea of how much a Korean plastic surgery tour package might cost, you can consider that in Korea, eyelid and nose surgery is generally offered at one third the cost of what you would pay in Japan.

How much do breast implants in Korea cost?

The cost of breast augmentation and breast implants in Korea will vary based on the type of procedure, options, and hospital you choose. However, as a general idea, you could save up to 50% compared to the cost of the same treatment in the US, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

How to find and book medical tourism in Korea?

Statistics show that around 60% of medical tourists request the services of a medical tourism agency. In addition, a local medical tourism agency in Korea, like us, will be able to help introduce you to well-known, trusted clinics and doctors, as well as book procedures for you at affordable prices.

Is plastic surgery in Korea safe?

South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries per capita worldwide, undergoing nearly 1 million procedures per year. Due to this high demand and consistent improvement of technologies, Korean plastic surgery is considered the most advanced in both safety and results.

How many foreigners go to Korea for plastic surgery?

Korea is regarded as the plastic surgery capital of the world. According to Statistica, in 2019, around 90,500 foreign patients visited Korea for plastic surgery.

Is South Korea good for medical tourism?

Healthcare in South Korea is very efficient, affordable and highly advanced, while patients’ satisfaction is consistently among the highest globally. In addition, Korea is a leader across many medical fields, making it a highly sought-after destination for medical tourism.

Private Tour Reviews

I got VIP to provide a fully managed medical tour package as it was my first time visiting South Korea. The hospital they introduced was very advanced and professional and the hotel was located close by in Gangnam. My Doctor spoke good English and my guide helped with translation everywhere else. Very satisfied and would recommend.

I had already booked a hotel and made arrangements with korean plastic surgery clinic introduced to me by a friend who had visited korea previously for treatment. So I only need a local guide to escort me to appointments help with the language barrier and show me around seoul. The service was completely flexible and my lovely guide was so comforting and great company. Post procedure my tours were well organised and flexible around how I felt that day…

– Kimberley

Very happy I booked with VIP Travel and would highly recommend them. They gave great recommendations during consulting. My doctor Dr Park was very experienced and explained everything clearly. My guide Sophie was very kind and attentive. She made my recovery so much more enjoyable and was so knowledgable about Korea. I couldn’t have asked for more.

– Terry Anne

Cost of Seoul Guides for Medical Tours

Starting from just

Up to 10 people

4 hours: 250,000

8 hours: 300,000

More than 10 people

4 hours: 300,000

8 hours: 400,000

Additional hour : 50,000

Airport transfer : 150,000 (one way)

chinese/japanese

Other languages.

4 hours: 400,000

8 hours: 700,000

4 hours: 500,000

8 hours: 800,000

Additional hour : 100,000

The above fares only include a tour guide in Seoul. Other costs for food, accommodation and transportation are not included. The minimum number of hours for the private tour service is 4 hours. When the tour exceeds 4 hours, the fare for 8 hours is applied. If the tour exceeds 8 hours, an additional hourly charge will be applied. When cancelling on the day of the tour, the cancellation charge is 100% of the booking cost. The company is not responsible for cancellation on the day of the tour due to the customer’s schedule changes or the weather. We accept Korean Won, US Dollars, Japanese Yen, and credit cards. The above fares do not include taxes. When required to issue a tax invoice, 10% tax will be added. Payment by credit card replaces a tax invoice.

Prices for Transportation

8 hours: 500,000

Additional hour: 70,000

Airport transfer: 300,000 (one way)

Capacity: 2 Recommend

Additional hour: 50,000

Airport transfer: 200,000 (one way)

Capacity: 4 Recommended

Airport transfer: 400,000 (one way)

Capacity: Up to 12

Charter bus

4 hours: 600,000

Additional hour: 100,000

Airport transfer: 700,000 (one way)

Capacity: Up to 40

The above fares include a driver, vehicle, and fuel. Other variable costs, including parking, toll gates, meals for the driver, and accommodation when travelling outside Seoul, are not included. The minimum number of hours for the private tour transport service is 4 hours. When the tour exceeds 4 hours, the fare for 8 hours is applied. If the tour exceeds 8 hours, an additional hourly charge will be applied. When cancelling on the day of the tour, the cancellation charge is 100% of the booking cost. The company is not responsible for cancellation on the day of the tour due to the customer’s schedule changes or the weather. We accept Korean Won, US Dollars, Japanese Yen, and credit cards. The above fares do not include taxes. When required to issue a tax invoice, 10% tax will be added. Payment by credit card replaces a tax invoice.

