Republished as featured on Agoda Travel Guides
With world-class healthcare facilities and amazing tourist destinations, Thailand has grown to be one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations. The country offers affordable healthcare options for foreigners by skilled medical professionals. Physicians offer modern treatments, surgical procedures and holistic approaches to wellness. The dozens of hospitals that welcome medical tourists, as well as the hundreds of resorts that focus on relaxation and rejuvenation, are giving tourists more and more reasons to visit Thailand for medical purposes.
Thailand medical tourism overview
Highly advanced healthcare systems coupled with luxurious wellness spas and retreats have helped nudge Thailand to the top of medical tourism destinations. There are dozens of reasons why visiting Thailand for medical purposes is a great idea. For one, the country contains a vast network of accredited medical centers, particularly in popular tourist hubs, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. On top of being proficient in English, surgeons, doctors and nurses are trained with and use state-of-the-art equipment. Many Thai medical professionals obtain advanced medical degrees and board certifications from the United States and Europe. Another reason to visit Thailand for medical purposes is the choice in services. Routine health checks that include scans, physical examinations and general wellness assessments are readily available, sometimes without making an appointment. Cosmetic surgeries, dental treatments, fertility treatments and cosmetic surgeries can be arranged quickly. Depending on the treatment, tourists who do not make appointments in advance generally can see a doctor during a short holiday or extended visit.
Why Thailand is best for medical tourism
The money tourists can save on medical treatments in Thailand is one of the main reasons why Thailand medical tourism is so popular. Patients can count on saving money even after travel expenses. Quick access to medical care also is guaranteed for all foreigners in Thailand. Tourists can visit accredited Thai hospitals with no special documentation, and the Thai government even has streamlined the visa process for medical tourists. A one-year medical visa is available for patients needing long-term treatment. Here are a few other reasons to visit Thailand for medical tourism.
- Prices – treatment prices in Thailand are almost 30 percent cheaper than in Europe and a whopping 70 percent cheaper than in the United States.
- World-class standard and quality – Thailand healthcare facilities are world-renowned for their stringent hygiene standards, and the country is passionate about innovation, lending support to many medical research institutions.
- Short waiting times – fast-track services are the backbone of Thai healthcare. Foreigners can enjoy walk-in appointments, along with access to hospital booking systems and online healthcare services, just like Thai citizens.
- International hospitals – located in major tourist cities and equipped with multilingual staff members, international hospitals provide cutting-edge treatments in a vast array of areas, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, dentistry and cosmetic surgery.
- Variety of packages – taking advantage of hospital bundles while in Thailand is a smart way to save even more money on medical procedures. Hospitals offer numerous deals, ranging from cosmetic surgery packages, which include preoperative assessments and post-operative care, to cardiac care packages, which cover bypass surgeries, angioplasties and other procedures, as well as rehabilitation services, all for one price.
- Many tourist attractions in Thailand – many medical tourists like to combine procedures with leisure activities. Plan a Chao Phraya River cruise in Bangkok, or visit Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai before your procedure date. There’s no better way to recoup after surgery than relaxing by a beach in Phuket.
FIND HOTELS NEAR THAILAND MEDICAL TOURISM FACILITIES IN BANGKOK
Medical tourism packages and programs in Thailand
Reputable hospitals that cater to tourists offer a variety of medical tourism packages and programs that cover basic health exams and long-term treatment plans. Some of the most popular healthcare packages include preoperative and post-operative care, along with follow-ups and rehabilitation.
- Cosmetic surgery packages – patients receiving breast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction and rhinoplasty can pay up front for the procedure, plus all preoperative and post-operative appointments.
- Dental tourism packages – bundles range from dental implants and teeth whitening to general assessments and long-term treatment plans.
- Wellness and spa packages – enjoy detox programs, traditional Thai massages and holistic health treatments with accommodations at renowned wellness resorts.
- Orthopedic surgery packages – joint replacements and spinal surgeries are extended to foreigners at reduced prices at major hospitals.
- Cardiac care packages – cardiac care packages encompass a range of services, including cardiac assessments, bypass surgeries and rehabilitation plans.
- Fertility and IVF packages – patients can incorporate consultations, treatments and medical testing into one convenient package.
- Medical check-up packages – preventative healthcare is a top priority for Thailand medical professionals. Find a range of packages for general wellness exams tailored to specific age groups and medical conditions.
- Weight loss and bariatric surgery packages – gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are available at top-notch facilities.
- Cancer treatment packages – tourists seeking long-term care for cancer can find comprehensive healthcare plans that cover diagnosis, consultations, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and support services.
- Senior health and aging well programs – as a major destination for foreign retirees, Thailand provides a multitude of services for seniors, including geriatric care, activities for the elderly and complete medical assessments.
- Rehabilitation packages – recover from surgery with a package that includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and complex rehabilitative services.
- IV therapy and wellness boost packages – growing in popularity throughout Asia and Southeast Asia, IV therapy packages involve intravenous vitamin and nutrient infusions that promote immunity and boost energy levels.
