Medical Tourism in Thailand
Medical tourism in Thailand can help you save up to 85%. Especially if you lack health insurance in your country! In addition to saving thousands of dollars, you get a refreshing vacation. And all within your budget! Wondering how? Keep reading to know more!
Thailand- Land of Smiles
Thailand, often called the Land of Smiles,[1] is a well-known tourist location in Southeast Asia. Besides tourism, it’s also a popular name in the healthcare industry.
As it ranks at 6th position in the Global Health Security (GHS) index.[2]
Cost of Medical Tourism in Thailand
With medical tourism in Thailand, you can save 50–90% when compared to Australia or the US.
Check the tabs below for a detailed cost comparison of various procedures in Thailand, Australia, and the US.
All-on-4 dental implants in Thailand cost A$10,460. Whereas the same costs A$25,000 in Australia. Hence, you will end up saving ~87% on dental treatments in Thailand.
Check out the table below for a detailed cost comparison.
| Procedure | Thailand | US | Australia | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMPLANTS | ||||
| Single Dental Implant | $791/A$1,230 | $3,000 | A$3,000 | 73% |
| All-on-4 Dental Implants | $6,735/A$10,460 | $30,000 | A$25,000 | 77% |
| All-on-6 Dental Implants | $10,300/A$16,000 | $32,000 | A$32,000 | 68% |
| CROWNS & VENEERS | ||||
| Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown | $242/A$377 | $1,500 | A$1,400 | 83% |
| Porcelain Veneer | $355/A$550 | $1,500 | A$1,300 | 76% |
| DENTURES | ||||
| Full Metal Denture/jaw | $943/A$1,464 | $3,000 | A$2,900 | 68% |
| Partial Metal Denture/jaw | $216/A$335 | $1,000 | A$1,000 | 78% |
| ROOT CANAL TREATMENT | ||||
| Anterior | $156/A$242 | $1,000 | A$900 | 84% |
| Pre-Molar | $186/A$288 | $1,300 | A$1,100 | 85% |
| Molar | $324/A$502 | $1,500 | A$1,400 | 78% |
| EXTRACTION | ||||
| Wisdom Tooth Extraction | $54/A$84 | $400 | A$250 | 86% |
| OTHER TREATMENTS | ||||
| X-ray: CT Scan | $135/A$209 | $1,000 | A$900 | 86% |
| Regular Teeth Cleaning | $25/A$38 | $200 | A$200 | 87% |
*Prices are subject to change.
Plastic surgery in Thailand costs around 50-90% less than in the US or Australia. For instance, a tummy tuck in Thailand costs you A$5,050.
While the same will cost you around A$5,050 in Australia. Check out the table below for a detailed cost comparison
| Procedure | Thailand | US | Australia | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction | $1,628/A$2,500 | $4,200 | A$5,000 | 61% |
| Tummy-tuck | $3,177/A$5,050 | $8,000 | A$12,000 | 60% |
| Rhinoplasty | $610/A$937 | $5,500 | A$8,200 | 90% |
| Face Lift | $3,203/A$4,920 | $15,000 | A$13,000 | 79% |
| Breast Augmentation | $1,720/A$2,642 | $7,000 | A$6,500 | 75% |
| Breast Reduction | $2,540/A$3,900 | $6,000 | A$8,000 | 57% |
| Butt Augmentation | $5,055/A$7,760 | $10,500 | A$16,000 | 52% |
| Mastectomy | $1,745/A$2,680 | $10,000 | A$17,000 | 84% |
*Prices are subject to change.
You can save up to 88% on general surgery in Thailand compared to Australia or the US. Here’s a detailed cost comparison for various general surgeries:
| Procedure | Thailand | US | Australia | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appendectomy | $1,560/A$2,395 | $13,000 | A$6,600 | 88% |
| Gall Bladder Surgery | $2,410/A$3,700 | $14,000 | A$17,000 | 82% |
| Hemorrhoid Surgery | $1,215/A$1,865 | $4,000 | A$3,800 | 78% |
| Hernia Surgery | $1,585/A$2,432 | $8,000 | A$9,000 | 80% |
*Prices are subject to change.
Why Choose Medical Tourism in Thailand?
There are many reasons to choose Thailand for medical tourism. Let’s look at them.
