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]Culture Trip
Why is Thailand Known as The ‘Land of Smiles’?
“Thailand, however, is often referred to as the Land of Smiles. ”
View in Article 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]NCBI
An examination of Thailand’s health care system
“In the Global Health Security (GHS) index ranking, Thailand occupies the sixth position. ”
View in Article

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.

Dental

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.

**Dental Treatment Cost in Thailand**
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. Contact us for a detailed estimate now!

Cosmetic

Plastic surgery in Thailand costs around 50-90% lower 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

**Plastic Surgery Cost in Thailand**
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. Contact us for a detailed estimate now!

General

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:

**General Surgery Cost in Thailand**
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. Contact us for a detailed estimate now!

Why Choose Medical Tourism in Thailand?

There are many reasons to choose Thailand 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]Living Cost
Thailand vs United States – Cost of Living Comparison
“The average cost of living in Thailand ($742) is 65% less expensive than in the United States ($2112). ”
View in Article
Lower income-tax rate^[4]Movingist
Cost of living- Thailand VS USA
“To your surprise, the sales tax rate of Thailand is 7 percent. So, Thailand’s cost of living compared to the US is cheaper.”
View in Article

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]Taylor & Francis
The level and determinants of international patient satisfaction with dental tourism in Bangkok, Thailand
“Thailand provides outstanding services in the health tourism industry. Dental care is ranked as the third most utilized service by international patients, accounting for 11% of health tourism in Thailand.”
View in Article
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

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]Thai Embassy
Tourist Visa to Thailand
“Many nationalities can visit the Land of Smiles without a visa under the Visa on Arrival rule or Visa Exemption scheme. These options allow visitors to stay for up to 30 or 45 days. ”
View in Article

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]Bloomberg
Medical Tourism to Thailand Gets a Boost With New One-Year Visas
“The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to lower the fee for such visas to 5,000 baht ($140) from 6,000 baht. The medical visas will allow foreign patients to fly in and out of Thailand besides allowing them a maximum stay of 90 days at a stretch. Applicants will need to produce evidence of a hospital appointment, health insurance and proof of adequate financing for treatments covering at least 800,000 baht.”
View in Article, Bangkok Post^[8]Bangkok Post
New medical treatment visa planned for Jan 1
“The new visa allows multiple entries and is valid for one year. Three people who are immediate family members are also allowed. Patients who need further medical treatment are required to report to immigration authorities every 90 days.”
View in Article

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

Thailand – A Beautiful Tourism Destination

Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Thailand

BIDC, Bangkok

4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
808 Google Reviews

Address: 157 159 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

CIDC, Chiang Mai

4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
39 Google Reviews

Address: 11 Nimmanahaeminda Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

BFC, Bangkok

BFC Dental, Bangkok

4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
29 Google Reviews

Address: BFC Dental Bangna 347, Bangna-Trad Rd, Bang Na District, Bangkok 10260, Thailand

Yanhee Hospital, Bangkok

4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
551 Google Reviews

Address: 454 Charan Sanit Wong Rd, Bang Ao, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand

Phuket Dental Signature

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
46 Google Reviews

Address: 189 Soi Rat Uthit 200 Pi 1, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand

Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic

4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
381 Google Reviews

Address: 5 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

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:

Cosmetic

**Cosmetic Procedures**
Procedure	Definition	Time Taken	Hospital Stay	Success Rate
Liposuction	Removes unwanted fat and modifies the body contour^[9]NCBI A journey through liposuction and liposculture “Surgical technique is simple and has a very low complication rate.” View in Article	1-3 hours^[10]NHS Liposuction “This usually takes 1 to 3 hours. ” View in Article	1 night	Low complication rate^[11]NCBI A journey through liposuction and liposculture “Surgical technique is simple and has a very low complication rate.” View in Article
Breast Augmentation	Enhances the breast size with implants or fat transfer^[12]NCBI Breast Augmentation “Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure where the breast size is enhanced. Augmentation can be from the placement of an implant, or less commonly, thru fat transfer. ” View in Article	1-2 hours^[13]ISAPS Breast Augmentation “This procedure takes approximately two hours. ” View in Article	Not needed	High^[14]PubMed Augmentation Mastopexy “the operation can achieve predictable results in most cases with a low complication rate” View in Article
Face Lift	Makes you look younger by rejuvenating and stretching the face skin^[15]ResearchGate Facelift “Facelifting is a facial rejuvenation procedure in which by dissection of subcutaneous layers and different suturing techniques we are able to stretch the skin and make the patient look younger. ” View in Article	3-6 hours^[16]Mayo Clinic Face Lift “A face-lift generally takes 3 to 6 hours. ” View in Article	1 night	Lasts upto 10 years^[17]Mayo Clinic Face Lift “In general, a face-lift can be expected to last 10 years. ” View in Article
Rhinoplasty	Reshapes the nose and enhances your face^[18]American Society Rhinoplasty “Rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping” by patients, enhances facial harmony” View in Article	1-2 hours^[19]Healthline Everything to Know About a Closed Rhinoplasty “The procedure itself typically takes 1 to 2 hours. ” View in Article	1 night	Long-lasting^[20]American Society Rhinoplasty “The results of rhinoplasty surgery will be long-lasting. ” View in Article
Tummy-tuck	Tightens loose muscles and removes fat & loose skin from the abdomen^[21]ScienceDirect Clinical outcome of patients undergoing abdominoplasty “Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure to reshape the body contour by reduction of redundant fat and skin tissue. ” View in Article	2-3 hours^[22]ScienceDirect Clinical outcome of patients undergoing abdominoplasty “The median duration time of the operation was 144 minutes. ” View in Article	1 night	Few complications^[23]American Society Tummy Tuck “Overall, complications occurred in 4% of patients undergoing abdominoplasty ” View in Article

You can read more on plastic surgery in Thailand here.

