Health, Doctors, Hospitals and the Medical System in Thailand

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Health, Doctors, Hospitals and the Medical System in Thailand

Foreigners in Thailand will find that English-speaking general practitioners, dentists and opticians are readily available. Most major provinces will have at least one private hospital and in tourist destinations there will be more.

In an emergency situation if an English-speaker is not available, it is best to call the Tourist police (Tel: 1155) or an international hospital.

Here is information on the medical system and facilities available in Thailand:

• Thai hospitals and clinics
• Health insurance
• Social security benefits
• Pharmacies and chemists
• Medical tourism in Thailand
• Dental procedures

The Thai Health System

Thailand's health service infra-structure consists of government health services, non-profit health organisations (NGOs), and the private medical sector.

Government-funded health care

Government-funded health care in Thailand is funded by the Department of Medical Services at the Ministry of Public Health. The Ministry is responsible for public health services, government hospitals and medical services.

Government-funded hospitals and clinics offer good medical services. However, government hospitals are often crowded and waiting times can be long and the facilities may not be as good as in private hospitals.

For Thai citizens holding a Universal Coverage Health card, treatment is completely free apart from on Saturdays when a charge is made. The Universal Coverage Health card is issued by the National Health Security Office (Tel: 1330). 

For non-Thais normal charges will apply, although these will be less than in a private hospital. The doctors will all speak some English, although most of the nursing staff will only speak Thai. A foreigner can use a government hospital, but unless they pay extra for an individual room, they will be in a shared, possibly mixed, ward.

• For further information on governmental health procedures and facilities see the Ministry of Public Health website (in Thai)
• For further information about government hospitals: Click here (in Thai)

The private sector

Most of the private hospitals in Thailand have excellent medical facilities and Thailand is one of the leading medical tourism destinations in Asia.

Non-profit organisations (NGO)

Thailand has a variety of agencies set up to help disadvantaged people in Thailand including the Red Cross, World Vision and Médecins Sans Frontières.

• For a complete list of non-profit organisations operating in Thailand: Click here (PDF)

Hospitals & Clinics in Thailand

There are over 470 private hospitals throughout Thailand with more than 40,000 beds. There are over 900 government hospitals in Thailand with more than 93,000 beds.

There are also many clinics, both private and government funded.

General practitioners can be found in hospitals or clinics. Clinics treat walk-in patients and offer a full range of services. They are relatively inexpensive and are a good alternative to visiting a hospital for those who only have a minor ailment.

Health support services

Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Health Service Support runs One Stop Crisis Centres for women and children of any nationality who are victims of violence. There are currently 104 operational centres located in general and regional hospitals in Bangkok and the Provinces. Contact the local government hospital to check whether help is available.

• For further information about these services: Click here

Health Insurance

Expatriates in Thailand are not covered by any state medical plans. Generally expatriate employees are insured through their employer's plans or individuals take out private health care insurance.

A number of Thai and international companies offer a wide range of health insurance packages. Many Thai companies offer health insurance as part of a life insurance package, so it is best to check the policy carefully if only health insurance is required.

For basic health insurance the only document required is a passport or ID card, while for life insurance a work permit is normally needed.

Hospital bills/payments

Private hospitals may ask to see proof of funds if the patient is not insured. If the patient is insured, the hospital will usually contact the insurance company who will then communicate with and pay the hospital directly. If the hospital bill is more than the cover allows, the patient is required to pay the outstanding balance before being discharged from the hospital.

Each private health insurance policy has different terms and conditions. For example, some require the policy holder to pay the hospital bill and then wait for reimbursement; others will pay the bill immediately.

Check the policy carefully as many will not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic medical conditions.

Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Office is responsible for implementing government policy on social welfare and organising payment of social security benefits. There are some benefits available to foreigners in Thailand. In order to qualify the person must have a valid work permit and have made contributions for the correct number of months for the benefit involved.

Benefits available include:

• Sickness and injury benefit
• Maternity benefit
• Invalidity benefit
• In the event of death
• Invalidity benefit
• Old-age benefit
• Unemployment benefit
• For comprehensive information on all the benefits available and the criteria to qualify: Click here 

Medical Tourism

Thailand has become one of the top medical tourism destinations in Asia due to the discounted prices. Many of the private hospitals in Thailand offer a complete procedure package which includes the price for the procedure, the hospital stay and even lodging and recuperation expenses.

Surgeons in Thailand can also carry out popular procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, hip and knee replacement surgery and gender reassignment.

Pharmacies

There are many pharmacies/chemists in Thailand that sell a wide array of products and medicines. Common prescriptions from a person's home country can usually be easily filled.

Pharmacists in Thailand can often recommend medicines and prescribe treatments. Drugs such as antibiotics or pain killers may be given by pharmacists without a prescription.

Dental Procedures

Thailand has many qualified dentists who offer dental services for a very reasonable price. The majority of them will speak English. It is a good destination for elective dental procedures such as dental implants, dental veneers and laser whitening. 

Information prepared by: Community Relations Centre of BNH Hospital
9/1 Convent Road, Silom, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Tel: 02 686 2700, Fax: 02 632 0579
e-mail / Website