The global medical tourism sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with market valuations estimated to have reached US$100 billion in 2024. This burgeoning industry is projected to sustain a robust annual growth trajectory of 15–25 per cent, attracting significant investment and strategic focus worldwide. While established players like the Republic of Korea, generating up to US$4.3 billion annually from specialized treatments such as cancer care and cosmetic surgery, and Japan, which commands approximately US$13 billion through its unique blend of onsen-based wellness tourism and medical interventions, have long dominated, new formidable contenders are rapidly rising.

Within South-East Asia, the landscape of health tourism is equally dynamic. Thailand consistently reports annual revenues between US$600–700 million, primarily driven by advanced cardiac procedures and cosmetic enhancements. Malaysia stands out with approximately US$1.7 billion in annual earnings, largely due to its competitive pricing, offering services that are 30–50 per cent more affordable than in many other nations. However, Vietnam is now poised for a significant disruption, demonstrating remarkable growth within this lucrative market. Its medical tourism sector reached an impressive US$700 million in 2024 and is forecast to skyrocket to US$4 billion by 2033, exhibiting an average annual growth rate of 18 per cent—a figure that notably outpaces the global average.

Vietnam’s Ascendance in the Global Health Tourism Landscape

This rapid expansion positions Vietnam as an increasingly vital healthcare destination. The nation’s strategic pivot towards medical tourism is not merely incidental; it represents a deliberate policy direction aimed at leveraging its unique advantages. Dr Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, articulated this vision, stating, “Medical tourism is becoming a strategic direction that combines high-quality healthcare with appealing travel experiences. It not only generates foreign currency but also enhances Vietnam’s image and position on the international stage.” This perspective underscores the multi-faceted benefits, extending beyond economic gains to national branding and global recognition.

From an analytical standpoint, Vietnam possesses several inherent strengths that make it an attractive healthcare destination for international patients. These include highly competitive costs and a rapidly evolving reputation for medical proficiency. Dr Jean-Marcel Guillon, General Director of FV Hospital, echoed this sentiment, remarking that Việt Nam “has all the conditions necessary to become a reputable medical destination in the region, with strong professional competence, reasonable costs and dedicated medical staff.” This convergence of factors is critical for building trust and attracting patient travel for complex cross-border healthcare needs.

Indeed, the capabilities of Vietnamese medical facilities have advanced significantly. Numerous intricate medical procedures, including sophisticated organ transplants, advanced cardiovascular interventions, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), and cutting-edge aesthetic dentistry, are now successfully performed within Vietnam. These treatments are offered at a fraction of the cost found in more developed countries, typically ranging from just 20–30 per cent of their prices. For a concrete example, a dental implant surgery in Vietnam costs approximately US$1,000–1,200, a stark contrast to the estimated US$5,000 required for the same procedure in the United States. This substantial cost differential, coupled with improving quality of care, is a powerful magnet for international patients seeking value.

Elevating Quality of Care and Patient Experience

The allure of Vietnam for health tourism extends far beyond mere affordability. Dr Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health, highlighted that Vietnam’s growing appeal is founded not solely on its competitive pricing but also on the exceptional skill of its medical professionals, the presence of modern healthcare facilities, and a deeply ingrained ethos of patient-centred international patient care. This holistic approach is crucial for sustainable growth in medical tourism, where patient experience is paramount.

Consequently, a growing number of international patients from diverse regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America, are increasingly choosing Việt Nam for advanced medical treatments. Specialized fields such as oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, and ophthalmology are witnessing a notable influx of patient travel seeking high-quality, cost-effective solutions. This trend suggests a maturing global healthcare market where patients are willing to travel for perceived value that combines medical excellence with economic viability.

The Ministry of Health’s Vision: A Comprehensive Roadmap for International Patient Care

Recognizing the immense potential of this burgeoning medical tourism market, the Ministry of Health is actively developing a comprehensive national plan. This strategic initiative aims to systematically enhance high-quality healthcare destination services and vigorously promote medical tourism across the nation.