1. Affordable Treatment
Medical care in Thailand costs around 1/4th of the costs in Western countries like the US and Australia. The country offers top medical services at low rates.
Such low prices are due to:
- Low cost of living[3]
- Lower income-tax rate[4]
2. Highly Trained Doctors and Staff
The training and education of doctors in Thailand are nationally accredited. They
- are well-renowned with 10+ years of experience.
- have received training in the US, Canada, and Taiwan.
- are active members of the Board of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery of Thailand and the ISAPS.
3. Top-Class Dentistry
Dental care in Thailand is ranked as the third most used service by international patients, accounting for 11% of its health tourism.[5] The clinics use world-renowned brands like Nobel Biocare, Neo Biotech, Straumann, Zimmer.
The dentists in Thailand are members of:
- Thai Dental Association
- Thai Operative Dentistry Association
- The American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Thai Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dental Work in Bangkok, Thailand
You can read in detail about the best dentists in Thailand here.
4. Cutting-Edge Technology
The major hospitals in Thailand are well-equipped with the latest technology to deal with international patients.
The facilities include:
- In-house labs
- Dental Lasers
- Q-Switch Ruby Laser
- iTero-Dental Imaging Scanners
- CEREC-Chairside Digital Crowns
- Panoramic & 3-D Cone Beam X-ray
5. Easy Tourism Visa Procedure
Getting a tourism visa in Thailand is not much of a task as:
- Travelers can apply for a visa upon arrival.
- They only require a passport that is valid for six months.
- Thailand offers its tourists a stay with a visa exemption, which means they can stay up to 30-45 days without a visa.
Source: Thai Embassy[6]
This allows easy access to medical treatments in Thailand without delayed waiting lists.
New Medical Treatment Visa Plan in Thailand
Thailand plans to introduce a new medical treatment visa on Jan 1 to strengthen its position as a medical hub.
Its salient features include:
- It allows multiple entries and is valid for one year.
- The visa holder can stay in the country for 90 days.
- Three people who are immediate family members are also allowed.
- Reduced fee for applicants under the Non-MT category, from 6,000 to 5,000 baht.
Some conditions are:
- Patients who need further medical treatment are required to report to immigration authorities every 90 days.
- Applicants must have at least 800,000 baht to cover expenses in Thailand.
Source: Bloomberg[7], Bangkok Post[8]
6. Great Vacation Destination
- Thailand is known for multiple tourist attractions, which you can visit and enjoy during your trip.
- Its warm weather, infrastructure, and exotic beaches have always been popular tourist attractions.
- You can also enjoy delicious Thai cuisine and meals while recovering.
Thailand - A Beautiful Tourism Destination
Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Thailand
BIDC is ISO quality certified and also accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI). With five dental clinics in Bangkok, BIDC delivers high-quality dental treatments to intern
- JCI Certified
- ISO Certified
- 20+ Treatment Rooms
The clinic boasts advanced technology such as:
3D CT Scan Imaging
Digitalized Panoramic and Cephalometric X-ray Unit
- JCI Certified
- 12+ Years of Experience
- BIDC Award winner
In March 2020, BFC Dental received official accreditation for international standards from the Joint Commission International (JCI)
- 25+ Dentists
- 30+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
With over a 400-bed capacity, 150+ highly qualified doctors and 1,500+ healthcare staff, Yanhee Hospital delivers exceptional medical care along with high success rates.
Yanhee Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The hospital implements the International Organiza
- 40+ Years of Excellence
- JCI Accredited
- ISO Accredited
It is a subsidiary of Thailand's award-winning Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC) and Dental Signature Dental Clinics in Bangkok.
- BIDC Subsidiary
- 45+ Specialists
- JCI Certified
Read more about the hospitals in Thailand here.
