New Destinations in Medical Travel: What to Choose — UAE, South Korea, India, or China?

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Every year, millions of patients travel abroad in search of medical care. Some prioritize highly qualified doctors, others seek advanced technologies and access to cutting-edge therapies. For many, the key factors are affordability and short waiting times. But all of them are united by a common goal: to receive high-quality medical care with the best possible outcome.

According to the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), the global medical tourism market is projected to reach $13.53 billion in 2025. The number of people travelling around the world for medical care has reached over 14 million. This is a record high. And, according to McKinsey analysts, this trend will continue to grow.

A few years ago, destinations like Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries dominated the medical tourism landscape. But times are changing. New countries are rapidly emerging as global leaders in the sector.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai): A Global Hub for Medical Tourism

Dubai has transformed into one of the world’s premier destinations for medical travel. Many clinics here are internationally accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), and facilities rival the top hospitals in the U.S. and Europe. Government investment in the healthcare sector has significantly increased, leading to a marked improvement in service quality. According to the Dubai Health Authority, over 675,000 international patients were treated in the city last year.

Let’s take a closer look at the key areas of excellence that are attracting patients to the UAE.

Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine

In the UAE, anti-aging medicine goes far beyond traditional cosmetic procedures. The goal isn’t just to slow the visible signs of aging, but to extend both lifespan and healthspan—adding more healthy, active years to life. Physicians focus on preserving vitality, cognitive function, and internal balance for decades to come.

One of the most promising fields is genomic sequencing, which identifies genetic predispositions to diseases and allows for preventive interventions well before symptoms arise. If a condition has already developed, genomic data helps doctors tailor treatment to the individual, boosting the effectiveness of therapy.

Injectable methods of cell therapy are actively used in the UAE to preserve youth. For example, injections of autologous stem cells derived from the patient’s adipose tissue. The procedures stimulate skin regeneration, improve the quality of hair, joints, tissues of internal organs and are used as part of complex anti-aging programmes.

Another key element of anti-aging medicine in the UAE is hormone therapy. Doctors assess the levels of key hormones (usually testosterone, estrogens, cortisol, DHEA) and, if necessary, prescribe mild corrective drugs to normalise the hormonal background. Bioidentical hormone medications are used. This approach allows us to cope with age-related changes: chronic fatigue, decreased libido, deterioration of cognitive functions, etc.

Aesthetic medicine is equally advanced. Clinics offer everything from high-end laser systems and RF-lifting to ultrasound skin tightening and next-gen botulinum toxin injectables. Notably, the UAE promotes natural-looking results, emphasizing individuality and avoiding an artificial or “overdone” appearance.

NAD+ IV Therapy

Clinics in the UAE frequently use NAD+ intravenous therapy as part of anti-aging and wellness programs, as well as for recovery after chronic stress or physical/emotional burnout.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for energy metabolism, cellular repair, and mitochondrial function. Its levels naturally decline with age, leading to fatigue, cellular dysfunction, and accelerated aging.

NAD+ infusions can help to:

• Boost energy, stamina, and mental clarity
• Improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance
• Reduce chronic fatigue and support nervous system recovery
• Enhance detoxification (especially after illness, medications, or substance exposure)
• Slow age-related changes and rejuvenate overall function

Many clinics, such as American Hospital Dubai, customize NAD+ protocols with add-ons like B-complex vitamins, glutathione, and amino acids. Examples of targeted infusion programs include:

Energy Recovery: NAD+ with B-vitamins for improved resilience and faster recovery

Anti-Aging Therapy: NAD+ with glutathione and vitamin C for skin elasticity and radiance.

Cognitive Boost: NAD+ with glutathione and B12 to enhance brain performance.

Bariatric Surgery

The UAE has become a popular destination for advanced obesity treatment, including a full spectrum of bariatric procedures. Patients are cared for by multidisciplinary teams — endocrinologists, cardiologists, dietitians, psychologists, and specialized bariatric surgeons.