Fostering Intersectoral Collaboration and Integrated Solutions

According to Dr Ha Anh Duc, this ambitious initiative necessitates extensive intersectoral collaboration. It involves forging robust linkages between healthcare providers and key sectors such as tourism, finance, foreign affairs, and information technology. This integrated approach is vital for creating a seamless experience for international patients.

In addition to elevating service standards, the Ministry, in conjunction with its partners, is meticulously crafting all-inclusive treatment packages tailored for foreign visitors. These packages encompass a wide array of services, including short-term medical stays, IVF treatments, cosmetic surgery, dental aesthetics, and comprehensive post-treatment rehabilitation. The strategic intent is to integrate these specialized health tourism offerings directly into Vietnam’s broader tourism ecosystem, leveraging established travel agencies and extensive promotional programmes both domestically and internationally. This ensures that international patients are directly connected with licensed medical facilities that consistently meet stringent quality of care standards.

Benchmarking Quality and Ensuring Patient Safety

A pivotal focus of the Ministry’s strategy is the establishment of a national set of quality of care criteria specifically designed for hospitals serving international patients. These criteria are being rigorously benchmarked against the globally recognized Joint Commission International (JCI) standards from the United States, which serve as a de facto “passport” for healthcare providers seeking international credibility. This move is critical for assuring international patient care safety and efficacy.

Vietnam has set an ambitious target: by 2030, the nation aims to have at least 15 hospitals certified to international standards (JCI or an equivalent accreditation), with a minimum of five public hospitals achieving this distinction. This commitment to international accreditation underscores Vietnam’s dedication to becoming a world-class healthcare destination.

Enhancing the International Patient Journey: Policy and Infrastructure

The comprehensive plan also addresses crucial policy adjustments to facilitate cross-border healthcare. These include refining visa policies to make patient travel easier for medical tourists, streamlining international insurance payments, ensuring robust health data connectivity, enhancing language support services, upgrading technical infrastructure, and reinforcing patient safety protocols. These measures are designed to align with Vietnam’s long-term global healthcare development goals, ensuring a smooth and secure journey for international patients.

Furthermore, the Ministry is actively coordinating with immigration authorities to propose more flexible visa arrangements specifically for medical tourism travellers. Simultaneously, it is fostering strategic partnerships with international insurance providers. The goal is to establish transparent and convenient payment systems and to implement globally compatible health data management protocols, which are essential for seamless international patient care.

Bottom Line: Vietnam’s Strategic Position in Global Healthcare

Experts widely anticipate that the strategic development of medical tourism could inject billions of US dollars into Vietnam’s economy annually. Concurrently, this initiative is expected to significantly enhance the nation’s overall healthcare capacity, foster the development of highly skilled human resources, and substantially elevate Vietnam’s global profile as a premier healthcare destination.

With a clear long-term vision and concerted coordination among all relevant ministries and sectors, medical tourism is poised to become a spearhead of economic growth, solidifying Vietnam’s standing on the global healthcare and tourism maps.

Here are the key takeaways from Vietnam’s medical tourism strategy:

  1. Rapid Market Expansion: Vietnam’s medical tourism sector is projected for exponential growth, significantly outpacing global averages.
  2. Strategic Government Support: The Ministry of Health is actively driving comprehensive plans to develop and promote the nation as a healthcare destination.
  3. Competitive Advantages: A compelling blend of cost-effectiveness, advanced medical proficiency, and patient-centred international patient care attracts international patients.
  4. Commitment to Quality: Rigorous benchmarking against international standards like JCI is central to ensuring high quality of care and building global trust.
  5. Integrated Ecosystem: A multi-sectoral approach, including tourism, finance, and immigration, is creating seamless experiences for cross-border healthcare travellers.

The news signal for this article was referred from: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/11/18/vietnam-emerges-as-a-promising-medical-tourism-market