Popular Procedures in Thailand for Medical Tourism
Here is a basic guide to various medical procedures performed in Thailand:
| Procedure | Definition | Time Taken | Hospital Stay | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction | Removes unwanted fat and modifies the body contour[9] | 1-3 hours[10] | 1 night | Low complication rate[11] |
| Breast Augmentation | Enhances the breast size with implants or fat transfer[12] | 1-2 hours[13] | Not needed | High[14] |
| Face Lift | Makes you look younger by rejuvenating and stretching the face skin[15] | 3-6 hours[16] | 1 night | Lasts upto 10 years[17] |
| Rhinoplasty | Reshapes the nose and enhances your face[18] | 1-2 hours[19] | 1 night | Long-lasting[20] |
| Tummy-tuck | Tightens loose muscles and removes fat & loose skin from the abdomen[21] | 2-3 hours[22] | 1 night | Few complications[23] |
You can read more on plastic surgery in Thailand here.
| Procedure | Definition | Time Taken | Hospital Stay | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Implants | Metal screws are placed in the place of missing teeth[24] | 1-2 hours[25] | Not needed | Very high[26] |
| All-on-4 Implants | A fixed hybrid denture is supported on 4 implants in the jaw bone[27] | 3 hours per arch/2-3 visits | Not needed | Very high[28] |
| Porcelain Veneers | Restores discolored teeth[29] | 2 hours/3 visits[30] | Not needed | Very high[31] |
| Root Canal Treatment | Saves damaged tooth[32] | 1-2 hours[33] | Not needed | High[34] |
You can read more about dental tourism in Thailand here.
| Procedure | Definition | Time Taken | Hospital Stay | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appendicitis | Surgical removal of the appendix | 1-2 hours[35] | 3-5 days | High[36] |
| Gall Bladder Surgery | Surgical removal of the gallbladder | 1-2 hours[37] | 3-5 days | High[38] |
| Hernia Surgery | Bulging tissue is pushed back surgically[39] | 1 hour[40] | Not needed | High[41] |
Medical Tourism in Thailand - A Complete Travel Guide
1. How To Find a Good Hospital?
Tips To Find A Good Hospital Abroad
Here’s a checklist for choosing a hospital abroad:
- Look for the accreditations of the hospital.
- The hospital should provide your required treatment.
- Check for the qualifications & experience of the doctor.
- Find out the sterilization protocols followed by the hospital.
- Lastly, look for English-speaking staff or the availability of a translator.
2. How to Reach Thailand?
The quickest and easiest way to get to Thailand is to fly from your home country.
Check out the flights from different city airports of the US and Australia to Thailand airport (BKK):
| AUS City | Duration |
|---|---|
| Perth (PER) | 7 hours |
| Brisbane (BNE) | 9 hours |
| Melbourne (MEL) | 9.5 hours |
| Sydney (SYD) | 9.5 hours |
| Adelaide (ADL) | 10.5 hours |
| Canberra (CBR) | 12 hours |
| US City | Duration |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 19 hours |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 19 hours |
| Chicago (ORD) | 20 hours |
| New York (JFK) | 20 hours |
| Washington DC (IAD) | 20.5 hours |
| Texas (TX) | 22 hours |
Now, let's have a look at the required documents.
3. What Documents Are Needed to Visit Thailand?
The following are the must-carry documents when traveling to Thailand:
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- Air tickets (for return)
- Identification documents
U.S. citizens with a passport valid for the next 6 months and a return ticket don't need a visa to enter Thailand.
Upon entry, Thai officials will place an immigration stamp on the passport permitting a 30-day stay in Thailand.
This time limit can be extended for another 30 days by paying a 1,900 baht fee to the Thai Immigration Bureau office.
Source: The US Embassy[42]
Australian passport holders are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand. On each visit, they will be permitted to stay for 30 days.
However, entering Thailand without a visa through land border checkpoints is restricted to only twice per calendar year.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy[43]
Let's now have a look at the available payment options in Thailand.
4. Accepted Payment Methods in Thailand Hospitals
Here’s a list of payment methods widely accepted in Thailand hospitals:
- Cash
- Bank transfers
- Mastercard, Visa
- Travelers' cheques
- Credit & Debit cards
Financing Your Treatment in Thailand
Now, if you are thinking about how to pay for your treatment in Thailand, we have you covered! You can easily plan your trip regardless of any money barriers.
Here are some financing options available in your medical tourism destination:
1. Conventional Ways
2. Non-Conventional Ways
You can read more about conventional and non-conventional methods here.
5. Best Time To Visit Thailand
Once you know everything about reaching Thailand, you now need to know the best time to visit this beautiful country.
Sunset View in Thailand Mountains
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. It’s the driest and warmest part of the year. The temperature is 32-36 degrees, with up to nine hours of sunshine daily.
Also, these months are great if you like soaking up the sun by the sea.
Source: TUI[44]
A lot of festivals are also around the corner during this period.
