Medical tourism is one of the rapidly growing sectors of the tourism industry, in which the satisfaction of foreign patients plays an important role in its development and continuity. This study was conducted to investigate and analyze the factors affecting the enhancement of foreign medical tourists’ satisfaction in Ahvaz. In terms of methodology, the study is descriptive-analytical and, in terms of purpose, applied. The statistical population consisted of medical tourists visiting healthcare centers in Ahvaz. The data were analyzed using SPSS, Excel, and LISREL software, employing Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling.

The mean scores of tourists’ perceptions of security and trust, effective communication and mutual cultural understanding, and cost-effectiveness were 3.80, 3.77, and 3.55, respectively. The structural equation model demonstrated a satisfactory fit, and the three independent variables explained 68% of the variance in satisfaction. All three factors had positive and significant effects on satisfaction. Security and trust had the strongest effect (β = 0.418), followed by effective communication and cultural understanding (β = 0.342), and cost-effectiveness (β = 0.215). Therefore, security and trust constitute the most important factor influencing the satisfaction of foreign medical tourists in Ahvaz. Overall, the satisfaction of foreign medical tourists in Ahvaz is primarily dependent on their sense of security and trust. Effective communication and mutual cultural understanding, followed by cost-effectiveness, also play significant roles in enhancing satisfaction. Therefore, the development of medical tourism in Ahvaz requires strengthening safety standards, increasing trust in healthcare centers, training staff in intercultural communication, and providing transparent and cost-effective medical and accommodation services.