Published on
September 15, 2025
Iran experienced a steady growth in medical tourism, with 1.2 million international patients undergoing treatment in Iranian hospitals during the previous year. The progress demonstrates the nation’s growth to become one of the most prominent medical tourism destinations that marry world-class medical facilities with the rich cultural and historical attractions of Iran. Health tourism has joined pilgrimage and historical-cultural tourism as one of the three pillars of Iranian tourism and thus a strategic sector for economic and cultural growth.
Health Tourism: A Strategic Advantage
According to Muslim Shojaei, Director General of the Foreign Tourism Marketing and Development Office at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, medical tourism represents a key competitive advantage for Iran in the global travel market. The country is leveraging its highly skilled medical professionals, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and cost-effective treatments to attract patients from across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Health tourism is not only an economic driver but also an avenue for promoting cultural exchange, as patients often explore Iran’s historical cities and landmarks during their stay.
Popular Treatments Among Foreign Patients
Visitors to Iran primarily seek treatments in areas such as cosmetic and hair transplant surgeries, organ transplants, infertility treatments, and specialized therapeutic procedures. Cities including Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Isfahan have developed specialized clinics and hospitals to cater to international patients, offering services that rival those in Western countries but at a fraction of the cost. These facilities adhere to high standards of medical care while ensuring a welcoming environment for patients traveling from abroad.
Economic Impact and Market Potential
Health tourists significantly contribute to the local economy, with an average expenditure of $2,500 to $3,000 per patient. In 2024, out of 7.4 million total tourists visiting Iran, 1.2 million were health tourists, accounting for nearly 16 percent of all visitors. This demonstrates the growing importance of medical tourism as a pillar of Iran’s broader tourism strategy. Globally, the medical tourism market is valued at around $47 billion annually, with between 18 and 20 million patients traveling abroad for healthcare. Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Iran has maintained a strong position in this sector, attracting patients with high-quality and affordable treatments.
Overcoming Geopolitical and Pandemic Challenges
Iran’s medical tourism sector has faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions and the global health crisis. Shojaei noted that the 12-Day War initiated by Israel and the United States negatively impacted the number of patients visiting the country. However, the Iranian government has taken steps to improve hospital infrastructure, upgrade medical standards, and streamline patient services to ensure continued growth. By focusing on both the quality of care and accessibility, Iran is gradually regaining its status as a preferred medical tourism destination in the region.
Integration of Tourism and Healthcare
Medical tourism in Iran often combines healthcare services with cultural and historical experiences, allowing patients and their families to explore the country’s rich heritage. From ancient Persian cities to world-renowned architectural landmarks, patients can experience Iran’s history and traditions alongside their medical treatments. This integration enhances the overall travel experience, offering visitors a unique blend of healthcare and tourism that few other destinations can match.
Government Initiatives and Strategic Vision
The Iranian government has introduced several initiatives to support the growth of medical tourism. These include international marketing campaigns, participation in global medical tourism exhibitions, and simplified visa procedures for health tourists. By promoting Iran as a safe, accessible, and affordable medical tourism destination, authorities aim to attract more patients from across the globe and position the country as a regional hub for specialized medical services.
Iran’s Competitive Edge in Global Medical Tourism
Iran’s competitive advantages include highly skilled medical professionals, modern healthcare facilities, a wide range of medical services, and significantly lower costs compared to Western countries. This combination has enabled Iran to attract patients not only from neighboring Middle Eastern countries but also from Asia, Europe, and Africa. Advanced treatments such as organ transplants, fertility procedures, and cosmetic surgeries have made Iran a destination of choice for international patients seeking quality care at competitive prices.
The Role of Culture and Heritage in Patient Experience
Beyond healthcare, Iran offers patients the opportunity to explore its historical and cultural richness. Visitors can tour ancient cities, experience local bazaars, visit religious sites, and enjoy Iran’s diverse landscapes. This cultural dimension is increasingly marketed as part of the medical tourism experience, allowing travelers to combine health treatments with immersive tourism, creating a more holistic and satisfying journey.
Research and Education: Strengthening Medical Tourism
Iran has also invested in education and research to enhance its medical tourism capabilities. Universities and research centers collaborate with hospitals to develop new treatments and improve patient care standards. By fostering a culture of innovation and learning, Iran is ensuring that its medical tourism offerings remain competitive and aligned with international best practices.
Future Prospects and Growth Opportunities
Looking ahead, Iran aims to increase its number of health tourists beyond 2 million annually. The government plans to expand hospital networks, introduce comprehensive medical tourism packages, and strengthen international collaborations. Additionally, the integration of healthcare services with cultural tourism and heritage experiences is expected to make Iran an even more attractive destination for international travelers seeking both medical treatment and cultural enrichment.
A Rising Global Medical Tourism Destination
Iran’s medical tourism industry is set to continue its growth on the back of a mix of quality healthcare services, affordable costs, quality medical personnel, and strong cultural heritage. With planned government incentives, continued developments in healthcare facilities, and rising international awareness, Iran is increasingly becoming a prominent player in world medical tourism, providing tourists with a unique blend of medical expertise and cultural attraction.
