medical tourism companies in france

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On top of leading practitioners, modern health institutions, advanced technologies and a high safety of care, France offers a wide range of activities: cultural, natural, historical heritage, gastronomy… Everything is ready to make your stay unforgettable.

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To make things easy for you, FAME Santé offers all inclusive packages combining the best medical care and tourism at a competitive price!

You are interested in a full medical check-up, you need eye surgery or a dental implant, you need a complete diabetes  follow-up : you can get the best care from French professionals while discovering the beauty of France. Check our latest offers.

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Badis H, 42 years, Tripoli, Lebanon “Advised by a friend, I decided to bring my mother to France for her medical treatment. I wanted the best for her. After comparing a few agencies, I decided to trust FAME. Therefore in September 2012,  I came to France with my mother and children. The day of our arrival at the airport, our consultant Helen was waiting for us to drive us to our hotel. ...

David T, 37 years, Watford, England “After hesitating for a long time, I finally decided to be operated in France. The choice was not easy, but the seriousness of FAME teams reassured me. Upon my arrival to France, I was greeted at the airport by my agent Anthony, who drove me to the clinic where I was able to meet the medical team. The doctor, who spoke fluent english, explained the procedure ...

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Once you accept the quote and confirm your wish to proceed with the preparations, 50% upfront payment is required. 30% of the total amount should be paid 15 days before arrival and the due amount within 10 days from the final invoice date.

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Medical Tourism to France

The healthcare system in france, top ranking hospitals in france [4].

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Toulouse
• Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille
• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Bordeaux
• Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
• Centre hospitalier privé Saint Grégoire, Saint-Grégoire (Private Hospital)

Centre Chirugical AMBROISE-PARÉ

Provence surgery, common treatments done by medical tourists in france.

• Cosmetic surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Cancer treatment
• Dental surgery

Cost of Medical Treatments in France

Malpractice and liability laws in france, no hidden cost, no language barrier, extra savings for european union citizens, complicated paperwork, cost of living, traveling to france, entry and exit requirements to france [9], eu citizens, us citizens, other nationalities, statistics of medical tourism in france, france medical tourism:, who is already here.

Verdi Aesthetic Center

CHP Saint-Grégoire

Clinique Alphand

Infirmerie Protestante de Lyon

Clinique de L'Alma

Browse by specialty - france hospitals and clinics, quick links.

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The Global Reach of France’s Medical Tourism Market: A Study of Patient Origins

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France attracts patients from all over the world seeking top-notch medical care. From aesthetic procedures to complex surgeries and specialized treatments, medical tourists flock to France for the best possible care and the country’s renowned hospitality and culture. This has fueled the expansion of the medical tourism market in France, solidifying its position as a major player in the global industry.

Patients from African countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and many others, make up a significant portion of France’s medical tourism market. These patients may seek various medical procedures such as cancer treatments, organ transplants, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and more. Some of the reasons why patients from African countries choose to travel to France for medical care include the country’s advanced medical technology, highly skilled doctors, reputation for excellence in medical research and innovation, and the availability of treatments and procedures that may not be readily available in their home countries.

However, patients from other countries also travel to France for medical care. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Middle East, China, and many other countries are commonly represented in France’s medical tourism market. These patients seek various medical procedures such as cosmetic surgery, dentistry, fertility treatments, cancer treatments, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, and more.

It is necessary to mention that the cost of medical care in France can be a barrier for some patients. While medical care in France is generally more affordable than in other developed countries, such as the United States, medical procedures can still be somewhat pricey.

Reach Your Full Potential in Medical Tourism with MTB

At MTB, we are dedicated to supporting professionals and organizations in the medical tourism industry as they strive for success. As a leading provider of certification, contracts, marketing, and support,  we offer comprehensive programs , expert guidance, and valuable resources that are designed to help our members achieve their goals and reach their full potential in the global healthcare market. With a focus on excellence and innovation, we help our members stay ahead of the competition and navigate the complex and dynamic world of medical tourism.

Tel/WhatsApp: +1 (561) 909-7178

Email:   [email protected]

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Medical Tourism in France – Quality Healthcare

Have you tried medical tourism in France? Do you know how advanced French medicine is?

Lyon has stunned the world once by the simultaneous transplant of both hands and forearms. In Paris, they have successfully operated on the spinal cord of the embryo, in Grenoble, the world’s first implantation of a cardiac pacemaker was made without a probe, in Toulouse, the first laparoscopic removal of the bladder was performed, in Marseille, the first transplant of artificial eye corneal was made. No wonder that medical tourism in France is becoming more and more popular.

French Medicine is Universal and Social

Many know France as a place for relaxation and gastronomic experiences. That Marseille is a city with Mediterranean charm, Paris is about climbing the Eiffel Tower, Toulouse is a “pink” city with a variety of red brick historical buildings. In terms of the number of Renaissance buildings, Lyon comes second only to Venice. If all of the exquisite sights and attractions are not enough to attract visitors to France, perhaps their high level of modern and innovative medical care will be.

France has the capabilities to perform any surgical intervention and the most advanced diagnostics at the highest level. The local studies have reached unprecedented heights. For example, Grenoble is also known as the French Silicon Valley, is number one in the review of medical publications, Impact médicale.

France is one of the leading countries in the field of medical discoveries .  The following areas are most in-demand: oncology, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, diagnostics, pediatrics, traumatology and orthopedics (especially joint replacement) and plastic surgery. Thanks to this wide choice of specialties, medical tourism in France is prospering.

The World Health Organization has recognized France as having advanced medical care available. In its ranking of the quality of treatment, France is in the first place. The special body Haute Autorité de Santé certifies all medical facilities and doctors in France.

The French health system is mainly financed by the state, and the treatment prices are one of the lowest in Europe. For foreign clients, French hospitals put a small premium on their prices, a percentage of the total cost of treatment. Even with that premium, the cost of treatment is still much lower than in Germany or Austria, for example.

The prices are set by Sécurité Sociale (Social Security), so a lower or higher price does not indicate the quality of medical services between clinics and hospitals. Nor is there such a difference between the clinics of large cities and small towns.