Dental

**Dental Procedures**
Procedure	Definition	Time Taken	Hospital Stay	Success Rate
Dental Implants	Metal screws are placed in the place of missing teeth^[24]Colgate What Are Dental Implants? “Dental implants are metal frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. ” View in Article	1-2 hours^[25]AAID About Dental Implants “For some, the entire procedure may take no more than an hour for a single implant. ” View in Article	Not needed	Very high^[26]NCBI Implant success and survival rates in daily dental practice “Very high cumulative survival and success rates were achieved after 3 years (> 99%) and 5 years (97%) of loading. ” View in Article
All-on-4 Implants	A fixed hybrid denture is supported on 4 implants in the jaw bone^[27]NCBI The all-on-four treatment concept “The protocol uses four implants in the anterior part of complete edentulous jaws to support a provisional, fixed and immediately loaded prosthesis.” View in Article	3 hours per arch/2-3 visits	Not needed	Very high^[28]Nobel Biocare All-on-4® treatment concept: High rates of long-term clinical success “the implant cumulative survival and success rates were 93.0% and 91.7% ”* View in Article
Porcelain Veneers	Restores discolored teeth^[29]NCBI The Success of Dental Veneers “dental veneers have been used to improve the aesthetic and protection of teeth” View in Article	2 hours/3 visits^[30]WebMD Dental Veneers “Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist. ” View in Article	Not needed	Very high^[31]NCBI The Success of Dental Veneers “Many studies reported positive clinical outcomes veneers, with a survival rate of 91% in 20 years. ” View in Article
Root Canal Treatment	Saves damaged tooth^[32]HealthJade Root canal “A root canal is done if you have an infection that affects the pulp of a tooth. ” View in Article	1-2 hours^[33]NCBI Treatment time for non-surgical endodontic therapy “We estimated that the time for RCT is, on average, 90.0 minutes. ” View in Article	Not needed	High^[34]NHS How it is performed -Root canal treatment “Around 9 out of 10 root-treated teeth survive for 8 to 10 years. ” View in Article

You can read more about dental tourism in Thailand here.

General

**General Procedures**
Procedure	Definition	Time Taken	Hospital Stay	Success Rate
Appendicitis	Surgical removal of the appendix	1-2 hours^[35]ScienceDirect Prolonged operative time in laparoscopic appendectomy “The median operation time was 57.6 min (IQR: 40.2–70.2 min). ” View in Article	3-5 days	High^[36]ScienceDirect Prolonged operative time in laparoscopic appendectomy “The complication rate was 5.5% ” View in Article
Gall Bladder Surgery	Surgical removal of the gallbladder	1-2 hours^[37]Mayo Clinic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) “An open cholecystectomy takes one or two hours. ” View in Article	3-5 days	High^[38]PubMed Complications of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy “The frequency of complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy varies from 0.5 to 6% ” View in Article
Hernia Surgery	Bulging tissue is pushed back surgically^[39]WebMD Do I Need Surgery for Hernia? “A surgical hernia repair involves pushing the bulge back inside the body part” View in Article	1 hour^[40]NHS How it’s performed -Inguinal hernia repair “The operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. ” View in Article	Not needed	High^[41]Healthline Hiatal Hernia Surgery “This surgery has an estimated 90 percent success rate. ” View in Article

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 to Thailand

**Estimated Flight Durations From AUS to Thailand**
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 to Thailand

**Estimated Flight Durations From the US to Thailand**
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

US

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]The US Embassy
Thai Visas for Americans
“U.S. citizens carrying a tourist passport and in possession of an onward or return airline ticket do not require a visa to enter Thailand. The passport must have at least six months validity remaining to be allowed entry. Upon entry, Thai immigration officials will place an immigration stamp in the passport permitting a 30-day stay in Thailand if arriving by air or land. This time limit may subsequently be extended for an additional 30 days by paying a 1,900 baht fee to the Thai Immigration Bureau office. ”
View in Article

Australia

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]Royal Thai Embassy
Visa
“Australian passport holders are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. However, entering Thailand without visa through land border check-points is restricted to only twice per calendar year.”
View in Article

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]TUI
When’s the best time to visit Thailand?
“The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April. Not only is it the driest part of the year in the Land of Smiles, but it’s also the warmest – temperatures hover between 32 and 36 degrees, with up to nine hours of sunshine a day. And although these months are great if you fancy soaking up the sun by the sea. ”
View in Article

