Health tourism in Europe: past, present and future

Health tourism in Europe - healthsansar.com
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August 23, 2023

Health tourism in Europe has a long and varied history. It began in the late 19th century when people from all over the world began to travel to Europe for medical treatments, often due to the availability of advanced medical technology and expertise. In the early 20th century, health tourism became increasingly popular as people sought out treatments for conditions that were not available in their home countries.

The countries that have been leaders in health tourism in Europe include Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. These countries have long histories of providing quality healthcare services and are well-known for their advanced medical technology and expertise. In recent years, other countries such as Turkey, Poland, Hungary, and Croatia have also become popular destinations for health tourists.

Some of the most active hospitals in European health tourism are Charité Berlin (Germany), Hospital Clínic Barcelona (Spain), Barts Health NHS Trust (UK), University Hospital Zurich (Switzerland), and Asklepios Klinik St Georg (Germany). These hospitals offer a wide range of treatments including cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, orthopedic surgery, cardiology services, oncology services, and more.

New players in European health tourism are focusing on providing high-quality care at competitive prices. They are also leveraging digital technologies such as telemedicine to provide remote consultations with doctors from around the world. Additionally, they are offering packages that include flights and accommodation to make it easier for patients to access treatment a broad.

Players of the Future of health tourism in Europe

The future of health tourism in Europe is likely to be very positive. With the increasing demand for medical treatments and procedures, Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for health tourists. Patients will be able to travel to Europe for a variety of treatments, from cosmetic surgery to fertility treatments.

Countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and the UK are likely to remain popular destinations for health tourists due to their well-developed healthcare systems and high quality of care. These countries also have excellent infrastructure and access to world-class medical facilities. Additionally, many European countries offer competitive pricing for medical treatments and procedures compared with other parts of the world.

In addition, countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Croatia are becoming increasingly popular destinations for health tourists due to their lower costs and high quality of care. These countries also offer a wide range of treatments that may not be available in other parts of the world. Additionally, these countries are often more relaxed in terms of regulations regarding medical treatments than other parts of Europe.

Overall, Europe is likely to remain a popular destination for health tourists due to its excellent healthcare systems and competitive pricing. The availability of a wide range of treatments combined with the relaxed regulations in some countries make it an attractive option for patients looking for medical treatment abroad.

Who will travel to Europe and for what?

Patients and tourists of different countries will travel to Europe for treatment or health. But which treatments will they most seek and what are the criteria for choosing their treatment goals?

Patients and tourists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa are increasingly traveling to Europe for treatment or health. Common treatments sought by these travelers include cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, fertility treatments, orthopedic procedures, and stem cell therapies.

The criteria for choosing their treatment goals vary depending on the individual patient’s needs. Factors such as cost savings compared to local options, access to specialized medical expertise and technology not available in their home country, shorter wait times for procedures or treatments, and the availability of a wide range of medical services can all influence a patient’s decision to seek treatment abroad.

Overall, Europe is likely to remain a popular destination for health tourists due to its excellent healthcare systems and competitive pricing. The availability of a wide range of treatments combined with the relaxed regulations in some countries make it an attractive option for patients looking for medical treatment abroad.

The size of the European health tourism market and its future

The size of the European health tourism market is estimated to be around €20 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow significantly by 2025. This growth is driven by increasing demand from patients seeking affordable healthcare options abroad as well as advances in medical technology that make it easier for patients to travel for treatment. Additionally, governments in Europe are actively promoting health tourism as a way to boost their economies.