UK 5G in Healthcare Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The UK 5G in Healthcare Market is expanding rapidly as next-generation networks enable faster, more reliable, and more secure digital health services.
• Rising demand for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and real-time diagnostics is accelerating 5G adoption across UK.
• Ultra-low latency and high bandwidth are enhancing medical imaging, robotic surgeries, and connected healthcare ecosystems.
• Integration of IoT-enabled devices, wearables, and AI-powered clinical tools is driving data-intensive healthcare workflows.
• 5G adoption is supporting hospital automation, smart emergency response systems, and intelligent ambulance networks.
• Regulatory support for digital health transformation and e-health infrastructure is boosting market growth in UK.
• Key challenges include cybersecurity risks, network deployment costs, and interoperability issues with legacy hospital systems.
• Collaboration between telecom operators, medtech firms, and cloud providers is shaping the competitive market landscape in UK.

UK 5G in Healthcare Market Size and Forecast

The UK 5G in Healthcare Market is projected to grow from USD 1.8 billion in 2025 to USD 10.9 billion by 2031, at an impressive CAGR of 34.1%. This growth is driven by rising adoption of telehealth platforms, AI-driven diagnostic tools, and connected medical devices requiring high-speed, low-latency connectivity. Healthcare facilities in UK are accelerating digital transformation initiatives to improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and real-time decision-making. 5G technology enables faster data transfer for medical imaging, enhances precision in remote surgeries, and supports scalable remote care infrastructures. As hospitals and clinics adopt cloud-based EHRs, IoT sensors, and automated care systems, 5G will become an indispensable enabler of modern healthcare ecosystems in UK.

Introduction

5G in healthcare refers to the application of fifth-generation wireless networks to support high-bandwidth, ultra-reliable, and low-latency medical workflows. In UK, healthcare providers are increasingly relying on digital technologies to enhance diagnosis, treatment, patient monitoring, and hospital operations. 5G facilitates seamless connectivity between healthcare devices, mobile platforms, and cloud infrastructures, enabling robust and real-time patient care. With exponential growth in medical data and rising demand for remote diagnostics, 5G plays a critical role in supporting data-driven healthcare innovation. As healthcare systems prioritize automation, mobility, and precision medicine, 5G is emerging as a foundational technology shaping next-generation clinical and operational models.

Future Outlook

By 2031, 5G will be deeply integrated into healthcare infrastructure across UK, enabling intelligent hospitals, autonomous care devices, and large-scale remote monitoring systems. Medical imaging platforms will leverage 5G for instant data transfer, while real-time robotic surgeries and AR-assisted procedures will become widely adopted. Remote care ecosystems will expand through IoT-enabled wearables, AI-based diagnostics, and high-resolution virtual consultations. Integration with edge computing will enable ultra-fast processing of sensitive clinical data locally, improving security and response times. As regulatory frameworks become clearer and telecom networks expand, UK will witness enhanced digital healthcare maturity driven by 5G-enabled innovation.

UK 5G in Healthcare Market Trends

• Expansion of Telemedicine and Virtual Care Ecosystems
  Telemedicine adoption in UK has accelerated significantly, driven by the need for remote consultations, chronic disease management, and virtual clinical workflows. With the support of 5G, healthcare providers can deliver high-resolution video consultations, real-time vital monitoring, and seamless patient–doctor communication. Ultra-low latency reduces communication lag, enhancing the quality of remote diagnosis. As virtual care models expand, 5G will continue powering scalable, real-time telehealth ecosystems that improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency across urban and rural regions.

• Growth of IoT-Enabled Medical Devices and Remote Monitoring
  The proliferation of IoT health devices is transforming patient monitoring across UK. 5G supports continuous data transmission from wearables, implants, and home-based medical sensors with reliable accuracy. These devices capture real-time vitals such as heart rate, glucose levels, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Seamless connectivity reduces hospital readmissions and enhances chronic disease management. The integration of AI-driven monitoring systems further allows predictive insights and timely interventions. This trend reflects a major shift toward preventive and home-based healthcare models.

• Real-Time Medical Imaging and High-Resolution Data Transfer
  Medical imaging technologies such as MRI, CT, and ultrasound generate extremely large datasets requiring fast, secure transmission for analysis. 5G enables high-speed transfer of imaging files to cloud platforms and radiology centers, reducing diagnostic turnaround times. Healthcare professionals in UK benefit from real-time collaborative analysis across multiple locations. Enhanced imaging workflows improve decision-making and support early disease detection. This trend is reshaping radiology, tele-imaging, and AI-assisted diagnostics through advanced connectivity.

• Rise of Smart Hospitals and Automated Healthcare Workflows
  Smart hospital infrastructures are emerging in UK with the integration of 5G-enabled automation tools, connected devices, and real-time data systems. Automated robots assist in medication delivery, room sterilization, and logistical workflows. AI-based command centers monitor patient conditions, asset movements, and emergency responses with high accuracy. 5G connectivity enables instant communication between departments, reducing delays and enhancing operational efficiency. This trend is shaping highly responsive, digitally orchestrated healthcare environments.