Already Have Everything Planned? (Book Online Now)

Already found a specialist doctor, booked your hotel and treatment? We can still provide a licensed and professional local guide to escort you to appointments, assist with interpretation, keep you company, aid your comfort and show you around during your recovery. Book a standard medical tour package below:

Need More Help or Ready to Book a Complete Medical Tourism Package?

Our professional and experienced medical travel agency comprised of local experts is ready to assist you. We can provide a total managed solution through a complete medical tour package or just help by filling in the missing services you need. Get in touch below:

We can help with:

Managing the entire process (Planning to Logistics)

Providing the missing pieces to your existing arrangements

Consultation on medical tourism products

Introduction of doctors, specialised hospitals and prices

Professional guides (escort and interpreter)

Private luxury transportation

Airport meet and greet and ground transfer services

Booking hotels, hospital appointments and treatments

100% Flexible Medical tours in Korea

Simply fill out our Medical Tour Enquiry Form , and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Medical Tour Enquiry Form

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You’ll Come Back Looking Like a Whole New Person

Inside seoul’s booming plastic surgery tourism industry..

This piece originally appeared in The Unpublishable , a newsletter critiquing the beauty industry. 

Even before you grab your bags from the carousels at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, you can fit your face into a spectral imaging machine to get your skin qualitatively analyzed for its health relative to your age. The A.I.-powered analysis is a free service courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization’s Medical Tourism Support Center. Staffers there to greet incoming travelers can usually speak at least some English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. Kiosks and clerks can help you find a facility for acupuncture or joint therapy. But most travelers are looking for skin treatments or cosmetic procedures—and they will happily pair you with their preferred plastic surgery clinics.

Korea boasts the most sophisticated medical aesthetic market in the world. It is the destination if you’re looking to get your asshole bleached, armpits colorized, and/or your skull reshaped over the weekend, in time for a return to work on Monday. Seoul boasts more cosmetic surgeons per capita than anywhere else on the planet—twice as many surgeons as the U.S., and 150 percent more surgeons than Brazil, the distant runner‑up. Because of its exceptionally high density of doctors, the Gangnam neighborhood has come to be known as “Plastic Surgery Street” or the “Improvement Quarter.” The glutted market means that the practitioners there are driven by competition to attempt treatments and techniques yet to be allowed in the States.

The imperative of upgrading the physical body is woven not just into domestic society but into the country’s export industries and global positioning. How did Seoul become the place where influencers flock to load up on laser treatments, injectables, and other therapies before blasting out their experiences to the masses? It’s part of a sophisticated national strategy.

Following a financial crisis in 1997, the regulatory climate in South Korea made it more lucrative for doctors if they specialized in surgical practices and diagnostic testing versus, for example, family practices. Cosmetic surgery offers both the need to “diagnose” patients with a “problem,” as well as the surgical solution to “fix” it. So, entrepreneurial medical professionals began to apply a scientific glaze to things like 3D imaging to help optimize the face or using big data to aggregate the ideal shapes and ratios for bodies. After all, if there is an ideal that can be “proven” by “science,” surgery or other treatments become easier to sell.

The state even supported the logic of bodily change as good citizenship by providing temporary tax breaks that could go toward cosmetic surgery. (Today, treatment for male-pattern baldness is covered by the country’s national health insurance.) The professional and personal pressures of their nation’s beauty culture came down particularly hard on South Korean women. Their prospective employers or loved ones would ask why they wouldn’t fix their eyelids, or get a blemish removed, when it was medically possible? Supply drove demand.