6. Festivals Celebrated in Thailand
In addition to your treatment, you can also enjoy these Thai festivities.
Yi Peng (Lantern Festival)
The lantern festival is one of the most popular festivals in Thailand.
Chinese paper lanterns are released into the sky at night, which symbolizes letting go of the misfortunes of past year.[45]
- Location: Chiang Mai
- Date: November
The Surin Elephant Festival
This festival celebrates Thailand's friendly giants, elephants.
They have always been essential to the country's history as they were used in battle, agriculture, and travel.
- Location: Surin Province, Isan, Thailand
- Date: November’s third week
Songkran Festival (Water Festival)
The Water Festival of Thailand is one of the most fun festivals in the country.
This long festival involves a 3-day water fight in which people engage across the country.[46]
- Location: Thailand
- Date: Mid-April
Bang Fai Phaya (Naga Fireballs Festival)
One can witness red light balls rising into the night sky during the festival.
Reaching up to 600 feet, these fireballs rise naturally without sound or human involvement.[47]
- Location: Mekong River, Thailand
- Date: October
The Full Moon Parties
Full Moon parties are the largest beach parties in the world.
It is an all-night party with 30,000+ people on the beach each month to dance, play, and have a good time.[48]
- Location: Koh Phangan Island, Thailand
- Date: Every month of the year, on the night of the full moon
7. Where to Stay?
When you are done with all the travel arrangements, the only thing left to decide will be the stay.
But you don't need to worry, as our clinics recommend various hotels that offer a safe stay at discounted rates.
Some suggested hotels are:
- JW Mariott Bangkok
- Grand Hyatt Erawan
- InterContinental Bangkok
- 56 Hotel Sukhumvit
- The KEE Resort & Spa
- Impala64 Hostel Bangkok
8. What Should You Pack?
- Credit/Debit cards
- Medical prescriptions
- Passport & ID documents
- Emergency contact cards
- Vaccination (if asked)
- Medical insurance/Visa (if required)
- Inhalers
- Ointments
- Antacids/Laxatives
- Glasses/Contact lenses
- Anti-biotics/Supplements
- Altitude/Motion sickness medicines
- Cash
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Clothes by season
- Childcare equipment
- Reusable water bottle
- Portable charger
- Insect repellants
- Sunglasses & Hat
- Hand sanitizer/Wipes
- Headphones/Earplugs
- Scissors & Safety pins
9. Travel Tips to Visit Thailand
Thailand is a considerably safe country. One only needs to follow some basic tips to ensure complete safety.[49]
Safety Tips
- Do not flash your cash.
- Don’t leave valuables in your room.
- Never leave your drinks unattended.
- Be aware of signs indicating no swimming areas.
- Keep your bag clutched tightly to your side when walking.
- Passports, cash, cameras. should always be kept secured.
Source: Tripadvisor[50]
Some Useful Thai Phrases
- Sawasdee - Hello
- Nam - Water
- Kor Tot - Excuse Me
- Lah Gorn - Goodbye
- Chai / Mai Chai - Yes / No
- Mai Bpen Rai - No Problem
Emergency Numbers
- Tourist Police: 1155
- Police: 191
- Fire: 199
- Crime: 1195
- Medical Emergency: 1669
- Ambulance & Rescue: 1554
Benefits & Risks: Medical Tourism in Thailand
Before planning your medical tourism in Thailand, you should first analyze its benefits and risks.
- Reduced waiting times
- Low cost & high savings
- Great vacation destination
- State-of-the-art technology
- Skilled doctors & medical staff
Source: Verywell Health[51]
- Unexpected infections
- Planning follow-up care
- Flying home after surgery
- Language and culture barrier
Source: Verywell Health[52]
Thailand Medical Tourism Statistics
Thailand saw a rebound in the number of tourists in 2022, registering more than 4 million tourists.[53] It is estimated that these numbers will increase to 27.7 million by 2022 representing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2019.[54]
Top Thailand Medical Tourism Destinations
Thailand is known for multiple tourist attractions, which you can visit and enjoy during your stay there.
Video Courtesy: Addicted 2 Travel
The warm weather, landscapes & exotic beaches have always been great attractions for people of all ages. Here’s a suggested list of popular destinations you should visit in Thailand:
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, ranks as the second-best city in the world.[55] It is home to many tourist attractions, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.
