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Table of Content
April 2025
Principal Consultant
Reviewed By
The global medical second opinion market size is calculated at USD 5.65 billion in 2024, grew to USD 6.46 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 21.52 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 14.34% between 2025 and 2034.
| Metric | Details |
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 5.65 Billion |
| Projected Market Size in 2034 | USD 21.52 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2034) | 14.34% |
| Leading Region | North America |
| Market Segmentation | By Type, By Source of Service, By Services, By Application, By Region |
| Top Key Players |
Accolade, AXA-Global Healthcare, Curefy, Global Second Opinion, Included Health, Loyola Medicine, Medicover Hospitals, MORE Health, Inc., Nanox AI, Peal, PinnacleCare International LLC, SecondOpinionExpert, Second Opinions |
A medical second opinion refers to seeking advice from another healthcare professional regarding a patient’s specific medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Another healthcare professional might confirm or question the primary doctor’s decision. Obtaining a second opinion can enhance a patient's confidence in the diagnosis and treatment of a disease. Some doctors may even have access to emerging therapies through clinical trials. This helps a patient to explore different treatment options and gain peace of mind by alleviating doubts, uncertainties, or concerns.
The rising prevalence of severe chronic disorders such as kidney failure, cancer, organ transplant, brain stroke, etc., potentiate the chances of a second medical opinion. The growing demand for personalized treatment and effective disease management boosts the market. Favorable government policies and reimbursement support help patients to opt for a second opinion. Technological advancements enable telemedicine for remote consultations, augmenting market growth.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the way second opinions are given. AI can significantly reduce medical errors and suggest appropriate tailored treatment to patients. It can improve clinical decision-making at affordable costs. Most patients use large language models (LLMs) and the internet to confirm their diagnosis and the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. AI models can reduce the risk of missed diagnoses. Additionally, integrating AI in a healthcare setting enables healthcare professionals to remotely monitor a patient. AI-based telemedicine provides virtual consultation, eliminating the need for patients to physically visit a healthcare setting.
Effective Disease Management
The major growth factor of the medical second opinion market is the growing need for effective disease management. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders due to the increasing geriatric population is the primary reason for effective disease management. The United Nations Population Fund reported that the global share of the geriatric population, i.e., people more than 65 years, between 1974 and 2024 increased from 5.5% to 10.3%. It projected that this share will further increase to 20.7% between 2024 and 2074. The growing awareness for a healthy lifestyle and increasing healthcare expenditure is also driving the demand for effective disease management. All these aspects potentiate the need for a second medical opinion. A second medical opinion helps patients receive the most comprehensive advice, leading to effective disease management.
Supplementary Cost
The major challenge of the market is the additional cost of physician consultation. It affects a patient’s healthcare expenditure, especially if the patient has to travel to a different location (e.g., an urban city) for a second opinion. This majorly affects people from low- and middle-income groups, restricting them from taking the best possible care.
Personalized Treatment
The future of the medical second opinion market is promising, driven by the rising need for personalized treatment. The rapidly evolving demographics, increasing population, and advancements in medical treatments potentiate the need for personalized treatment. Several government organizations globally have launched initiatives to support personalized treatment. The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) European Partnership for Personalized Medicine recently established an Innovation Advisory Board, comprising 8 international experts, to accelerate innovation in personalized medicine. A second medical opinion enables healthcare professionals to offer personalized treatment. Patients prefer a second opinion for personalized recommendations and a tailored delivery of expert information conveyed with concern for the individual. They expect little in the way of emotional support from consultants.
By type, the online physicians portal segment held a dominant presence in the medical second opinion market in 2024. The advent of advanced technologies such as AI and telemedicine enables healthcare professionals to consult with a patient virtually. The online system enhances healthcare accessibility, catering to a large patient population, including those living in rural areas. Online consultations offer cost-effective and efficient solutions without compromising the quality of care. The latest advancements in wireless connectivity technology boost the segment’s growth.
By type, the hospital physicians/specialties segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Hospital physicians/specialties provide a second medical opinion due to their multidisciplinary expertise. They can provide consultation regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a severe disorder. They confirm the initial diagnosis, explore alternative treatment options, and offer more clarity on a medical issue. They have access to specialized equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment, promoting the segment’s growth.
By source of service, the outsourced segment led the global medical second opinion market in 2024. The majority of the patients prefer an outsourced second opinion to get a different perspective on a patient’s medical condition. Outsourcing can enhance the quality of diagnosis and treatment, increasing access to advanced tools and techniques. This ultimately increases confidence among patients regarding their treatment. Outsourcing can also reduce bias and potentiate the chances of receiving adequate medical care. The availability of virtual consultation platforms simplifies outsourcing a second opinion, fostering the segment’s growth.
