Medical Crowdfunding Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Therapeutic Crowdfunding, Transplant Crowdfunding, Cancer Crowdfunding), By Applications Covered (Children, Adults, Elders) and Regional Forecast to 2033

Medical Crowdfunding Market Size

The global medical crowdfunding market was valued at USD 6,707.91 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8,008 million in 2025. By 2033, the market is projected to grow to USD 33,034.8 million.

The U.S. medical crowdfunding market is expanding rapidly, fueled by increasing healthcare costs and rising awareness. The trend is supported by growing adoption of online platforms for medical expense fundraising across diverse demographics.

The global medical crowdfunding market has grown substantially in recent years, driven by the increasing cost of healthcare and the rising number of patients seeking financial support. As of 2023, more than 2.5 million people worldwide raised funds for medical treatments, with the average amount of funds raised per campaign reaching USD 6,500. The popularity of crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe has surged, with the platform itself reporting that medical-related campaigns accounted for nearly 50% of its total fundraising activities. The rise in mobile health applications and digital payment solutions has also contributed to the growth of this market, offering patients easy access to crowdfunding channels.

Medical Crowdfunding Market Trends

The medical crowdfunding market has experienced rapid growth, particularly in regions where access to affordable healthcare is limited. In 2023, crowdfunding platforms facilitated over USD 1.5 billion in donations for medical causes, with a substantial percentage directed towards cancer treatment, surgeries, and urgent care. Medical campaigns have shifted towards specialized platforms focusing on niche healthcare needs, enhancing trust and transparency. Social media, as a tool for spreading awareness, has been crucial in fundraising efforts, enabling individuals to reach broader audiences. As of 2022, nearly 70% of fundraising campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe leveraged social media networks for promotion. Moreover, the integration of digital payment systems and mobile health apps has increased donor engagement and platform accessibility, making crowdfunding more efficient and widespread. Online transparency tools, such as tracking fund allocation and fund usage, have bolstered donor confidence, contributing to higher donation amounts per campaign.

Medical Crowdfunding Market Dynamics

Drivers of Market Growth

"Increasing Healthcare Costs"

Healthcare costs have been rising globally, with some treatments, especially surgeries and long-term therapies, becoming unaffordable for a large section of the population. In 2023, the average healthcare cost in the U.S. was USD 11,500 per capita, while the cost of cancer treatment alone could exceed USD 150,000. This increasing financial burden is driving individuals to seek crowdfunding as an alternative funding source. Platforms such as GoFundMe and Kickstarter have reported a 40% increase in medical fundraising campaigns from 2022 to 2023. The accessibility of crowdfunding platforms enables patients to reach a wider audience, providing an effective solution for covering substantial medical expenses.

Market Restraints

Regulatory Challenges and Fraud Risks

Despite its growth, the medical crowdfunding market faces several restraints, particularly related to regulatory issues and the risk of fraudulent campaigns. In 2023, 12% of crowdfunding campaigns in the healthcare sector were flagged for fraud, raising concerns about the legitimacy of campaigns. Platforms such as GoFundMe have taken measures to address these concerns by implementing verification processes, but the lack of standardized regulations across countries remains a significant challenge. Additionally, as medical crowdfunding gains popularity, more scammers are exploiting these platforms, prompting calls for increased oversight. In regions like the EU and North America, regulatory frameworks are still under development, which could potentially hinder market growth.

Market Opportunities

Growth in Personalized Medicine

One of the key opportunities in the medical crowdfunding market is the growing demand for personalized medicine, especially in areas such as genetic treatments and tailored drug therapies. The global personalized medicine market is projected to reach USD 94.2 billion by 2025. As the cost of personalized therapies is often higher than traditional treatments, patients are increasingly turning to crowdfunding to finance their medical needs. Platforms are capitalizing on this trend by introducing dedicated sections for personalized medicine and gene therapy treatments, which have seen an uptick in fundraising. The increasing awareness and acceptance of such therapies, combined with the rapid growth of the medical crowdfunding sector, present significant opportunities for market expansion.

Market Challenges

Overcrowded Platforms and Campaign Fatigue

One of the main challenges in the medical crowdfunding market is platform saturation, which leads to campaign fatigue. In 2023, over 45% of medical crowdfunding campaigns failed to meet their fundraising targets due to the overwhelming number of competing campaigns. With more individuals turning to crowdfunding for medical purposes, platforms like GoFundMe saw an increase of 10% in new campaigns in 2023 alone, making it difficult for individual campaigns to stand out. This oversaturation can lead to donor fatigue, reducing engagement and the likelihood of reaching fundraising goals. To overcome this challenge, campaign organizers must employ targeted strategies and leverage social media effectively to increase their visibility.