Wat Arun has a 50 meters high structure, whereas Wat Pho is home to the world’s largest gold-plated reclining Buddha statue.[56]
Wat Arun
Wat Pho
Bangkok is also known for its food, carnivals, and nightlife. During your trip here, you can also enjoy visiting the Chatuchak weekend market and the National Museum.
Chiang Mai is the largest city in mountainous northern Thailand.[57] It is known for its temples and spirituality. You can visit Elephant Park and explore the Buddhist monasteries and temples here.
You can also do a meditation course at Wat Doi Suthep and stroll around the local market streets.
Chiang Mai
Wat Doi Suthep
It is a popular tourist destination in the Andaman Sea of Southern Thailand.
Here’s a list of things that you should try in Phuket:
- Boat Tour
- Beaches
- Jungle Safari
- Watersports
- Monkey Hill
- Phi Phi Islands
- Phuket Dolphin Show
- Phuket Trickeye Museum
You can also visit Old Phuket Town, which is a beautiful combination of Chinese and colonial architecture.
Phi Phi Islands
Wat Chalong
In addition to soaking in the beautiful landscapes of Thailand, you can also savor some world-famous and delicious Thai dishes.
Pad Thai
Mango Sticky Rice
Tom Yum Kung
FAQs
Yes, Thailand is good for medical tourism. Thailand's medical tourism market size has grown hugely in the past years.
It provides top-notch medical facilities to medical tourists at half the prices of their home countries.
Also, the doctors in Thailand are highly qualified, and the hospitals are equipped with the latest technology.
Yes, medical care is cheap in Thailand compared to the US, Australia, and other western countries.
You can save up to 85% by choosing Thailand for medical tourism.
Yes, Thailand is entirely open for medical tourism. You can visit Thailand anytime and no longer require permission or show COVID-19 vaccine proof or a negative test report.[58]
Conclusion
Medical tourism in Thailand can be your opportunity to save up to 85%! You not only get treated by certified doctors but also get to enjoy the beauty of Thailand.
References
1. Culture Trip- Why is Thailand Known as The 'Land of Smiles?
2. NCBI- An examination of Thailand’s healthcare system
3. Living Cost- Thailand vs United States
4. Movingist- Cost of Living Thailand vs US
5. Taylor & Francis- The level and determinants of international patient satisfaction
6. Thai Embassy- Tourist Visa to Thailand
7. US News- Thailand Targets $11 Billion Tourism Revenue
8. Global Data- Health and wellness tourism trips to Asia
9. NCBI- A journey through liposuction
10. NHS- Liposuction
11. NCBI- Breast Augmentation
12. ISAPS- Breast Augmentation
13. PubMed- Augmentation Mastopexy
14. ResearchGate- Facelift
15. Mayo Clinic- Facelift
16. American Society- Rhinoplasty
17. Healthline- Everything to Know About a Closed Rhinoplasty
18. ScienceDirect- Clinical outcome of patients undergoing abdominoplasty
19. American Society- Tummy-tuck
20. Colgate- What Are Dental Implants?
21. AAID- About Dental Implants
22. NCBI- Implant success & survival rates, The all-on-four treatment concept
23. Nobel Biocare- All-on-4® treatment concept
24. WebMD- Dental Veneers
25. NCBI- The Success of Dental Veneers
26. HealthJade- Root Canal
27. NCBI- Treatment time for non-surgical endodontic therapy
28. NHS- Root canal treatment
29. ScienceDirect- Prolonged operative time in laparoscopic appendectomy
30. Mayo Clinic- Cholecystectomy
31. PubMed- Complications of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
32. WebMD- Do I Need Surgery for Hernia?
33. NHS- Inguinal hernia repair
34. Healthline- Hiatal Hernia Surgery
35. The US Embassy- Thai Visas for Americans
36. Royal Thai Embassy- Visa
37. TUI- When's the best time to visit Thailand?
38. Holidify- 12 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience!
39. Travel Triangle- 15 Spectacular Festivals In Thailand
40. Nomadasaurus- Is Thailand Safe To Travel in 2022?
41. Tripadvisor- Thailand: General Advice
42. Verywell Health- Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism
43. TAT News- Bangkok ranked 2nd best city
44. US News- Wat Pho
45. Amazing Thailand- Chiang Mai
46. Smart Traveller- Thailand