The cost of medical treatments in Thailand
Receiving top-quality medical care at a fraction of the price it would cost in the United States or Europe provides immediate relief for any ailment. Prices do vary according to hospital and location, but for the most part, tourists can depend on saving money on any medical procedure performed in Thailand, compared to what they might pay in the U.S. or U.K. The complexity of procedures also affects the price. For instance, a major surgery will cost significantly more than a routine checkup. For comparison, here are a few average prices (in USD) of procedures according to location.
Breast augmentation
- Thailand: $2,500 to $3,500
- United States: $6,000 to $12,000
- Europe: $4,000 to $8,000
Dental implants
- Thailand: $800 to $1,200 per implant
- United States: $2,500 to $5,000 per implant
- Europe: $2,000 to $4,500 per implant
Hip Replacement
- Thailand: $7,000 to $10,000
- United States: $30,000 to $45,000
- Europe: $20,000 to $30,000
Cardiac bypass surgery
- Thailand: $9,000 to $15,000
- United States: $60,000 to $150,000
- Europe: $40,000 to $100,000
IVF
- Thailand: $5,000 to $8,000 per cycle
- United States: $12,000 to $15,000 per cycle
- Europe: $8,000 to $12,000 per cycle
Gastric bypass
- Thailand: $8,000 to $12,000
- United States: $15,000 to $30,000
- Europe: $10,000 to $20,000
Chemotherapy
- Thailand: $1,000 to $3,000 per cycle
- United States: $2,000 to $5,000 per cycle (plus additional costs)
- Europe: $1,500 to $4,000 per cycle (plus additional costs)
FIND HOTELS NEAR THAILAND MEDICAL TOURISM FACILITIES
Aesthetic treatments in Bangkok
Any medical procedure that enhances a person’s physical appearance or addresses cosmetic concerns is considered an aesthetic treatment. Procedures like tummy tucks, nose surgeries and eyelid lifts are commonly performed daily by highly trained physicians in Thailand. As aesthetic treatments grow in popularity, physicians strive to stay on top of latest technologies and least-invasive procedures. Some popular aesthetic surgeries performed in Thailand are as follows.
- Cosmetic surgery – facelifts, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, eyelifts, tummy tucks, body enhancement and reshaping procedures
- Botox and dermal fillers – reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and add volume to facial features
- Laser and skin rejuvenation – chemical peels and laser treatments to reduce acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation irregularities and signs of aging
- Body contouring – liposuction and radiofrequency skin tightening to remove excess fat and tighten loose skin
- Hair restoration – combat hair loss and balding with a hair transplant procedure
- Gender affirmation surgery – helps individuals transition to their preferred gender through breast augmentation and facial feminization, as well as gender reassignment surgeries
- Tattoo and hair removal – laser technology is employed to remove unwanted hair and tattoos permanently
Top Bangkok hospitals and clinics for medical and aesthetic treatments
Bangkok offers a wide range of hospitals with English-speaking staff members who are committed to the care of international patients. Expats as well as tourists depend on these hospitals for top medical care. Each of these medical facilities in Bangkok houses highly skilled and medically trained surgeons, physicians, nurses and staff members. They also are dedicated to patient safety, hygiene and comfort. Tourists will find a wide range of specialty doctors and treatment facilities at these top Bangkok hospitals that are popular with tourists and expats for medical care.
MedPark Hospital
Ranked as one of Bangkok’s best hospitals by Newsweek, MedPark Hospital is a private hospital co-founded by Thailand’s top medical experts. It provides specialty services in more than 30 departments, including a Fertility and Genetics Center, Sleep Medicine Center and Light of Day Radiation Oncology Center. Patients also can seek treatment at the Rheumatology Center, Hair Restoration Clinic and Eye Care Center, among many others. MedPark Hospital is located on Rama IV Road in the heart of Khlong Toei District and is easily accessible from Khlong Toei MRT Station. The hospital is within walking distance of Benchakitti Park and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Address: 3333 Rama IV Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Teeraporn Clinic
Boasting a world-class medical team and a convenient location in the Southeast Asian hub of Bangkok, Teeraporn Clinic is the cosmetic surgery center point of ASEAN. Best known for double eyelids surgery and its trademarked Facelock facelift technique, Teeraporn Clinic makes use of best-in-class techniques and has gained the trust of regional celebrities and influencers. Their microincision technique ensures the Teeraporn philosophy – less visible marks, less recovery time, and more natural results. With a broad international customer base, Teeraporn Clinic offers a wide range of facial plastic surgery, including neck lifts, rhinoplasty, fillers, BOTOX, and hifu to highlight your natural beauty.
Address: 2 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Bumrungrad International Hospital
Located in the heart of Bangkok and one of the most prestigious hospitals in Thailand, Bumrungrad International Hospital is a top choice for medical tourists in Thailand. The hospital features a well-rounded selection of specialty departments, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology and gastroenterology. The hospital’s executive health checkups are designed for busy professionals and often include same-day results. Bumrungrad International Hospital sits in Wattana District on Sukhumvit Road, a thoroughfare of the city. Most taxi drivers will not need directions to Bumrungrad Hospital, as it is a well-known facility near many popular tourist destinations, including Terminal 21 Mall, Benjakiti Park and Nana Plaza. The hospital is accessible from the BTS Skytrain at Asok and Sukhumvit stations.
Address: 33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok
