Sheena M. Says:
What’s the healthcare like in Thailand?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Sheena,
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.
As an expat in Thailand, you have access to three healthcare options: local clinics, private hospitals, and public hospitals.
Local Clinics
The 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, plus any required medications (usually dispensed by a pharmacist on staff at the clinic) typically cost no more than $14 a visit.
Most of these local clinics operate in the evening (from 5 p.m.), so locals can easily attend without interrupting their normal workday. And some of the clinics will specialize in dermatology or ear nose & throat, etc.
Outpatients: 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 accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the gold standard for hospital care.
The largest private hospital network is Bangkok Hospital Group, with over 44 locations throughout Thailand. It’s not uncommon to walk into a private hospital’s outpatient department and be seen by a specialist within the hour.
Checking in for a first visit is easy and efficient. Most of the receptionists in Thai hospitals are nurses, so you’ll immediately be transferred to the appropriate specialist following a few brief questions about your situation.
Many doctors undertake specialist training abroad (usually in the U.S. and Europe) and are at least as well qualified as physicians in the West—often more so. Large private hospitals are also staffed with translators to assist foreigners in communicating with any medical professionals who aren’t fully fluent in English.
Public Hospitals
Public or government run hospitals are much less expensive than their private counterparts, but they’re 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.
The public hospital has an “Express Service” where locals or expats can jump the queue for a fee of $6. No need for a referral from another doctor… and no long wait for that first consultation.
Read more about healthcare in Thailand on the dedicated page of your IL website here.
Got a Question?
Send your thoughts to mailbag@internationalliving.com. We’ll post and respond to as many of your emails as we can right here in the e-letter.