Top 7 Medical Tourism Associations for Networking
- Edgar Fernandez
- Nov 15, 2025
- 9 min read
Medical tourism is a growing global industry, and joining the right associations can help U.S. businesses connect with key players, access international markets, and build trust with patients. Here's a quick guide to seven organizations that offer networking opportunities, certifications, events, and more:
Medical Tourism Association (MTA): Global network with events like the Global Medical Tourism Summit and resources like the Medical Tourism Magazine. Membership starts at $3,500/year.
Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA): Focuses on certification and quality standards for medical tourism providers.
World Medical Tourism Congress (WMTC): Exclusive networking event for high-level international partnerships. Free for qualified U.S. employers.
Health Tourism Development Center of Islamic Countries (HTDC): A potential resource for partnerships in Islamic countries, though details are limited.
HTI Health Tourism Industry Conference: Offers networking opportunities; best to contact organizers for specifics.
International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ): Provides insights into industry trends and developments.
American Medical Tourism Association (AMTA): Focuses on U.S.-based operators, addressing domestic regulations and international patient connections.
Quick Comparison
Association | Focus Area | Key Benefits | Membership Cost | Ideal For |
Medical Tourism Association | Global networking/events | Patient referrals, resources | Starting at $3,500/year | Providers expanding globally |
Global Healthcare Accreditation | Certification/standards | Quality assurance, credibility | Certification fees apply | Providers seeking accreditation |
World Medical Tourism Congress | Exclusive networking | High-level partnerships | Free for some U.S. employers | Businesses seeking global ties |
HTDC | Islamic countries | Regional partnerships | Contact for details | Exploring Islamic markets |
HTI Conference | Industry event | Networking opportunities | Contact for details | Event-driven connections |
IMTJ | Industry insights | Market trends and analysis | Subscription-based | Staying informed on trends |
AMTA | U.S.-centric networking | Domestic and international links | Contact for details | U.S.-focused operators |
These associations can help businesses navigate the medical tourism landscape, connect with patients and partners, and grow internationally. Choose based on your goals, whether it's accreditation, networking, or market insights.
Opportunities in Medical Tourism: How the MTA Can Help
1. Medical Tourism Association (MTA)
The Medical Tourism Association (MTA) acts as a hub, linking U.S. businesses with a global network of over 500,000 professionals from both B2B and B2G sectors. Its members include hospitals, clinics, healthcare administrators, governments, employers, insurance companies, medical tourism facilitators, and travel industry experts.
Geographic Reach
With local chapters worldwide, the MTA strengthens regional connections and promotes medical tourism on a global scale. This setup gives U.S.-based businesses direct access to international markets while fostering collaboration with local stakeholders through networking and program development services.
Networking Opportunities
The MTA offers structured events designed to build meaningful business relationships. These include speed networking sessions, pre-scheduled buyer meetings, VIP lounges, and evening receptions.
The association also leverages partnerships, such as its collaboration with Mastercard, to enhance convenience and trust. These alliances open additional avenues for networking and business growth, helping members expand their reach.
Access to Events and Resources
The Global Medical Tourism Summit, MTA's flagship event, is a must-attend for industry professionals. Scheduled for February 24-25, 2025, this summit brings together executives, government officials, multinational companies, insurers, and travel experts for networking, partnerships, and business opportunities.
What makes the summit stand out is its event app, which simplifies networking and meeting scheduling, ensuring attendees maximize their time.
In addition to the summit, the MTA co-hosts specialized events like the Healthcare Revolution Conference, held on May 21, 2024. This event brought together self-funded employers, brokers, and consultants with top hospitals and industry leaders to tackle healthcare affordability challenges. These offerings make the MTA a valuable resource for businesses aiming to thrive in medical tourism.
Relevance for U.S.-Based Operators
U.S. businesses in medical travel and wellness retreats gain significant advantages through the MTA’s official publication, Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM). This publication highlights industry trends and thought leadership, keeping members informed and competitive.
Information about the Health Tourism Development Center of Islamic Countries (HTDC) is somewhat scarce. Details about its activities, network, events, or available resources are not widely accessible. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to reach out to HTDC directly.
Even with limited publicly available specifics, HTDC could serve as a valuable connection point for businesses interested in exploring partnerships or collaborations within the region.
3. HTI Health Tourism Industry Conference
Details about the HTI Health Tourism Industry Conference, such as its networking opportunities, membership setup, and program details, are somewhat limited. To get a clearer picture of what the event offers, it's best to reach out to the organizers directly.