The most common procedures include:

• Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric resection) — removal of a part of the stomach in order to reduce the amount of food consumed. A feature of this operation is the preservation of natural digestion.

• Gastric bypass — stitching of the stomach, during which it is divided into two parts (a small one and a large one). After the surgery, food begins to pass only through the smaller stomach, which has a volume of about 20—30 ml, and then immediately enters the small intestine. The procedure leads to a reduction in the amount of food consumed and a decrease in calorie absorption.

• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)— a surgery to reduce the stomach and reconstruct (shorten the length of) the small intestine. This is one of the most effective methods of treating obesity for patients with a body mass index over 40.

Clinics in the UAE are equipped with the latest 3D visualization systems, laparoscopic units, and robotic surgical complexes (for example, Da Vinci). Clinics in the UAE are equipped with the latest 3D visualization systems, laparoscopic units, and robotic surgical complexes (for example, Da Vinci). This allows for high results while minimizing complications and shortening recovery time. After bariatric surgeries, doctors pay special attention to rehabilitation and subsequent patient support. For example, clinics like Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi offer full preoperative and postoperative care, which increases the effectiveness of treatment. Doctors develop an individual nutrition plan, correct insulin resistance, and address issues of physical and psychological recovery after the surgery.

Check-ups and Vaccination

Embracing a strong focus on disease prevention, the UAE has become a regional leader in the development and implementation of advanced health screening programs. Check-ups are designed to detect hidden health risks long before symptoms appear. In the Emirates, these evaluations are carried out using cutting-edge diagnostic technologies such as next-generation MRI, PET-CT, high-resolution digital ultrasound, and automated laboratory platforms. All procedures are completed promptly and conveniently under one roof, with no queues or extended waiting times for results.

Among international patients, the following check-up packages are especially popular:

• Basic check-ups — standard screening programs for men and women of different age groups
• Cardiac check-ups — including stress tests, echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, and cardiac biomarkers
• Oncology check-ups — featuring PET-CT scans, tumor marker analysis, ultrasound, and endoscopic diagnostics
• Anti-aging check-ups — focused on hormonal profiling, gut microbiome analysis, biological age markers, and genetic risk assessment
• Personalized programs — tailored screenings based on genetic testing, lifestyle, and family medical history

Each patient receives a comprehensive medical report with actionable recommendations that can be used for follow-up care or shared with a primary physician.

Vaccination is another area in which the UAE has established itself as a trusted destination for international patients. Clinics offer all WHO-recommended immunizations, along with access to newer or hard-to-find vaccines such as Gardasil-9 (HPV). All vaccines are certified and meet international safety and quality standards. Immunization plans are developed individually, based on medical history and current health status.

South Korea

South Korea is rightfully considered one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism. In 2024, 10 of its hospitals were ranked among the world’s top 150 medical institutions by Newsweek. The country has twice won the prestigious award for “Health and Medical Tourism Destination of the Year.” In 2024 alone, South Korea welcomed over 1,000,000 medical tourists — an all-time record.

International patients most often go to South Korean clinics for the following:

Plastic surgery

South Korea is widely regarded as the global capital of plastic surgery. It performs more cosmetic procedures than any other country in the world. In the Gangnam district of Seoul alone, there are over 60 clinics specializing in aesthetic surgery — and their clientele includes not only locals, but a large share of international patients. According to a BBC report, more than half of the patients seeking plastic surgery in South Korea come from abroad.

Before any procedure, clinics offer advanced 3D surgical planning. This allows patients to preview the expected results, agree on all the details, and request adjustments. This technology ensures highly predictable outcomes and significantly reduces the risk of dissatisfaction.

