Global Medical Equipment Rental Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The medical equipment market can be analyzed across several key segments, including product type, equipment type, and end-use categories. The product segment includes surgical equipment, durable medical equipment, and storage and transport devices. Surgical equipment plays a crucial role in procedures and is often at the forefront of technological advancements in the medical field. Durable medical equipment (DME) is essential for both in-patient and outpatient care, providing long-term solutions for patients with chronic conditions or disabilities. Storage and transport devices, including items like hospital beds and stretchers, ensure that patients are efficiently and safely moved throughout healthcare facilities.

In terms of equipment type, the market is divided into categories such as patient monitoring equipment, imaging equipment, surgical equipment, respiratory equipment, home healthcare equipment, and other equipment. Patient monitoring equipment is vital for tracking vital signs and detecting potential health issues in real time, making it indispensable in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Imaging equipment, including MRI and X-ray machines, is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Surgical equipment continues to evolve with minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgery technologies, while respiratory equipment is seeing growth due to the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases. Home healthcare equipment, which includes mobility aids and diagnostic tools, is seeing a rise in demand as more patients opt for at-home care.

The end-use segment further breaks down into personal/home care, institutes & laboratories, and hospitals. Personal or home care equipment is increasingly popular as the aging population and individuals with chronic conditions prefer receiving medical treatment at home. Institutes and laboratories use specialized equipment for research and testing purposes, requiring high-performance machinery to support scientific advancement and medical innovations. Hospitals remain the largest end user, as they demand a wide variety of medical equipment for patient care, ranging from basic to highly specialized devices. Each of these segments plays an essential role in the overall healthcare infrastructure, contributing to the growth of the medical equipment market.

Global Medical Equipment Rental Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Medical Equipment Rental Market has been segmented by Product, Equipment Type, End Use, and Geography.

Global Medical Equipment Rental Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Medical Equipment Rental Market has been segmented by Product into Surgical Equipment, Durable Medical Equipment, and Storage & Transport Devices.

Surgical Equipment constitutes a vital segment within the rental market, encompassing a diverse array of instruments and devices used in surgical procedures. This category includes surgical tables, lights, anesthesia machines, electrosurgical units, and endoscopic instruments, among others. Healthcare facilities often rely on rental services for surgical equipment to accommodate fluctuating caseloads, access specialized instruments for specific procedures, and minimize upfront capital investments. The flexibility offered by surgical equipment rental enables healthcare providers to optimize resource utilization and maintain high standards of patient care.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) represents another key segment in the medical equipment rental market, comprising a range of devices designed for long-term use to support patient mobility, independence, and rehabilitation. Examples of DME available for rental include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, patient lifts, and mobility scooters. Rental solutions for DME cater to both healthcare facilities and individual patients, offering cost-effective access to essential equipment without the commitment of ownership. This facilitates smoother transitions between care settings, accommodates temporary needs, and ensures patients receive appropriate support for their specific conditions.

Storage & Transport Devices form a crucial yet often overlooked segment of the medical equipment rental market, providing solutions for safely storing, transporting, and managing medical supplies and equipment. This category encompasses items such as medical carts, storage cabinets, transport stretchers, and specialty containers for sensitive equipment or pharmaceuticals. Healthcare facilities rely on rental services for storage and transport devices to optimize workflow efficiency, maintain cleanliness and organization, and comply with regulatory requirements for equipment handling and infection control. Rental options for these devices offer flexibility in adapting to changing facility layouts, capacity needs, and specialized storage requirements, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.

Global Medical Equipment Rental Market, Segmentation by Equipment Type

The Global Medical Equipment Rental Market has been segmented by Equipment Type into Patient Monitoring Equipment, Imaging Equipment, Surgical Equipment, Respiratory Equipment, Home Healthcare Equipment, and Other Equipment.

The global medical equipment rental market is categorized into several types of equipment based on their usage and application. Patient monitoring equipment is one of the key segments, consisting of devices used to observe and record patients' vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These devices are crucial in hospitals, clinics, and emergency care settings, helping healthcare professionals monitor patients' conditions in real time. The demand for such equipment has grown due to an increase in chronic diseases and an aging population.

Another important segment is imaging equipment, which includes devices used for diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRI machines, and CT scanners. These machines are essential for detecting various medical conditions, from bone fractures to cancers. Imaging equipment is often expensive, and rental services provide healthcare facilities with cost-effective solutions for obtaining and maintaining these advanced machines. This segment is driven by the constant advancements in imaging technology and the need for accurate diagnostics.

