Medical Tourism in Germany: Renewed Growth Based on Quality and Trust Germany is once again a sought-after destination for international patients seeking high-quality medical care. According to current data, over 182,000 foreign patients were treated in German hospitals in 2022—a 17.5% increase compared to the previous year.

“This development is primarily driven by increased demand from countries like Kuwait, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan,” says Mariam Asefi, head of medical tourism research at Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).

Patients from 149 Countries: Diverse Demand for German Medicine

In 2022, patients from 149 different countries came to Germany for inpatient treatment. Around 75% originated from neighboring European states. According to data from BVMed (German Medical Technology Association) and GTAI, the top five countries with the highest patient growth included:

  • Poland: 11,270 patients (+8.5%)

  • Denmark: +46% (880 patients)

  • USA: +73%

  • Canada: +67%

  • Australia: +580%

There was also a significant increase in patients from Gulf states. For example, more than 560 patients from Kuwait received inpatient treatment in Germany in 2022. A similar trend was observed in Egypt, with a 58% increase compared to 2021.

Regional Impact: Almost All Federal States Benefit

The rise in international patient numbers was seen across nearly all of Germany. Only Saxony-Anhalt and Saarland showed stagnation. Notable increases occurred in:

  • Bavaria & Baden-Württemberg: +16%

  • Hamburg: +37%

  • Schleswig-Holstein: +30%

  • Mecklenburg-Vorpommern & Brandenburg: over 20%

  • Berlin: +14%, driven by international marketing campaigns

  • North Rhine-Westphalia: consistent growth

These figures underline the continued trust in the German healthcare system across both urban and rural areas.

Post-Pandemic Shift and Structural Challenges

While patient numbers have rebounded post-COVID, challenges remain. According to GTAI, hospitals report:

  • Staff shortages

  • Rising costs due to inflation

  • Uncertainty related to hospital financing reforms

“Some clinics are scaling back international marketing activities due to financial pressures,” explains Asefi.

Medical tourism continues to be influenced by administrative hurdles, such as visa requirements and document translations.

Germany in the Global Landscape

Germany is internationally recognized for high medical standards, multidisciplinary care, and advanced diagnostics. However, price-sensitive patients are increasingly turning to Turkey and Spain for procedures like dental care or aesthetic surgery.

“Turkey, in particular, has invested heavily in promoting services such as hair transplantation and cosmetic dentistry,” Asefi states.

While Germany does not compete on price, it positions itself on quality, safety, and long-term medical outcomes—particularly in complex fields such as oncology, orthopedics, and neurology.

Outlook for 2024: Sustainable and Digital Growth

Preliminary figures suggest the positive trend is continuing in 2023 and 2024, especially among patients from:

  • The Gulf region

  • North America

  • North Africa

Digital services such as AskGermanDoc are helping clinics reach patients abroad legally and transparently. These platforms support second opinions, document translation, and online consultations, without making therapeutic promises.

Germany’s healthcare system continues to stand for evidence-based medicine, strict data protection, and regulated patient pathways—factors that will remain decisive for sustainable growth in international healthcare services.

Sources:

  • Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), 2023: “Medical Tourism: Zahlen, Trends und Entwicklungen” https://www.gtai.de

  • BVMed – Bundesverband Medizintechnologie, 2023: Auswertung zu internationalen Patientenzahlen auf Basis amtlicher Statistiken

  • Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), 2023: Krankenhausstatistik: Internationale Patienten 2022 https://www.destatis.de

  • Interviewzitat von Mariam Asefi: Originalquelle: Presseinformation GTAI, Juni 2023