A Systematic Review of the Determinants Shaping Healthcare Destination Choice in Medical Tourism.

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the determinants influencing medical tourists' choice of healthcare destinations. The review aims to consolidate fragmented findings related to healthcare quality, treatment costs, physician expertise, destination image, accessibility, cultural factors, and government support in order to better understand the determinants influencing medical tourism decisions Design/Methodology: This study adopts a systematic literature review approach by analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, theses, reports, and relevant academic sources published between the early 2000s and 2025. A structured search strategy was employed using academic databases and scholarly platforms including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Academia. Findings: The review reveals that treatment cost, quality of healthcare services, physician expertise, hospital accreditation, destination reputation, accessibility, cultural compatibility, and tourism infrastructure significantly influence medical tourists' destination selection. The findings further indicate that digital healthcare marketing, online reviews, social media influence, and patient testimonials increasingly shape destination preferences and decision-making processes Originality/Value: This study contributes by integrating diverse theoretical and empirical findings into a comprehensive framework explaining healthcare destination choice among medical tourists. The review provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, tourism stakeholders, and policymakers seeking to enhance competitiveness in the medical tourism industry.