Health tourism in Medellín

Health tourism in Medellín has grown significantly in recent years, becoming an attractive destination for people from all over the world seeking high-quality treatments at competitive prices. The city offers a wide variety of procedures, from plastic surgery to dental and cosmetic treatments, backed by highly trained professionals and advanced technology. In addition, the warm atmosphere and diversity of places of interest make the experience even more appealing for those who want to combine health and wellness. We'll tell you more about health tourism in Medellín.

Medical tourism in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley

In 2023, the Medellín Health City Cluster, led by the Medellín Chamber of Commerce for Antioquia, reported that the city treated a total of 20,837 international patients throughout the year, the highest figure since 2010, with a growth of 14%. In 2021, the city received 9,900 people, and in 2022, the number of foreign users doubled, reaching 17,622. The highest number of visits was recorded in February and July, although the variation compared to other months did not exceed 3%, reflecting specialized and consistent medical tourism.

What are the most sought-after healthcare services in Medellín?

According to the same source, the five most requested services by international patients were: Diagnostic aids (32%), Clinical laboratory (19%), Plastic surgery (11%), Ophthalmology (9%), and Medical consultation (7%). Gynecology and obstetrics, cardiology, executive check-ups, orthopedics, and gastroenterology services were also in demand. The three services with the highest revenue were: plastic surgery, cardiology, and diagnostic aids. In addition, during the previous year, these medical services for tourists generated revenues of $61.472 billion, with an economic contribution of $25 billion. Most of this revenue came from cosmetic surgery, which totaled $11.058 billion.

Which countries do patients visiting Medellín for medical tourism come from?

In 2023, the main countries of origin of patients visiting Medellín for medical tourism were the United States, with 3,468 people, the Caribbean with 2,554, and Panama with 702. In addition, patients arrived from Canada, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, among others. In terms of age, more than half of the users were between 30 and 60 years old.

Benefits of health tourism in Medellín