The evolution of jawline surgery in Korea is a notable example. As I detailed in my book Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture From the K-Beauty Capital :

Doctors began popularizing jawline surgery—a procedure that was previously only for reconstructive purposes—as a commercialized cosmetic procedure in the early aughts. Also called V‑line surgery, the procedure is aimed at reshaping the bottom half of the face and involves shaving and occasionally cutting, disassembling, and rearranging both lower and upper jaws (maxilla and mandible bones) to achieve a delicate-looking jaw. When you change the size and shape of the jaw, you transform the entire face. Jawline surgery stands out from eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty because it was normalized and popularized in Korea and by Korean doctors. There’s some local pride in that: in 2014, a clinic exhibited more than two thousand jaw fragments in two giant glass vessels, each bone labeled with the name of the patient from whom it was carved. Despite its popularity in Korea for more than a decade, it is still considered “foreign” by U.S. and European doctors. The medical tourism industry is predicated on problematizing the way we look. The V-line jaw is a made-up standard where supply first created demand. “It came about just about fifteen years ago and now it’s accepted as the thing to be,” Korean feminism writer James Turnbull told me, illustrating how profit-driven industries can make standards stick.

But in 2007, South Korea found itself in a jam: too many doctors, not enough patients. The country is small enough to fit into the space between L.A. and San Francisco, and the domestic market was saturated with spas, dermatology clinics, and plastic surgery centers. Enter the Korea Tourism Organization, and other export-minded agencies, which established medical tourism as one of its focus areas for growth—one of the country’s “strategic products.”

Offering tax breaks, tourist packages (transportation, hotels, and meals included) for medical tourists, and touting Korea’s advancements and competitive pricing (treatments are a fraction of what they cost in the U.S.), the effort transformed Gangnam’s Improvement Quarter into a thriving attraction for aesthetic upgrades. In 2009 about 60,000 foreigners visited Korea for medical procedures. By 2019, the number of medical tourists reached nearly half a million—an eightfold increase in a decade, after climbing steadily each year, according to numbers from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute.

Government agencies—national and municipal—offered some “tourist info hub”–type services to help find registered clinics for those interested in getting work done. But the system of support for medical tourism is a network of private brokers, like Eunogo, that partner with the hospitals and doctors to help foreigners choose services from a suite of options and guide patients through the entire process. “Korean surgeons have great skill and quality; all we needed [was] a good system,” Eunogo’s Joy Kang told me. “It was interesting to build something to connect foreign demand with quality doctors.”

They don’t just help foreign patients match with clinics. The broker agencies offer concierge services like translation (different clinics specialize in different dominant languages) or even staffing a caregiver to be with you throughout the entire medical process, including being the first person you see when you come out from anesthesia. This is usually all paid for by the hospitals, which rely on a constant influx of patients. As the saying goes, if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.

By Elise Hu

Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support.

For many of today’s hottest procedures, the ones you probably have seen on TikTok, no recovery time is needed. And hold on to your receipt! A cosmetic surgery tax refund comes with all cosmetic services performed on non-Korean passport holders, making the transaction an even better bargain.

If surgery renders a tourist’s face unrecognizable from their passport photo, there’s a service for that too. The Korea Tourism Organization issues a “plastic-surgery certificate” that immigration officials accept as proof of identity, along with the original passport, in order for the tourist to leave the country. For many people, international travel comes with the hope of a transformative experience. But few countries can rival Korea’s ability to guarantee that you will be a changed person by the time you leave—if only on a purely superficial level.

Passing Thru Travel

Top Destinations for Health and Medical Tourism in 2024

Posted: February 15, 2024 | Last updated: February 15, 2024

Health and medical tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people traveling abroad for high-quality medical treatments, wellness retreats, and alternative therapies. These destinations offer top-notch medical services and a chance to recuperate in a relaxing environment. This guide takes you through 15 global destinations renowned for their medical and wellness services.

Bangkok, Thailand

You’ll discover a world-renowned center for medical tourism in Bangkok where cutting-edge healthcare meets affordability and exceptional service. As you navigate the city, you’ll find state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of medical treatments, from cosmetic surgery and dental care to comprehensive health check-ups. These facilities are known for their highly trained medical professionals, many of whom have international experience and qualifications.

The allure of Bangkok for medical tourism isn’t just in the cost savings but also in the opportunity to recuperate in a vibrant city known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets, relaxing in a luxurious hotel, or enjoying a tranquil recovery by the picturesque Chao Phraya River, Bangkok provides an ideal setting for both your medical and travel needs. You could even head to one of the southernmost islands, such as Koh Samui, for rest and recuperation.

