What is the #1 medical tourism destination country in the world?


Editorial team Published on

Thailand and India frequently rank as the top destinations for medical tourism globally, though the exact #1 spot can vary depending on the index or the specific type of medical procedure sought.

Top Medical Tourism Destinations

  • Thailand: Ranked #1 in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) with a score of 79.53. It is globally recognized for high-quality, JCI-accredited private hospitals, luxury medical services, cosmetic surgery, and gender-affirming procedures.
  • India: Ranked #2 in the MTI and widely recognized as a massive destination for affordable, high-acuity treatments like cardiac bypass, knee replacements, organ transplants, and oncology (attracting millions of patients annually, particularly from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa).
  • Mexico: Ranked #3 in the MTI, serving as the premier cross-border choice for patients from the United States and Canada looking for affordable dental care, bariatric surgery, and cosmetic procedures.
  • Turkey: A top-tier hub heavily favored for hair transplants, plastic surgery, dental work, and modern medical infrastructure.
  • South Korea: Globally renowned as a leader in specialized plastic/cosmetic surgery, advanced diagnostics, and comprehensive health checkups (seeing massive growth in international and U.S. patient volume).