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]Holidify
12 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience!
“During Yi Peng in November, Chinese paper lanterns are released into the night sky which is meant to symbolise letting go of the misfortunes of the past year.”
View in Article

Location: Chiang Mai
Date: November

Lantern Festival, Thailand

The Surin Elephant Festival

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]Travel Triangle
15 Spectacular Festivals In Thailand
“This long and large festival involves a 3-day water fight in which people participate across the country.”
View in Article

Location: Thailand
Date: Mid-April

Water Festival, Thailand

Bang Fai Phaya (Naga Fireballs Festival)

Naga Fireballs Festival, Thailand

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]Holidify
12 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience!
“Thousands of large reddish-pink balls of light are observed to rise into the night sky without a sound or seeming human interaction. They rise to 600 feet in the air”
View in Article

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]Travel Triangle
15 Spectacular Festivals In Thailand
“Full Moon parties are the largest beach party in the world. It is an all night party with 30,000 or more people on the beach each month to dance and play with fire and have a merry time.”
View in Article

Location: Koh Phangan island, Thailand
Date: Every month of the year, on the night of the full moon

Full Moon Party, Thailand

6. 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

7. What Should You Pack?

Documents

Credit/Debit cards
Medical prescriptions
Passport & ID documents
Emergency contact cards
Vaccination (if asked)
Medical insurance/Visa (if required)

Medical Supplies

Inhalers
Ointments
Antacids/Laxatives
Glasses/Contact lenses
Anti-biotics/Supplements
Altitude/Motion sickness medicines

Basics

Cash
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Clothes by season
Childcare equipment
Reusable water bottle

Other Essentials

Portable charger
Insect repellants
Sunglasses & Hat
Hand sanitizer/Wipes
Headphones/Earplugs
Scissors & Safety pins

8. Travel Tips to Visit Thailand

Thailand is a considerably safe country. One only needs to follow some basic tips to ensure complete safety.^[49]Nomadasaurus
Is Thailand Safe To Travel in 2022?
“Thailand is a very safe country for travel. Even if you are traveling alone in Thailand, you shouldn’t have any problems in the country if you are smart and constantly aware of your surroundings. ”
View in Article

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]Tripadvisor
Thailand: General Advice on Personal Safety
“Do not leave valuables in your room…Passports, cash, cameras, and so on should always be kept secured….Do not “flash your cash”….Never leave your drink unattended….Be aware of posted signs indicating no swimming areas…Keep your bag clutched tightly and securely to your side when walking. ”
View in Article

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.

Benefits:

Reduced waiting times
Low cost & high savings
Great vacation destination
State-of-the-art technology
Skilled doctors & medical staff

Source: Verywell Health^[51]Verywell Health
Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism
“Medical tourists can save anywhere from 25% to 90% in medical bills…. Medical tourists often take advantage of their stay in a foreign country to travel for pleasure by scheduling a vacation before or after their procedure… Surgeons in certain countries are known for their talent in a specific area of surgery.”
View in Article

Risks:

Unexpected infections
Planning follow-up care
Flying home after surgery
Language and culture barrier

Source: Verywell Health^[52]Verywell Health
Why Patients Are Turning to Medical Tourism
“Flying home increases the risk of blood clots, especially on long-haul flights. Any time you travel abroad, you run the risk of catching an illness that you have never been exposed to or that your body is not prepared to fight off. If you are having surgery in a country where English is not the primary language, you will need to make preparations in order to be able to communicate with the staff.”
View in Article

Thailand Medical Tourism Statistics

Thailand saw a rebound in the number of tourists in 2022, registering more than 4 million tourists.^[53]US News
Thailand Targets $11 Billion Tourism Revenue in H2 as COVID Controls Ease
“The Southeast Asian nation has seen a rebound in tourism numbers in the first eight months of 2022, registering more than 4 million tourists.”
View in Article

It is estimated that these numbers will increase to 27.7 million by 2022 representing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2019.^[54]Global Data
Health and wellness tourism trips to Asia
“GlobalData forecasts health and wellness tourism numbers in Thailand to increase to 27.7 million by 2022 representing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2019.”
View in Article

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

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, ranks as the second-best city in the world.^[55]TAT News
Bangkok ranked 2nd best city worldwide
“The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Bangkok has been ranked the second best city in the world. ”
View in Article

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]US News
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
“Wat Pho in Thai, is a Buddhist temple complex which is most known for its gold-plated “Reclining Buddha” sculpture. The Buddha measures 151 feet long and is 50 meters tall, making it the largest reclining Buddha statue. ”
View in Article

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

Chiang Mai is the largest city in mountainous northern Thailand.^[57]Amazing Thailand
Chiang Mai
“Chiang Mai is the largest city in mountainous northern Thailand. ”
View in Article 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

? Phuket

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

Phuket Dolphin Show
Phi Phi Islands
Monkey Hill
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

Is Thailand good for medical tourism?

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.

Is medical care cheap in Thailand?

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.

Is Thailand open 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]Smart Traveller
Thailand
“You no longer need permission to enter Thailand, show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. ”
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