By source of service, the in-house segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. In-house second opinion refers to receiving a second consultation from a professional within the same healthcare organization. Patients can receive the best care and treatment from in-house experts. They may provide additional insights, leading to improved treatment outcomes. This reduces the cost of consultation and enables patients to avail of reimbursement benefits.
By services, the medical peer review services segment registered its dominance over the global medical second opinion market in 2024. Medical peer review services are essential for the in-depth examination of patient medical data. These services also offer multi-specialty evaluations and board-level assessments, resulting in enhanced diagnostic accuracy. These services also ensure that patients receive a comprehensive, unbiased evaluation and personalized treatment options.
By services, the post-acute care nursing segment is projected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. Post-acute nursing care refers to short-stay medical and skilled nursing services that require a higher level of care for the geriatric population. The rising prevalence of acute disorders and the increasing geriatric population augment the segment’s growth. Patients can prefer a second opinion to make decisions about their post-acute treatment regimen. They can also opt for another healthcare professional to continue their post-acute care outside the medical center, improving treatment outcomes and quality of care.
By application, the cancer segment held the largest share of the medical second opinion market in 2024. The rising prevalence of cancer and its severity necessitate patients to seek a second opinion. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation on 1,769 cancer patients, approximately 67% of cancer patients from private hospitals and 33% of patients from government hospitals sought a second opinion to find if their treatment was on the correct course and to check the availability of the latest treatment and medicines. Some studies showed that 30% of cancer patients seeking a second opinion find better options to fight cancer.
By application, the cardiovascular disorders segment is estimated to show the fastest growth over the forecast period. The increasing incidences of cardiovascular disorders drive the segment’s growth. More than half a billion people globally are estimated to be affected by cardiovascular disorders. A second opinion can help patients to consult experts such as electrophysiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, cardiac intensivists, rehab experts, and heart failure specialists, depending on their conditions. This helps to avoid unwanted procedures and surgeries, saving costs and time.
North America dominated the global medical second opinion market in 2024. The presence of skilled professionals and advanced healthcare infrastructure drive the market. Numerous companies are integrating AI in second opinion platforms to increase accessibility. People from North America are more aware of seeking a second medical opinion. The rising geriatric population increases the demand for a second opinion. The booming medical tourism sector also increases the chances of a second opinion from domestic or international locations, contributing to market growth.
Several factors positively impact market growth in the U.S., including the presence of key players and favorable government support. Key players such as Second Opinions, USA Health, and Included Health hold a major share of the market in the U.S. The U.S. government’s health insurance programs, Medicare and Medicaid, provide reimbursement for second opinions.
According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos, almost half of Canadians (52%) demanded increased access to healthcare provided by independent health entrepreneurs. This is due to dissatisfaction with the provincial healthcare system in Canada, promoting a second medical opinion.
Asia-Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing medical second opinion market in the coming years. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders is a major reason for seeking a second medical opinion. According to the WHO, the Southeast Asia Region is more prone to non-communicable diseases globally. The region accounts for 62% of all deaths due to NCDs, accounting for 9 million people. The increasing healthcare expenditure and favorable reimbursement policies promote the market. The burgeoning healthcare and medical tourism sectors foster market growth. Asia-Pacific countries like Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Singapore are preferred locations for medical tourism.
The increasing collaborations and the rising adoption of advanced technologies boost the market in China. Favorable regulatory policies govern new product launches in China. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved a total of 50 AI-based medical devices for various purposes as of 2023.
The availability of several private health insurance companies enables patients to opt for second opinions. The availability of affordable yet advanced care attracts numerous foreigners to take their treatment in India. It was reported that around 7.3 million medical tourists visited India in 2024, compared with 6.3 million in 2023.
Europe is observed to grow at a considerable rate in the medical second opinion market in the upcoming period. The increasing use of advanced technology and the presence of key players favor market growth. Major players for second opinion in Europe include Gustave Roussy, AMA Global Assistance, and Istituto Europeo di Oncologia. Several government organizations support medical second opinions by implementing policies and initiatives. The availability of government and private reimbursement policies encourages patients to take second opinions.
The increasing healthcare expenditure potentiates market growth. The Department of Health and Social Care’s overall budget for 2025/26 increased to £13.6 billion. At the same time, the NHS England’s budget is £192 billion for 2025/26. The UK government introduced Martha’s rule to facilitate hospital patients to get a second medical opinion. This rule makes it easier for patients and their families who believe their concerns are not being taken seriously.
Cambron Carter, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Peal, commented that the EU-MDR certification demonstrates that the quality and care applied in the development and maintenance of AI systems and products is a testament to the team’s dedication to delivering dental AI that exceeds exacting standards and best practices for healthcare technologies.
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