Surgical equipment, respiratory equipment, and home healthcare equipment are also vital parts of the rental market. Surgical equipment includes tools and machines used in medical procedures, while respiratory equipment, such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators, is used to support patients with respiratory issues. Home healthcare equipment has gained popularity due to the increasing trend of at-home care, with devices like wheelchairs, blood glucose monitors, and home dialysis machines being in high demand. These equipment segments contribute to the growth of the medical equipment rental market by offering flexibility, accessibility, and affordability to healthcare providers and patients.

Global Medical Equipment Rental Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Global Medical Equipment Rental Market has been segmented by End Use into Personal/Home Care, Institutes & Laboratories, and Hospitals.

Personal/Home Care constitutes a burgeoning segment within the rental market, catering to individuals seeking medical equipment for use in their residences. This category encompasses a range of devices tailored to support patients' recovery, manage chronic conditions, or facilitate daily living activities. Examples include home oxygen therapy equipment, mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, and home hospital beds. Rental services for personal/home care equipment offer convenience, affordability, and flexibility for patients and their caregivers, enabling them to access essential medical devices without the burden of ownership. This segment reflects the growing trend towards home-based healthcare solutions and patient-centered care models.

Institutes & Laboratories represent another significant end-use segment of the medical equipment rental market, encompassing research institutions, educational facilities, and diagnostic laboratories. This category includes a diverse array of specialized equipment used for scientific research, experimentation, and analysis. Examples range from laboratory instruments such as centrifuges, microscopes, and spectrophotometers to research-grade imaging systems and analytical devices. Rental solutions for institutes & laboratories offer cost-effective access to state-of-the-art equipment, allowing researchers and educators to pursue their scientific objectives without the capital outlay associated with purchasing. This segment underscores the importance of rental services in facilitating scientific innovation and knowledge dissemination across various disciplines.

Hospitals remain a cornerstone of the medical equipment rental market, constituting a primary end-user segment for rental solutions. Hospitals require a wide array of medical equipment to deliver comprehensive patient care across various specialties and departments. This includes diagnostic imaging systems, surgical instruments, patient monitoring devices, and therapeutic equipment. Rental services play a pivotal role in supporting hospitals' operational efficiency, capacity management, and budget optimization strategies. By offering access to a diverse range of equipment on a rental basis, hospitals can adapt to fluctuating patient volumes, upgrade technology as needed, and mitigate the financial risks associated with equipment ownership. This segment underscores the critical role of rental services in ensuring hospitals' ability to deliver high-quality care while managing costs effectively.

Global Medical Equipment Rental Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Medical Equipment Rental Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Global Medical Equipment Rental Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America stands as a leading region in the medical equipment rental market, characterized by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and robust regulatory framework. The region boasts a mature market for rental solutions, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, technological advancements in medical equipment, and cost containment efforts by healthcare providers. North America's market is marked by a high adoption rate of rental services across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care environments.

Europe represents another prominent region in the global medical equipment rental market, known for its comprehensive healthcare systems, universal access to healthcare, and strong emphasis on quality and innovation. The region's rental market benefits from favorable reimbursement policies, stringent safety standards, and a growing demand for cost-effective healthcare solutions. European countries exhibit varying levels of market maturity and adoption rates for rental services, with Western European nations leading in terms of market penetration and Eastern European countries showing significant growth potential.

Asia Pacific emerges as a rapidly expanding market for medical equipment rental, fueled by demographic shifts, rising healthcare spending, and increasing awareness of rental solutions' benefits. The region's diverse healthcare landscape encompasses highly developed markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, alongside emerging economies like China, India, and Southeast Asian countries. Asia Pacific's rental market is characterized by a growing demand for advanced medical technology, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and government initiatives to improve healthcare access and affordability.

The Middle East and Africa region presents unique opportunities and challenges in the medical equipment rental market, marked by disparities in healthcare access, infrastructure development, and regulatory environments across different countries. While resource-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure and technology, Sub-Saharan African nations face significant healthcare access challenges and rely on rental solutions to bridge gaps in equipment availability. The region's rental market is driven by factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure, growing medical tourism, and public-private partnerships aimed at improving healthcare access and quality.