The most popular plastic surgery procedures in South Korea include:

• Blepharoplasty (eyelid correction), including complex reconstructive procedures

• Rhinoplasty using the patient’s own tissues (e.g., cartilage), which reduces the risk of rejection

• Facelifts and neck lifts performed using endoscopic techniques

• Facial and jaw contouring — surgeries that refine facial shape and enhance definition, particularly popular among both Asian and international patients

• Liposuction and lipofilling, using gentle, tissue-sparing techniques followed by revitalization treatments

South Korea has also achieved remarkable success in liposuction techniques. At JK Plastic Surgery Center, 360-degree 3D liposuction is performed based on a thoroughly personalized plan that considers the patient’s body shape from every angle. Rather than focusing solely on the volume of fat removed, surgeons prioritize creating a balanced and natural body contour. To preserve skin elasticity and prevent sagging, fat is removed from both deep and superficial layers of tissue.

Korean plastic surgeons are world-renowned for their skill. One of their signature specialties is dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty — a procedure that transforms a naturally low nasal bridge (common among Asian patients) into a sculpted, Roman-style profile.

In addition to surgical expertise, South Korean clinics offer a full range of pre- and post-operative care services — from lymphatic drainage to emotional and psychological support during recovery.

Robotic Surgery

South Korea’s leading hospitals are equipped with next-generation robotic surgery systems. These include:

• Da Vinci Surgical Robot. First successfully used in South Korea in 2009 during an urological procedure, the Da Vinci system is now widely employed in urology, gynecology, cardiac surgery, oncology, and general surgery. It provides magnified 3D visualization of the surgical field, allowing the surgeon to perform highly precise procedures through minimal incisions.

• Mako SmartRobotics System. Primarily used in orthopedics for hip and knee replacements, as well as minimally invasive procedures. This system accounts for each patient’s unique anatomy, increasing implant placement accuracy, reducing the risk of misalignment, and accelerating post-op recovery.

Multiple studies have confirmed the advantages of robotic surgery, including: Reduced tissue trauma, lower intraoperative blood loss, improved precision in hard-to-reach areas, shorter recovery periods, lower risk of complications.

One of the examples of successful implementation of robotic systems in medicine is the experience of the Asan Medical Center. In 2017, about 10 years after the Da Vinci system began to be used, a record number of surgeries – more than 10,000 – was already recorded here.

Asan was also the site of the world’s first robotic tracheal resection and reconstruction via a transthoracic approach. The surgery was led by Professor Yong-Hee Kim from the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The team successfully removed a rare tracheal tumor in a complex 4-hour operation. The use of robotic technology minimized surgical risks and achieved outstanding clinical results.

Rehabilitation

Restoring lost health is one of the key areas of medical tourism in South Korea. Patients from around the world come here for rehabilitation after injuries (including sports-related), traffic accidents, strokes, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, epilepsy, and other conditions.

South Korea has developed a distinctive approach to functional recovery. Here, high-tech rehabilitation based on cutting-edge scientific and technological advances is combined with the principles of traditional Korean medicine.

To help patients return to full, independent lives, South Korean clinics use a range of innovative systems:

• MedX Lumbar Machine is a unique diagnostic and training complex, with which doctors can assess the condition of a patient’s back, and then begin to improve her health. The Med Lumbar Machine for rehabilitation restores the lost strength and flexibility of the back, eliminates the causes of pain. During the course of treatment, interim results are added to the complex and, if necessary, the program adjusts the rehabilitation program.

• Huber Motion Lab Systems — neuromuscular diagnostic and rehabilitation platforms used for both children and adults. These systems support recovery in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, central nervous system damage, and peripheral nerve injuries. Huber-based programs help correct posture, strengthen the spine, and reactivate weakened muscle groups.
  
• Un-Weighting System — a body-weight support training system that assists patients during walking, running, or balance exercises. By reducing the load on the body, it facilitates safe and effective motor training, even for those with significant mobility issues.
  
