Market Trends of Japan Medical Tourism Industry
The Neurology Segment is Projected to Register Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
By treatment type, the neurology segment is anticipated to hold a major market share during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of major neurological conditions around the globe, along with the lack of treatment facilities in lower-middle-income countries for neurological disorders, is anticipated to boost the adoption of advanced treatment facilities in Japan among the global population. For instance, according to an article by PLOS One, in May 2023, Japan is one of the countries with the most aged population. It has the highest prevalence of dementia at 23.3 per 1,000 people in the world, which burdens people with this health condition, their communities, and the nation as a whole. This increase in neurological disorders is surging the demand for advanced treatment options, which is projected to accelerate the growth of the medical tourism market in Japan during the forecast period.
Additionally, the increasing number of neurologists in Japan is leading the way in the market's growth. For instance, according to an article published by the Japanese Society of Neurology in August 2022, the association had 9,560 full members as of March 2022, and it was also reported that the number of members increased by about 1,000 in the last five years. This, in turn, reduces the wait time for neurology disorders in Japan and hence contributes to the growth of this segment.
Thus, the above-mentioned factors are surging the growth of this segment in the market during the forecast period.
The Private Hospital Segment is Projected to Register Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
Private service providers act as intermediaries or facilitators, offering a range of services to medical tourists, including pre-travel arrangements, medical coordination, and post-treatment support. They play a crucial role in making Japan's medical tourism market more accessible and user-friendly for international patients. They offer a valuable bridge between foreign patients and the Japanese healthcare system, fostering a more positive and successful medical tourism experience.
A high number of private hospitals in Japan is the primary factor for the significant growth of this segment in the country's medical tourism market. For instance, according to the data published by Global Health & Medicine in February 2024, Japan has the most private capital-dependent healthcare delivery system compared to any developed country. As per the same source, around 70% of the hospitals in Japan are private and governed by medical corporations. This results in the increased offering of advanced medical care to medical tourists compared to public hospitals. Also, according to the same source, approximately 70% of Japan's hospitals were private, leading to the adoption of these hospital settings among the patient population.
Additionally, advanced Medicare facilities, the availability of advanced healthcare equipment, and trained healthcare professionals are fueling the adoption of private hospitals in Japan and have been instrumental in the segmental growth in the Japanese medical tourism market.
