As an expat residing in Thailand, it is undeniable that there are many things to consider. Thailand’s healthcare system is no exception. Here we have put together a practical checklist on using its healthcare system and what to look out for in 2024. For expats living or moving to Thailand, understanding the local medical system is crucial for ensuring you and your family have access to the care you need. Thailand offers a diverse range of healthcare options, from public hospitals that provide affordable care to high-end private hospitals catering to those seeking top-tier medical services. Whether you are planning a short stay or settling in Thailand for the long term, having a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape is essential.
Whether you are new to Thailand or a seasoned resident, this guide is designed to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare, ensuring you can enjoy your time in the Land of Smiles with confidence and security.
Public Hospitals in Thailand
Thailand’s healthcare system is divided into public and private sectors, with the latter offering world-class services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. While public hospitals provide good care, they are often overcrowded, and the language barrier can be a challenge for non-Thai speakers. Therefore, most expats prefer to use private healthcare facilities, which are known for their high standards, English-speaking staff, and shorter waiting times. However, the costs associated with private healthcare can be significant, making health insurance not just a luxury but a necessity.
The Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) is Thailand’s national system of medical insurance which offers expats living in the country with free public healthcare. The contribution of expats to the program is taken away from their pay. The expats who are newly enrolled in the scheme are assigned to public hospitals where they will get medically treated.
Despite the excellence of physicians in Thailand’s public hospitals, medical equipment is outdated. Besides, waiting times for treatment can be long and medical care is limited to particular hospitals that patients are assigned to.
Learn more about the Thailand Healthcare System.
Private Hospitals in Thailand
The affordability and respectability of Thailand’s private healthcare system enables the Land of Smiles to become a top destination for medical tourism. Bangkok is home to many superb expat-friendly hospitals. However, private hospitals and clinics in upcountry areas still do not live up to the expectations of Westerners.
A great deal of expats prefer private healthcare to the public one due to its superior service, wider variety of choice in selecting where they will get treatment and shorter waiting times for treatment.
We’ve written a more extensive guide to healthcare in Bangkok – click here to learn more about the best hospitals, dentists and doctors in Thailand.
Inpatient Care
In Thailand, popular expat-oriented inpatient care providers include Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok and Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok. These hospitals have remarkable reviews online which you are advised to check them out yourself.
Outpatient Care
Visiting a doctor in an international outpatient clinic in Thailand is convenient. Popular doctors for outpatient care include MedConsult Clinic, Thai Travel Clinic and Samitivej Suvhanabhumi Medical Clinic. These outpatient clinics (also known as health stations) are a front-line for healthcare in rural areas of Thailand. This means if you are ill, they can offer you with fundamental healthcare. However, if you are in more serious cases of illness then you will be sent to the nearest public or private hospital.
Thailand Dental Care
Expatriates in Thailand typically choose to visit more expensive private hospitals for their dental care because these dental providers house foreign-trained English-speaking doctors and advanced dental equipment. Learn more about Dental Care in Thailand.
Popular dentists in Thailand include Dr. Sunil Dental Clinic, Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC) and Thantakit Dental Center.
Thailand Expat Health InsuranceÂ
In 2024, health insurance for expats living in Thailand remains a critical consideration for those looking to reside or work in the country. In Thailand, two key types of insurance are present. They are international insurance and local insurance.Â
International insurance is the most popular with Thailand expatriates because it has more abundant benefits than its counterpart and its service is more comprehensive. Another important reason that international insurance is more popular with expats residing in Thailand is it is more flexible and more portable in terms of your relocation to another country.Â
Expat health insurance in Thailand typically covers a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, specialist consultations, and prescription medications. Policies may also offer additional benefits such as dental care, maternity coverage, mental health services, and even wellness programs. Given the variety of options available, it is crucial for expats to carefully assess their needs and choose a plan that offers adequate coverage for their specific circumstances.
For those under retirement visas, the Thai government has mandated that expats must have health insurance that meets certain minimum coverage requirements. This regulation was introduced to ensure that retirees can cover potential medical expenses during their stay in Thailand without becoming a burden on the public healthcare system. As a result, there has been a rise in insurance products tailored specifically for retirees, offering comprehensive coverage at competitive rates. Contact us for a tailored quote here.
Digital platforms, such as i-Brokers Instant Medical Quotation Tool, have also made it easier for expats to compare and purchase health insurance in Thailand. Many insurance providers offer online services where customers can obtain quotes, read policy details, and even file claims electronically. This convenience is especially beneficial for expats who may not be fluent in Thai or who prefer to manage their insurance needs remotely.
