5G in Healthcare Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Services, Connectivity), By Deployment (On-Premise, Cloud-Based), By Application (Connected Medical Devices, Remote Patient Monitoring, AR/VR, Asset tracking, Connected Ambulance, Telehealth, Others), By End-Users (Healthcare Providers, Payers, Patients, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

5G in Healthcare Market Size

The global 5G in healthcare market size was valued at USD 108.50 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 166.20 billion in 2025 to reach USD 627.80 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.1% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

5G in healthcare refers to the use of fifth-generation wireless technology to enhance medical services and healthcare systems. With significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity, 5G enables real-time communication and data transfer, which is crucial for applications like remote surgery, telemedicine, and patient monitoring. It also supports using connected medical devices, such as wearables and sensors, to track health data in real-time. Moreover, 5G facilitates the sharing of large medical files, like MRI scans, enhancing collaboration among healthcare professionals and improving overall patient outcomes.

The market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing demand for telehealth solutions, innovation in IoT-based medical devices, and the need for optimized healthcare infrastructure. The application of fifth-generation wireless technology is revolutionizing medical services by enabling real-time data transfer, telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and robotic surgeries. Key market players, including telecom service providers, healthcare IT companies, and medical device manufacturers, are contributing to this expansion.

The implementation of 5G is expected to significantly transform healthcare delivery, reducing response times, improving surgical precision, and facilitating better patient data management. In October 2023, Chunghwa Telecom, in collaboration with Ericsson and St. Paul's Hospital, launched 5G-connected ambulances in Taiwan using network-slicing technology. This initiative enables real-time transmission of 4K video and vital patient data from ambulances to hospitals, enhancing emergency response times and remote diagnostics.

Such innovations demonstrate how 5G technology is improving emergency medical care by enabling faster data sharing and treatment. These advancements are driving the rapid growth and evolution of the 5G in the healthcare market.

5G in Healthcare Market Trends

Integration of 5G in telemedicine & remote patient monitoring

The adoption of 5G in telemedicine and remote patient monitoring is transforming healthcare by enabling real-time consultations, continuous health tracking, and AI-driven diagnostics. With its high-speed connectivity and ultra-low latency, 5G enhances care coordination, reduces delays in medical interventions, and improves patient outcomes.

• For instance, in February 2024, Infosys highlighted how 5G is revolutionizing telemedicine through IoT-enabled health monitoring and AI-powered diagnostics. Their multi-sensor fusion technology and intelligent hospital beds facilitate real-time tracking of patient vitals, leading to early interventions and reduced hospital readmissions.

As 5G-powered healthcare solutions improve accessibility, minimize treatment delays, and enable AI-driven precision medicine, this trend is playing a key role in driving market expansion.

Growing partnerships and investments in smart hospitals

The rise of 5G-enabled smart hospitals is reshaping healthcare delivery by integrating AI, IoT, and real-time data analytics to enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and hospital automation. These facilities rely on seamless 5G connectivity to enable autonomous medical systems, robotic assistance, and AI-powered diagnostics.

• For instance, in July 2023, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) in South Korea, in collaboration with KT Corp., launched a 5G-based smart hospital system. This included autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), 3D remote medical education, and self-driving electric wheelchairs, enhancing hospital logistics, medical training, and patient mobility.

Such advancements are accelerating the adoption of 5G in smart hospitals, where stable wireless networks are essential for real-time patient tracking, automated workflows, and AI-driven medical decision-making, further fueling the growth of the 5G in healthcare market.

5G in Healthcare Market Driving Factors

Integration of AI and IoT in healthcare

The widespread adoption of 5G is revolutionizing the healthcare sector, paving the way for a connected healthcare ecosystem powered by AI, IoT, and robotics. The enhanced speed and low latency of 5G are enabling real-time data processing, remote patient monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics, fostering the development of smart hospitals and precision healthcare solutions.

• For instance, in October 2024, the HIMSS24 Asia-Pacific Conference showcased how 5G is transforming healthcare with technologies such as remote surgeries, holographic imaging, and AI-assisted diagnostics. CUHK Medical Centre in Hong Kong became the first fully 5G-powered hospital, facilitating real-time surgical training, remote consultations, and AI-driven patient management.

These advancements are accelerating 5G adoption in healthcare, enhancing telemedicine, robotic surgeries, AI-assisted diagnostics, and virtual healthcare training, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency.

Increasing adoption of 5G in emergency care

The implementation of 5G-enabled ambulance services is revolutionizing emergency medical care, significantly reducing response times, improving communication, and enabling real-time patient data transmission. These capabilities ensure faster decision-making, remote medical guidance, and more effective pre-hospital care, leading to better patient outcomes in critical situations.