• G-Trainer (Anti-Gravity Treadmill) — a rehabilitation treadmill that uses differential air pressure to reduce weight-bearing stress on the body. After spinal or joint surgery, prolonged bed rest can lead to complications and slow recovery. The G-Trainer solves this problem. It reduces the load on the spine and joints by regulating air pressure, allowing the patient to get up and start exercising in the early stages of rehabilitation. The method is effective for hernias, knee injuries, age-related changes and after sports injuries.

South Korea also places high value on time-tested medical traditions. Many rehabilitation programs integrate classical Eastern medicine techniques such as acupuncture and electroacupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and Tui Na (traditional therapeutic massage). This integrative approach not only accelerates physical healing but also supports emotional balance and mental well-being.

India

India has become one of the most promising destinations for medical tourism. The number of international patients is growing by 25—30% annually. Diagnostics and treatment in Indian hospitals cost 2—3 times less than in Western Europe or the United States. At the same time, many Indian clinics are accredited by international standards such as JCI and NABH, which confirms the high quality of medical care.

Below are the most developed areas of medicine in India:

Oncology

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress in cancer treatment. Many hospitals have implemented the “tumor board” concept—multidisciplinary panels that include oncologists, surgeons, chemotherapists, nutritionists, palliative care experts, and others. This comprehensive approach greatly improves treatment outcomes.

In addition to conventional methods, India’s leading cancer centers use advanced technologies in oncology, including:

• 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy — allows for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery — a high-precision technique that delivers targeted radiation to destroy tumors that are difficult to remove or inoperable.

• Brachytherapy — a form of internal radiation therapy in which a radioactive source is placed inside or very close to the tumor.

With the development of molecular diagnostics, Indian hospitals now offer genomic sequencing and mutation testing using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Biomaterial can be collected through both traditional and liquid biopsy methods. These technologies detect even minimal molecular changes in tumors, allowing doctors to select highly personalized targeted therapies.

Organ transplantation

India ranks among the top three countries in the world for the number of organ transplants. According to NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), more than 18,000 transplants were performed in the past year, with around 10% carried out on international patients.

Below are the most developed areas of medicine in India:

• Kidney Transplantation — performed from both living and deceased donors. Clinics use advanced preoperative and postoperative protocols, including immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection.

• Liver Transplantation — particularly important in end-stage cirrhosis or liver cancer. Indian surgeons are highly experienced in complex liver transplants in both adults and children.

• Bone Marrow Transplantation — used in the treatment of hematologic cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Leading centers use HLA typing, cryopreservation, and perform unrelated donor transplants via international donor registries.

Cardiac Surgery

Thousands of patients from around the world—including the USA, Africa, the Middle East, and the CIS—come to Indian hospitals every year for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The most in-demand procedures include:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) — Indian surgeons often perform this using the off-pump technique, which avoids stopping the heart and reduces complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.

• Heart Valve Surgery Indian cardiothoracic surgeons routinely perform valve replacements and repairs (mitral, aortic, tricuspid), using both bioprosthetic and mechanical valves. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is widely used for high-risk patients.

• Pediatric Open-Heart Surgery. India is one of the global leaders in treating congenital heart defects in newborns and young children.

• Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery Applied for atrial septal defect repairs, valve corrections, and other procedures. These approaches reduce tissue trauma and lower the risk of complications.

China

China is rapidly strengthening its position in the field of medical tourism. In 2023 alone, clinics in Shanghai treated over 270,000 international patients. The Chinese government is actively investing in healthcare: in 2024, more than 2 trillion yuan (approximately 280 billion USD) was allocated to the healthcare system. These investments enable the modernization of clinics, the implementation of advanced technologies, and the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment methods.

International patients most often travel to China for cancer treatment and overall recovery.

Oncology

China has made significant progress in developing and applying cutting-edge cancer treatments. For example, CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy—a highly precise immunological technology—involves modifying a patient’s own T-cells in a laboratory and reintroducing them to target tumors. CAR-T therapy is primarily used for treatment-resistant forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Clinical trials are currently underway in China to evaluate its efficacy against solid tumors (tumours that have not developed from blood-forming tissues).

