India's medical tourism market to hit $16.2 bn by 2030, nearly doubling in 5 years
Synopsis
India's medical value travel market is on course to nearly double in five years — from $8.7 billion to $16.2 billion by 2030 — backed by AYUSH integration, NABH-accredited hospitals, and five new Regional Medical Hubs proposed in Budget 2026–27. With Bangladesh alone sending over 3.25 lakh patients in 2025, India's healthcare pull in its neighbourhood is already formidable.
Key Takeaways
India's medical tourism market is estimated at $8.7 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $16.2 billion by 2030 .
The global MVT market is expected to grow from $115.6 billion (2022) to $286.1 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.8% .
India recorded 5,07,244 medical tourist arrivals in 2025 — about 5.5% of total foreign tourist arrivals.
Bangladesh was the top source country with 3,25,127 medical visitors in 2025.
India ranked 10th globally and 5th in Asia-Pacific for wellness tourism per the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21 .
Union Budget 2026–27 proposes five Regional Medical Hubs with integrated AYUSH and MVT facilitation centres.
India's medical tourism market, officially termed Medical Value Travel (MVT), is estimated at $8.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to nearly double to $16.2 billion by 2030, according to a government statement released on Saturday, 2 May 2025. The announcement positions India as one of the fastest-growing hubs for cross-border healthcare in the world.
India's MVT Market at a Glance
The global MVT market was valued at approximately $115.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach around $286.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.8%. India's projected trajectory outpaces the global average, reflecting a confluence of competitive pricing, advanced medical infrastructure, and the country's unique integration of traditional wellness systems.
India recorded 9.15 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, of which 5,07,244 travelled specifically for medical treatment — accounting for approximately 5.5% of total foreign tourist arrivals, according to official data.
Top Source Countries and Patient Volumes
The leading source countries for medical tourists visiting India in 2025 were Bangladesh (3,25,127 arrivals), Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), Turkmenistan (10,231), Oman (9,738), and Kenya (9,357). Bangladesh alone accounted for the overwhelming majority of medical visitors, underscoring India's dominant role as a regional healthcare destination for South Asia and beyond.
What Is Driving India's Rise in Medical Tourism
Point of View
But a closer look reveals a heavy dependence on neighbourhood demand — Bangladesh alone accounts for nearly two-thirds of all medical arrivals. True global diversification, particularly from high-spending Western markets, remains elusive. The five Regional Medical Hubs are a sound structural bet, but their success will hinge on execution timelines and whether NABH accreditation is matched by consistently world-class patient outcomes. The AYUSH integration is a genuine differentiator, but it must be backed by rigorous evidence standards to hold up under international scrutiny.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medical Value Travel (MVT) and how big is India's market?
Medical Value Travel (MVT) refers to patients travelling across borders for medical treatment or wellness care. India's MVT market is estimated at $8.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to nearly double to $16.2 billion by 2030, according to a government statement issued on 2 May 2025.
Which countries send the most medical tourists to India?
Bangladesh is the top source country, with 3,25,127 medical tourist arrivals in 2025. Other major sources include Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), and Turkmenistan (10,231), reflecting strong regional demand from South Asia, Central Asia, and East Africa.
Where does India rank globally as a medical tourism destination?
According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21, India ranked 10th among the top 46 medical tourism destinations globally and fifth among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
What are the five Regional Medical Hubs proposed in the Union Budget?
The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed five Regional Medical Hubs with integrated medical, educational, and research facilities. Each hub will include AYUSH centres and MVT facilitation centres to support international patients throughout their treatment journey.
What role does AYUSH play in India's medical tourism growth?
AYUSH systems — including Yoga and Ayurveda — form a key pillar of India's MVT ecosystem, catering to the rising global demand for preventive and wellness healthcare. The government has introduced an AYUSH Visa specifically to facilitate wellness tourists seeking traditional Indian therapies.
