China Medical Tourism Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

The China medical tourism market had a market worth of US$ 8.9 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated that it will reach a market value of US$ 45.98 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.1%.

The market expansion is anticipated to be fueled by elements like reduced treatment prices in emerging nations, accessibility to the most recent medical technology, increasing compliance with global and regional standards for quality and service, and promotion and marketing of medical tourism over the course of the projected period.

In December 2021, the government of Boao Lecheng, China, released an article detailing the efforts made by the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone to advance research on stem cells, gene therapy, immune cells, and other novel biomedical procedures. These kinds of research and developments in this domain is anticipated to propel the growth of the market from 2023 to 2033.

Report Attribute Details
Estimated Market Value (2022) US$ 8.9 billion
Expected Market Value (2023) US$ 10.33 billion
Projected Forecast Value (2033) US$ 45.98 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 16.1% CAGR

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China Medical Tourism Market Historical Analysis (2018 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The demand for China’s medical tourism is projected to increase at a CAGR of over 15% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033, reaching a total of US$ 8.3 billion in 2018, according to a report from Future Market Insights (FMI). From 2018 to 2022, sales witnessed significant growth in the global China medical tourism market, registering a CAGR of 12.4%.

The demand for China medical tourism is anticipated to increase significantly throughout the predicted period. The rapid expansion of China's economy to become one of the largest in the world has boosted its reputation as a nation with cutting-edge medical infrastructure.

This has directly helped in raising the medical tourism sector in China. Government support has also been crucial in the rise of medical tourism in China. Hence, the China medical tourism market outlook is positive, with strong trends favoring the growth of the market.

What is primarily Driving the Regional Market for China Medical Tourism Market?

The Increasing Healthcare Concerns across the Chinese Region to Boost Growth

The Chinese healthcare industry has been influenced by the country's growing concerns about "lifestyle" ailments, which include an increase in diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems, etc. The urgent necessity to address the nation's rising caseload has greatly accelerated the China medical tourism market growth.

This has led medical tourists from developed countries to look at China as one of the options for medical treatment, improving the China medical tourism market share. The currency exchange rates are also favorable for the visiting medical tourists from developed countries, making the process of getting different treatments quite affordable, opening many opportunities for the China medical tourism market key players.

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What Limits China Medical Tourism Market?

The Language Barrier is a Serious Threat to the Market

There is still much space for improvement and expansion in the China medical tourism market, which is now in development. The language barrier, which results from the majority of people preferring to communicate in their mother tongue, and consumer reluctance to trust China's healthcare system, are some of the reasons limiting the China medical tourism market expansion.

In China, the practice of medical tourism is still relatively new. The strict laws and restrictions imposed by the Chinese government are a major cause of this scenario. China has the potential to develop into a significant hub for medical tourism provided the government relaxes the regulations and creates a global medical certification system.

These restrictions are expected to disappear over time, given the country's constantly growing English-speaking population and the growing perception of China as the world's top economy.

Category-wise Insights

Which Type Of Treatment Is Most Popular In China?

Cosmetic treatments are the most availed services by medical tourists in China

In 2022, the cosmetics treatment segment have occupied more than 45% market share throughout China. The popularity of Korean pop culture and other contributing elements have contributed to a little increase in Chinese individuals' expectations of beauty. The younger population's desire for appearance enhancement has increased demand for cosmetic treatments in the nation.

Cosmetic procedures now have a specialized yet developed industry within the nation, which has helped them gain popularity abroad as well. It has become the most sought-after treatment in the medical tourism industry in China.

Why Do Wellness Services Thrive In China?

Acupuncture and other treatments make wellness services popular in China

In 2022, the wellness services in the China medical tourism market acquired a 34.8% market share. China has long been praised for being a traditional and spiritual nation. Chinese herbal treatments and medications are well-liked as complementary medical options worldwide. The Chinese practice of acupuncture is also well-liked among foreign patients who come for medical treatment.

Medical tourists drive up demand for wellness services among international visitors to China, increase demand for authentic alternative medicines and therapies, and present new potential for the China medical tourism market.

What Type of Tour is Widely Available to Medical Tourists in China?

