An Overview of Healthcare in Thailand
Thailand has a healthcare system that is one of the world’s best. The country initiated its universal coverage program in 2002, which expanded access to universal health coverage for all citizens.
Most Thais receive health coverage through that universal coverage scheme. However, civil servants and their family members receive healthcare coverage via the civil service welfare system.
Private employees are often covered by a social security system that is supported by payroll contributions. Foreigners and expatriates who hold private-sector jobs in Thailand may be eligible for this coverage.
You’ll need private health insurance for visitors and residents of Thailand who don’t qualify for any of the above systems. Fortunately, many affordable plans are available.
Plus, private insurance coverage is often accepted by Thailand’s top-tier private hospitals. These facilities offer such excellent care that medical tourists from around the world come for treatment.
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Does Thailand Have Good Healthcare?
Thai healthcare is so good that numerous non-Thai citizens from Europe, America, and other parts of Asia come to Thailand to receive medical treatment.
Thailand’s medical tourism industry is renowned for catering to patients in various specialties, including cancer treatment, fertility assistance, orthopedics, cardiovascular medicine, and dentistry.
These treatments cost, on average, approximately 20% of what they would be in the United States or Europe.
Here are some approximate costs for care at a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand (prices noted in $USD):
- MRI scan: $272
- Hip replacement: $11,000
- Knee replacement: $9,389
Doctors in Thailand are trained in the latest medical procedures and techniques. They also have access to quality equipment, particularly in private hospitals.
There are more than 60 Thai hospitals and healthcare institutions that have received certification from the respected Joint Commission International (JCI).
After implementing universal coverage, Thailand can boast that 99.5% of its residents are insured (only 75% were insured in 2000). There is even a system in place to provide low-cost health coverage to non-Thai migrants in low-skilled jobs.
Thailand’s efforts to expand healthcare have led to increased life expectancy, reduced infant mortality, and enhanced medical care in rural areas.
Today, Thailand has a strong public health system. There are around 1 million community health workers to support the population.
Is Healthcare in Thailand Free?
Initially, the healthcare program that took Thailand to universal coverage required a small copayment of 30 baht to receive care. For this reason, the universal coverage scheme was sometimes referred to as the 30-baht scheme or the 30-baht project.
This minimal copayment for treatment was removed in 2006. Therefore, Thai citizens can now access many healthcare services without incurring any out-of-pocket costs.
Tax revenues primarily fund healthcare. The government provides hospital funding and pays the salaries of many staff members.
A range of pharmaceutical drugs is produced inside Thailand and is therefore available at relatively low costs.
However, unless a foreigner or expat is eligible for coverage through their Thai employer, they should expect to pay for a private insurance plan and related costs while in Thailand.
These insurance policies should not be unreasonably expensive; multiple plans are offering a range of coverage options for you to choose from, but they will not be free.
Private vs Public Care in Thailand
Thailand’s healthcare system includes both private and public healthcare settings. Whether you visit a private hospital or a public one, you’ll need to present your passport to receive medical care.
Thailand has numerous private hospitals, particularly in its urban areas. Private hospitals in Bangkok account for approximately 60% of all available hospital beds. These private institutions offer shorter waiting times and access to newer medical equipment for patients.
Though there is no guarantee you will have a doctor who speaks English or another foreign language during the course of a visit to a public facility, in private settings, many staff members are multilingual, and interpreter services can be provided.
Most doctors in Thailand do not work in just one location. They may be employed at multiple hospitals or work in a public hospital while also working hours at a private clinic. This system allows you to see multiple physicians throughout your treatment.
In almost every situation, visiting a private hospital will be more expensive than seeking care at a public facility.
This includes mental health treatment. Checking into a private psychiatric hospital can be very expensive. Public mental health institutions are often overcrowded.
Accessing Healthcare in Thailand
How does the Thai healthcare system work if you need medical treatment? You first need to decide whether to seek care at a public or private hospital.
Private vs Public Hospitals in Thailand
Before leaving your home, check the private hospital’s website to see if the facility accepts your insurance plan.
If your medical situation isn’t urgent, it can be beneficial to check the websites of different hospitals to compare prices beforehand.
