Global Healthcare Without Borders: How Startups are Revolutionising Medical Tourism

By Henry Duah

Medical Tourism has emerged as a variant of health innovation, merging travel with medical care to offer patients cost-effective and high-quality treatment options abroad. The Medical Tourism industry is not just about crossing borders for healthcare; it’s about embracing a holistic approach that includes advanced technology, personalised care, and streamlined processes. As the global healthcare landscape evolves, medical tourism startups are leveraging technology to enhance patient experiences, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global medical tourism market size was valued at USD 9.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.2% from 2023 to 2030, highlighting the sector’s significant growth potential. 

In this innovation snapshot, we showcase companies operating in the Medical Tourism Space. By addressing the unique needs of international patients and streamlining the complexities of medical travel, they are setting new standards for quality and efficiency in global healthcare delivery. 

HealthTrip

Healthtrip, founded by Danish Ahmed and Obaidullah Junaid,  is a comprehensive medical travel platform that facilitates seamless and personalised healthcare experiences for individuals seeking treatments, consultations, and procedures across various medical specialities. The company offers a range of services, including connecting patients with doctors, hospitals, and treatment options, as well as managing logistics such as treatment costs, visa arrangements, and accommodation. With a focus on providing secure, efficient, and multilingual support, Healthtrip aims to ensure a stress-free and comfortable journey for patients seeking medical care internationally. The startup has partnered with 130 hospitals and patients across 38 countries.

Medical Departures 

Dental Departures, founded in 2014 by Paul McTaggart, is a medical tourism facilitator that connects individuals with dental clinics and healthcare providers worldwide. The company offers a platform for patients to search for destinations, procedures, clinics, and dentists, providing information on a wide range of services such as cosmetic surgery, orthopaedics, weight loss surgery, and more. Dental Departures prides itself on offering pre-screened certified doctors and clinics, high-resolution photos and virtual tours to help individuals make informed decisions about their medical care. Medical Departures supports consumers in information gathering and verifying the quality of medical clinics before booking an appointment.

Bookimed

Bookimed, founded by Eugene Khotianov and Yevhenii Kozlov in 2014, is a medical tourism platform that connects patients with carefully selected clinics worldwide, ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. With a team of medical coordinators and doctors, Bookimed assists patients in choosing hospitals, handling paperwork, and arranging medical trips. The platform offers access to over 1,000 accredited clinics and 1,500 certified doctors in selected countries, providing personalised treatment packages, telemedicine services, and support during treatment. The platform also includes clinic reviews, ratings, and descriptions, and provides travel arrangements and patient advocacy services.

Bookdialysis

Bookdialysis.com, founded by Aris Bailan (ex-CEO) in 2017, is a platform that facilitates the booking of holiday dialysis treatments worldwide. With a network of over 800 dialysis clinics in 50 countries, the company aims to turn the needs of patients requiring dialysis into seamless travel experiences. By providing real-time clinic availability, validated patient reviews, and a user-friendly interface, bookdialysis.com offers a convenient solution for individuals seeking dialysis treatments while travelling. Additionally, the platform collaborates with Kidney Patient Associations and healthcare providers to ensure quality care and support for patients with chronic kidney disease.

As the medical tourism industry continues to grow, the role of startups in this sector becomes increasingly crucial. These innovative companies are not only making healthcare more accessible and affordable but also enhancing the overall patient experience by leveraging technology and providing comprehensive solutions. From HealthTrip’s end-to-end patient journey management to Bookdialysis’s specialised dialysis booking platform, these startups are reshaping the future of medical tourism. As we look to the future, the impact of these innovations will undoubtedly continue to drive the evolution of medical tourism, offering patients worldwide better access to the care they need, wherever they may be.

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