Services: Cosmetic surgery, dental care, and wellness retreats.

Insider’s Tip: Many hospitals offer packages, including post-treatment recovery in luxury accommodations.

How To Get There: Fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport, served by many international airlines.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has carved a niche for itself in the world of medical tourism, particularly noted for its excellent dental care and historic thermal baths. Here, you’ll find top-notch dental clinics offering a range of services at prices significantly lower than in many Western countries without compromising on quality or expertise.

Beyond dental care, Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, sourced from natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. These baths are not just about relaxation; they’re a traditional form of wellness deeply ingrained in the city’s culture. While benefiting from affordable, high-quality medical services, you also get to immerse yourself in the charm of a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle.

Wandering through Budapest’s grand architecture and along the Danube, you’ll experience this beautiful city’s unique blend of wellness and culture.

Services: Dental care and thermal baths for wellness.

Insider’s Tip: Schedule visits to thermal baths for natural healing.

How To Get There: Fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a global leader in medical tourism, especially renowned for its advancements in cosmetic surgery and dermatology. As you explore Seoul, you’ll encounter state-of-the-art medical facilities that offer a wide array of cosmetic procedures, from innovative skincare treatments to high-precision plastic surgeries, all performed by highly skilled doctors. These clinics often combine the latest technology with a personalized approach, ensuring both top-quality results and a comfortable experience.

The city itself, a blend of modernity and tradition, provides an exciting backdrop for your medical journey. Whether you’re recovering in a luxury hotel or exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Gangnam, known for its high concentration of clinics, Seoul offers a unique experience where cutting-edge medical care meets rich cultural exploration. This fusion of high-tech healthcare and dynamic urban life makes Seoul a compelling destination for anyone seeking medical services in a cosmopolitan setting.

Services: Advanced plastic surgery and dermatological treatments.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Gangnam district, known for its high concentration of clinics.

How To Get There: Fly into Incheon International Airport.

Find a serene and lush paradise that has become a sought-after destination for medical tourism, known for its affordable yet high-quality medical services in Costa Rica. As you explore this Central American gem, you’ll discover a range of medical offerings, from dental procedures to cosmetic surgeries, all provided in state-of-the-art facilities by experienced healthcare professionals.

What sets Costa Rica apart is its ability to combine medical treatments with a chance to recuperate in a tranquil, natural setting. Imagine recovering amidst the backdrop of rainforests, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity. This harmonious blend of top-tier medical care and a peaceful environment enhances your recovery and offers a unique opportunity to experience the pura vida lifestyle for which Costa Rica is renowned. Your journey to wellness in Costa Rica is complemented by warm hospitality and the chance to indulge in eco-friendly and wellness-oriented activities, making it a holistic health and travel experience.

Services: Dental work and cosmetic surgery in a natural, tranquil setting.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your medical trip with a stay near the beach or rainforest for relaxation.

How To Get There: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Mumbai, India

In Mumbai, India, you’ll find yourself in a bustling metropolis that has emerged as a key destination for medical tourism, attracting patients worldwide with its combination of high-quality healthcare and affordability. The city’s medical facilities are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, many of whom have trained internationally.

Mumbai specializes in a range of medical fields, including cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and transplants, offering services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Beyond the clinical aspect, Mumbai is a city steeped in culture and history, offering you a chance to experience the vibrant life of one of India’s most dynamic cities.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets, soaking in the diverse cultural heritage, or enjoying the local cuisine, Mumbai provides an enriching backdrop to your medical journey, blending world-class medical care with the warmth and vibrancy of Indian hospitality.

Services: High-quality cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and alternative medicine.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Ayurvedic retreats for holistic wellness.

How To Get There: Fly to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is at the crossroads of East and West, a city that has become a prominent hub for medical tourism, especially known for its hair transplantation and cosmetic dentistry expertise. As you navigate through Istanbul’s unique blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication, you’ll find numerous clinics and hospitals offering high-quality medical services at competitive prices.

These facilities are often equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized care. Its rich cultural tapestry enhances Istanbul’s appeal as a medical tourism destination, with landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Here, you can seamlessly combine your medical journey with the experience of exploring one of the world’s most historically rich and diverse cities.

Whether you’re strolling along the Bosphorus or savoring Turkish cuisine, Istanbul offers a unique setting where a wealth of cultural and historical experiences complements advanced medical treatments.

Services: Hair transplantation and cosmetic dentistry.

Insider’s Tip: Post-treatment, enjoy recovery in a city steeped in history and culture.

How To Get There: Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

In Sao Paulo, you’ll find yourself in a bustling city that’s increasingly becoming a hotspot for medical tourism, particularly known for its excellence in cosmetic and plastic surgery. As you navigate through Sao Paulo, the largest city in South America, you’ll discover a range of high-quality medical facilities that offer a variety of procedures, from minimally invasive treatments to more complex surgeries, all performed by skilled and experienced surgeons.

The city’s medical services are priced competitively, attracting patients from around the globe. Beyond the operating room, Sao Paulo is a vibrant metropolis brimming with cultural attractions, diverse cuisine, and dynamic nightlife. The opportunity to recover in such a lively urban environment adds an appealing dimension to your medical journey, combining top-tier medical care with the unique experience of exploring one of Brazil’s most dynamic cities.

Services: Cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Insider’s Tip: Brazil is known for its expertise in cosmetic procedures.

How To Get There: Fly into São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona beautifully marries cutting-edge medical facilities with the charm of a vibrant cultural hub, making it an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism. Known mainly for its advanced fertility treatments and cosmetic surgery, Barcelona’s medical centers boast state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled professionals, offering quality care at competitive prices.

As you embark on your medical journey in this city, you’re also treated to its rich architectural heritage, from Gaudi’s masterpieces to the Gothic Quarter’s winding streets. The city’s Mediterranean climate and inviting beaches provide a serene backdrop for recovery and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying tapas on a sun-drenched terrace or strolling along the bustling Las Ramblas, Barcelona offers a holistic experience where an immersive cultural journey complements exceptional medical care.

Services: Advanced fertility treatments and cosmetic surgery.

Insider’s Tip: Take advantage of the city’s rich cultural and gastronomic scene during recovery.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is rapidly gaining recognition for its advanced medical treatments and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. This vibrant coastal city offers a wide range of medical services, including cutting-edge cancer treatments and innovative medical technologies, attracting patients from across the globe. Tel Aviv’s medical institutions are known for their skilled professionals and personalized patient care, set within a competitive pricing framework.

Beyond healthcare, Tel Aviv is a lively, modern city known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, rich cultural scene, and bustling nightlife. The city’s warm climate and welcoming atmosphere provide an ideal environment for recovery and relaxation. As you walk along the beachfront promenade or explore the historic streets of Jaffa, Tel Aviv offers a unique blend of top-tier medical care and a lively urban experience, making it an attractive destination for medical tourists seeking both treatment and an enriching travel experience.

Services: Cutting-edge cancer treatments and medical technologies.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Mediterranean coast for a relaxing recovery.

How To Get There: Ben Gurion Airport is the main international gateway.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has established itself as a significant player in the field of medical tourism, offering an impressive array of healthcare services at highly competitive rates. The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is home to numerous internationally accredited hospitals and clinics that provide a wide range of medical procedures, from complex surgeries to wellness check-ups, all performed by qualified and experienced medical professionals.

These facilities are equipped with modern medical technology, ensuring high treatment standards. Kuala Lumpur’s appeal as a medical tourism destination is further enhanced by its rich cultural diversity, delicious cuisine, and a blend of modern and traditional lifestyles. The city’s excellent infrastructure and English-speaking medical staff make navigating your healthcare journey and the city itself a smooth and comfortable experience.

Whether exploring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers or indulging in the local food scene, Kuala Lumpur offers a unique setting where quality healthcare meets cultural richness.

Services: Affordable and quality healthcare covering various specialties.

Insider’s Tip: Malaysia’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world.

How To Get There: Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Singapore is a city-state known for its efficiency and modernity; you’ll discover a premier destination for medical tourism, renowned for its exceptional healthcare system. This bustling metropolis boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities that are among the best in the world, staffed with highly trained medical professionals who provide a wide range of specialized treatments and procedures.

Singapore’s hospitals are known for their high standards of patient care and cutting-edge medical technology, offering services from complex surgeries to preventive medicine. The city, known for its cleanliness and order, provides a comfortable and stress-free environment for your medical journey. As you navigate this cosmopolitan city, you can also enjoy its diverse cultural tapestry, lush green spaces, and a culinary scene that’s a melting pot of Asian cuisines.

In Singapore, your pursuit of health and wellness is complemented by the experience of a city that seamlessly blends traditional charm with a forward-thinking approach.

Services: State-of-the-art medical technology and facilities.

Insider’s Tip: Post-treatment, enjoy the city’s clean and organized environment.

How To Get There: Singapore Changi Airport.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a luxurious and futuristic city that has rapidly emerged as a key destination for medical tourism. Known for its lavish lifestyle and architectural wonders, Dubai also boasts world-class medical facilities offering a range of high-end medical and wellness services. These facilities are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by top-notch medical professionals, catering to a variety of health needs, from elective surgeries to wellness retreats.

The city’s emphasis on luxury and comfort extends to its healthcare services, ensuring a premium experience for medical tourists. As you explore Dubai, you can indulge in its opulent shopping malls, stunning skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, and relaxing beach resorts, which make the perfect backdrop for a recuperative stay. Dubai’s blend of advanced healthcare, luxury, and a unique desert landscape offers a distinctive and indulgent medical tourism experience.

Services: Luxury medical treatments and wellness retreats.

Insider’s Tip: Experience high-end recovery facilities in this modern metropolis.

How To Get There: Dubai International Airport.

Los Angeles, USA

In Los Angeles, you’ll immerse yourself in a city that’s not just the epicenter of entertainment but also a growing hub for medical tourism. Known for its advanced medical treatments, particularly in specialties like oncology and cardiology, Los Angeles hosts a range of top-tier hospitals and clinics. These facilities are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and expert medical staff, ensuring you receive high-quality care.

The city’s diverse and wellness-focused culture complements your medical journey, offering numerous options for healthy living and recovery. As you navigate the sprawling metropolis, you can indulge in its unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, from the Hollywood hills to the serene Pacific coastline. Los Angeles provides an ideal backdrop for those seeking world-class medical treatment while enjoying Southern California’s vibrant lifestyle and scenic diversity.

Services: Advanced medical treatments, especially in oncology and cardiology.

Insider’s Tip: The city’s wellness culture is ideal for recuperation.

How To Get There: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana, just across the border from San Diego, you’ll discover a city that has become a go-to destination for medical tourism, especially known for its affordable dental care and bariatric surgery. This bustling border town offers quality medical services at a fraction of the cost typically found in the United States, drawing patients from all over North America. Tijuana’s medical facilities are modern and well-equipped, staffed by experienced and often bilingual healthcare professionals.

The city’s proximity to the United States adds to its appeal, providing easy accessibility for those seeking efficient and cost-effective medical treatments. Beyond its healthcare offerings, Tijuana boasts a vibrant culture, with lively markets, authentic Mexican cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. In Tijuana, you can experience the benefits of affordable medical care while enjoying the rich cultural experiences that this unique border city has to offer.

Services: Affordable dental care and bariatric surgery.

Insider’s Tip: It is a popular destination for Americans due to its proximity and lower costs.

How To Get There: General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport or cross the border from San Diego.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is renowned for its classical music, stunning architecture, and, increasingly, for its high-quality preventive medicine and diagnostics. This elegant capital offers a range of sophisticated healthcare services, focusing on preventive care that emphasizes early detection and holistic treatment approaches.

Vienna’s medical facilities are world-class, featuring state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. The city’s healthcare system is recognized for its efficiency and patient-centric approach, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience.

Beyond its medical offerings, Vienna is enchanted with its imperial history, vibrant cultural scene, and cozy coffee houses, making it an ideal destination for those seeking top-tier medical services in a serene and culturally rich setting. In Vienna, the pursuit of health is complemented by the opportunity to immerse oneself in a city steeped in history and renowned for its contributions to art and science.

Services: High-quality preventive medicine and diagnostics.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy the city’s classical music scene and historical ambiance during your stay.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport.

The Bottom Line

Traveling for health and medical treatments combines the necessity of healthcare with the pleasure of experiencing new cultures and environments. Each of these destinations offers unique medical specialties.

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The post Top Destinations for Health and Medical Tourism in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ArtFamily.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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