• For instance, in June 2024, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, India, in collaboration with Medulance, launched South India's first 5G ambulance service, reducing emergency response times to under four minutes. This initiative demonstrates the life-saving potential of high-speed connectivity, allowing doctors to assess patients remotely and provide instant medical guidance before they even reach the hospital.

Such innovations underscore the critical role of 5G in emergency healthcare, optimizing real-time monitoring, AI-powered diagnostics, and seamless communication between ambulances and hospitals.

Market Restraining Factors

Dependence on Internet connectivity

The reliance on continuous internet connectivity presents a significant challenge for the 5G healthcare market. Any disruptions, such as network breakdowns, power failures, or cyberattacks, can severely impact critical medical services like remote surgeries, telemedicine, and real-time patient monitoring. Even temporary connectivity issues can jeopardize patient outcomes, particularly during emergencies. Moreover, healthcare facilities in rural or underserved areas often face inconsistent network availability, limiting the full potential of 5G technology. This dependence on stable internet connectivity creates risks, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to ensure seamless healthcare delivery.

Market Opportunity

5G-enabled robotic surgery

5G's ultra-low latency and high bandwidth enable real-time communication between surgical staff and robotic instruments, making precise remote surgeries possible. This breakthrough technology enhances access to specialized surgical care in underserved regions, creating vast market opportunities for 5G in healthcare.

• For example, in February 2024, a pioneering 5G-enabled robotic telesurgery was conducted between Orlando, Florida, and Dubai and Shanghai, spanning over 10,000 kilometers. The success of this surgery demonstrated 5G's ability to deliver real-time accuracy and precision in remote surgeries.

Such developments are likely to boost the adoption of 5G-enabled surgeries, extending access to critical healthcare services in underserved and remote areas.

Regional Insights

North America: Dominant region with 40.9% market share

North America holds a leading position in the global 5G in healthcare market due to high internet penetration, strong regulatory support, sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, high speed of digital health technology adoption, and high investment in 5G network. The region also benefits due to the presence of major players in the industry, high levels of R&D in telemedicine, and supportive government policies favoring healthcare digitization.

Moreover, rising demand for remote patient monitoring, robotic-assisted surgeries, and AI-based diagnostics has also increased the pace of 5G adoption. The region's high smartphone penetration and established network infrastructure propels the integration of 5G-enabled healthcare solutions, further fueling market growth in North America.

Asia Pacific: Fastest growing region with the highest market CAGR

Asia-Pacific is poised to register the highest CAGR, propelled by rapid advancements in 5G infrastructure, increasing government spending on healthcare digitization, and rising demand for telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. The region’s large population, growing burden of chronic diseases, and efforts to expand healthcare access in rural areas contribute to the demand for 5G-driven medical solutions. Moreover, emerging markets such as China, India, and Japan, along with strong collaborations between telecommunications providers and healthcare institutions, are accelerating 5G integration, positioning Asia-Pacific as a key growth hub for the market.

Countries Insights

• U.S.– The U.S. leads the 5G in healthcare market, driven by an advanced healthcare infrastructure and substantial investment in digital health technologies. In 2023, the VA Palo Alto Health Care System became the first U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facility to implement a private 5G network, enhancing real-time data sharing and patient monitoring. With the rise of connected medical devices, U.S. healthcare providers are transitioning from 4G to 5G, enabling faster data transmission and sophisticated AI-driven healthcare solutions, accelerating market expansion.
• Germany- Germany is one of Europe’s largest 5G in healthcare markets, fueled by strong government and private-sector investments. In January 2023, Frankfurt University Hospital partnered with Vodafone Germany to launch the 5G for University Hospital (5G4UH) project with a €4.5 million budget, including €3.3 million in EU funding. These initiatives enhance digital healthcare infrastructure, supporting remote surgeries, AI-assisted diagnostics, and smart hospital systems, further driving Germany’s 5G healthcare market growth.
• China- China’s 5G in healthcare market is rapidly expanding due to its need for ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity for digital medical applications. In September 2024, ZTE, China Telecom, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University launched a 5G IoT integrated network, connecting over 3,000 medical terminals. This network reduced construction time by 90% and operational costs by 30%, enabling large-scale digital healthcare adoption with enhanced security, efficiency, and reduced infrastructure complexity.
• France- France is advancing in the market with major telecom investments and early deployment of 5G infrastructure. In September 2024, Free became the first French telecom provider to launch a nationwide 5G standalone (SA) network on the 3.5 GHz band, spanning 6,950 sites. This large-scale deployment accelerates the digital transformation of healthcare, facilitating AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and smart hospital integration, significantly boosting 5G adoption in France’s medical sector.
• India– India’s 5G in healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by demand for advanced digital health solutions. In February 2024, Medulance launched India’s first 5G-powered Smart Medical Room in Gurugram, enabling real-time monitoring, telemedicine, and emergency response. This innovation enhances early diagnostics, AI-based healthcare services, and remote patient management. With expanding 5G infrastructure and increasing government support, India is fast emerging as a key market for 5G-enabled healthcare solutions.