For U.S.-based operators, connecting with the organizers can help determine if this event suits your networking goals and business development needs.
4. Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA)
Global Healthcare Accreditation focuses exclusively on the medical and wellness travel sector. Unlike general healthcare accreditation organizations, GHA designs its standards and certification processes specifically to address the complexities of medical tourism.
Geographic Reach
GHA is widely acknowledged as a global leader in accreditation and certification. Its partnership with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) - a nonprofit organization with connections spanning over 100 countries - links GHA to an extensive network of healthcare providers, governments, insurers, employers, and other healthcare buyers. For U.S.-based medical tourism providers, this international reach offers access to globally recognized standards, fostering opportunities for cross-border collaborations. This network strengthens connections across the global healthcare industry.
Networking Opportunities
Through its collaboration with the MTA, GHA provides access to high-profile networking events like the Global Medical Tourism Summit. These events enable GHA-certified organizations to engage with key players in the industry and establish valuable business partnerships.
Relevance for U.S.-Based Operators
For American medical tourism providers, GHA accreditation offers a competitive edge by aligning with international patient expectations and boosting credibility in global markets. This distinction supports broader efforts to expand international trust and market presence.
5. International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ)
The International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) focuses on critical topics within medical tourism and health travel. While detailed information about its networking capabilities isn't readily available, the journal provides valuable industry insights. These insights can help professionals stay updated on shifting market trends and strategic developments. IMTJ serves as a useful resource alongside the networking platforms mentioned earlier, offering a broader understanding of the industry's evolving landscape.
6. American Medical Tourism Association (AMTA)
The American Medical Tourism Association (AMTA) serves as a networking hub for U.S.-based medical tourism, though specific details about its operations are not widely available.
Focus on U.S.-Based Operators
For medical tourism businesses in the United States, AMTA provides a framework that often prioritizes domestic regulations and market dynamics. U.S. operators face unique challenges, such as adhering to HIPAA standards, navigating complex insurance systems, and complying with Medicare, Medicaid, and state licensing requirements. AMTA's approach appears to reflect these factors, offering a strategic focus tailored to the needs of the U.S. market.
Geographic Emphasis
AMTA's primary focus is on North America, bridging connections between U.S. healthcare providers and both international patients seeking treatment in the U.S. and domestic patients exploring options abroad. This dual emphasis is particularly beneficial for businesses catering to patients traveling to the United States for advanced medical procedures, as well as for those assisting Americans seeking care overseas.
For U.S. businesses looking to expand or streamline their medical tourism operations, aligning with AMTA's U.S.-centric strategy can be advantageous. Additionally, platforms like 7 Fig Retreat Launch provide structured growth strategies, helping businesses navigate local challenges while tapping into global opportunities. Together, these resources support businesses in blending local expertise with international reach.
7. World Medical Tourism Congress (WMTC)
The World Medical Tourism Congress (WMTC), now known as the Global Medical Tourism Summit, serves as a premier platform for connecting industry leaders through targeted networking opportunities.
Geographic Reach
The Global Medical Tourism Summit brings together influential figures from five continents, creating a truly global event. Participants hail from regions such as the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making it a hub for international partnerships and market expansion. In February 2025, the Medical Tourism Association hosted the summit in Florida, USA - a location that not only makes it convenient for North American attendees but also maintains its worldwide appeal. This international focus provides a unique opportunity for attendees to forge meaningful cross-border collaborations.
Networking Opportunities
The summit takes a highly curated approach to networking, limiting attendance to 200 carefully selected industry leaders. This exclusivity ensures that every interaction has the potential to lead to impactful business relationships and lucrative deals. Attendees can use an event app to view the full attendee list and schedule one-on-one meetings, streamlining the networking process. Past speakers have included prominent figures like Shankar Ram, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Strategy & Partnerships, Healthcare at Mastercard, and Jonathan Edelheit, President and CEO of the Medical Tourism Association.
Relevance for U.S.-Based Operators
For American medical tourism businesses, the summit offers a distinct advantage by connecting them with global markets. U.S.-based operators can benefit from the summit’s international connections to explore healthcare solutions for their clients and employees. Additionally, qualified U.S. self-funded employers, brokers, TPAs, and benefits consultants may receive complimentary passes worth $2,000 to attend. This initiative highlights the event’s dedication to supporting American companies in expanding their reach.
