Greg P. Says:
Hi, can you tell me the best options for healthcare in Thailand please?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Greg,
One big benefit to living in Thailand is its excellent, inexpensive healthcare. The quality, particularly in the private system, is as good as what you’ll find in the U.S. or Canada.
And prices are low. They’re a third to a half of what you’d pay back home for similar services.
In fact, because of the low cost of treatment, most expats do not bother with insurance for outpatient care. Inpatient-only coverage combined with a reasonable deductible can result in affordable monthly premiums for most people.
Some expats only purchase accident insurance, which is much cheaper than full health coverage. Others forgo medical insurance altogether and rely on the money saved from living abroad for unforeseen medical emergencies.
Expats don’t have access to Thailand’s public health scheme. But they do have access to three healthcare options: local clinics, private hospitals, and public hospitals.
- Local Clinics
Local clinics are set-up for the resident population, but expats are also welcome. All are operated by well qualified and experienced medical practitioners. A consultation with an English- speaking doctor, treatment for any ailments, plus any required medications (which is usually dispensed by a pharmacist on staff at the clinic) typically cost no more than $14 a visit.
- Private Hospitals
Outpatient departments at the major hospitals serve as an alternative to the local clinics. And Thailand has a large network of public and private hospitals. In fact, the country has 51 private hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the gold standard for hospital care.
In Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s private hospitals, you can expect a quality equal to standards in the U.S. There are also some very good private facilities in Hua Hin, Udon Thani, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui where most primary and secondary medical care problems can be dealt with.
- Public Hospitals
Public or government run hospitals are much less expensive than their private counterparts, but they are generally more crowded and sometimes less well-equipped. However, all the medical facilities in the country are staffed by well-trained doctors and nurses who provide excellent care to both expats and locals alike.
Read more about healthcare in Thailand on the dedicated page of our website here.
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