Segmentation Analysis

By Component

The hardware segment leads the global market due to the increasing adoption of 5G-enabled medical devices, robotic surgical systems, and AR/VR-based healthcare solutions. The need for low-latency, real-time data transmission in robotic-assisted surgeries, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth is driving high-tech hardware investments. Moreover, smart hospitals, 5G-connected ambulances, and wearable health devices further propel demand for hardware solutions.

• In June 2023, Vodafone and Italian start-up Artiness introduced a 5G-enabled AR solution for 3D heart surgery simulation, allowing cardiologists to visualize and interact with individualized heart models, enhancing surgical precision.

By Deployment

On-premise solutions lead the market for 5G in healthcare due to their superior data security, greater control over system infrastructure, and strict compliance with healthcare regulations. Hospitals and healthcare institutions handling vast amounts of sensitive patient data prefer on-premise setups to minimize cybersecurity risks and ensure data sovereignty. Moreover, these solutions offer higher customization for complex workflows, seamless integration with existing hospital IT infrastructure, and enhanced reliability, making them the preferred choice for healthcare providers prioritizing data protection and operational efficiency.

By Application

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) dominates the global market, as it significantly improves patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. 5G facilitates real-time data transmission from RPM devices, enabling continuous monitoring and timely intervention, particularly for chronic disease management. The seamless connectivity enhances telehealth services and reduces hospital visits.

• A University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre study found that RPM devices reduced physician visits by 47% and hospital admissions of older patients by 40%, showcasing the transformative impact of 5G-powered RPM in modern healthcare.

By End-User

Healthcare providers are the leading end-users of 5G in healthcare market, requiring high-speed connectivity to optimize patient care, streamline operations, and improve medical outcomes. 5G enables real-time data transfer, remote diagnostics, AI-powered imaging, and robotic surgeries with ultra-low latency. Moreover, the surge in connected medical devices and remote monitoring solutions increases reliance on 5G networks for secure and uninterrupted data transmission. As digital health technologies advance, 5G plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and patient experiences across hospitals and clinics. 

Company Market Share

Key players in the 5G in healthcare industry are actively adopting strategic initiatives to strengthen their market presence and drive innovation. These strategies include strategic collaborations, product approvals, mergers and acquisitions, large-scale partnerships, and cutting-edge product launches. Companies are investing in R&D for AI-powered diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and smart hospital solutions.

Verizon: An emerging player in the global 5G in healthcare market

Verizon Communications is a leading U.S.-based telecommunications provider headquartered in New York City. Established in 2000, the company delivers a wide range of services, including wireless connectivity, broadband, fiber-optic solutions, and enterprise communications. Verizon plays a key role in advancing 5G technology, particularly in healthcare, smart cities, and IoT applications.

Recent developments by Verizon:

• In April 2023, Verizon started deployment of a private 5G network at the Cleveland Clinic site in Ohio. The project is to support cutting-edge medical technologies and improve connectivity. The partnership facilitates innovations such as AR/VR-guided surgery, real-time asset location, and digital patient engagement solutions.

Recent Developments

• February 2024 – Telit Cinterion improved 5G offerings with New eMBB LGA Modules. At MWC Barcelona, Telit Cinterion introduced the FE990B34/40 LGA module family, driven by the Snapdragon X72 5G Modem-RF System. This innovation enhances Telit Cinterion's presence in the 5G IoT market, providing high-speed connectivity, sophisticated processing, and multi-carrier support.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analysts, the global 5G in healthcare market is set for remarkable growth, driven by the rising demand for connected healthcare solutions, telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and real-time patient monitoring. Likewise, the increasing need for low-latency, high-speed connectivity is accelerating the adoption of robotic-assisted surgeries, remote consultations, and smart hospital infrastructure.

Despite the promising growth, the market faces challenges such as high deployment costs, cybersecurity risks, regulatory hurdles, and the digital divide in rural areas. However, the ongoing evolution in network slicing, private 5G deployments, and regulatory advancements continue to drive innovation, ensuring a more secure, efficient, and scalable 5G-enabled healthcare ecosystem in the future.