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Saudi Arabia medical tourism market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia medical tourism market is valued at USD 1.3 Bn, with growth from infrastructure investments and specialized services in key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Dev

Product Code:KRAC3430

Pages:91

Published On:October 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Overview

  • The Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market is valued at USD 1.3 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the country's strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, the introduction of advanced medical technologies, and a growing reputation for high-quality medical services. The influx of international patients seeking affordable yet high-standard healthcare options has significantly contributed to this market size .
  • Key cities such asRiyadh, Jeddah, and Dammamdominate the medical tourism market due to their well-established healthcare facilities, availability of specialized medical services, and proximity to international airports. These cities are equipped with modern hospitals and clinics that cater to a diverse range of medical needs, making them attractive destinations for both international and domestic patients .
  • In 2023, the Saudi Arabian government issued theExecutive Regulations for Private Health Institutionsunder the authority of the Ministry of Health. This regulation mandates the licensing and operational standards for private healthcare providers serving international patients, and establishes a dedicated Medical Tourism Council to promote Saudi Arabia as a global healthcare destination. The council's initiatives include improving healthcare quality, streamlining medical visa processes, and ensuring compliance with international healthcare standards .
Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Size

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types of medical services, including Inpatient Services, Outpatient Services, Wellness and Preventive Care, Rehabilitation Services, Cosmetic Surgery, Dental Services, Cardiovascular Treatment, Orthopedic Treatment, Bariatric Surgery, Fertility Treatment, Ophthalmic Treatment, Organ Transplantation, and Others. Each of these segments caters to specific patient needs and preferences, reflecting the diverse nature of medical tourism .

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The market is segmented into International Patients and Domestic Patients. International patients are increasingly seeking medical services in Saudi Arabia due to the high quality of care and competitive pricing. Domestic patients also contribute significantly to the market, as they often prefer local healthcare facilities for convenience and accessibility .

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market segmentation by End-User.

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Saudi German Hospital, Dallah Hospital, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, International Medical Center, Al Noor Specialist Hospital, Riyadh Care Hospital, Al Mouwasat Hospital, Al Jazeera Hospital, Al Qassim National Hospital, Al Mufeed Hospital, Al Ameen Medical Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Fahad Medical City, King Saud Medical City contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

1975

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi German Hospital

1988

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Dallah Hospital

1987

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group

1995

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

International Medical Center

2006

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Patient Satisfaction Rate

Average Treatment Cost (by major procedure type)

Market Penetration Rate (international patient volume share)

Revenue Growth Rate (annual %)

Pricing Strategy (premium, mid-tier, value-based)

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • High-Quality Healthcare Services:Saudi Arabia's healthcare system is ranked among the top 20 globally, with over 30 accredited hospitals by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The country invests approximately USD 50 billion annually in healthcare, ensuring access to advanced medical technologies and skilled professionals. This commitment to quality attracts international patients seeking specialized treatments, particularly in cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology, enhancing the nation's reputation as a premier medical tourism destination.
  • Competitive Pricing Compared to Western Countries:Medical procedures in Saudi Arabia can be up to 60% less expensive than in the United States and Europe. For instance, a heart bypass surgery costs around USD 15,000 in Saudi Arabia, compared to USD 100,000 in the U.S. This significant cost advantage, combined with high-quality care, positions Saudi Arabia as an attractive option for patients from regions with high healthcare costs, driving growth in medical tourism.
  • Government Support and Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure:The Saudi government has allocated USD 2 billion for healthcare infrastructure development, focusing on expanding hospitals and clinics. Initiatives like the Vision 2030 plan aim to diversify the economy and promote medical tourism. This strategic investment enhances the healthcare landscape, making it more appealing for international patients and fostering a robust medical tourism sector in the region.

