ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Market – By Category (Medical Tourism, Wellness Tourism) & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Market Size

ASEAN medical and wellness tourism market size was valued at USD 51.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 12.7% from 2024 to 2032. High market growth can be attributed to an increasing focus on cost-effectiveness, growing number of accreditations to international hospitals, and rising disposable income.
 

Moreover, the government support across ASEAN countries is actively promoting medical and wellness tourism through various policies, infrastructure investments, and partnerships. For example, Malaysia has launched its Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025, aiming to position the country as the Cardiology Hub of Asia. Similarly, Singapore is recognized for its high-end, technologically advanced medical services, particularly in oncology and cardiology, catering to affluent international patients.
 

Additionally, the growing demand for wellness tourism is boosting the market, as travelers seek holistic treatments, rehabilitation, and traditional therapies alongside medical care. Countries like Indonesia and Thailand are renowned for offering wellness retreats that include spa treatments, yoga, and alternative therapies, blending medical procedures with relaxation and recovery. Furthermore, the region’s geographic proximity to major markets such as China, Australia, and the Middle East contributes to the rising number of medical tourists. ASEAN's strategic location, combined with its appeal as a travel destination, makes it an attractive option for medical and wellness tourists, further driving market expansion.
 

Medical and wellness tourism involves traveling to a foreign country to seek medical treatments, surgeries, or wellness services such as spa therapies and holistic healing. This type of tourism combines healthcare and leisure, offering patients high-quality, affordable treatments while allowing them to recover in a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
 

ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Market Trends

The market has seen rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have become top destinations due to their advanced healthcare infrastructure, skilled medical professionals, and competitive pricing. Medical tourists from regions like Europe, Middle East, and neighbouring Asian countries are drawn to ASEAN for a range of treatments, including cosmetic surgery, dental care, and fertility treatments.
 

• Wellness tourism is a growing sector, with many ASEAN countries offering holistic therapies and wellness programs that blend traditional and modern healing practices. Popular options include spa retreats, detox programs, yoga, and alternative medicine, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Countries like Indonesia and Thailand are well-known for their wellness resorts, providing a peaceful environment for recovery and relaxation.
   
• However, the COVID-19 pandemic initially slowed the market, but recovery is underway as countries reopen their borders and implement stringent safety protocols. Digitalization in healthcare, including telemedicine and online consultations, has played a significant role in sustaining the market during the pandemic. The ASEAN region's ability to offer healthcare services and wellness programs tailored to a diverse range of international tourists, combined with efforts to market themselves as safe and reliable destinations, is expected to drive continued growth.
   

ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Market Analysis

Based on category, the market is classified into wellness tourism and medical tourism. The wellness tourism segment generated the highest revenue of USD 37 billion in 2023.
 

• There is a growing awareness among individuals about the importance of health and wellness, leading to a rising demand for wellness tourism. People are increasingly seeking holistic approaches to health that combine medical treatments with wellness activities, such as spa treatments, yoga, and holistic therapies.
   
• Additionally, the ASEAN region is rich in diverse wellness offerings, including traditional healing practices, spa treatments, and holistic therapies. This variety attracts both local and international tourists seeking unique wellness experiences that are often culturally rooted and personalized.
   
• Moreover, many ASEAN countries offer high-quality medical and wellness services at significantly lower costs compared to western countries. This affordability, combined with the value for money provided by comprehensive wellness packages, makes the region an attractive destination for wellness tourism, thereby leading to the segment growth.

Thailand medical and wellness tourism market accounted for USD 24.4 billion market revenue in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• Thailand's medical and wellness tourism market has emerged as one of the key global destinations for medical travelers, driven by a combination of advanced medical infrastructure, affordable healthcare services, and renowned wellness centers. In recent years, Thailand has positioned itself as a leader in Southeast Asia for both medical procedures and holistic wellness offerings.
   
• This success can be attributed to several factors, including government support, strategic investments in healthcare, and the country’s established reputation for hospitality and quality care. For instance, in July 2024, Bangkok Hospital announced plans to invest USD 5 million in building a robotic surgery center, which is expected to focus on minimally invasive surgeries.
   