• Increasing Use of 5G in Robotic Surgery and AR/VR-Assisted Procedures
  Robotic surgeries and remote-assisted procedures require ultra-low-latency communication to ensure precision and patient safety. 5G provides the speed and reliability needed for surgeons to perform operations using robotic systems in real time. AR/VR-assisted surgeries enhance surgical visibility, training, and pre-operative planning. Healthcare systems in UK are exploring 5G-enabled robotic and augmented surgical solutions to improve outcomes, reduce invasiveness, and enhance medical training. This trend is poised to revolutionize advanced surgical care models.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Demand for Remote and Connected Healthcare Services
  Growing adoption of remote healthcare delivery models in UK is driving reliance on stable, high-speed networks. 5G facilitates continuous monitoring, virtual consultations, and digital diagnostics, reducing the need for in-person visits. The shift toward connected care improves patient experience, reduces system burdens, and enhances chronic care management. This increasing demand acts as a significant catalyst for 5G adoption in healthcare.

• Increasing Deployment of Healthcare IoT and Wearable Technologies
  IoT and wearable devices enable continuous health data collection and proactive intervention. 5G supports reliable transmission of this data to healthcare providers, enabling real-time clinical insights. The expanding usage of smartwatches, biosensors, and remote diagnostic tools is boosting demand for 5G-enabled data pipelines. As precision medicine advances, IoT-based personalized healthcare will further accelerate infrastructure investments.

• Expansion of Digital Health Infrastructure and EHR Digitization
  Healthcare institutions in UK are modernizing their infrastructure to support cloud-based EHRs, AI analytics, and telehealth systems. 5G connectivity ensures fast, secure access to digital records and clinical databases. Efficient use of digital platforms enhances clinical decision support, patient engagement, and workflow automation. This modernization serves as a major driver of market growth.

• Government Support for Digital Healthcare Transformation
  Government policies promoting telemedicine, e-health services, and healthcare digitalization are increasing demand for 5G-enabled systems. Grants, regulatory support, and national digital health initiatives encourage investments in smart hospitals and connected care networks. As public and private sectors align digital healthcare priorities, 5G adoption accelerates across UK.

• Need for High-Speed, Low-Latency Data Processing for Advanced Care
  Healthcare workflows such as robotic surgery, real-time imaging, and remote emergency intervention require ultra-low latency communication. 5G’s enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) capabilities enable seamless execution of these tasks. As advanced care technologies grow, 5G infrastructure becomes a critical enabler.

Challenges in the Market

• High Infrastructure and Deployment Costs
  Building and maintaining 5G networks require substantial investment in towers, fiber networks, and hospital-side integration systems. Healthcare facilities in UK may face financial barriers when adopting 5G-dependent technologies. These high capital and operational expenses slow widespread implementation and limit access for smaller institutions.

• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Risks
  5G connectivity increases the number of connected devices and data touchpoints, expanding the attack surface for cyber threats. Sensitive patient data stored across distributed networks can be vulnerable without robust security measures. Ensuring end-to-end encryption, secure access control, and compliance with healthcare regulations presents significant challenges in UK.

• Integration Complexities with Legacy Hospital Systems
  Many healthcare institutions rely on outdated medical equipment and IT infrastructure. Integrating 5G with legacy systems requires upgrades, software compatibility adjustments, and new workflow designs. This transition can disrupt operations and incur additional costs. Without seamless integration, the full benefits of 5G cannot be realized.

• Shortage of Technical Expertise in Digital and Connected Healthcare
  Successful deployment of 5G-enabled healthcare solutions demands expertise in telehealth engineering, IoT management, cybersecurity, and data analytics. UK faces a shortage of specialized professionals with combined healthcare and digital technology skills. This talent gap slows adoption and creates operational inefficiencies.

• Regulatory and Ethical Concerns Regarding Remote and AI-Assisted Care
  The rise of remote diagnosis, AI-enabled decision-making, and virtual treatments raises ethical and regulatory questions. Ensuring patient safety, consent, and clinical accountability in digital environments is challenging. Regulations in UK must evolve to address these concerns while supporting innovation.

UK 5G in Healthcare Market Segmentation

By Component

• Hardware

• Connectivity Solutions

• Platforms

• Services

By Application

• Remote Patient Monitoring

• Telemedicine & Virtual Consultation

• Medical Imaging

• Connected Ambulances

• AR/VR-Assisted Surgery

• Wearable Health Devices

• Emergency Response Systems

• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals & Clinics

• Diagnostic Centers

• Home Healthcare Providers

• Telehealth Companies

• Research & Academic Institutes

• Government & Public Health Agencies

Leading Key Players

• Ericsson

• Nokia Corporation

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

• Verizon Communications

• AT&T Inc.

• Samsung Electronics

• Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

• GE Healthcare

• Philips Healthcare

• Siemens Healthineers

Recent Developments

• Ericsson collaborated with leading hospitals in UK to deploy 5G-enabled remote monitoring and telehealth infrastructure.

• Nokia Corporation launched advanced 5G network slicing solutions to support mission-critical healthcare applications in UK.

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. partnered with medical institutions to build smart hospitals powered by 5G and AI systems in UK.

• Verizon Communications introduced connected ambulance solutions enabling real-time data transmission and tele-diagnostics in UK.

• Philips Healthcare rolled out 5G-enabled imaging and remote consultation platforms to enhance digital radiology workflows in UK.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected size and growth rate of the UK 5G in Healthcare Market by 2031?

2. Which applications are driving the strongest adoption of 5G-enabled healthcare services in UK?

3. How are IoT devices, telemedicine, and AI transforming healthcare connectivity needs?

4. What challenges hinder widespread deployment of 5G-enabled health solutions in UK?

5. Who are the major technology leaders shaping the future of 5G in healthcare within UK?