In Thailand, there is a host of health insurers who cater to the real needs of expats living in the country. They include April, Cigna, and Pacific Cross all of whose insurance plan is wide-ranging. These insurers include specific deductibles that can reduce their insurance premium rates.Â
Learn more about Health Insurance in Thailand here.
Best Health Insurance Providers in ThailandÂ
For expatriates living in Thailand, selecting the right international health insurance is crucial for ensuring access to quality healthcare both within the country and abroad. Here are some of the best international health insurance companies for expats in Thailand:
Cigna: Cigna offers comprehensive global health insurance plans with extensive coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, medical evacuation, and wellness benefits. They are known for their flexible plan options and a wide network of healthcare providers worldwide.
AXA: AXA is a leading global insurer offering plans that cover a wide range of medical needs, including preventative care, hospitalization, and specialist consultations. Their plans are known for being highly customizable to suit the needs of expatriates.
April International: April provides tailored health insurance plans for expats, offering coverage that includes hospitalization, routine healthcare, dental and optical care, and medical evacuation. Their plans are designed to meet the diverse needs of expatriates living in Thailand and other countries, with a strong focus on flexibility and customer support.
HCI: Healthcare International (HCI) is a renowned provider of international private medical insurance, specializing in comprehensive health coverage for expatriates, digital nomads, seafarers, and other globally mobile individuals. All policy holders are provided a global choice of more than 7,000 medical centres of excellence, and the insurer operates a 24-hour claim line, which members can call from anywhere in the world, 365 days a year, for immediate help and advice.
Medical Tourism in Thailand 2024
Medical tourism in Thailand continues to thrive in 2024, solidifying the country’s position as one of the world’s top destinations for medical care. Thailand’s appeal lies in its combination of high-quality healthcare services, affordable treatment options, and world-class facilities. Hospitals and clinics in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are particularly renowned for their expertise in cosmetic surgery, dental care, and advanced treatments like fertility procedures and cardiac surgery. The country has also become a hub for wellness tourism, with an increasing number of visitors seeking comprehensive health check-ups, detox programs, and traditional Thai medicine.
The Thai government has been actively promoting medical tourism through strategic partnerships and marketing initiatives, aiming to attract over 4 million medical tourists by the end of 2024. In 2021, Thailand’s medical tourism industry ranked 5th globally, generating approximately 11.9 billion baht in revenue from foreign patients. These efforts are bolstered by Thailand’s robust healthcare infrastructure, which includes more than 60 hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a prestigious global health accreditation body. Furthermore, Thailand’s medical professionals are highly trained, often with international certifications, ensuring that patients receive care that meets or exceeds global standards.
In addition to the quality of care, cost is a significant factor driving medical tourism in Thailand. Treatments in Thailand can be 50-70% cheaper than in Western countries, even after factoring in travel and accommodation expenses. This affordability extends across a wide range of medical services, from elective cosmetic procedures to critical surgeries. The cost-benefit ratio is particularly attractive to patients from countries with expensive healthcare systems or long waiting times for certain procedures.
Emergency numbers in ThailandÂ
Thailand’s local emergency service number is 1669 whereas the emergency number devoted to assisting foreigners in the country is 1155.Â
The development of emergency transport amenities in the country has not been fully advanced and traffic congestion in urban areas is a massive obstacle to emergency response times. Therefore, it might be quicker for expats to travel to those amenities on their own.Â
State emergency service operators don’t speak English. On the contrary, private ambulances are more geared towards expats because the staff from private healthcare facilities speak English fluently.   Â
For expats and travelers in Thailand, it’s essential to be familiar with the country’s emergency services. Here are the key emergency numbers in Thailand expats must know:
Police: 191 –>Â For reporting crimes, emergencies, or when you need immediate police assistance.
Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 1669 –>Â For medical emergencies and to request an ambulance.
Fire Department: 199 –>Â To report fires and request fire-fighting services.
Tourist Police: 1155 –>Â A dedicated service for tourists needing assistance, available in multiple languages.
Highway Police: 1193 –>Â For road emergencies, accidents, or issues while traveling on highways.
Marine Police: 1196 –>Â For emergencies or incidents involving watercraft or activities at sea.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS): 1646 –>Â Another number specifically for urgent medical assistance.
Our AdviceÂ
You need to know the whereabouts of medical and dental centers in your specific area of Bangkok in case an emergency arises. You also need to be aware of how much they charge you on the medical treatment.Â
Select a medical insurance policy that suits you the most. Therefore, it is best to check with your medical insurer whether the health insurance policy covers everything that meets your medical requirements and the needs of your loved ones. At i-Brokers, we take great pride in offering the best service possible when it comes to insurance. 82% of consumers who compare insurance with i-Brokers find lower premiums. Can you afford not to? Click here to get a quote on your medical insurance.Â