According to a report carried out by the Consumer Choice Center in 2023, the United States had the longest average wait for a primary physician appointment at almost three weeks. On the other hand, those in Switzerland only had to wait around two days for an appointment. In Spain, it was estimated that the average wait time for an elective surgery appointment was 77 days.

According to the 2024 survey, 85 percent of individuals in Hungary believed waiting times were too long. Even the best-performing country, Switzerland, still had over a quarter of Swiss respondents saying wait times were too long for a doctor's appointment. This statistic displays the share of individuals who thought waiting times to get an appointment with doctors were too long in select European countries in 2024.

Since 1993, the average waiting time for specialist medical treatment has been increasing in Canada. In 2024, it took someone in Ontario over 23 weeks wait to receive medical treatment after being referred by a general practitioner, whereas it took only nine weeks back in 1993. Overall, the average waiting time increased by 20 weeks in the country.

ObjectiveThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disrupted healthcare systems and medical care worldwide. This study attempts to assess the performance of three Saudi hospitals during COVID-19 by comparing waiting times for outpatient appointments and the volume of elective surgeries before and after COVID-19.MethodsWe used ADA’A data collected from three Saudi hospitals for this retrospective cohort study. The outcome variables were “Waiting Time for Appointment” and “Elective OR Utilization”. The hospitals included in this study were: a 300-bed maternity and children’s hospital; a 643-bed general hospital; and a 1230-bed tertiary hospital. We included all patients who visited the OPD and OR in the time period from September 2019 to December 2021. A two-way ANOVA test was used to examine the differences in the outcome variables by hospital and by the phase of COVID-19.ResultsFor the elective OR utilization rate, the results showed that both the hospital and the phase of COVID-19 were significantly different (p-value < 0.05). On average, the elective OR utilization rate dipped considerably in the early phase of COVID-19 (33.2% vs 44.9%) and jumped sharply in the later phase (50.3%). The results showed that the waiting time for OPD appointment was significantly different across hospitals and before and after COVID-19 in each hospital (p-value < 0.05). the waiting time dropped during the early phase of COVID-19 for both the general hospital (GEN) (24.6 days vs 34.8 days) and the tertiary hospital (MDC) (40.3 days vs 48.6 days), while the maternity and children’s hospital (MCH)’s score deteriorated sharply (24.6 days vs 9.5 days).ConclusionThis study indicates that COVID-19 led to a significant impact on elective surgery rates and waiting time for OPD appointments in the early stage of the pandemic when the lockdown strategy was implemented in the country. Although the elective surgery rate had decreased at the designated COVID-hospital, the waiting time for OPD appointment had improved. This is a clear indication that the careful planning and management of resources for essential services during pandemic was effective.

Relationship between GP demand and local hospital waiting times.

Medical Tourism Services Market Outlook

The global medical tourism services market size was valued at approximately USD 104.68 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 273.72 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% during the forecast period. This robust growth is driven by factors such as the rising cost of healthcare in developed countries, advancements in medical technology, and the increasing number of accredited medical facilities in emerging economies.

A significant growth factor contributing to the expansion of the medical tourism market is the escalating healthcare costs in developed nations such as the United States and many European countries. Patients in these regions are seeking cost-effective alternatives without compromising on quality, which is leading them to explore medical tourism options. The price differential for treatments, often as high as 50% to 80% less than in their home countries, is a major driver of this trend. Furthermore, the availability of specialized treatments and shorter waiting times in these emerging markets make them an attractive option for international patients.

Technological advancements in the healthcare sector are another crucial factor propelling the growth of medical tourism. The adoption of innovative medical procedures, minimally invasive surgeries, and telemedicine has made it easier for patients to access world-class healthcare services remotely. Moreover, the proliferation of high-quality, accredited medical facilities in countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico ensures that patients receive care that meets international standards. The advent of digital health platforms also facilitates better pre-treatment consultations and follow-up care, which enhances the overall patient experience.

The growing awareness and increasing availability of information regarding medical tourism options are further boosting market growth. Various governments and private organizations are actively promoting medical tourism through marketing campaigns, partnerships, and accreditation programs. Countries like India and Thailand have established specialized medical tourism boards to attract international patients. These initiatives, coupled with improved travel infrastructure and visa processes, are making it easier for patients to seek healthcare abroad. Additionally, the rise of social media and online platforms enables patients to share their experiences and reviews, further encouraging others to consider medical tourism.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific holds a dominant position in the medical tourism market, followed by North America and Europe. The Asia Pacific region is expected to continue its dominance due to the presence of several top-rated hospitals, affordable treatment costs, and a large pool of highly skilled medical professionals. Countries like India, Thailand, and Singapore are leading the charge with their world-class healthcare facilities and tourism-friendly policies. In contrast, North America and Europe are seeing slower growth due to higher treatment costs and stringent regulatory environments.

Service Type Analysis

The medical tourism services market can be segmented by service type, which includes cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, cardiovascular treatment, orthopedic treatment, fertility treatment, neurology treatment, oncology treatment, and others. Cosmetic surgery is one of the most sought-after services in the medical tourism market. The popularity of cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts is driven by lower costs abroad and the availability of skilled practitioners. Countries like Brazil and South Korea are renowned for their expertise in cosmetic surgery, attracting patients from around the globe.

Dental treatment is another significant segment within the medical tourism services market. Dental procedures such as implants, crowns, root canals, and orthodontics are highly in demand due to the high costs and long waiting times associated with these treatments in developed countries. Many patients choose countries like Mexico, Hungary, and Thailand for their dental care, benefiting from high-quality services at a fraction of the cost compared to their home countries. Additionally, dental tourism packages often include travel and accommodation, making it convenient for patients.

Cardiovascular treatment is a critical segment in the medical tourism market, with increasing numbers of patients seeking treatments such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, and valve replacement

Summary of characteristics in included studies.

According to the 2024 survey, 46 percent of adults worldwide stated access to treatment and/or long waiting times was the biggest problem facing the healthcare system in their country. Another 45 percent of adults mentioned that lack of staff was the biggest issue. This statistic shows the percentage of adults worldwide who stated select issues were the biggest problems facing the healthcare system in their country as of 2024.

Prevalence of met and unmet need among people who reported need for healthcare (number and unweighted percentage).

This statistic displays the wait times for cancer surgery in Canada within the 90th percentile, by cancer site, from 2015 to 2023. In 2023, the colorectal surgery wait time in the country was 50 days for the 90th percentile. Long wait times can prevent sick patients from receiving timely health care services.

According to a survey conducted in Colombia in 2024, only around 38 percent of respondents trusted their country's health care system to provide the best health treatment. Moreover, 78 percent of interviewees believed that many people cannot afford good health care, while 77 percent considered that waiting times to get an appointment with doctors were too long. Affiliation to public healthcare In 2023, around 96 percent of Colombia's population was affiliated to the public health care system, which is divided into two main programs: the contributive program for wage earners and the subsidized scheme for everyone else. That year, only around 44 percent of those affiliated were part of the contributive program, mandatory for all Colombians earning at least the minimum wage. The department of Bogotá was the only region in Colombia where more than three quarters of the population were part of the contributive program, whereas the department of Chocó had the smallest share of contributive members at five percent. Healthcare resources As of 2024, there were 2,590 hospitals and 84,040 hospital beds available in Colombia. This translated to an average of 1.69 hospital beds available per 1,000 people across the country, with this figure expected to remain stable within the next five years. That same year, there were 2.44 physicians in the country per 1,000 population. This number is forecast to increase to 2.68 by 2029.

According to a survey conducted in Mexico in 2024, only 36 percent of respondents said they trusted their country's healthcare system to provide the best health treatment. Moreover, 76 percent of interviewees stated that many people cannot afford good healthcare, while seven in every ten said waiting times to get an appointment with doctors are too long. Healthcare coverage Healthcare coverage in Mexico varies widely, with a significant portion of the population relying on public health insurance. A 2021 national survey found that over half of Mexico’s citizens were covered by public health programs not affiliated with social security institutions or private insurances, while 38 percent were insured through the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). According to the survey, less than one percent of the population was covered by private health insurance. Access disparities across regions A lack of access to health services in Mexico affects over a third of the population despite the availability of social security coverage and public healthcare programs. In 2022, 39.1 percent of Mexicans were considered vulnerable due to insufficient healthcare access, a significant increase from 15.5 percent in 2016. This problem is not evenly distributed across the country, with Chiapas facing the highest vulnerability rate at 66.1 percent, while Baja California Sur had the lowest at 17.3 percent.

According to a survey conducted in Argentina in 2024, over half of respondents said they trusted their country's health care system to provide the best health treatment. Moreover, three quarters of all interviewees stated they believe many people cannot afford good health care in Argentina, while around seven in every ten claimed that waiting times to get an appointment with doctors are too long. According to the same survey, around 48 percent of respondents believed that the quality of the Argentinian health care system is either good or very good.

Before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Italy counted approximately 5.2 thousand intensive care units (ICU) across the country. The region with the highest number of ICUs was Lombardy. However, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak showed that these resources were insufficient to face the pandemic. This required the installation of a considerable number of additional ICUs in order to keep up with the increasing number of patients in need of treatment, especially in the regions mostly hit. The region of Lombardy, which counted nearly one third of all the coronavirus cases in the country, had to increase the number of ICUs in its territory by 50 percent.   

A lack of resources

The coronavirus outbreak exposed the weaknesses of the Italian health service. Hospitals and medical staff had to face the overwhelming number of patients with limited resources. Government funding remained stable in recent years, but the number of hospitals decreased. This led to a general reduction in health care resources across the country, which resulted, for instance, in difficulties in accessing treatment and long waiting times.

A resilient system

Despite the shortcomings mentioned above, the national health service (in Italian, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN) has proved to be rather resilient and the country is considered to have one of the best healthcare systems worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Moreover, Italians appear to be rather content with the health care services they receive. However, recent surveys showed that they admitted the national health system needed more funding and resources, especially in light of the coronavirus emergency.

