The global urgent care market is expected to witness consistent growth, increasing from US$ 24.2 Bn in 2025 to US$ 34.0 Bn by 2032. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% over the forecast period, the sector continues to evolve as a key component of modern healthcare delivery, offering fast, cost-effective treatment for non-critical health issues.
Urgent care facilities offer medical attention for illnesses and injuries that require immediate care but are not serious enough for emergency rooms. These centers bridge the gap between primary care providers and emergency departments, providing walk-in services during extended hours without prior appointments. The model has proven effective in reducing the burden on hospitals while meeting patient demands for speed, affordability, and convenience.
Key Growth Drivers
• Increasing Demand for Affordable Healthcare: As healthcare costs continue to rise, patients are turning to urgent care centers for more economical solutions. These centers handle a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, offering a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to emergency departments.
• Convenience and Accessibility: The no-appointment-needed model, extended hours, and shorter wait times make urgent care centers a preferred choice for patients seeking quick treatment.
• Integration of Digital Health Technologies: Advancements in telemedicine and virtual care have broadened the capabilities of urgent care providers. Through online consultations and remote monitoring, facilities are now able to serve patients beyond their physical locations, increasing reach and efficiency.
• Rising Incidence of Injuries and Minor Illnesses: Increased demand for immediate treatment of injuries such as sprains, cuts, and minor fractures is driving the popularity of urgent care services. Trauma and injury care remains the most in-demand service category.
Business Opportunities
Telemedicine integration offers a major opportunity for urgent care providers to scale services and reach more patients. The expansion of virtual consultations allows care delivery to remote and underserved areas, while joint ventures and private equity involvement bring in financial and operational support to fuel further growth. As demand increases, providers investing in digital transformation and multi-location expansion are poised to gain significant market advantage.
Regional Insights
• North America: North America remains the dominant regional market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, widespread insurance coverage, and strong presence of established urgent care networks. The U.S. alone has witnessed significant growth in urgent care facilities, with the majority of the population living within a short drive of a center.
• Europe: The region is experiencing a rise in demand for urgent care due to overcrowding in traditional emergency departments. As more patients seek quicker alternatives for minor health issues, urgent care services are becoming an attractive solution for healthcare systems struggling with capacity.
• Asia Pacific: This region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for urgent care, driven by population growth, urbanization, and increasing awareness of affordable healthcare options. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and the adoption of telehealth platforms are enhancing urgent care accessibility throughout the region.
Key Developments and Players
Urgent care providers are actively expanding their footprint and capabilities through strategic partnerships, technology integration, and rebranding efforts. Notable developments include:
• University of Maryland Urgent Care launching two new facilities to enhance local access in Anne Arundel County.
• Yale New Haven Health rebranding its urgent care centers and inaugurating a new site in Fairfield, Connecticut.
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health collaborating with Intuitive Health to improve healthcare access in the Puget Sound area.
• CentraCare teaming up with KeyCare to deliver virtual urgent care services using an Epic-based telehealth platform.
These initiatives are designed to improve patient experience, streamline operations, and strengthen provider presence in competitive markets.
Urgent Care Market Segmentation
By Service:
• Trauma/Injury Treatment
• Acute Illness Treatment
• Diagnostic Services
• Immunization & Vaccination
• Others
By Ownership:
• Corporate Owned
• Hospital Owned/Joint Venture Centers
• Physician Owned
By Payment Source:
• Commercial / Managed Care Payor
• Government Payor
By Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
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