Segmentation Analysis

The medical crowdfunding market is segmented based on various factors, such as the type of medical condition and the demographic profile of the beneficiaries. Segmentation allows for a more targeted approach to fundraising and has been a significant driver of market expansion. Types of medical crowdfunding campaigns vary, with many focusing on specific treatment categories, such as therapeutic, transplant, and cancer-related fundraising. Applications of these campaigns also differ, catering to specific age groups like children, adults, and the elderly, each facing different healthcare challenges and financial needs. Understanding these segments provides valuable insights into market trends and helps platforms better serve patients and donors alike.

By Type

• Therapeutic Crowdfunding: Therapeutic crowdfunding is one of the largest segments in the medical crowdfunding market. This type of crowdfunding focuses on raising funds for patients requiring specialized treatments, surgeries, or therapies that may not be covered by insurance. In 2023, therapeutic-related campaigns accounted for approximately 35% of all medical crowdfunding efforts, with an average amount raised per campaign reaching USD 7,000. Conditions like heart disease, neurological disorders, and chronic illnesses often fall under this category. As treatments for these conditions can be lengthy and expensive, patients increasingly rely on crowdfunding to cover out-of-pocket expenses, medications, and hospital bills.

• Transplant Crowdfunding: Transplant crowdfunding focuses specifically on the financial needs of patients requiring organ transplants. The cost of organ transplantation can be extremely high, often exceeding USD 500,000, depending on the organ and the country where the surgery takes place. This has made transplant crowdfunding a prominent segment, with patients raising funds for both the transplantation procedure and post-operative care. In 2023, 15% of all medical crowdfunding campaigns were related to organ transplants. The need for financial assistance is particularly high for individuals without sufficient insurance coverage or those facing long waitlists for organ donations. As the demand for organ transplants continues to rise, so does the role of crowdfunding in alleviating the financial burden.

• Cancer Crowdfunding: Cancer crowdfunding is another key segment, as the cost of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, can be astronomical. In 2023, cancer-related campaigns represented 25% of all medical crowdfunding efforts, with the average funds raised per campaign reaching around USD 9,500. The increasing prevalence of cancer globally has made it a primary focus of medical crowdfunding, as patients with limited or no insurance often struggle to afford the costly treatment. Crowdfunding provides an avenue for individuals to cover expenses related to treatment, transportation, and other necessary care. This segment continues to grow as more people turn to online platforms for financial assistance.

By Application

• Children: In the medical crowdfunding market, children represent one of the most vulnerable demographic groups. Medical treatments for children often involve complex procedures, long-term care, and specialized treatments, making it difficult for families to afford them. In 2023, campaigns for children's medical care accounted for approximately 20% of all crowdfunding initiatives. Common conditions that require crowdfunding include congenital disabilities, life-threatening diseases, and rare medical conditions. With parents and caregivers increasingly turning to crowdfunding to finance treatments not covered by insurance, this segment remains a significant focus of crowdfunding platforms. The average amount raised for children's medical needs is around USD 5,000 per campaign.

• Adults: Adults, particularly those in their working years, form the largest group in the medical crowdfunding market. This group often faces major medical expenses due to chronic conditions, unexpected surgeries, or serious illnesses. As of 2023, adult-related medical crowdfunding campaigns made up 50% of the total market share. Diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are some of the leading causes of crowdfunding in this segment. The average funds raised for adult medical treatments tend to be higher compared to other groups, reaching approximately USD 8,000 per campaign. Adults seeking financial assistance through crowdfunding are often trying to cover not only medical expenses but also lost wages due to extended recovery periods.

• Elders: Elderly patients are increasingly turning to medical crowdfunding due to rising healthcare costs associated with aging. Elderly individuals often require long-term care for chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, which are costly to manage. In 2023, elder-related crowdfunding campaigns accounted for about 15% of all campaigns, with the average raised amount reaching USD 10,000. These campaigns often focus on covering the cost of in-home care, medications, and assisted living facilities. As the aging population grows, the demand for crowdfunding in this segment is expected to rise, providing a crucial financial lifeline for many elderly patients who may not have sufficient retirement savings or healthcare insurance.

Medical Crowdfunding Market Regional Outlook

The medical crowdfunding market exhibits strong regional diversity, with significant variations in adoption and demand across different parts of the world. North America and Europe lead the market in terms of total funds raised and platform adoption, while Asia-Pacific and regions like the Middle East and Africa are witnessing rapid growth due to increasing healthcare needs and the rise of online fundraising platforms. Regional preferences for crowdfunding types also vary, with higher awareness and acceptance in regions with more advanced healthcare systems. As medical expenses continue to rise, medical crowdfunding offers a critical lifeline for patients globally.

North America

North America holds the largest share of the global medical crowdfunding market, driven by the high cost of healthcare in the region and a well-established online fundraising infrastructure. The U.S. dominates the market, accounting for nearly 60% of total medical crowdfunding efforts in North America. In 2023, more than USD 1 billion was raised via crowdfunding platforms for medical purposes in the U.S. alone. The popularity of platforms like GoFundMe has led to a rapid increase in the volume of medical-related campaigns, with an average of USD 5,000 raised per campaign. The market is expected to continue growing due to the increasing number of underinsured and uninsured patients.

Europe

In Europe, medical crowdfunding has gained considerable traction, particularly in countries like the UK, Germany, and France, where patients often face high medical costs. The European market accounted for 20% of the global medical crowdfunding market in 2023, with the UK being the largest contributor. The average funds raised per campaign in Europe range from USD 4,000 to USD 7,000, depending on the type of treatment. In the UK, platforms like JustGiving and GoFundMe have become increasingly popular for medical-related fundraising. There has been a marked increase in campaigns related to cancer treatment and organ transplants in the region.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth in medical crowdfunding, driven by increasing healthcare costs, particularly in countries like India, China, and Japan. As of 2023, the region accounted for approximately 15% of the global medical crowdfunding market. The market is expanding rapidly due to a growing middle class, increasing awareness of crowdfunding, and a rise in chronic health conditions. In India, crowdfunding platforms such as Milaap have seen a surge in medical campaigns, with average funds raised around USD 3,000 per campaign. The region is expected to see continued growth as digital platforms become more accessible.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa represent a smaller portion of the global medical crowdfunding market but are experiencing significant growth, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. The market share of this region was estimated at 5% in 2023, with an increasing number of medical crowdfunding campaigns being launched to support patients with chronic illnesses, surgeries, and emergency medical procedures. Crowdfunding platforms in the Middle East, such as JustGiving and GoFundMe, have seen rising participation due to a combination of high medical costs and limited public healthcare options. The average funds raised per campaign in the region are approximately USD 4,000.

List of Key Medical Crowdfunding Market Companies Profiled

• • ImpactGuru

• • Plumfund

• • Milaap

• • MedGift

• • FundRazr

• • Ketto

• • WATERDROP

• • GoFundMe

• • JustGiving

• • CoFund Health

GoFundMe: As the leading platform for medical crowdfunding in North America and globally, GoFundMe accounts for more than 40% of the market share in the medical crowdfunding sector. The platform has raised billions for medical causes, with an average of USD 8,000 raised per medical campaign.

Milaap: Milaap is one of the largest medical crowdfunding platforms in India and Southeast Asia, holding 30% of the market share in the region. Milaap helps raise approximately USD 5 million annually for medical treatments, with the average campaign raising USD 3,000.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in Medical Crowdfunding Market

In 2023, several key platforms made advancements to improve their user experience and broaden their reach. GoFundMe, for instance, introduced enhanced mobile capabilities, making it easier for donors to contribute through mobile apps. Milaap expanded its network in Southeast Asia, partnering with local healthcare institutions to provide more transparent and secure fundraising. In 2024, ImpactGuru launched a new feature that allows fundraisers to set up monthly recurring donations, a feature previously unavailable, enabling continuous funding support for long-term treatments. These developments have significantly improved the success rate of medical campaigns on these platforms.

New Product Development in Medical Crowdfunding Market

In 2023 and 2024, several new products and features were introduced by crowdfunding platforms to cater to the growing demand for medical fundraising. GoFundMe launched the "GoFundMe Health" service, which allows patients to access dedicated support for managing their medical campaigns, including expert advice on how to maximize donations. This service also includes partnerships with healthcare providers, ensuring transparency in fund usage. Additionally, FundRazr introduced a new AI-based tool that helps users optimize their medical fundraising campaigns by suggesting personalized content strategies and donation goals based on previous campaigns’ performance. These developments highlight the increasing sophistication and competition in the medical crowdfunding market, improving the overall user experience.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in Medical Crowdfunding Market

The medical crowdfunding market presents substantial investment opportunities, particularly for venture capitalists and angel investors looking to support digital health initiatives. Platforms such as GoFundMe and Milaap are poised to attract further investments as they expand their global reach and introduce new features to enhance user experience. In 2023, GoFundMe raised USD 100 million in funding to scale its operations, improve its technological capabilities, and launch new services. Similarly, companies like Ketto and ImpactGuru are exploring partnerships with healthcare providers, opening up new revenue streams. Investment in these platforms is expected to grow as the demand for financial assistance in the healthcare sector increases.

Report Coverage of Medical Crowdfunding Market

This report covers all critical aspects of the medical crowdfunding market, including trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. It provides a detailed analysis of market segmentation, covering types (therapeutic, transplant, cancer crowdfunding) and applications (children, adults, elders). It also explores regional market trends, offering insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Key players in the market, such as GoFundMe, Milaap, and Ketto, are profiled in this report, with insights into their market share, recent developments, and future strategies. Moreover, the report provides valuable information on investment opportunities and new product developments in the market.