5 Trends in Medical Tourism in 2026

The medical tourism market in India is growing and is estimated to grow to USD 16.21 billion in 2030, representing a CAGR of 13.23 per cent. This growth is being driven by global demand for affordable and high-quality medical care, highly skilled medical professionals and internationally accredited hospitals. Supportive government policies, improved connectivity, and advancements in digital health and patient facilitation services are further supporting India’s position as a preferred global medical tourism destination.

AI agents in healthcare services

The integration of technologies such as AI and Gen AI is bringing change to the healthcare system. In 2026, healthcare providers will use these technologies to assist in managing the entire patient journey from symptoms to scheduling tests, analysing results and follow-up care. In labs, they will assist with managing and administering research work. They will even be used directly by patients to monitor lifestyle, compliance with treatments and, by catching warning signs earlier, enable proactive delivery of healthcare. 

Rise of tier-2 cities as medical tourism hubs

In 2026, medical tourism will expand beyond metropolitan cities. Tier-2 cities are emerging as powerful healthcare hubs due to affordable, reliable, and increasingly specialised medical services, supported by improving hospital infrastructure, modern medical equipment, and better connectivity. Cities like Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow and Chandigarh are now able to deliver high-quality care while easing pressure on metro hospitals and offering patients a more accessible and cost-effective treatment experience. Shorter wait times, competitive pricing, and improved connectivity have made these emerging hubs attractive to international patients seeking high-quality care without compromising on convenience. At GlobalCare, we are seeing an increasing number of patients opting for these locations for both elective and complex treatments.

Faster visa and managing the patient journey

The scope of medical tourism has widened beyond hospital procedures only. By 2026, individuals who will be receiving treatment abroad expect full care coordination which includes online consultations, help with visa applications, recovery planning and post-treatment follow-ups. In India, the government has also launched e-medical visa enabling faster document approvals and what used to take weeks is now getting done in days. 

Facilitators coordinate from the time patients contact throughout their smooth and efficient healthcare experience. This expert support starts in pre-travel planning which includes virtual consultations with top specialists, comparative treatment options, and personalised cost estimates that help patients make informed decisions before leaving their country.

Trust in accredited hospitals 

As medicine costs and treatment prices continue to rise, international patients seek accredited hospitals that provide transparent and value-based care. Patients are no longer choosing treatment just based on low cost. Accreditations like JCI, NABH, and ISO are becoming deal-breakers. Patients want documented success rates, infection control protocols, and global standards of care.  Educating patients on treatment costs, hospital credentials, and quality benchmarks will be essential in building trust and attracting price-conscious medical travellers, while also ensuring sustainable and long-term growth in medical tourism.

Rise of telemedicine and virtual consultations 

The rise of telemedicine and virtual consultations has changed how patients communicate with healthcare providers and access medical information. Prior to the pandemic, telemedicine was merely a concept utilised by medical professionals; however, telehealth emerged as the main means of providing healthcare. In the context of medical tourism, this trend has grown even more important since it enables prospective patients to communicate with medical professionals virtually.

Now, many healthcare systems and medical travel programmes are beginning to integrate telehealth platforms to provide real-time access to healthcare professionals and get answers to their questions swiftly. This offers remote patient monitoring and post-treatment follow-up opportunities.