Consumer Resource

Patients Beyond Borders

Patients Beyond Borders is the most widely cited independent consumer guide to medical tourism — the resource that journalists, researchers, and patients rely on for authoritative market data.

What Patients Beyond Borders Is

Founded in 2005 by Josef Woodman and headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Patients Beyond Borders is both a publishing organization and consulting firm. Its flagship book — Everybody’s Guide to Affordable, World-Class Medical Travel — is the best-selling consumer guide in the field, with millions of copies circulated across multiple editions.

Josef Woodman has spent 16+ years researching and vetting international healthcare options, touring more than 200 medical facilities across 35 countries. He has lectured at UCLA School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and Duke Fuqua School of Business, and has been cited in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Economist, CNN, and more.

Key Market Data

Patients Beyond Borders estimated the 2023 global medical tourism market at $63–88 billion, based on approximately 21–22 million cross-border patients worldwide spending an average of $3,510 per visit.

These are the most widely cited market size figures in the industry. When you see medical tourism market statistics quoted, they most often trace back to Patients Beyond Borders research.

The Fifth Edition

A fifth edition of the book is planned for 2026, expected to incorporate AI-driven guidance customized by condition, treatment, destination, and budget.

Their Standard

Patients Beyond Borders focuses specifically on verified, vetted, accredited facilities. Their approach aligns with ours: no sketchy referrals, no unverified providers.