In addition, leading cancer centers in China actively employ:

• Oncolytic virus therapy This innovative approach uses viruses that selectively destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. China has registered and successfully implemented gene-modified viral drugs, for instance, in treating melanoma and liver cancer.

• Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) This technique involves attaching radioactive isotopes to molecules that selectively accumulate in tumors, allowing for precise internal irradiation of cancer cells. TRT is especially effective in metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.
  
• Minimally invasive tumor ablation Chinese specialists excel in radiofrequency and microwave ablation, as well as cryoablation, for treating tumors of the liver, lungs, and kidneys. These methods destroy abnormal tissue without the need for traditional surgery.

To achieve the best outcomes, some Chinese clinics apply a combined oncology treatment approach, integrating several methods. For example, Fuda Cancer Hospital uses the “3C+P” model:
CMI — Cancer Microvessel Intervention

CIC — Cancer immunotherapy

CSA — Cryosurgical ablation

P stands for a personalized treatment plan.

Additionally, major oncology centers in China are using artificial intelligence to personalize chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens. These systems analyze CT, MRI, histology, and genetic data to create individualized treatment plans based on the tumor’s molecular profile.

Rehabilitation with Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Rehabilitation medicine in China combines modern recovery techniques with principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Clinics regularly receive international patients recovering from stroke, neurological conditions, spinal and joint surgeries, as well as chronic pain syndromes.

Popular rehabilitation methods include:

• Functional acupuncture with electrical stimulation. Stimulating biologically active points with mild electrical impulses helps restore nerve conduction and reduce pain.

• Phytotherapy and phytoneurotherapy. These involve using multi-component herbal formulas tailored to the patient’s needs. They are commonly used for chronic pain, sleep disorders, and fatigue.

• Robotic mechanotherapy. Clinics employ proprietary systems (e.g., ExoRehab and RBR series) designed to fit various patient anatomies and goals. These devices support the restoration of gait, hand motor skills, balance, and coordination.

• Psycho-emotional rehabilitation based on Eastern practices.A combination of breathing exercises, meditation, and aromatherapy helps patients recover from prolonged illness and psychological stress. This is used for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and nervous exhaustion.

China offers comprehensive residential rehabilitation programs where patients stay for several weeks, undergo daily treatments, eat therapeutic meals, and participate in traditional practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and Tui Na massage.

Выбор страны для лечения это не вопрос популярности направления, а результат точного расчёта. В каждой стране свои подходы, сильные стороны и ограничения. Если требуется минимально инвазивное лечение сложных онкологических или нейрохирургических патологий, целесообразно рассматривать Южную Корею: там развиты роботизированные технологии, точная диагностика и междисциплинарные консилиумы. Приоритет — на максимально щадящие методы и короткий срок госпитализации.

Patients with chronic conditions requiring long-term monitoring and step-by-step therapy often benefit from treatment in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria. These countries emphasize a systemic approach: treatment plans consider comorbidities and include in-depth diagnostics and rehabilitation.

For those looking to slow down aging or improve general health without surgery, regenerative medicine protocols available in the UAE and certain private European clinics may be most effective. These include cell therapies, metabolic treatments, and personalized anti-aging programs.

The country is chosen not by rating, but by medical expediency: taking into account the diagnosis, stage of the disease, patient’s condition and treatment goals. This allows not just to ‘get help abroad’, but to achieve a particular result within a given timeframe.

Hospitality Medservice — your reliable partner in finding the best clinic worldwide. Our website features only reputable medical institutions with top-notch equipment and the latest treatment protocols. Evaluate the clinic’s level, get acquainted with the doctors, compare treatment costs, and reach out to us for assistance in organizing:

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Текст проверен

Verified by: Marianna Sharipova, Certified Physician, Medical Director of HMS, with 20 years of experience in medical tourism.

Author: Nina Afrosina, doctor