Healthcare expenditure in Saudi Arabia has been on a steady upward trajectory, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming years. From around 49 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, spending is expected to reach over 77 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. Hospital infrastructure and waiting times in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has a highly developed healthcare system and is continuously undergoing significant advancement. The Saudi healthcare system comprises a mix of public and private facilities, with the Ministry of Health operating the largest number of health facilities in the country. As of 2023, the Ministry of Health operated 290 hospitals, while other government departments ran 59. Efforts to enhance efficiency are evident in the reduction of surgical operating room waiting times, which decreased to an average of 6.78 days in 2022, less than half the time required in the previous year. Among private healthcare companies in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group had the largest market capitalization. As part of Vision 2030, there has been a strong push to facilitate the growth of private sector health services in the country. Digital health market growth in Saudi Arabia Digitization has become a key priority for Saudi Arabia's health sector, with the number of digital health users projected to grow by around 3.1 million between 2024 and 2029. This growth has been driven by solutions ranging from preventative care enhanced by digital tools to advanced technologies used in surgery. The Ministry of Health’s Sehhaty platform enables residents to access services such as tracking health data, booking appointments, and consulting physicians. In recent years, Saudis have embraced digital health services, reflecting a growing shift toward technology-driven healthcare solutions. Healthcare professionals have been trained to engage with health-related cases through virtual consultations, diagnosis at health facilities, and even using VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) devices for diagnosis and specialist medical procedures as part of the digital healthcare transformation.

The number of Russians awaiting a heart transplant peaked in 2021, at 736 patients. To compare, in 2012, there were more than four times fewer people on the heart transplant waiting list in the country, at 168 patients.

Healthcare spending in the United Kingdom (UK) has gradually increased since 2000 when it amounted to 78.5 billion British pounds. By 2021, healthcare expenditure in the UKreached a maximum of over 244 billion British pounds. This was an increase of approximately two billion British pounds on the previous year's healthcare spending. In 2023, this figure stood at almost 230 billion British pounds. Health expenditure in the UK compared to Europe In 2023, the UK spent almost 11 percent of its GDP on healthcare. In comparison to other European countries, this ranked the UK fifth in terms of health expenditure. At the op of the list was Switzerland, which spent 12 percent of its GDP on healthcare that year.  Performance of the NHS in the UK The majority of surveyed individuals in the UK regard the NHS as a world class health service and remain happy with the high level of care provided by the organization. Although waiting times have been getting worse in the A&E department over the years. The NHS has been falling behind the target that 95 percent of patients should be seen within four hours of arrival. As a result, the primary reasons for dissatisfaction with the NHS among the public are the length of time required to get a GP or hospital appointment and the lack of staff.

In 2022, an estimated 23 percent of people with health problems in Colombia did not request or receive medical attention due to supply barriers such as long waiting times or poor services, among other reasons. This represents a decrease of around five percentage points compared to the previous year, when the figure amounted to 28.2 percent. That year, nearly 95 percent of citizens in the South American country were part of the local General Health Social Security System.

Australia has some of the best health outcomes in the world with low infant mortality rates and a high life expectancy, even compared with other developed countries. About 10 percent of Australia’s GDP is spent on health, which amounted to about 252 billion Australian dollars in the financial year 2023. Australia’s spending on health also includes the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which subsidizes the cost of essential medicines and Medicare, Australia’s universal public health insurance. Medicare, Australia’s universal health careIntroduced in 1984, Medicare is a federal government health care scheme that fully funds or subsidizes medical services, public hospital care, and selected medicines for Australian residents. In 2024, 29.8 billion Australian dollars were spent on Medicare benefit payments including over 12 billion Australian dollars on subsidized medications thought the associated PBS. Despite universal access to public health insurance, Australians are still concerned about additional health care costs. A significant proportion of Australians still choose to insure themselves privately, with a 2024 report finding that around 55 percent had private health insurance in the country. Public hospital care The Australian public hospital funding represents the largest component of health spending and is administered through the state and territory governments. In 2023, public hospital services saw an increase in overall health expenditure at a rate of 9.5 percent on the previous year. Public hospitals usually offer a comprehensive range of services and are generally more widely accessible than private hospital care but despite the relatively high quality of public hospital care, wait times for certain treatments can be long and some Australians choose private hospital care for certain elective surgeries and more choice over their health care professionals.

Healthcare spending in the United Kingdom (UK) as a share of the gross domestic product (GDP) has increased since 1990, when it was 5.1 percent. By 2023, healthcare expenditure in the UK amounted 10.9 percent of the GDP. Health expenditure in the UK compared to Europe  In comparison to other European countries in 2022, the UK ranked fifth highest in terms of healthcare spending as a share of the GDP. Top of the list was Germany, which spent 12.7 percent of its GDP on healthcare in this year. This was followed by France and Austria, which spent 11.9 percent and 11.4 percent on health, respectively. Performance of the NHS in the UK  Individuals in the UK still regard the NHS as a world class health service and remain happy with the high level of care provided by the organization. Although waiting times have been getting worse in the A&E department over the years. The NHS has been falling behind the target that 95 percent of patients should be seen within four hours of arrival. As a result, the primary reasons for dissatisfaction with the NHS among the public are the length of time required to get a GP or hospital appointment and the lack of staff.