The Cost of Medical Treatments in Thailand

With lower cost of medical treatment than in some cities worldwide, Thailand has become one of the most popular medical tourism destinations in Asia, offering dental care, various types of body checks and scans, heart surgery, joint replacements, and many more.

In this Pacific Prime Thailand’s article, we will provide estimated prices (in USD) for treatment in private hospitals in the Land of Smiles, some guide to Thai medical services and how to avoid bloated spending while you are here, whether for a short stay or an extended relocation.

Cost of Major Surgeries in Thailand

Expats might find the cost of major surgeries in Thailand significantly more affordable compared to other major cities, especially when compared to the U.S.

Before we start, those who wish to be covered for such surgeries should bear in mind that health insurance options might be limited. This is because the treatment you are looking for might fall under the category of “pre-existing medical condition.”

A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that a patient had been diagnosed with and had been treated for prior to joining a new health insurance plan. In Thailand, however, it is possible to obtain insurance for pre-existing conditions and even special retiree insurance plans.

While it is true that many procedures can be significantly cheaper in Thailand’s private hospitals than in other countries in the world, the costs of common medical treatments in Thailand can still be quite high, and paying for them out of pocket can be a tough blow to one’s wallet.

Let’s take a look at some approximate prices in Thailand for major surgeries:

*Note: Information from Bangkok Hospital – A renowned private hospital in Thailand

**Note: Information from Bumrungrad International Hospital – A renowned private hospital in Thailand

Cost of an Accident or Unexpected Illness Treatments in Thailand

Not everything can be predicted, and unfortunate events may cause you to become ill or injured. In such a situation, emergency care can be crucial for your survival, but it can also cost you a lot if you don’t have sufficient coverage.

Below, you can find the approximate costs of medical treatments in Thailand in case of an accident or illness.

*Note: Depending on the severity of the accident.

Cost of Dental Treatments in Thailand

Another popular topic among medical tourists is dental care in Thailand. The quality of dental care in Thailand is high, and prices are significantly lower than in other developed countries. Consequently, Thailand is a popular destination to get one’s teeth fixed.

Check out the approximate cost of common dental treatment in a private clinic in Bangkok:

How to Receive Medical Care in Thailand

Foreign visitors and expats can receive care at both public and private hospitals in Thailand. You should always have your passport with you for registration’s purpose. If you intend to use your insurance, you should inform the registration staff upon arrival.

Most hospitals do not require appointments for outpatient services, and patients can simply walk-in to see physicians. However, if you intend to see a specific physician, it is advisable to call ahead and make an appointment.

Most public hospitals open for queue from early morning, and unless you have a prior appointment, you may want to arrive early to take your queue. Public hospitals in Thailand have long waiting times, and patients usually arrive as early as 6-7 AM to take a queue.

Private hospitals are usually the better option if you’re looking for prompt services without significant waiting time.

In case of medical emergencies, dial 1669 for free ambulance services. The number is available across the country and operated by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine.

Some private hospitals operate their own ambulance service, and patients can call the hospital directly for an ambulance. The service, however, is subject to pricing according to each hospital.

How to Receive Inpatient Care in Thailand

Inpatient care facilities can differ greatly between public and private hospitals in Thailand. Private hospitals generally have better facilities, with better comfort and more amenities.

Most public hospitals operate inpatient floors where all patients stay in a shared ward. This is usually the most basic inpatient ward provided in public hospitals and has the lowest charge.

With additional charges, patients can request to stay in a special ward, whether in a room of four, a room of two, or a single room. Some hospitals will require one caregiver to accompany a patient at all times when staying in a single room.

Some private hospitals run both shared inpatient wards and special inpatient wards. Some run special inpatient wards with private rooms only.

Private rooms in private hospitals are generally well-equipped with several amenities for better comfort. Some may offer amenities such as a dedicated living area and an additional guest room for the accompanying caregiver.

Private rooms in public hospitals are usually basically equipped with only necessary amenities, such as an en-suite bathroom and a small seating/resting area for the accompanying caregiver.

Cost of Inpatient Room in Thailand: Public vs Private Hospitals

Due to its additional amenities, private rooms in private hospitals are generally more costly compared to the public counterparts. Fees for nursing services, meal services, and other facilities services are usually separately charged, and that can add up to the cost of your stay.