Peculiarities of Medical Tourism in France

Many of the clinics and hospitals in the country of haute couture and famous perfumes are not yet prepared to receive foreign patients. One of the setbacks is that most do not have websites available in different languages, nor do they have English speaking staff.

If a foreigner wants to be examined or treated in France, the first thing asked of them is about their Carte Vitale (Health Insurance Card). And if the foreigner does not have it, the process of how to handle this patient will take a long time to sort out. The service is available only in urgent (emergency) cases within the travel insurance.

However, managers of many clinics in France have already recognized the well-organized system of attracting foreign patients to Germany. Even more, they have realized the fact that the country allows clinics to receive a large profit from this market, even though the prices in Germany are relatively high.

Even though the hospitals and clinics in France are not fully prepared to receive international patients, they do have a well-equipped health system that can support this. There are medical tourism agencies of medical tourism in France that can assist with the difficulties of a foreigner seeking treatment, making this possible.

Medifrance Solution is your French Guide

“Here in France, we only learn to build relationships with partners from different countries, from an international staff and advertising,” said Daria Silvestrova, representative of Medifrance Solution. “Our company was created for the purpose of improvement in these matters.”

Medifrance assists foreign patients in getting quality French treatment at affordable prices. Medifrance does not promote particular hospitals or clinics; they work for the benefit of the patient and his/her budget.

In some cases, recommendations or introductions are required, when certain hospitals specialize in a treatment needed by the patient, or if the patient asks for a recommendation, a clinic that meets the needs of the patient will be recommended. However, treatment is the same everywhere, it is according to the approved protocols. The only difference may be in service.

Medifrance takes care of all administrative issues including a contract with the clinic, setting up a phone consultation with doctor and patient, airport transfer and translation needs. Medifrance employs a team of translators and has contracts with transport companies, allowing them to offer the best prices for their clients.

With the support of Medifrance, medical travelers will have no problem with medical tourism in France.

Steps to Treatment in France

The first step would be to visit the website of Medifrance Solution. Once on the website, patients will find a mini-profile, email, Skype and WhatsApp contacts. Potential patients can contact Medifrance with any questions and seek help in deciding which medical procedure is best for them.

After providing a detailed patient profile, an estimate with a precise description of necessary medical procedures, detailed cost of treatment and hospital stay will be prepared. The next step for cooperation is confirmation and payment.

Once the medical procedure is booked, the managers at Medifrance can also help to plan some excursions. Patients often ask for escorts for shopping tours to such places as La vallée Village (famous boutiques with discounts of up to 70%), visiting wine tasting in castles, trips to the ocean, to Disneyland, theater and more.

A driver and a translator (available 24 hours a day and present at all key stages of stay in the country) meet the patient at the airport. An agent of the medical service accompanies the patient during hospitalization, helps to settle all administrative formalities and is next to the patient until his awakening from anesthesia.

The patient leaves the country only after the doctor makes sure that the patient’s health is fine. The medical company continues to monitor the patient’s health until his/her complete recovery.

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Medical Tourism

Europe’s top medical tourism destinations: a comprehensive guide.

Europe has emerged as a premier destination for medical tourism, attracting health-conscious travelers with its blend of high-quality medical care, advanced treatments, and rich cultural experiences. This comprehensive guide explores the top medical tourism destinations in Europe, highlighting their unique offerings, healthcare excellence, and the reasons they stand out in the global medical tourism landscape.

The Appeal of European Medical Tourism

• Quality and Affordability : European countries offer a balance of high-quality medical services at prices often more affordable than in the U.S. or other parts of the world.
• Advanced Medical Technology : Europe is known for its cutting-edge medical technology and innovative treatments, making it an attractive destination for specialized healthcare.
• Cultural and Historical Richness : Besides medical treatments, Europe offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences, contributing to the holistic well-being of medical tourists.

Top Destinations for Medical Tourism in Europe

Western europe.

• Germany : Known for its precision in medical technology and surgery, Germany offers world-class healthcare in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and more.
• France : Renowned for its luxury wellness retreats and high standards in cosmetic surgery, France combines quality healthcare with a touch of glamour.

Southern Europe

• Spain : Boasting modern facilities and expertise in various medical fields, Spain is also favored for its sunny climate, aiding in recovery and relaxation.
• Italy : Italy excels in areas like dental care and cosmetic surgery, complemented by its rich culture and cuisine, enhancing the overall experience of medical tourists.

Central and Eastern Europe

• Czech Republic : Known for its affordability and high-quality dental and cosmetic procedures, the Czech Republic is a growing hotspot in medical tourism.
• Hungary : Hungary, especially Budapest, is famous for dental tourism, offering state-of-the-art treatments at competitive prices.

Northern Europe

• Sweden : With a focus on patient care and innovative treatments, Sweden is a top choice for those seeking advanced medical procedures in a serene environment.

Specialized Treatments and Wellness Retreats

Europe is not just about conventional medical treatments; it also offers a range of specialized procedures and wellness retreats:

• Thermal Spas and Natural Treatment Centers : Countries like Hungary and Iceland are known for their natural thermal baths and spas, offering therapeutic and wellness experiences.
• Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers : Many European countries provide excellent rehabilitation facilities in serene and supportive environments, ideal for post-operative recovery.

Navigating Medical Tourism in Europe

Language and cultural considerations.

• Most top medical tourism destinations in Europe cater to international patients with multilingual staff and services tailored to diverse cultural needs.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Europe maintains high standards of medical ethics and patient safety, with strict regulations governing medical practices and patient care.

Insurance and Costs

• It's important to understand the cost structure and insurance options when planning a medical trip to Europe. Many countries offer packages that include treatment, accommodation, and additional services.

Europe offers a diverse and rich landscape for medical tourism, combining high-quality healthcare, advanced treatments, and unique cultural experiences. Whether seeking specialized medical procedures, wellness retreats, or a combination of health and cultural exploration, Europe's top medical tourism destinations offer something for every health-conscious traveler.

As medical technology and global healthcare standards continue to evolve, Europe remains at the forefront of offering exceptional medical tourism experiences. With its unique blend of modern healthcare, rich history, and diverse cultures, European medical tourism is poised to grow and adapt to the changing needs of patients worldwide.

This comprehensive guide to Europe's top medical tourism destinations offers insights into the quality, affordability, and diversity of healthcare options available, catering to the needs of industry professionals and health-conscious travelers alike.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

For those seeking medical care abroad, we highly recommend hospitals and clinics who have been accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). With a strong emphasis on exceptional patient experience, GHA accredited facilities are attuned to your cultural, linguistic, and individual needs, ensuring you feel understood and cared for. They adhere to the highest standards, putting patient safety and satisfaction at the forefront. Explore the world's top GHA-accredited facilities here . Trust us, your health journey deserves the best.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

Travelers Guide to Healthcare in France

• November 15, 2021
• Lauren Stuttaford

France is one of those destinations that tends to land up on nearly every bucket list.

Situated in Western Europe, the country encompasses Mediterranean beaches, alpine villages, and medieval cities. Paris is its capital, world-renowned for fashion, classical art, and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. And of course, France is also famed for its wine and sophisticated cuisine – ooh la la !

If you are planning a trip to France, then this healthcare guide will tell you everything you need to know to stay safe and informed during your stay.

• Healthcare Basics
• Cost of Healthcare in France
• Seeing a Specialist
• Drugstores and Pharmacies
• Hospitals and Clinics in France
• Emergency and After-Hours Healthcare
• Tips for Tourists

Healthcare In France – The Basics

Considered one of the best in the world, the French healthcare system boasts more than one doctor for every 1,000 citizens and an average life expectancy of 83 years. It’s a hybrid universal healthcare system that provides coverage for all citizens in France through an integrated network of public and private services, including doctors, hospitals, and specialist providers.

Healthcare costs are partly covered by the state and partly by individual or private health insurance companies. Residents are covered through mandatory health insurance contributions or taxes, with private insurance options widely available for additional coverage. Government-funded agencies cover over 75% of health expenditures in the country.

Tourists and foreigners visiting France must have a minimum of 30,000 EUR in travel medical insurance, which should cover urgent healthcare, emergency hospital treatment, repatriation for medical reasons, and death. This is a primary visa requirement and insurance should provide coverage across France and all member states of the Schengen area.

Public Healthcare

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health regulates public healthcare in France, with various healthcare providers delivering primary and secondary care services. All residents have access to public healthcare, and a new healthcare system for foreigners, called Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA), allows them to access state healthcare after three months of residence in France.

All residents are required by law to have some form of health insurance, either state or private, and certain households may be eligible for free commentary health insurance coverage (CMU-C) if their income falls below a certain threshold. Temporary visitors from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can access public healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Private Healthcare

Many private doctors and specialists receive funding through the state insurance scheme and provide services through the public healthcare system. Similarly, people with public insurance can access most private hospitals, but the fees will be higher. Therefore, many French residents and expats have additional private health insurance to cover the balance. Foreigners need private health insurance for their first three months in France if they are not covered by the EHIC or some other form of insurance.

Cost of Health Care In France

The French healthcare system is funded by compulsory social security contributions deducted from salaries and the government, with patients also contributing a small amount. The state health insurance covers 70-100% of costs for doctor visits and hospital stays, and those who are long-term sick or low-income can receive 100% coverage.

Doctors and medical professionals are paid directly by the government or health insurer as of 2017, and upfront payments are not allowed.

France has one of the most expensive healthcare systems globally and spends around 11.5% of GDP on it. Patients typically pay a flat rate of around €25 for a GP visit, with higher rates for after-hours and at-home visits.

Doctors And Specialists In France

In France, family doctors or GPs are referred to as médecins généralistes. Individuals have the freedom to choose their preferred doctor, but they should register them as their primary or attending physician (médecin traitant) to receive complete reimbursement via the French healthcare system.

Similar to other healthcare systems, GPs can refer patients to other medical specialists, maintain medical records, and coordinate follow-up treatments. If referred by your GP or médecin traitant, roughly 70% of healthcare expenses, such as medical consultations and treatments, will be reimbursed. Opting to see a specialist of your choice may result in higher medical fees, as well as reduced reimbursement.

A referral isn’t required to consult with a gynecologist, ophthalmologist, or pediatrician. Moreover, if you are under 26 years old, you can consult with a psychiatrist without a referral from your GP.

Seeing A Specialist

Specialists charge more than GPs, but there are official agreed-upon rates with the national health service, forming the basis on which patients are reimbursed.

Nearly 30% of outpatient specialists are exclusively self-employed, either in offices or private clinics, and are paid on a fee-for-service basis; the rest are either fully salaried hospital employees or have a mix of income sources. Specialists operating in public hospitals may see private-paying patients either as outpatient or in-patient. Half of the specialists across the country are working out of private group practices, and this percentage is increasing among specialties that require significant investments in equipment and technology.

Drugstores And Pharmacies

There are over 20,000 pharmacies ( Pharmacie ) across France – which is double the number in the UK. Pharmacies are identifiable by a large green cross. Upon presenting your prescription at a pharmacy, you need to pay a portion of the cost of the medicine – this varies based on the medication and insurance coverage. The amount reimbursed is contingent on the type of medication prescribed and may range from 15% to 100%.

Pharmacies in larger towns and shopping centers typically operate from Monday to Saturday, between 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM. But, in smaller towns, pharmacies often close for lunch between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Typically, one pharmacy in the area remains open on Sundays and after-hours. You can easily locate the duty pharmacy by checking the window of other pharmacies, consulting the local newspaper, or calling 3237.

Hospitals In France

In France there are two kinds of hospitals:

• State-run hôpitaux 
• Privately run cliniques

Although cliniques are usually state-approved and work under the country’s healthcare system, doctors can refer you to either a state hospital or a private clinic.

The French healthcare system reimburses around 80% of hospital costs, but not the costs of staying over overnight – and this is where top-up insurance is useful.

List of International Hospitals

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse

• Place Lange, 31300 Toulouse, France
• +33 5 61 77 78 16

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille

• 2 Avenue Oscar Lambret, 59000 Lille, France
• +33 3 20 44 59 62

Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin

• Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
• +33 5 56 79 56 79

Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg

• 1 Place de L Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
• +33 3 88 11 67 68

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours

• 2 boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
• +33 2 47 47 47 47

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier

• 2 avenue Emile Bertin Sans, 34000 Montpellier, France
• +33 4 67 33 74 85

Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nantes

• 1 Place Alexis-Ricordeau, 44000 Nantes, France
• +33 2 40 08 33 33

Hospital Center University Rouen

• 1 Rue de Germont, 76000 Rouen, France
• +33 2 32 88 89 90

Hospital Center University De Rennes

• 2 Rue Henri le Guilloux, 35000 Rennes, France
• +33 2 99 28 43 21

Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital

• 47-83 Boulevard de l’Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
• +33 1 42 16 00 00

Health Centers & Clinics In France

In France, numerous healthcare professionals such as doctors and dentists operate in health centers known as “centres de sante” throughout the country. These centers, which number approximately 1,600 in total, are mostly located in urban areas. When you see a specialist, they are likely to work at a “centres de sante.” To locate a center close to you, you can visit the National Federation of Health Centers (Federation Nationale des Centres de Sante) website.

Additionally, there are Family Planning Centers (centres de planification et d’education familial) that offer services such as birth control, parenting sessions, sexual health advice, and abortions. To learn more about the services offered in your region and to find a center nearby, you can visit the Planning Familial website.

Emergency And After-Hours Healthcare

In a medical emergency, head to the nearest hospital A&E or ER ( les urgences ). Additionally, call 112 (or 114 for hearing assistance), which is the free pan-European emergency number for any type of emergency. The following numbers are also free to dial:

• 15 – SAMU (Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence) for serious medical emergencies that require an ambulance and specialist medical teams
• 18 – sapeurs pompiers are the fire brigade, who respond to car accidents and emergency medical situations
• 17 – police (commissariat de police or gendarmerie)
• 112 – sea and lake emergencies (calling from land)
• 116 117 – after-hours doctor

Tips For Tourists In France

Many French people speak English well, especially in larger cities. Overall, French people dislike being addressed in English by foreigners unless first asking if they speak English: Parlez-vous anglais?

It is polite to say ‘ bonjour’ or ‘ bonsoir’ (good morning or good evening) when encountering someone, even if it’s a stranger. It’s customary to greet people with a brief bonjour.

French traditions and culture reflect their values of unity, beauty, respect, and family. Hierarchy is strictly adhered to in France. Decisions are made by those at the upper levels of authority, subordinates must only act when specifically instructed to do so.

Quiet tones are expected in public, and it is considered polite to be formal and reserved, particularly with strangers or acquaintances.

When arriving at a doctor’s room, let the receptionist know you’re there – if there is no reception, go to the waiting room. Normally the door will be marked. Greet everyone with a quick bonjour and then sit down. Do not just go sit down.

French GPs don’t always wear white doctors’ coats and instead wear regular clothes. Do not ask if they are the doctor, it would be considered rude.

Customer service is not part of French medical standards, while the medical providers are polite and professional, they won’t necessarily go out of their way to establish a relationship. The French believe the patient is there for medical attention, so healthcare providers directly attend to the medical need at hand.

Some Useful Phrases:

Some useful phrases to learn, in case of an emergency, are:

• Besoin une ambulance : I need an ambulance
• J’ai eu un accident : I’ve had an accident
• Ma localité est …: My location is…
• Crise cardiaque : Heart attack
• Très malade : Very ill
• Je suis en train d’accoucher : I’m in labour
• Où est-ce qu’on peut trouver un cabinet médical?  Where can I find a doctor’s surgery?
• Au secours : Help!

If you are a tourist in France and would like to speak to a medical professional connected to an international network of doctors, you can make an appointment on the Air Doctor web app right now and have an in-person or virtual consultation within minutes. You can also download the Air Doctor app on your Android or iOS device.

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Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air dr ceo & co-founder.

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.

France Medical Tourism Market

Market Survey on France Medical Tourism Market Covering Sales Outlook, Up-to-date Key Trends, Market Size and Forecast, Analysis of Tour Package Sales, Visitor Expenditure Outlook, Number of Trip Analysis, Market Statistics on Number of Arrivals and Departures, Statistics on Length of Visit

An In-depth Market Insights of France Medical Tourism Market including Dental Treatment, Cosmetic Treatment, Cardiovascular Treatment, Orthopaedic Treatment, Neurological Treatment, Cancer Treatment, and Fertility Treatment Covering France

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France Medical Tourism Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The France medical tourism market size is estimated to reach US$ 4,592 Million in 2022. With the rising prevalence of various chronic diseases and the availability of advanced healthcare facilities, the overall demand in France medical tourism is slated to increase at a robust 8.5% CAGR between 2022 and 2032. Total sales in the France medical tourism market represent 2% - 6% of the global medical tourism market.

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2017 to 2021 France Medical Tourism Market Outlook Compared to 2022 to 2032 Forecast

During the projected years (2022 to 2032), medical tourism in France is anticipated to increase significantly, opines Future Market Insights (FMI). This expansion will be aided by a range of elements, including government initiatives and top-notch medical care.

The market now sees 1.2 Million medical visitors annually, and with the market increasing at a pace of 8.5% CAGR, this figure is expected to rise. The average consumer expenditure is expected to surge during the projection period, facilitating growth in the market.

Which are the Key Trends Shaping Growth in the France Medical Tourism Market?

Presence of Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure Propelling Growth in the Medical Tourism Market

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, France is considered to have the best healthcare system in the world since 2000. The country also has advanced medical procedures which are funded by the French government.

Similarly, the strong presence of health tourism providers, availability of advanced healthcare services, and growing efforts to stimulate inbound medical tourism are other factors boosting the market.

Further, the increasing popularity of wellness tourism among international tourists will accelerate the growth of France's medical tourism market during the forecast period.

International Accreditation and Presence of Top Surgeons to Boost France's Medical Tourism Industry

France has long been a leader in the field of medical research, especially in the field of cancer therapies. This is due to its excellent and internationally known facilities and the presence of highly skilled medical professionals.

The presence of top surgeons in the country along with the availability of the best medical tourism companies is tempting people to opt for treatments in France. This will continue to improve sales in the France medical tourism market.

France's medical tourism sector is very profitable as a result of the surge of wealthy individual patients seeking treatment there for a variety of ailments. Giving these consumers great service and top-notch care before and after treatment will be the key to increasing sales.

Amid, the rising preference of patients to opt for the shortest waiting periods for medical treatments, and the presence of leading international medical tourism companies, FMI predicts France to emerge as one of the leading European medical tourism destinations during the forecast period.

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Country Insight

How is the government aiding in boosting the medical tourism industry in france.

Cutting the Red-Tape Culture Around Medical Tourism Industry Has Been a Primary Goal of the French Government

The French health officials and government are looking to help out their economy by trying to promote their medical tourism industry. The officials are looking to cut the red-tape culture surrounding the industry and make the process easier for foreign nationals.

The ease of the visa procedure is one of the first steps taken toward this goal. The government is also looking to organize the industry by partnering with private firms and providing schemes and incentives for promoting the growth of the market. These government interventions are expected to hugely affect the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Category-Wise Insights

Which treatment type is the most sought-after in france.

Demand to Remain High for Cancer and Orthopedic Treatments

France is home to some of the world's top authorities on orthopedic and cancer therapies. This has caused a significant influx of patients who are struggling with these diseases into the nation.

The hospitals in France have an abundance of medical equipment needed for these procedures. Mostly involving complex surgery, these operations call for specialist knowledge and high-quality care to ensure a speedy recovery. This makes France one of the leading centers for cancer and orthopedic treatments.

Why are Therapeutic Services Popular in France?

Cutting-edge Infrastructure Making Therapeutic Services Popular in France

France’s comfortable environment makes it the ideal location for recuperation following extensive procedures and therapies. This is further aided by the fact that France provides some of the most cutting-edge treatments in the world.

The mental health infrastructure is also highly developed in France. These characteristics aid in drawing clients who are looking for post-operative treatment while on a medical tour. As a result, therapeutic treatments are the most sought-after service category in the France medical tourism industry.

What Type of Tour Type is Widely Availed by the Medical Tourists in France?

Packaged Travelers Category to Lead the France Medical Tourism Market Through 2032

Consumers throughout the world have benefited from the emergence of well-known and reputable service providers in France’s medical tourism industry. These characteristics have greatly increased how simple it is to complete all the steps. Due to this, all-inclusive travel packages have become more and more popular.

These packages cover every part of travel, from lodging and post-op care to flights and hotel reservations. In the tour-type section of the France medical tourism market, packaged tourists are steadily taking over the majority of the market.

Which Age-group is Most likely to Visit France for Treatments?

People Aged between 46-55 are Most Likely to Visit France for Medical Tourism

The most common age group to travel to France for medical tourism is those between 46 and 55. This is because conditions like joint discomfort, diabetes, and high blood pressure are becoming more widespread among people in this age group.

France has become a preferable option for the treatments, due to the wide scaled healthcare infrastructure that has experts in different fields.

What is the Most Preferred Booking Channel Among Consumers?

Online Booking Remains the Most Preferred Booking Channel

The online booking channel is the most popular one in the France medical tourism sector. This is because it makes booking easy and offers the bonus of having a large range of options to pick from.

Many top firms based in France are offering their services online. As a result, customers favor online booking over less convenient and sometimes more expensive alternatives.

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Competitive Landscape

Catering to the ever-expanding needs of the consumer base will be the key to maintaining a competitive edge in the France medical tourism market. To achieve this, key companies are focusing on increasing their brand presence across France, expanding their services, and using various advertising strategies. For instance:

Medifrance Solution, one of the leading firms in France, provides a comprehensive range of services ranging from second opinions to help in visa procedures. The company coordinates, organizes, and facilitates care in France for foreign patients and guides them during their medical stay and medical evacuation, helps in visa management, and hotel reservations, and takes care of all other aspects.

Similarly, France Surgery, an award-winning (best medical travel agency for the year 2015) company that has over 20 years of experience in the French medical sector, provides services that put patients in touch with a network of internationally renowned hospitals and specialists in France.

Various medical tourism startups based in France are gradually penetrating other European nations to significantly improve their revenue share. This will bode well for the France medical tourism market.

Scope of Report

France medical tourism market by category, by treatment type:.

• Dental Treatment
• Cosmetic Treatment
• Cardiovascular Treatment
• Orthopaedic Treatment
• Neurological Treatment
• Cancer Treatment
• Fertility Treatment

By Services:

• Wellness Services
• Therapeutic Services

By Tour Type:

• Independent Traveller
• Package Traveller

By Consumer Orientation:

By age group:.

• 15-25 Years
• 26-35 Years
• 36-45 Years
• 46-55 Years
• 66-75 Years

By Booking Channel:

• Phone Booking
• Online Booking
• In-Person Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current france medical tourism market value.

The France medical tourism market is currently valued at US$ 4,592 Million in 2022.

What is the forecast growth rate for France medical tourism market?

The France medical tourism market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.

What are the key trends driving the France medical tourism market?

Government enthusiasm and having the top-most medical infrastructure in the world have helped in driving the France medical tourism market.

Who are the leading players in the France medical tourism market?

Leading players operating in the France medical tourism market are The Hernia Institute Paris, Medifrance Solution, France Medical Access, Dr. Parisescu, FAME Santé, and Ribau & Garner.

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Medical tourism in Europe - Statistics & Facts

Medical tourism is a form of tourism that involves patients travelling to other countries seeking medical treatment or assistance. It also includes the consumption of services associated with tourism such as transport, accommodation and hospitality. In Europe, the market for medical tourism has experienced an exponential growth in recent years, which led to new forms of medical tourism such as fertility tourism, wellness tourism or dental tourism. New developments in the medical tourism industry also had a legal impact in the European Union. Until recently, the top five destinations preferred by Europeans were the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. However, a new European Directive on Cross-Border Healthcare stipulating free access to treatment in the community space for all EU citizens was implemented in 2014. Following this directive, a new public-pay medical tourism market appeared and "newly entered" countries from Central Europe, such as Hungary, Poland, Czechia, Romania and Latvia, became popular destinations for Western Europeans willing to exercise their right to be treated cross-border. Among the main reasons why these patients would choose to travel abroad are: the possibility to have access to specific treatments that are not available in their homelands, the high quality and lower cost of such treatments, and the chance to combine them with a holiday for rest and recovery in the destination country. This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. Show more Conor Stewart Research expert covering health & pharmaceuticals in the UK & Europe Get in touch with us now Published by Conor Stewart , Mar 8, 2024

Key insights

Detailed statistics

Medical treatment in another EU-28 country in 2014

Willingness to travel for medical treatment in another EU-28 country in 2014

Reasons to travel for medical treatment in another EU-28 country in 2014

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

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Care & Support

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• Medical technology
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Destinations

Find a destination for your medical needs.