To further enhance their growth, businesses can complement the connections made at the Global Medical Tourism Summit by utilizing resources like 7 Fig Retreat Launch. This platform provides the operational strategies and systems needed to turn networking opportunities into long-term business success.
Association Comparison Table
When deciding on a medical tourism association, your choice should align with your business goals, budget, and plans for growth. Here's a side-by-side look at some key associations, their offerings, and membership details:
Association | Geographic Reach | Key Networking Benefits | Membership Cost | Ideal for U.S. Businesses |
Medical Tourism Association (MTA) | Global, with strong U.S. presence | Tiered membership with patient referrals and B2B partner access | Silver: $3,500/year, Gold: $7,500/year, Platinum: $15,000/year | Healthcare providers seeking patient referrals and marketing support |
Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) | Worldwide | Certification programs and quality assurance standards | Certification fees plus annual subscription | Facilities and professionals looking to enhance credibility through accreditation |
World Medical Tourism Congress (WMTC) | Global | Exclusive networking events and one-on-one meetings | $2,000 value (free for qualified U.S. self-funded employers, brokers, and benefits consultants) | Organizations aiming for high-level international networking opportunities |
This table highlights the distinct advantages each association offers, particularly for U.S.-based businesses. The Medical Tourism Association stands out with its tiered membership options that include direct patient referrals, while WMTC provides excellent networking opportunities at no cost for select U.S. professionals. Membership fees reflect the value each organization brings, with MTA offering scalable options and WMTC delivering exceptional benefits for qualified participants.
For those aiming to turn these connections into measurable growth, platforms like 7 Fig Retreat Launch offer tools and strategies to help businesses convert association memberships into profitable ventures.
Use this guide to pinpoint the network that best suits your business objectives and investment strategy.
Conclusion
Partnering with the right medical tourism association can elevate your local business to an international level. These organizations offer unique ways to support global growth, whether through specialized memberships, accreditation programs, or networking opportunities.
Take the Medical Tourism Association, for example. Its tiered membership structure offers tailored benefits for businesses at different stages. Similarly, Global Healthcare Accreditation focuses on international standards, helping businesses meet global benchmarks. On the networking front, the World Medical Tourism Congress creates opportunities to build high-level professional relationships.
To truly benefit, don’t just pay the membership fee and sit back. Engage actively - attend conferences, earn certifications, and nurture connections. The cost of membership isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in your business’s global expansion.
Beyond association memberships, leveraging tools that streamline operations can further accelerate growth. For U.S.-based companies looking to scale, platforms like 7 Fig Retreat Launch provide expert solutions for sales automation and operational efficiency, turning connections into measurable results.
Ultimately, the right association should align with both your current needs and future ambitions. Whether your focus is expanding your market presence, achieving international accreditation, or building executive-level relationships, these associations can pave the way for your medical tourism business to thrive on a global stage.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of joining a medical tourism association for U.S.-based businesses?
Joining a medical tourism association can open up valuable opportunities for U.S.-based businesses looking to grow in this competitive industry. These associations connect members with a network of reliable professionals, making it easier to build strong partnerships and stay updated on emerging trends and industry standards.
Being part of such an organization also boosts credibility. Membership in a well-known association signals professionalism and reliability, which can help attract potential clients. On top of that, many associations provide exclusive perks like access to industry events, specialized training programs, and marketing tools - all designed to help businesses broaden their reach and refine their operations.
How does Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) boost the credibility of medical tourism providers?
Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) plays a key role in helping medical tourism providers distinguish themselves by certifying their adherence to top-tier care, patient safety, and globally recognized best practices. This certification sends a clear message to patients and partners alike: the provider meets stringent international standards, building trust and confidence in their services.
Beyond instilling confidence, GHA accreditation can boost a provider's reputation, draw in more international patients, and create opportunities for meaningful partnerships within the medical tourism sector. It’s a strong testament to the provider’s professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding healthcare services.
What networking opportunities does the World Medical Tourism Congress provide for global business growth?
The World Medical Tourism Congress serves as a prime opportunity for businesses aiming to expand their reach internationally. It provides a space to connect with key players in the industry, build partnerships, and tap into new markets.
Participants can take part in one-on-one meetings, join networking events, and collaborate with professionals from various corners of the medical tourism field. These interactions pave the way for meaningful connections, business agreements, and growth on a global level.
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