Independent travelers are the dominant tour type segment

By tour type, the independent travelers’ segment was estimated to occupy a 26.5% market share in 2022. Significant players for inbound tourism are still lacking, which forces medical tourists to China to go via various agents for various services attributed to the reason that China medical tourism is still relatively young.

The majority of medical tourists entering China are independent travelers. The trends in the China medical tourism market are still predicted to change as a result of the lucrative and hassle-free medical trip packages offered by these businesses, although there are now more competitors in the market.

Why is the Inflow of Male Medical Tourists MORE THAN Female Medical Tourists in China?

Male medical tourists are the majority of the visitors in China’s medical tourism Market

In 2022, male medical tourists had garnered a significant share of the market over 40%. The prevalence of male tourists in the China medical tourism market can be attributed to many reasons. Among the contributing variables include the fact that men generally have higher disease risks than women do.

This reflects in the China medical tourism market as well. Treatments for health issues related to blood circulation and diabetes are common among male tourists visiting China, encouraging China’s medical tourism market share growth.

Which Is The Leading Segment In The China Medical Tourism Market By Age Group?

The most common age group to travel to China for medical tourism is between 46 to 55

The age group between 46-55 is the most likely to visit China for medical tourism. This is due to increasingly common health issues like joint pain, diabetes, and blood pressure among this age group. In order to address these health problems, they frequently look for alternative treatments and medications.

Acupuncture has become very well-known among this age group of medical tourists, who frequently visit places offering traditional Chinese medicine. All these factors contributed to a positive China medical tourism market outlook.

What is the Preferred Booking Channel among the Consumers in the China Medical Tourism Market?

Online booking is the preferred booking channel for medical tourists visiting China

The preferred booking channel in the China medical tourism market is the online booking channel. This is due to the ease of bookings it offers, along with the added benefit of having a wide variety of options to choose from. This leads to the consumers choosing the online booking channel over other options, which can be costly and difficult to avail.

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Region-wise Analysis

What Factor is Further Boosting the Medical Tourism Market in China?

Government plans to open special zones for medical tourism across the country that further help in enhance market growth

The government of China has taken notice of the growing trend of medical tourism that is going around the globe, where its neighboring countries like India, Thailand, and Singapore are succeeding in attracting consumers from developed countries.

The government of China intervened in the sector and implemented encouraging policies to aid in the China medical tourism market expansion, under pressure to catch up to their contemporaries. The southernmost province of Hainan is an island renowned for its medical facilities, offering visitors mild weather, a comfortable stay, and top-notch medical care.

The Hainan BoaoLecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is one of the most ambitious steps from the government to improve the medical tourism market in the country. The pilot zone boasts of some of the most advanced medical machinery and treatments from across the globe. Some of the facilities are exclusive to the pilot zone, and not available anywhere else in China, surging the China medical tourism market size.

Start-Ups for China Medical Tourism Market

  • DXY (Ding Xiang Yuan) is an online social group for workers in the medical, bioscience, and pharmaceutical sectors. Doctors may share novel clinical discoveries, debate them with colleagues, and record routine events using the platform. The portal also provides news on the medical sector and clinical advancements along with resources for doctors' education. The business also runs a biomedical e-commerce platform as well as a platform for hiring medical experts.
  • Patients can connect with various foreign hospitals and medical professionals using the CYCARES online telemedicine platform. Following a telephone consultation, the patients can send medical records for review and then reserve hospitals for the necessary procedures. The network claims to have 410K licensed healthcare professionals and over 92 million users.

Market Competition

Key players in the China medical tourism market are looking to expand their presence across the globe, to spread awareness about their services among people looking for affordable and accessible healthcare.

The key players in this market include:

  • Beijing Saint Lucia Consulting Ltd.
  • Dr. Prem Community
  • Asia Pacific Medical Group
  • China Medical Tourism Inc.
  • Clifford Hospital
  • Continuum Healthcare Co. Ltd
  • Ctrip.com International
  • Dennis Consulting Yunnan Ltd.
  • Formera
  • Inner Mongolia Tourism Administration
  • Inter Partner Assistance Group
  • Elizabeth Hospital
  • BoaoYiling Life Care Center
  • Beijing Tong Shantang Hospital of TCM
  • Easy Tour China Travel Co. Ltd.

