Thailand is renowned for world-class medical care at affordable prices, making it a top destination for medical tourism and long-term expat residence. This guide covers everything you need to navigate the Thai healthcare system confidently.
Healthcare System Overview
Thailand operates a two-tier healthcare system:
Public Hospitals:
- Government-run facilities
- Very affordable (often under 100 THB per visit)
- Long wait times (2-4 hours common)
- Limited English-speaking staff
- Quality varies by location
- Good for minor issues and emergencies
Private Hospitals:
- International standards (many JCI accredited)
- English-speaking staff throughout
- Short or no wait times
- Hotel-like amenities
- Higher costs (but still affordable by Western standards)
- Recommended for most expats
Top International Hospitals in Bangkok
<a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/bumrungrad-hospital">Bumrungrad International Hospital</a>
- JCI accredited since 2002
- 580 beds, 1,200+ physicians
- 70+ specialties
- Translator services in 20+ languages
- International patient services department
- Location: Sukhumvit Soi 3
- Website: bumrungrad.com
<a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/bangkok-hospital">Bangkok Hospital</a>
- Largest private hospital network in Thailand
- JCI accredited
- Comprehensive international services
- Multiple Bangkok locations
- Strong cardiac and oncology departments
- Location: Soi Soonvijai 7
- Website: bangkokhospital.com
<a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/samitivej-hospital">Samitivej Hospital</a>
- Excellent pediatrics and maternity care
- Japanese and international patient focus
- Four Bangkok locations
- Children's Hospital attached
- Location: Sukhumvit 49
- Website: samitivejhospitals.com
<a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/bnh-hospital">BNH Hospital</a>
- Oldest private hospital in Bangkok
- Strong reputation for orthopedics
- Expatriate-focused services
- Location: Silom
- Website: bnhhospital.com
<a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/vejthani-hospital">Vejthani Hospital</a>
- JCI accredited
- Arabic and Middle Eastern patient focus
- Comprehensive oncology center
- Location: Lat Phrao
- Website: vejthani.com
Costs Without Insurance
Private hospital costs (approximate):
Consultations:
- GP consultation: 800-1,500 THB
- Specialist consultation: 1,500-3,000 THB
- Emergency room visit: 2,000-5,000 THB
Common Procedures:
- Blood test panel: 1,500-4,000 THB
- X-ray: 500-1,500 THB
- MRI scan: 10,000-25,000 THB
- CT scan: 8,000-20,000 THB
- Dental cleaning: 1,500-3,000 THB
- Dental filling: 1,500-4,000 THB
Hospital Stays:
- Standard room: 4,000-8,000 THB/night
- Private room: 8,000-20,000 THB/night
- ICU: 20,000-50,000 THB/night
Health Insurance Options
Local Thai Insurance:
- AIA Thailand
- Muang Thai Insurance
- Bangkok Insurance
- Pacific Cross
- Premium: 15,000-60,000 THB/year
- Pros: Affordable, direct billing at hospitals
- Cons: May exclude pre-existing conditions, limited overseas coverage
Learn more about <a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/insurance">local Thai insurance providers</a> offering expat-friendly policies.
International Insurance:
- BUPA Global
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Care
- Aetna International
- Premium: 80,000-300,000 THB/year
- Pros: Worldwide coverage, comprehensive benefits, portable
- Cons: Higher premiums, may need to claim reimbursement
Explore <a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/insurance">international health insurance</a> options for comprehensive coverage.
Mandatory Insurance for O-A Visa:
- Minimum inpatient coverage: 400,000 THB
- Minimum outpatient coverage: 40,000 THB
- Must be from approved insurer list
Pro tip: Many expats use a hybrid approach: local Thai insurance for routine care and a high-deductible international policy for catastrophic coverage and evacuation.
Finding English-Speaking Doctors
Hospital International Departments: Most private hospitals have dedicated international patient departments with:
- English-speaking coordinators
- Appointment scheduling assistance
- Translation services
- Insurance coordination
- Medical record management
Online Platforms:
- Hospital websites with doctor profiles
- Doctor lookup by specialty and language
- HDmall.co.th for price comparisons
- SeekMed for specialist searches
Telemedicine Options:
- Doctor Anywhere (app-based)
- Samitivej Virtual Hospital
- Bumrungrad Virtual Clinic
- Good for minor consultations and prescription refills
Pharmacies and Medications
Pharmacy Types:
- Hospital pharmacies (most comprehensive)
- Chain pharmacies (Boots, Watsons)
- Independent pharmacies (often cheaper)
- 24-hour pharmacies near major hospitals
Medication Notes:
- Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescriptions elsewhere
- Bring prescription documentation for controlled substances
- Generic medications widely available and affordable
- Check expiry dates on medications
Emergency Procedures
Emergency Numbers:
- General Emergency: 1669
- Tourist Police: 1155
- Ambulance: 1554
- Fire: 199
Emergency Tips:
- Keep hospital emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Know your blood type
- Carry health insurance card at all times
- Major hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments
- Grab/taxi often faster than ambulance in traffic
Dental Care
Thailand is famous for affordable, high-quality dental care:
Recommended Dental Clinics:
- Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC)
- Thantakit Dental Center
- Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic
- Dental Hospital Bangkok
Find trusted <a href="/directory/bangkok/healthcare-insurance/dental">dental clinics in Bangkok</a> offering international-standard care.
Common Prices:
- Consultation: 300-800 THB
- Cleaning: 1,500-3,000 THB
- Filling: 1,500-4,000 THB
- Root canal: 8,000-20,000 THB
- Crown: 12,000-25,000 THB
- Implant: 45,000-80,000 THB
Health Checkup Packages
Annual health checkups are affordable and thorough:
Basic Package (3,000-6,000 THB):
- Physical examination
- Blood tests (CBC, liver, kidney function)
- Chest X-ray
- Urine analysis
Comprehensive Package (8,000-20,000 THB):
- All basic tests plus
- Cardiac evaluation (ECG, stress test)
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Cancer markers
- Additional specialist consultations
Executive Package (20,000-50,000 THB):
- Full body scan
- All comprehensive tests
- MRI or CT scan
- Colonoscopy (age-appropriate)
- Personal health advisor
Pro tip: Book health checkups directly with hospitals for best rates. Many offer promotions throughout the year, especially in January and during anniversary months.
Pro tip: If you have a complex medical history, bring all your records translated to English. Thai doctors appreciate thorough documentation and it ensures continuity of care.