Visiting a website may also provide an opportunity to schedule an appointment. You can even purchase treatment packages in advance, such as these coronary health options at Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Visiting a public hospital or clinic can save you money, though expats may owe slightly higher fees than Thai nationals.
When visiting a public facility, be prepared for potential long wait times and crowded waiting areas. In contrast, you can often walk into private settings and receive care quickly, even without an appointment.
In addition, while private facilities will often have staff who speak English and other foreign languages, you will most likely have to communicate in Thai at a public hospital.
If your Thai isn’t good, you might want to bring a Thai-speaking friend or family member who can translate for you. They can also keep you company while you wait!
Physicians in Thailand are well-trained and should be familiar with the latest developments and treatments in medicine.
Whether you visit a public or private hospital, you will receive proper care. However, public hospitals may not have the same kind of technology available as private ones.
You may also find challenges in receiving specific procedures. For example, abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy has been legalized in Thailand, though some doctors are still reluctant to perform abortions.
Pharmaceuticals in Thailand
As overseen by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Thailand manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs.
These are available at a much lower cost than in many other countries. For example, in 2019, Lipitor (Atorvastatin) was sold for $0.41 (the generic version cost $0.29). Xanax (Alprazolam) costs $0.05 per 1mg dose (or $0.02 for the generic).
To get prescription medication, you will first need to visit a physician. Once your medicine has been prescribed, you can go to a pharmacy. Prices at non-hospital pharmacies may be more affordable.
Thailand legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2018, though recreational use is still prohibited.
Carry Your Passport (And Money)
Wherever you receive care, you will need to show your passport. If you don’t have insurance, you may also be asked to pay for all of your medical treatment before leaving the hospital.
The costs of healthcare in Thailand will vary. Several factors that influence prices include whether you’re visiting a public or private facility, as well as whether you’re in a rural or urban location.
How to Get Emergency Care in Thailand
If you or someone in your vicinity experiences a medical emergency, you can telephone 1669, the emergency number in Thailand, at no cost.
Operators who respond can connect you with the Tourist Police if you can’t understand their language.
The emergency responders who arrive to assist you may be volunteers. Thailand also has professional responders who travel to scenes as needed. You can be charged if a private hospital dispatches an ambulance.
There are three levels of first responder medical assistance in Thailand. Most volunteers are categorized as FR, or first responders.
The second is BLS, or Basic Life Support. The third is ALS, or advanced life support. Generally, FR volunteers receive only 24 hours of training.
Healthcare Options for Foreigners
How does the Thai healthcare system work for expats and foreigners? If you have a job with a private company in Thailand, you may be eligible for health insurance via the country’s social security program.
This coverage is paid for via payroll contributions. Please note that this plan does not cover dependents, so your loved ones will need to have private insurance.
Expatriates and foreigners are not eligible to access healthcare in Thailand through the country’s universal health program.
Therefore, if you don’t have a job that offers health coverage, you will need private insurance. While Thailand offers excellent healthcare at prices significantly lower than those in other countries, private insurance provides an essential layer of protection.
You don’t know when you could fall down a flight of stairs, or when illness might strike. Getting medical treatment in Thailand for an extended period can result in enormous bills, particularly if you seek care at a private hospital.
Thai Insurance Requirements for Visitors
For short-term visitors, such as tourists to Thailand, travel medical insurance will help you avoid being overwhelmed by medical expenses.
The right policy can also ensure that you are treated in private facilities, where you will have access to cutting-edge equipment.
Your care providers at private hospitals will likely speak English and other foreign languages.
Global Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand
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Global Health Insurance for US Citizens in Thailand
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
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The Future of Healthcare in Thailand
Although Thailand’s healthcare is currently very good, the country must prepare for the future. Like many countries, increasing costs in the healthcare sector are an issue in Thailand, particularly as the population ages.
Thailand’s cities, especially Bangkok, are home to world-class hospitals, research facilities, and specialty care clinics. This is not necessarily the case in rural areas.
The government has worked to improve healthcare in Thailand’s rural areas, with initiatives such as recruiting medical students from rural locations, instituting mandatory rural service periods, and offering financial incentives.
Additional focus on this issue will further promote parity in health services in rural areas.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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