Some of the products being launched by the key players are:

  • Beijing Saint Lucia Consulting Ltd, a company founded in 2011, is backed by Sequoia Capital. The company specializes in providing consulting services for advanced medical treatments throughout China.
  • A round of financing worth hundreds of millions of RMB was successfully completed, according to the Asia Pacific Medical Company, the largest private medical company in China. IDG Capital and PICC (PICC) equity investment co-led the investment, while GL Capital will join in the investment in 2022. The proceeds from this round of financing-the Asia Pacific Medical Group's first external round-will be primarily utilized for the completion of the Shanghai Xiehua Hospital and the purchase of a few facilities.

Report Scope

Report Attribute Details
Growth Rate CAGR of 16.1% from 2023 to 2033
Market value in 2023 US$ 10.33 billion
Market value in 2033 US$ 45.98 billion
Base Year for Estimation 2022
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units US$ billion in value
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered
  • Treatment Type
  • Services
  • Tour Type
  • Consumer Orientation
  • Age Group
  • Booking Channel
Key Companies Profiled
  • Beijing Saint Lucia Consulting Ltd.
  • Dr. Prem Community
  • Asia Pacific Medical Group
  • China Medical Tourism Inc.
  • Clifford Hospital
  • Continuum Healthcare Co. Ltd
  • Ctrip.com International
  • Dennis Consulting Yunnan Ltd.
  • Formera
  • Inner Mongolia Tourism Administration
  • Inter Partner Assistance Group
  • Elizabeth Hospital
  • BoaoYiling Life Care Center
  • Beijing Tongshantang Hospital of TCM
  • Easy Tour China Travel Co. Ltd.
Customization & Pricing Available on Request

Key Segments Profiled in the China Medical Tourism Market

By Treatment Type:

  • Dental Treatment
  • Cosmetic Treatment
  • Cardiovascular Treatment
  • Orthopedic Treatment
  • Neurological Treatment
  • Cancer Treatment
  • Fertility Treatment
  • Others

By Services:

  • Wellness Services
  • Therapeutic Services

By Tour Type:

  • Independent Traveler
  • Tour Group
  • Package Traveler

By Consumer Orientation:

  • Men
  • Women
  • Children

By Age Group:

  • 15-25 Years
  • 26-35 Years
  • 36-45 Years
  • 46-55 Years
  • 66-75 Years

By Booking Channel:

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In-Person Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the China Medical Tourism Market?

The market is valued at US$ 10.33 billion in 2023.

What is Growth Forecast for the China Medical Tourism Market?

The market is expected to register a CAGR of 16.1% in 2033.

What was the Historical Growth Outlook of the Market?

From 2018 to 2022, the market registered a CAGR of 12.4%.

What is the Projected Size of the China Medical Tourim Market?

By 2033, the market is expected to reach US$ 45.98 billion.

What Limits the China Medical Tourism Market?

The language barrier limits the Market.

Table of Content

1. Executive Summary

    1.1. China Market Outlook

    1.2. Demand-side Trends

    1.3. Supply-side Trends

    1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis

    1.5. Analysis and Recommendations

2. Market Overview

    2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy

    2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations

3. Market Background

    3.1. Market Dynamics

        3.1.1. Drivers

        3.1.2. Restraints

        3.1.3. Opportunity

        3.1.4. Trends

    3.2. Scenario Forecast

        3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario

        3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario

        3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario

    3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis

    3.4. Investment Feasibility Matrix

    3.5. PESTLE and Porter’s Analysis

    3.6. Regulatory Landscape

        3.6.1. By Key Regions

        3.6.2. By Key Countries

    3.7. Regional Parent Market Outlook

4. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033

    4.1. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis, 2018 to 2022

    4.2. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Projections, 2023 to 2033

        4.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis

        4.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis

5. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Treatment Type

    5.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    5.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Treatment Type, 2018 to 2022

    5.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Treatment Type, 2023 to 2033

        5.3.1. Dental

        5.3.2. Cosmetic

        5.3.3. Cardiovascular

        5.3.4. Orthopedic

        5.3.5. Neurological

        5.3.6. Cancer

        5.3.7. Fertility

        5.3.8. Others

    5.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Treatment Type, 2018 to 2022