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf.

Argentina is the birthplace of tango and is home to millions of European immigrants. Such cultural diversity with its vast land area ensures a varied cultural and ecological experience for tourists.

Armenia is situated at a cultural, historical, and religious intersection and located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, in the southern Transcaucasus.

Australia, a federation of six states and two territories, is one of the world's great economic and migration success stories.

Austria is a largely mountainous country because of its location in the Alps. The Central Eastern Alps, the Northern Limestone Alps and the Southern Limestone Alps are all partly in Austria.

The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba and Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and southeast of the United States.

Bahrain officially the Kingdom of Bahrain is a sovereign state in the Persian Gulf. The island nation comprises a small archipelago made up of 33 natural islands and...

Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean island chain, situated above South America, northeast of Venezuela and north of Guyana.

Brazil is the fifth largest and fifth most populous country in the world. Brazil is home to world-renowned beaches and adjacent nightlife.

Canada is the second largest country in the world by area and includes thousands of adjacent islands, notably Newfoundland in the east and those of the Arctic Archipelago in the north.

Chile is a narrow strip wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountain range.

China is situated in eastern Asia. It is the third-largest country in the world, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometres, or one fifteenth of the world’s landmass.

Located in northwestern South America, Colombia is bordered by Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Venezuela.

Located between Panama and Nicaragua, and nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica has a convenient location for eco and medical tourism.

Czech Republic

Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is a small landlocked country. It borders with Germany to the south west, Austria to the south, Poland to the north and Slovakia to the south east.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic comprises the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, the second-largest island in the Greater Antilles, with the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

Dubai is known for its ultramodern architecture and its luxury shopping. It is located at the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf.

Quito is the home of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the continent. Located in South America, it is bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean.

Egypt’s land frontiers border Libya, Sudan, and Israel. Egypt’s border with Sudan is notable for two areas: the Hala’ib Triangle, along the Red Sea, and Bir Tawil, which is further inland.

El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. It is surrounded by Guatemala, Honduras, and the Pacific Ocean.

France is a modern European republic. It is also one of the world’s major economies.

Called the Heart of Europe, Germany forms a vital link between Western Europe and the continental east, as well as between the warmer Mediterranean climate and the cool, Scandinavian north.

Greece was the home of great ancient civilizations and is now the site of many of their ruins. The country is also home to picturesque islands, great food, and a pulsating nightlife.

Guatemala is located in Central America to the south and east of Mexico, west of Belize, and northwest of El Salvador and Honduras.

Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China. The territory is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories covering in total 425 square miles.

Situated in the heart of Europe and straddling the central and eastern part of the continent, Hungary offers visitors a rich and unique culture.

A former British colony, India is located in southern Asia. Pakistan is located on its northwestern border; China, Bhutan, and Nepal are to the northeast; Bangladesh and Myanmar are to the east.

Iran also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. With 83 million inhabitants, Iran is the world's 18th most populous country.

Ireland is a newcomer to the medical tourism sector and foreign patients generally seek cosmetic surgery and dental treatments.

Israel is a West Asian nation located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.

Italy — officially the Italian Republic — is a European country consisting of a long, boot-shaped peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands.

Jamaica is a Caribbean island. Tourism, agriculture, and mining are its main industries, thanks to its tropical weather and its lush topography of mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches.

This island nation from the Pacific Ocean sparkles with imperial palaces, mountainous national parks, thousands of shrines & temples, and plenty of advanced technology.

Jordan is an Arab Kingdom known for its governmental stability and hospitality toward refugees.

Known as the “Land of the Morning Calm”, South Korea is located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula east of China and is bordered by communist North Korea.

This Arab destination on the Persian Gulf has a cultural heritage dating back to antiquity, as well as the sixth-largest oil reserve in the world.

Lebanon officially known as the Lebanese Republic is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus is west across the Mediterranean Sea

Lithuania lies on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. In the north, the country borders on Latvia, in the east – on Belarus, in the south – on Poland and Kaliningrad Region of the Russian Federation.

An archipelago in the Central Mediterranean Sea, the Republic of Malta is a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of St. Johns, French

Located just across the southern border of the United States, Mexico is a conveniently located destination for Canadians and Americans.

With a GDP of $107 billion and a population of 33 million, Morocco's relatively liberal economy is one of the largest in Africa.

This nation on the Arabian Peninsula has terrain encompassing desert, riverbed oases, and long coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

This narrow strip of Central American land is home to many ethnic groups because of its historical reliance on commerce.

Philippines

A former colony of Spain and the United States, the Philippines (located in the western Pacific Ocean) is one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia.

Poland is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.

This sovereign destination located in Southwest Asia has a sole land border with Saudi Arabia and a population of more than 2.3 million.

Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. It borders the Black Sea to Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia and Moldova.

The world’s largest nation by area owns land in both Europe and Asia and touches both the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is geographically the largest sovereign state in Western Asia, the second-largest in the Arab world (after Algeria), the fifth-largest in Asia, and the 12th-largest in the world.

Serbia has connected West with East for centuries – a land in which civilisations, cultures, faiths, climates and landscapes meet and mingle.

An ex-British colony, Singapore is an island city/nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, south of the Malaysian border.

Explore this little-discovered destination in the heart of Europe. Avoid the crowds of tourists and feel like a real traveller, with everything nearby – Slovakia in Central Europe in pocket edition.

South Africa

Located on the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a rich and tumultuous history. But despite its past, South Africa still draws more tourists than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa.

South Korea

As an East Asian nation in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, it shares one of the most heavily militarized borders with North Korea, its only neighbor.

One of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Spain has a rich history of shared influence with external cultures.

Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini and also known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.

Switzerland

Located in central Europe, Switzerland is home to part of the Alps as well as many different ethnic groups and official languages.

