Spain Medical Tourism Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Spain Medical Tourism Market Analysis

The Spain Medical Tourism Market size is estimated at USD 1.55 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 3.53 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.89% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The Spanish medical tourism market is experiencing growth due to the combination of the country's advanced treatment options and the high prevalence of significant health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases, and more. For instance, according to the data accessed from the International Diabetes Organization in May 2024, the number of people suffering from diabetes across the world was 5.1 million in 2021 and is anticipated to increase to 5.5 million by 2045. Thus, as diabetes becomes a major health concern, patients are seeking advanced and personalized treatment options beyond their home countries. With its high-quality healthcare system, cutting-edge medical technology, and cost-effective services, Spain is becoming a preferred destination for these medical tourists, which is set to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Also, several initiatives by the Spanish government to increase investment in the country's healthcare systems are augmenting the demand for medical tourism in Spain. For instance, according to an article published by Altios in January 2022, the Spanish government introduced the PERTE plan (Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation) by investing EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.5 billion) between 2021-2023. This initiative aims to promote the implementation of personalized precision medicine in the national health system and introduce innovative and emerging treatments.

Furthermore, the active initiatives by the Spanish government to increase medical tourism in the country are set to drive market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in February 2024, the Spanish government launched a study to analyze the current status and potential of health tourism in Spain to establish a future action plan to assert the country's position in international medical tourism. The study identifies key factors involved in medical tourism in Spain, markets and countries of origin, demanded services, tourist requirements, public policies and support strategies, and the impact of European directives on cross-border healthcare. The Spanish government has also set up initiatives to provide seamless communication, effective medical travel facilitation, and culturally competent programs to promote medical tourism.

Thus, owing to the aforementioned factors, such as the rising prevalence of various diseases and the active involvement of government organizations in increasing medical tourism activity in the country, the market is anticipated to register a lucrative growth rate during the forecast period. However, post-treatment complications and difficulties in patient follow-ups are some factors hindering the market growth.

Spain Medical Tourism Market Trends

The Oncology Segment is Projected to Hold a Significant Market Share During the Forecast Period

Spain Medical Tourism Industry Segmentation

Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country to receive medical treatment or procedures. It involves individuals seeking healthcare services outside their home country, often due to various factors such as cost, quality, availability, or a combination of these. 

The Spanish medical tourism market is segmented by treatment type and providers. By treatment type, the market is segmented into cardiovascular, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, cosmetics, and other treatment types. By service providers, the market is segmented into public and private. The report offers market sizes and forecasts in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.