The global medical tourism market is growing rapidly, valued at USD 144.5 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 704.8 billion by 2033.
Almost 98% of medical travelers to the Philippines come from the Pacific Islands — a timely opportunity for the Philippines to leverage its proximity, flight availability, affordability, and high-quality healthcare offerings. As a US territory, Guam follows US healthcare pricing, which is significantly higher than costs in the Philippines. Over one-third of Guam’s population is Filipino or of Filipino descent, and many residents already travel to the Philippines for medical and wellness services. Additionally, Guam has limited hospitals, specialists, and advanced facilities, positioning the Philippines as a gateway to the broader Micronesia region, including Saipan, Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and the Marshall Islands.
To maximize these opportunities, Micronesia Mall, the largest mall in Guam, in partnership with Philippine Airlines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), held a Mini Health Fair on 25 January 2026 at its Center Court, themed “NEW YEAR, NEW YOU.” Top-tier hospitals in the Philippines, accredited by the DOT, included Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC), Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, The Medical City, and St. Luke’s Medical Center. CGHMC was represented by Dr. Andre Villanueva, its Director for Business Development and Quality Management.
The visit to Guam also included hospital benchmarking, courtesy calls with partner stakeholders, and B2B meetings with major Guam-based insurance providers. By highlighting the Philippines’ competitive advantages, such as internationally accredited medical facilities, English-speaking healthcare professionals, and comprehensive medical and wellness packages, the country can reposition itself as the premier medical tourism destination for Pacific Islanders.
