India’s medical tourism market to nearly double by 2030

The value of India’s medical tourism market could almost double by 2030, with revenue from treatment and wellness travel projected to reach US$16.2 billion. By comparison, it stood at US$8.7 billion in 2025, reports IANS, a TV BRICS partner, citing the government of the country.

At present, medical tourism in India comprises two directions: travel for medical treatment and wellness programmes based on Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) – a system of traditional Indian medicine that includes Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani (Persian-Arab traditional medicine), Siddha medicine (one of the oldest medical systems of southern India) and homoeopathy.

Experts attribute the rapid growth of medical tourism in India to the integration of modern infrastructure with traditional systems of healthcare. Visitors have access to a comprehensive ecosystem developed with government support, incorporating digital technologies and covering regional medical centres. In addition, the Government of India has introduced a special visa category (Ayush Visa) for foreign citizens planning to visit the country to participate in wellness programmes based on traditional Indian systems of medicine.

In 2025, India welcomed 9.15 million international tourists, of whom 507,244 travelled for medical treatment. Medical tourism accounts for approximately 5.5 per cent of the total number of foreign visitors to the country.

Hospitals and other healthcare institutions across India receive accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), which sets strict standards for patient safety and quality of care.

The government noted that the national budget for 2026–2027 provides for the creation of five regional medical centres integrating healthcare, education and research institutions. Each centre will include Ayush facilities and medical tourism facilitation hubs.

According to expert estimates, the global medical tourism market is expected to grow to US$286.1 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of around 10.8 per cent.