Introduction to Thailand

Overview

Thailand

Thailand is the world’s leading medical tourist destination in terms of patient numbers. Several hospitals in Bangkok offer international-standard care to foreign patients. Medical care and daily costs here are incredibly cheap and the beautiful Thai islands are only a short flight away. Recent political instability is a bit of a worry, so monitor events closely before booking.
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Quick Facts

Language: Thai, with English widely spoken in hospitals and hotels.
Currency: Thai baht (TB; about 30 to the US dollar)
Average fees by procedure:
  • Knee replacement ***
  • Hip replacement ***
  • Heart bypass ***
  • Mitral valve repair ***
  • Full physical check-up ***
  • Root canal ***
  • Tooth cleaning ***
Midrange hotel room per night: TB1,000/US$30
Simple meal: TB100/US$3
Average cost of flight from:
  • New York: US$1250
  • Los Angeles: US$1100
  • London: P400
  • Toronto: CA$1400
Cost of 20-minute taxi ride: TB100/US$3
Pros:
  • Low cost
  • High-quality medical care
  • Hospitals used to dealing with foreign patients
  • Friendly people
  • Great food
  • Wonderful tropical islands nearby
  • Lots of spas and wellness treatments for after care
Cons:
  • English not widely spoken outside of hospitals and hotels
  • Difficult to get around Bangkok, particularly for mobility-impaired
  • Occasional political instability
Legal Issues: Legal redress possible, but difficult and time consuming, through Thai legal system. Hospitals may offer compensation or free remedial treatment in cases of demonstrable malpractice.
Thailand in-depth »

Best Hospitals in Thailand

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    Samitivej Hospital

    This pristine and comfortable hospital is where Thailand’s wealthy expats go when they need care.
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    Bumrungrad Hospital

    This American-managed hospital is the pioneer in medical tourism. It’s busy and bustling but usually fairly efficient.
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    St Louis Hospital

    For rock-bottom prices and perfectly acceptable care, this large hospital is an excellent choice.

Best Dentists in Thailand

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    Dental Hospital

    They don’t make dental clinics more comfortable than this. It’s an oasis of excellent dental care. Highly recommended.
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    Bumrungrad Dental Center

    Popular and relatively efficient, Bumrungrad’s dental clinic offers good care at reasonable prices.

Best Hotels for Medical Tourists

Best Places to Recuperate

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    Ko Samui, Thailand

    Sure, it’s overdeveloped, but it’s an easy flight from Bangkok and some private bays are still beautiful.e
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    Ko Phuket, Thailand

    Like Samui, it’s overdeveloped, but it’s an easy flight from Bangkok and there are some nice spots.
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    Ko Pi Pi, Thailand

    An easy ferry ride from Phuket, it’s one of our favorite Thai islands. Just beautiful!
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