Iran is working on establishing a joint insurance system with neighboring countries and multilateral blocs like the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and BRICS to support its growing health tourism sector. According to Sajad Razavi from the Health Ministry, the lack of universally accepted insurance coverage has been a major challenge for foreign patients seeking treatment in Iran.
Currently, international insurance policies are not recognized in Iranian hospitals, while Iranian-issued insurance lacks global acceptance due to sanctions. The proposed joint framework would allow patients to cover medical expenses using internationally valid insurance cards or regionally recognized schemes. Discussions on this initiative began at an ECO meeting in Hamedan, where officials emphasized creating a common insurance mechanism.
Iran has ambitious plans to expand its medical tourism market, aiming to attract two million health tourists annually within the next five years. Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri highlighted the country’s advanced hospitals, skilled doctors, and competitive treatment costs as key advantages. Last year alone, Iran hosted 1.2 million health tourists, generating over $2 billion in revenue.
Most visitors come from neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, and Armenia, seeking affordable and specialized care. Officials believe the joint insurance system would further boost this influx by removing payment barriers and enhancing patient confidence.
The upcoming Third International Health Tourism Conference of ECO Member Countries, set for June in Hamedan, is expected to advance cooperation on this front. Experts view the initiative as a win-win: it will give patients access to reliable, cost-effective care while strengthening Iran’s economy and diplomatic ties.