Market Challenges

  • Limited International Marketing Efforts:Despite its potential, Saudi Arabia's medical tourism sector suffers from inadequate global marketing strategies. In future, the country spent only USD 10 million on international marketing campaigns, significantly lower than competitors like Thailand, which invested USD 50 million. This lack of visibility hampers the ability to attract foreign patients, limiting the growth of the medical tourism market.
  • Cultural and Language Barriers:Cultural differences and language barriers pose significant challenges for international patients. Approximately 30% of medical tourists report difficulties in communication with healthcare providers. This can lead to misunderstandings regarding treatment plans and patient care. Addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing patient experience and satisfaction, which are vital for the growth of the medical tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Future Outlook

The future of Saudi Arabia's medical tourism market appears promising, driven by ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and a growing emphasis on patient-centric services. As the country enhances its international marketing efforts, it is likely to attract a more diverse patient demographic. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies, such as telemedicine, will facilitate better patient engagement and accessibility, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leading medical tourism destination in the Middle East.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion of Specialized Medical Services:There is a significant opportunity to develop specialized medical services, particularly in areas like fertility treatments and advanced cancer care. With a growing demand for these services, Saudi Arabia can attract patients seeking high-quality, specialized care, enhancing its competitive edge in the medical tourism market.
  • Development of Wellness Tourism:The wellness tourism sector is gaining traction, with an estimated market value of USD 639 billion globally. Saudi Arabia can capitalize on this trend by promoting wellness retreats and holistic health services, appealing to health-conscious travelers and diversifying its medical tourism offerings, thus attracting a broader audience.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Inpatient Services

Outpatient Services

Wellness and Preventive Care

Rehabilitation Services

Cosmetic Surgery

Dental Services

Cardiovascular Treatment

Orthopedic Treatment

Bariatric Surgery

Fertility Treatment

Ophthalmic Treatment

Organ Transplantation

Others

By End-User

International Patients

Domestic Patients

By Service Provider

Private Hospitals

Public Hospitals

Specialty Clinics

Wellness Centers

By Destination

Major Cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam)

Northern & Central Regions

Rural Healthcare Facilities

By Payment Method

Insurance Coverage

Out-of-Pocket Payments

Medical Tourism Packages

By Duration of Stay

Short-term Visits

Long-term Stays

By Age Group

Children

Adults

Seniors

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Saudi Ministry of Health, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties)

Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

Travel and Tourism Agencies

Insurance Companies

Medical Equipment Suppliers

Pharmaceutical Companies

Health and Wellness Resorts

Players Mentioned in the Report:

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

Saudi German Hospital

Dallah Hospital

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group

International Medical Center

Al Noor Specialist Hospital

Riyadh Care Hospital

Al Mouwasat Hospital

Al Jazeera Hospital

Al Qassim National Hospital

Al Mufeed Hospital

Al Ameen Medical Center

King Abdulaziz Medical City

King Fahad Medical City

King Saud Medical City

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 High-quality healthcare services
3.1.2 Competitive pricing compared to Western countries
3.1.3 Government support and investment in healthcare infrastructure
3.1.4 Increasing global awareness of Saudi Arabia as a medical tourism destination

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Limited international marketing efforts
3.2.2 Cultural and language barriers
3.2.3 Regulatory complexities
3.2.4 Competition from established medical tourism destinations

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion of specialized medical services
3.3.2 Development of wellness tourism
3.3.3 Partnerships with international healthcare providers
3.3.4 Leveraging technology for telemedicine services

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Rise in cosmetic and elective surgeries
3.4.2 Increased focus on patient experience and satisfaction
3.4.3 Growth of health and wellness retreats
3.4.4 Adoption of digital health solutions

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Licensing requirements for healthcare facilities
3.5.2 Regulations on foreign investment in healthcare
3.5.3 Quality assurance standards for medical services
3.5.4 Policies promoting medical tourism initiatives

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Inpatient Services
8.1.2 Outpatient Services
8.1.3 Wellness and Preventive Care
8.1.4 Rehabilitation Services
8.1.5 Cosmetic Surgery
8.1.6 Dental Services
8.1.7 Cardiovascular Treatment
8.1.8 Orthopedic Treatment
8.1.9 Bariatric Surgery
8.1.10 Fertility Treatment
8.1.11 Ophthalmic Treatment
8.1.12 Organ Transplantation
8.1.13 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 International Patients
8.2.2 Domestic Patients

8.3 By Service Provider

8.3.1 Private Hospitals
8.3.2 Public Hospitals
8.3.3 Specialty Clinics
8.3.4 Wellness Centers

8.4 By Destination

8.4.1 Major Cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam)
8.4.2 Northern & Central Regions
8.4.3 Rural Healthcare Facilities