Cost of Inpatient Room in Public Hospitals

Cost of Inpatient Room in Private Hospitals

*Note: Excluding nursing service, meal service, and facility service

**Note: Information from Bumrungrad International Hospital

How to Make Payment for Medical Services in Thailand

Foreigners who have contributed to the Social Security Fund can receive free medical service from public hospitals in Thailand. Foreigners who intend to use private health insurance coverage can inform registration staff beforehands for necessary documents and paperworks.

Some private hospitals have direct billing services for partnered insurance providers. Visitors and expats can check with their insurers beforehands which hospitals provide direct billing service for ease of payment.

Most hospitals require patients to pay for their treatment before leaving the hospital’s premises. For most major hospitals, payment can be made either in cash or with a credit card.

How to Save On Medical Spending in Thailand

Consider Public Options

Despite its notorious long waiting time and sometimes less-than-picturesque facilities, public hospitals in Thailand can still provide quality medical services at minimal price. You may need to sacrifice certain comfort, however.

Check Your Doctor Schedule

Many doctors in Thailand work in both public and private hospitals. You can search up their names to see if they also see patients in public hospitals or in private hospitals with more affordable prices.

Visit Your Local Pharmacies

Medication usually accounts for a large part of your medical bill. You can ask your physician to issue you a prescription and purchase the medication on your own at a local pharmacy, where you might get a more affordable price compared to the hospital’s pharmacy.

Secure a Health Insurance

Consider purchasing adequate health insurance before arriving in Thailand. With health insurance you can keep your medical cost under control without sacrificing the comfort that might come with private medical services.

Some private health insurance plans may also offer additional benefits that could become seriously costly without health insurance, for example, an emergency medical evacuation or a repatriation.

Consider discussing your possible plans with an insurance broker before your purchase. Insurance brokers, such as Pacific Prime, can help you compare plans and prices before you secure a policy to ensure you get the right plan at the right budget.

Click here to get a free, tailored quote or contact us now and let our insurance experts assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

Foreigners who work in Thailand and contribute to the Social Security Fund can receive free healthcare from public hospitals they have registered with. There is no health coverage for short-term visitors and tourists.

Can foreigners use public hospitals in Thailand?

Foreigners can receive treatment at public hospitals in Thailand for more affordable prices, compared to the private counterpart. However, many expats and visitors prefer private facilities for their enhanced comfort and prompt services.

How much does outpatient care cost in Thailand?

Outpatient care can cost between USD $23.50-44.00 depending on the hospital and the nature of your treatment. However, patients can expect additional USD $8-44 charges for nursing services, facilities, equipment, and other medical service fees .

What to do if tourists get sick in Thailand?

For medical emergencies, dial 1669 for ambulance service. Otherwise, most hospitals do not require prior appointment. You can walk-in for most outpatient services. Appointment is recommended if you want to see a specific physician.

Get the Right Medical Coverage in Thailand

Even if the costs of common medical treatment in Thailand might seem affordable, costs can quickly stack up, leaving you with limited healthcare options.

For just about anyone, whether they’re traveling through Thailand for a few days or staying long term, having adequate international health insurance that covers the costs of any illnesses, accidents, or other medical treatments is crucial.

Pacific Prime Thailand works with both local and international insurers in Thailand and offers a wide range of insurance plans that meet our client’s needs, including travel insurance, individual health insurance, AD&D insurance, maternity insurance, dental insurance, and more.

Furthermore, we help our clients to compare such plans, and should anything happen to them, we facilitate claims processes and help to communicate in their language, be it with the local insurance companies or even the hospital.

Contact us today for a free quote for a plan that matches your budget and lifestyle!

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Ninnart Ratanasukhon

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Ninnart is a content writer at Pacific Prime. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Social Sciences from University of Tsukuba, Japan. Prior to her arrival at Pacific Prime, her professional pursuit has taken her everywhere from an online publisher dedicated to raising Thai people’s awareness of the aging society to an international organization working to enhance regional academic collaboration. Through such experience, she has gotten her hands on various kinds of content, from colorful photo albums on ballroom dancing to news articles summarizing insights from the senior thought leaders of Southeast Asia’s higher education sector.

Coming to Pacific Prime, she is ready to utilize her experience for the new pursuit. With a strong passion for storytelling and writing, she hopes her words could help bring people closer to the best international health insurance plan that works for them. After all, as a writer, there is no greater honor than when one’s words can add clarity to the world of the readers.

Apart from writing, she is an avid planespotter. On the weekends, you can expect to find her loitering around the airport, gawking at all the aircrafts taking off and landing. When the weather does not permit planespotting, you can find her huddling on her cozy couch, watching ballet and figure skating as well.

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