    5.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Treatment Type, 2023 to 2033

6. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Services

    6.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    6.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Services, 2018 to 2022

    6.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Services, 2023 to 2033

        6.3.1. Wellness

        6.3.2. Therapeutic

    6.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Services, 2018 to 2022

    6.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Services, 2023 to 2033

7. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Tour Type

    7.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    7.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Tour Type , 2018 to 2022

    7.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Tour Type , 2023 to 2033

        7.3.1. Independent Traveller

        7.3.2. Tour Group

        7.3.3. Package Traveller

    7.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Tour Type , 2018 to 2022

    7.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Tour Type , 2023 to 2033

8. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Consumer Orientation

    8.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    8.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2022

    8.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Consumer Orientation, 2023 to 2033

        8.3.1. Men

        8.3.2. Women

        8.3.3. Children

    8.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2022

    8.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2023 to 2033

9. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Age Group

    9.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    9.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2022

    9.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Age Group, 2023 to 2033

        9.3.1. 15-25 Years

        9.3.2. 26-35 Years

        9.3.3. 36-45 Years

        9.3.4. 46-55 Years

        9.3.5. 66-75 Years

    9.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2022

    9.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Age Group, 2023 to 2033

10. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Booking Channel

    10.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    10.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2022

    10.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Booking Channel, 2023 to 2033

        10.3.1. Phone Booking

        10.3.2. Online Booking

        10.3.3. In-Person Booking

    10.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2022

    10.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Booking Channel, 2023 to 2033

11. Market Structure Analysis

    11.1. Competition Dashboard

    11.2. Competition Benchmarking

    11.3. Market Share Analysis of Top Players

        11.3.1. By Treatment Type

        11.3.2. By Services

        11.3.3. By Tour Type

        11.3.4. By Consumer Orientation

        11.3.5. By Age Group

        11.3.6. By Booking Channel

12. Competition Analysis

    12.1. Competition Deep Dive

        12.1.1. Beijing Saint Lucia Consulting Ltd.

            12.1.1.1. Overview

            12.1.1.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.1.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.1.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.1.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.1.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.2. Dr. Prem Community

            12.1.2.1. Overview

            12.1.2.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.2.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.2.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.2.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.2.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.3. Asia Pacific Medical Group

            12.1.3.1. Overview

            12.1.3.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.3.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.3.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.3.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.3.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.4. Inc.

            12.1.4.1. Overview

            12.1.4.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.4.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.4.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.4.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.4.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.5. Clifford Hospital

            12.1.5.1. Overview

            12.1.5.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.5.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.5.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.5.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.5.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.6. Continuum Healthcare Co. Ltd

            12.1.6.1. Overview

            12.1.6.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.6.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.6.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.6.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.6.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.7. Ctrip.com International

            12.1.7.1. Overview

            12.1.7.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.7.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.7.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.7.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.7.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.8. Dennis Consulting Yunnan Ltd.

            12.1.8.1. Overview

            12.1.8.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.8.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.8.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.8.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.8.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.9. Formera

            12.1.9.1. Overview

            12.1.9.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.9.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.9.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.9.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.9.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.10. Inner Mongolia Tourism Administration

            12.1.10.1. Overview

            12.1.10.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.10.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.10.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.10.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.10.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.11. Inter Partner Assistance Group

            12.1.11.1. Overview

            12.1.11.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.11.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.11.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.11.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.11.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.12. Elizabeth Hospital

            12.1.12.1. Overview

            12.1.12.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.12.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.12.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.12.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.12.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.13. BoaoYiling Life Care Center

            12.1.13.1. Overview

            12.1.13.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.13.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.13.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.13.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.13.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.14. Beijing Tongshantang Hospital of TCM

            12.1.14.1. Overview

            12.1.14.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.14.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.14.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.14.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.14.5.1. Marketing Strategy

        12.1.15. Easy Tour China Travel Co. Ltd.

            12.1.15.1. Overview

            12.1.15.2. Product Portfolio

            12.1.15.3. Profitability by Market Segments

            12.1.15.4. Sales Footprint

            12.1.15.5. Strategy Overview

                12.1.15.5.1. Marketing Strategy

13. Assumptions & Acronyms Used

14. Research Methodology

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