8.5 By Payment Method

8.5.1 Insurance Coverage
8.5.2 Out-of-Pocket Payments
8.5.3 Medical Tourism Packages

8.6 By Duration of Stay

8.6.1 Short-term Visits
8.6.2 Long-term Stays

8.7 By Age Group

8.7.1 Children
8.7.2 Adults
8.7.3 Seniors

9. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Patient Satisfaction Rate
9.2.4 Average Treatment Cost (by major procedure type)
9.2.5 Market Penetration Rate (international patient volume share)
9.2.6 Revenue Growth Rate (annual %)
9.2.7 Pricing Strategy (premium, mid-tier, value-based)
9.2.8 Service Diversification Index (number of specialties offered)
9.2.9 Brand Recognition Score (regional/international awards, accreditations)
9.2.10 Operational Efficiency Ratio (bed occupancy rate, average length of stay)
9.2.11 International Accreditation Status (JCI, ISO, etc.)
9.2.12 Medical Visa Facilitation Score

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
9.5.2 Saudi German Hospital
9.5.3 Dallah Hospital
9.5.4 Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group
9.5.5 International Medical Center
9.5.6 Al Noor Specialist Hospital
9.5.7 Riyadh Care Hospital
9.5.8 Al Mouwasat Hospital
9.5.9 Al Jazeera Hospital
9.5.10 Al Qassim National Hospital
9.5.11 Al Mufeed Hospital
9.5.12 Al Ameen Medical Center
9.5.13 King Abdulaziz Medical City
9.5.14 King Fahad Medical City
9.5.15 King Saud Medical City

10. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Health
10.1.2 Ministry of Tourism
10.1.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Healthcare Facilities
10.2.2 Funding for Medical Research

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Accessibility to Quality Care
10.3.2 Affordability of Treatments

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Medical Tourism Options
10.4.2 Trust in Healthcare Providers

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Patient Follow-up Care
10.5.2 Expansion of Service Offerings

11. Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity Timeline
15.2.2 Milestone Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of government reports on healthcare policies and regulations affecting medical tourism
  • Review of industry publications and market reports on the growth of medical tourism in Saudi Arabia
  • Examination of demographic and economic data from the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Statistics

Primary Research

  • Interviews with healthcare providers and hospital administrators in key medical tourism hubs
  • Surveys with international patients who have traveled to Saudi Arabia for medical services
  • Focus groups with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies specializing in healthcare travel

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources, including government and private sector reports
  • Triangulation of patient feedback and healthcare provider insights to ensure comprehensive understanding
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews consisting of healthcare economists and medical tourism experts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total healthcare expenditure in Saudi Arabia as a basis for medical tourism potential
  • Analysis of inbound medical tourist statistics and their contribution to the overall healthcare market
  • Incorporation of trends in global medical tourism and their impact on the Saudi market

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of data on service pricing and treatment costs from leading hospitals and clinics
  • Estimation of patient volumes based on historical data and projected growth rates
  • Calculation of revenue generated from medical tourism by multiplying patient volume by average treatment costs

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor regression analysis incorporating factors such as healthcare quality, accessibility, and international marketing efforts
  • Scenario modeling based on potential changes in healthcare regulations and global economic conditions
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts for the medical tourism market through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
International Patient Experiences100Patients who traveled for elective surgeries, cosmetic procedures
Healthcare Provider Insights60Hospital Administrators, Medical Directors
Medical Tourism Facilitators50Travel Agents, Medical Tourism Coordinators
Government Policy Impact40Healthcare Policy Makers, Regulatory Officials
Market Trends and Challenges45Healthcare Economists, Industry Analysts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market?

The Saudi Arabia Medical Tourism Market is valued at approximately USD 1.3 billion, driven by significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and advanced medical technologies, attracting international patients seeking high-quality and affordable medical services.

Which cities in Saudi Arabia are the main hubs for medical tourism?

What types of medical services are offered in Saudi Arabia for tourists?

How does the cost of medical procedures in Saudi Arabia compare to Western countries?

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