With contemporary cities, hot springs resorts, and dramatic mountainous terrain, Taiwan is a small island nation located 180 kilometres east of China.

Located on Southeast Asia’s Indochina Peninsula, this developing nation is known for its tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate Buddha temples.

The Republic of Tunisia is the northernmost African country and is bordered by Algeria, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Turkey straddles both Asia and Europe. It borders four different seas and eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe. It borders 7 countries. You can get there from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, Romania and Moldova, Russia and Belarus.

United Arab Emirates

Virtually a desert 20 years ago, Dubai has since evolved into an ultramodern mecca of real estate, business, and tourism, and is on the fast track to becoming a global city.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is located in northwestern Europe. The full name of the country is The United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland.

United States

Known as the “The Land of the Free” and the “Home of the Brave”, the United States gained its independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776.

Located on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is bordered by the East Sea to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the southeast, China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west.

MedicalTourism.com

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.

• Medical Tourism Companies

Top 10 Medical Tourism Companies Worldwide

The global medical tourism market reached a value of US$ 119.7 Billion in 2023. Leading healthcare providers in the global medical tourism industry are currently focusing on providing innovative medicines and improved healthcare services to patients. Besides this, they are also offering comprehensive medical tourism packages to patients, which include all travel-related services ranging from ticket booking to accommodation and medical insurance. Furthermore, governing agencies of numerous countries have implemented stringent regulations to promote the growth of the medical infrastructure. This, in confluence with extensive research and development (R&D) activities, is anticipated to provide lucrative opportunities for leading healthcare providers across the globe. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 650.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.1% during 2024-2032.

Request Free Sample Report:   https://www.imarcgroup.com/medical-tourism-market/requestsample

List of Top 10 Medical Tourism Companies Worldwide :  

Aditya birla health services limited.

Establishment : 2001 Headquarters : Pune, India

Aditya Birla Health Services Limited is a non-government company that offers healthcare services to patients in India. The hospital provides cardiac sciences, critical care, dentistry, internal medicines, mother and child health , nutrition and dietetics, ophthalmology, pain management , anesthesiology, laboratory, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and emergency medical services.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited

Establishment : 1983 Headquarters : Chennai, India

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited is engaged in providing healthcare services and operating standalone pharmacies. The major operating segments of the company include Healthcare, Pharmacy and Others. Amongst these, the Healthcare segment comprises hospitals, hospital-based pharmacies, and projects and consultancy services. Its tertiary care hospitals provide care in over 50 specialties, including cardiac sciences, oncology, neurosciences, critical care, orthopedics, radiology, gastroenterology and transplant. It also offers project research services, consultancy services, health insurance services, and education and training programs. Moreover, it operates birthing centers, day surgery centers and dental clinics.

Asian Heart Institute & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd .

Establishment : 2002 Headquarters : Maharashtra, India

Asian Heart Institute (AHI) & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. offers quality cardiac care to patients at reasonable costs. It prides itself on quality in design, patient care, medical, paramedical and general staff and infrastructure facilities.

Barbados Fertility Center

Establishment : 2002 Headquarters : Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados Fertility Center is a sole in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Barbados, which is a relatively small island located in the Caribbean. It is popular across the globe for IVF treatment due to the high standards it adheres to and the low cost of their services as compared to the United States (US).

BB Healthcare Solutions Ltd .

Establishment : 2015 Headquarters : Basildon, United Kingdom

BB Healthcare Solutions Ltd. is a hospital and healthcare company that offers clinics and services, travel vaccinations, and non-NHS services.

Fortis Healthcare Limited

Establishment : 2001 Headquarters : Haryana, India

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company include hospitals, diagnostics and daycare specialty facilities. At present, it operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Dubai and Sri Lanka with 36 healthcare facilities, around 9,000 potential beds and over 415 diagnostics centers.

Headquarters : United States

Healthbase, a US-based medical tourism facilitator, offers clients intelligent choices of state-of-the-art hospital facilities and trained professional doctors that are known internationally. It has advanced communication technology that enables an effective exchange of communication. 

KPJ Healthcare Berhad

Establishment : 1981 Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KPJ Healthcare Berhad is a leading provider of private healthcare services. The company’s integrated network comprises more than 27 specialist hospitals located throughout the nation. With its expansion abroad, it currently has two hospitals in Indonesia, one in Bangkok and another in Bangladesh.

Prince Court Medical Centre Sdn Bhd

Establishment : 2007 Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Prince Court Medical Centre is a 270-bed private healthcare facility. Its objective is to be one of the leading healthcare providers in Asia that provide medical care at the highest international standards through world-class facilities, innovative technology and excellent customer services.

Samitivej Hospital Group

Establishment : 1979 Headquarters : Bangkok, Thailand

Samitivej Hospital Group is a private hospital that was awarded the prestigious recognition as a Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital by WHO and UNICEF. Other recognitions include the Prime Minister Award for the Most Recognized Service in 2004, hospital accreditation from the Hospital Accreditation Board of Thailand, and JCI accreditation.

Seoul National University Hospital

Establishment : 1885 Headquarters : Seoul, Republic of Korea

Seoul National University Hospital is a tertiary hospital that has been leading medical advancement of the Republic of Korea for the past 130 years. It provides world-class medical services to patients by enhancing the patient-care system and working towards maintaining a comfortable environment.

Headquarters : Leuven, Belgium

UZ Leuven is the largest Belgian hospital, known as a leading international medical center, which strives for high-technology and human patient care. With more than 9,000 employees, it annually admits 57,500 patients and provides 70,100 consultations and 56,600 surgical procedures.

About IMARC Group: IMARC Group is a leading market research and consulting company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. The company has done multiple projects on the global medical tourism market, which has enabled the clients to set up and expand their businesses successfully. Some of the company’s offerings include:

• Market Research
• Plant setup
• Plant Expansion
• Marketing and sales
• Procurement and Distribution
• Innovation and Product Development

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Our Response to COVID-19 →

Destination Spotlight

Covid-19 and the future of medical tourism across europe.

