MEDICAL TOURISM: WORLD TRENDS AND DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry on a global scale. There is a growing tendency for citizens of more developed countries to seek medical services in developing countries. This is connected not only with the pricing policy, which is more loyal, but also with the insurance system, with the presence of waiting lists, with the legislative framework, and religion. The high level of service delivery and the competitiveness of the state is the result of an effective state policy. The article gives the definition of the concept, the terminology of medical tourism, considers the types and directions of medical tourism development, the legislative framework of Ukraine for the provision of certain types of medical services. Risks and negative sides, problems faced by tourists, global challenges of the industry and prospects for overcoming them are considered.