Background This study seeks to assess the trends in international patient intake over the past decade, with a specific focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods This is a retrospective study on the data obtained from SUPREME (CDW Research Search System) of Information Center from a single university hospital. Patient demographics on the gender, age, nationality, and diagnosis visiting International Healthcare Center from January 2013 to June 2023 were collected, and the impact and recovery rates from COVID-19 were calculated in terms of the number of foreign patients. The patient number was further analyzed based on gender, age, nationality, and diagnosis.

Results The impact and recovery rates of COVID-19 on the number of foreign patients was 57% and 71%, respectively. The patients from USA, the old adult group (age 40-64), and patients with cancer were least affected by COVID-19, whereas the patients from the UAE, the young adult group (age 19-39), and patients for medical screening were most affected by COVID-19.

Conclusions The number of international patients steadily was steadily rising since 2013 with a drop in number more than half with the advent of COVID-19 in 2019. However, recent data suggests a revival of this trend, signaling a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels. Despite the overall recovery, future trends are not entirely predictable due to potential factors. Future pandemics, international conflicts, or economic instability could potentially affect the influx of foreign patients. To revive medical tourism, a joint effort from the government and hospital is necessary.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

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The study was approved by The Seoul National University Institutional Review Board (IRB number: E-2307-053-1148).

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