Medical tourism is accelerating.

The global market exceeded $48 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass $150 billion by 2033, with growth rates above 15% annually. Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands — possibly up to one million — Americans seek care abroad each year, primarily for cosmetic, bariatric, dental, and orthopedic procedures.

For U.S. surgeons, the impact is twofold.

First, elective self-pay volume leaks overseas, particularly for price-sensitive procedures.

Second, complications return home.

International complication rescue imposes significant burden on domestic systems. Published analyses show over 50% of returning patients require additional care, with treatment costs per complication ranging from $1,000 to nearly $20,000, often unreimbursed.

ASCs increasingly serve as frontline triage points for these patients.

Forward-looking centers are responding by offering transparent bundled pricing, financing options, and outcomes reporting — competing directly with overseas packages.

Medical tourism is no longer fringe.

It is a competitive force.