At the start of 2020, Medical Data Forecast released a report that predicted that the medical tourism market in Europe - estimated at USD 6.11 billion at the start of the year - will grow at a CAGR of 8% to reach USD 14.52 billion by 2025. The report cited the region’s enormous medical advances, high-quality and affordable healthcare, and strong medical tourism marketing strategies as the propelling forces behind Europe’s robust medical tourism market. Although the report factored in early coronavirus impact analysis, the outbreak took an unexpected turn that has upended this trajectory. 

In the last decade, Europe has built a robust medical tourism industry, with countries in Central and Western Europe leading the pack in international patient travel. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Spain, the major players in the region’s medical travel market, have boosted their healthcare systems to global standards to attract more medical tourist from around the world. 

Spain, ranked at the seventh position by the World Health Organization for best healthcare in Europe and recently at the fourth position by the global Medical Tourism Index , carved a niche for itself in orthopedic surgery, eye surgery, and post-operative care, with various industry strategies that pulled hundreds of thousands of international patients across its borders every year. The country welcomes over 600,000 international patints every year, growing its market size to €500 million. 

France, which ranks at number one position in the WHO’s ranking for shortest hospital waiting times, also attracts thousands of medical tourists from around the world. Medical tourists who mostly visit the country to access its affordable and high-quality cosmetic surgeries, dental care, and bariatric surgery. The country, which was once closed to medical tourism, rejuvenated the sector in 2015, remodeling up to 40 hospitals including cancer center Gustave Roussy and the American Hospital of Paris to be centers of excellence for international patients. The country aimed to generate more than €2 billion from medical travel by this year. 

Bolstered by the European Directive on Cross-Border healthcare in 2014, Europe experienced further growth in medical travel, with countries repositioning their healthcare systems to better serve not only EU patients but other medical tourists from outside the region.  This spurred countries like Belgium to become a choice medical destination for patients from neighboring countries the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and even the United States and the Middle East.

The last decade has been a rather successful one for the European region as medical tourism stakeholders leveraged key tourism players including the airline industry and service industry to develop the region into a medical travel hub. 

However, the coronavirus pandemic might have brought the gains of the previous years to a screeching halt.  ‍

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With more than 4.1 million confirmed cases in Europe and a death toll of 214,272 as of the time of writing in September 2020, Europe has been one of the worst-hit regions by the pandemic. The region was declared the epicenter of the pandemic in March as the outbreak soared across it, infecting thousands and killing hundreds of people daily. 

In response, Europe closed its borders to the rest of the world, and suspended cross-border traffic to rein the outbreak in. 

This caused devastating effects on the tourism and health travel industry. With the prolonged, tight travel restrictions in the region, the tourism industry took the hardest blow, with a projected drop of up to 78% in international tourist arrivals this year. This plunged EU countries heavily dependent on tourism into an economic crisis that would lead the way to what is termed the “new normal” for the medical travel industry.

Despite temporary economic palliatives by EU governments to keep tourism businesses afloat, many have been unable to overcome the pitfalls of the health crisis. A case in point is the airline industry: during the region’s COVID-19 peak period, all its airline fleets were grounded, with many airlines downscaling operations, closing up, or cutting jobs to free up limited resources. 

In June, the region’s largest airline Air France-KLM cut 6,500 job positions at Air France and at least 1,020 jobs at Hop!, its sister airline, after reporting a revenue drop of almost 95% and a daily loss of €15m at the height of the pandemic. The group stated that it did not expect normal travel activity to return until 2024, by which time it would have cut at least 6,000 more jobs. Similar cuts were announced by British Airways and Scandinavian airlines, casting more uncertainties on the future of the region’s airline industry, an integral component of medical travel. 

Furthermore, in an attempt to optimize limited healthcare workforce and resources, and also increase surge capacity in EU hospitals, many elective procedures were also cancelled - and remain so in many ountries. Elective surgical rocedures, which are the big money makers for medical tourism destinations, have remained largely halted, and many private healthcare systems who are key players of the market have had to lay off workers. 

Reports showed that more than 28 million elective surgeries were cancelled during the peak months of the pandemic, and about 2.4 million more cancelled for every week of disruptions. 

With many flights grounded, travel agencies shuttered, hotels closed or running far below capacity, and health institutions stretched beyond capacity, Europe’s medical tourism has continued to struggle since the pandemic began. 

While the tough restrictions led to a slow recovery and reduced spread of the virus in many parts of Europe, things are still far way from what they used to be. 

Spain still has the worst coronavirus infection rates in Western Europe and has been red-listed by many countries including the UK. Daily case counts have risen from about 150 in June to over 1,500 in recent weeks. Tourists from other countries are hesitant to visit the country despite relaxing its quarantine rule to revive the medical tourism sector.  Many travel agencies including Jet2 have also cancelled flights to Spain since the UK updated its travel advisory on Spain. 

France, also, which is the second most popular tourism destination for Britons welcoming more than 17 million Brits yearly, have been seeing a surge in cases since August, prompting the UK government to change its travel advice, requiring visitors from France to self-isolate. In a similar vein, the EU has placed tight restrictions on visitors coming from the United States, citing the rising cases of the infection in the country. 

These restrictions and inactivity of tourism key players will continue to slacken medical tourism in Europe. As it stands, the future remains uncertain for Europe’s medical tourism.  

However, Europe is taking small steps at rebooting tourism and medical travel. The EU Commission recently laucnhed the Tourism and Transport Package that allow people take holidays in member states and help tourism businesses to reopen. The Commission also launched Re-open EU, a platform that provides tourists with real-time information on borders and travel restrictions. It has also designed a framework of health protocols for medical tourism affiliated companies including hotels and transportation services.

Europe has also invested heavily in procuring a coronavirus vaccine that could ebb away the virus spread in a short time and slowly get economic activity back on track. On August 24, the Commission struck a deal with Moderna to secure 80 million doses of the company’s vaccine for member states. 

But experts still express doubts at the pandemic slowing down any time soon. While consolidated efforts in the region may revive the medical tourism business in the coming years, it may take much longer for the major players to recover from the devastating effects of the crisis and for travel to return to pre-coronavirus levels. For now, the gains of the medical tourism market in the region in the last decade may have been significantly erode and the future remains uncertain

Unveiling the Power of Social Media Marketing in Medical Tourism

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.