Malaysia medical and wellness tourism market accounted for USD 8.3 billion market revenue in 2023 and is estimated to hold substantial share between 2024 and 2032.
 

• Malaysia's medical and wellness tourism market has grown rapidly in recent years, establishing the country as one of the leading destinations in Asia for healthcare travelers. This growth is attributed to a combination of high-quality medical services, competitive pricing, government support, and strategic marketing efforts. In July 2024, the government of Malaysia announced the launch of the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme (FMTH) under the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025 campaign. The program focuses on improving healthcare infrastructure, the quality of healthcare services, and the expertise of healthcare personnel.
   
• Moreover, the country’s healthcare system is known for its advanced medical infrastructure, internationally accredited hospitals, and highly trained medical professionals, many of whom have received international education and certifications. This strong healthcare foundation has helped Malaysia attract many medical tourists, particularly from neighboring countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and China, as well as from the Middle East.
   

Vietnam medical and wellness tourism market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
 

• Vietnam’s medical and wellness tourism market is rapidly growing, driven by increasing government investments in healthcare infrastructure and a focus on expanding medical tourism. Key cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are becoming medical hubs, offering services such as cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopedic treatments, and fertility services at competitive prices compared to neighboring countries.
   
• Moreover, the authorities are actively involved in promotional activities to spread the awareness about medical services and products. For instance, in June 2023, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism in collaboration with Department of Health arranged a press conference to create awareness about Ho Chi Minh City medical tourism products. Moreover, according to authority's estimates, the Ho Chi Minh City can be a potential medical tourism hotspot for patients in Northeast Asia or Europe.
   

Indonesia holds a dominant position in the ASEAN medical and wellness tourism market.
 

• Indonesia is emerging as a significant player in the market. Factors such as a growing focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, government support, and the country’s natural appeal for wellness experiences are creating a favorable environment for the growth of Indonesia's medical and wellness tourism market.
   
• While Indonesia is not yet as established as Thailand or Singapore in terms of medical tourism, it has been gaining attention due to its affordability, diverse treatment offerings, and the rising number of accredited healthcare facilities.
   

ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Market Share

The market is dominated by some of the major market players. The market is dynamic and rapidly evolving, with major organizations, local small players, and start-ups joining the industry competition. The key industry players are consistently involved in creating new opportunities in the healthcare and wellness sector. Leading companies, such as Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., SingHealth Group, Four Seasons Hotels, Marriot International, InterContinental Group, and IHH Healthcare maintain a strong presence with extensive product portfolios of medical and wellness tourism, focusing on holistic and traditional treatments, appealing to patients seeking alternative healing and expand the market reach.
 

ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the ASEAN medical and wellness tourism industry include:

• AEK Udon International Hospital
• Bumrungrad International Hospital
• COMO Hotels and Resorts
• Four Seasons Hotels
• Gojek
• Grab Holdings Ltd.
• Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
• IHH Healthcare
• InterContinental Group
• KPJ Healthcare Berhad
• Mahkota Medical Centre
• Makati Medical Center
• Marriot International
• National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara)
• Penang Adventist Hospital
• Radisson Hotel Group
• Raffles Medical Group
• Rosewood Hotel Group
• SingHealth Group
• St. Luke's Medical Center
• Sunway Group
   

ASEAN Medical and Wellness Tourism Industry News:

• In September 2024, IHH Healthcare announced that it has acquired Island Hospital to expand its footprint in Malaysia. This acquisition may enable the company to expand its customer base.
   
• In June 2024, Malaysia’s Sunway Medical Centre adopted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology reporting to enhance medical imaging workflow. This strategy may help the company to gain competitive edge over its peers.
   

ASEAN medical and wellness tourism market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Category

• Medical tourism
  • Cardiovascular surgery
  • Cosmetic surgery
    • Breast augmentation
    • Hair transplant
    • Other cosmetic surgeries
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Oncology treatment
  • Fertility treatment
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Other applications
• Wellness tourism
  • Service
    • Lodging
    • Transport
    • Wellness activities
    • Other services
  • Travel type
    • Domestic
    • International
  • Travel purpose
    • Primary
    • Secondary

The above information is provided for the following countries:

• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Brunei