Latin America rounds out the geographical segmentation of the medical equipment rental market, characterized by a diverse healthcare landscape comprising both public and private healthcare systems. The region's market is influenced by factors such as economic growth, healthcare reforms, and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Latin American countries exhibit varying levels of market maturity and regulatory frameworks, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina leading in terms of market size and adoption of rental services. The region's rental market benefits from increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure, expanding private healthcare sector, and growing demand for cost-effective medical solutions.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Medical Equipment Rental Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Shift to value-based care
• Increase in chronic diseases
• Demand for cost-effective solutions
• Telemedicine and home healthcare growth

• Growing awareness among providers - The growing awareness among healthcare providers regarding the benefits of medical equipment rental serves as a significant driver in the industry's expansion. This increased understanding stems from a recognition of the financial advantages and operational flexibility that rental solutions offer. Healthcare providers are becoming more attuned to the cost-saving potential of renting equipment compared to outright purchase, as it allows them to allocate capital resources more efficiently. By opting for rental services, providers can access state-of-the-art medical equipment without the substantial upfront investment typically associated with procurement, freeing up funds for other critical areas of their operations.

  As healthcare systems face mounting pressure to contain costs while maintaining quality of care, providers are increasingly turning to rental solutions as a means of achieving financial sustainability. Rental agreements often include maintenance, servicing, and upgrades, relieving providers of the burden of managing these aspects themselves. This not only reduces operational complexities but also ensures that equipment remains up-to-date and in optimal condition, thus minimizing downtime and improving overall efficiency within healthcare facilities.

  Additionally, the growing awareness among providers is driven by a deeper understanding of the strategic advantages that rental models offer in responding to dynamic healthcare demands. In an environment characterized by evolving patient needs, fluctuating caseloads, and rapid technological advancements, rental solutions provide a level of flexibility that ownership cannot match. Healthcare providers can easily scale their equipment inventory up or down in response to changing demand, adapt to new treatment modalities or procedures, and experiment with emerging technologies without committing to long-term investments.

Restraints:

• Limited reimbursement
• Maintenance concerns
• Inventory and logistics challenges
• Ownership preference

• Equipment obsolescence risk - The risk of equipment obsolescence presents a significant restraint within the medical equipment rental market. As technology evolves at a rapid pace, there is a constant threat that rented equipment may become outdated or obsolete over time. This risk is particularly pertinent in fields such as medical imaging, where new modalities and advancements are continually being introduced, rendering older equipment less effective or obsolete.

  Healthcare providers face the challenge of ensuring that the equipment they rent remains relevant and up-to-date to meet evolving patient needs and technological standards. Failure to address equipment obsolescence can lead to decreased efficiency, reduced quality of care, and increased operational costs. Providers may find themselves with outdated equipment that lacks the functionality or capabilities required to deliver optimal patient outcomes, ultimately undermining the value proposition of rental arrangements.

  Equipment obsolescence poses financial risks for both rental providers and healthcare facilities. Rental providers must continually invest in updating their equipment inventory to remain competitive and meet market demands. This investment comes with inherent uncertainties, as there is no guarantee that newly acquired equipment will maintain its relevance in the face of ongoing technological advancements.

Opportunities:

• IoT integration
• Innovative business models
• Predictive maintenance
• Sustainability focus

• Value-added services - Value-added services present a compelling opportunity within the medical equipment rental market, offering additional benefits beyond the core rental of equipment. These supplementary services enhance the overall value proposition for both rental providers and healthcare facilities, fostering greater customer satisfaction, loyalty, and differentiation in a competitive market landscape.

  One key opportunity lies in offering comprehensive maintenance and servicing packages alongside equipment rental. By bundling maintenance services with rental agreements, providers can offer peace of mind to healthcare facilities, ensuring that rented equipment remains in optimal working condition throughout the rental period. This proactive approach minimizes downtime, reduces the risk of equipment failure, and extends the lifespan of rented assets, ultimately enhancing the reliability and efficiency of healthcare operations.

  Additionally, value-added services can encompass training and education initiatives aimed at optimizing the use of rented equipment. Many healthcare providers may lack the necessary expertise or familiarity with specialized medical devices, particularly in emerging or complex areas of healthcare. Rental providers can bridge this knowledge gap by offering training programs, user manuals, and ongoing support to healthcare staff, empowering them to maximize the utility and benefits of rented equipment in their clinical practice.

Key players in Global Medical Equipment Rental Market include:

• Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. (U.S)
• Centric Health Ltd. (Canada)
• Hill-ROM Services, Inc. (U.S)
• Nunn’s Home Medical Equipment (U.S)
• Huron Consulting Group Inc. (U.S)
• US Med-Equip, Inc. (U.S)
• Universal Health Services, Inc. (U.S)
• Woodley Equipment Company Ltd. (U.K)
• Walgreen Co. (U.S)
• Westside Medical Supply, Inc. (U.S)
• China Huarong Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., (China)
• Meridian Group International (U.S)
• Mizuho Leasing Company, Limited (Japan)
• MediCapital Rent (Netherlands)
• General Electric (U.K)

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis