Medical Tourism in Bangkok

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Medical Tourism in Bangkok

The high cost and long waiting lists for medical treatment in many western countries have led more people to seek medical care abroad. Thailand is one of the world's most popular destinations for medical-treatment holidays as it offers high quality care and service from internationally trained doctors as well as lower prices than western countries.

Many of Thailand's international hospitals have facilities catering specifically to the medical tourist, with Bangkok offering more medical facilities of international standard than in any other part of the country.

Choosing a Hospital

People interested in having a procedure done may opt to choose their own package directly through a hospital or doctor, or use a company that specialises in medical tourism packages. The medical tourism companies assist with helping the patient secure visas if necessary, make travel arrangements and book the surgery, though many hospitals also offer similar services.

The international hospitals listed below have websites that allow users to search for a doctor by specialty. Qualifications, language(s) of communication and availability of the doctor are also provided. Once a prospective patient has registered and signed in, appointments can be made via the website. With the generally high standard of service available in Thailand for medical tourists, few problems are encountered. There are many medical facilities catering specifically to the needs of international patients.

International accreditation

Bumrungrad International hospital in Bangkok was the first hospital in Thailand to receive accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), the leading accrediting organisation for health care institutes in the United States. Every year, more Thai hospitals work to acquire JCI accreditation.

• For more information on JCI accredited hospitals in Thailand: Click here

As of February 2008, the following hospitals were the only ones in Bangkok to be accredited by JCI (full details on each below):

• Bangkok Hospital
• Bumrungrad International
• Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital

Arranging Treatment

Procedures can be arranged either directly through the facility offering the treatment or through an intermediary (medical tour operator) offering all-inclusive packages. Contact the medical facility or medical tour operator to arrange the date, location and payment as well as for any post-treatment care and accommodation which may be needed.

HIV-positive persons should check with medical facilities for eligibility or additional fees.

• Find local English-speaking medical tour operators in The AngloFILE Medical Tourism: Tour Operators

Insurance

For information on how to claim on existing insurance policies for procedures done in Thailand, contact the hospital and the insurance company for details.

Insurance for those residing in Thailand

AIA offers medical and life insurance to expatriates living in Thailand as well as travel insurance.

• For the AIA website: Click here

BUPA offers worldwide travel insurance as well as 6-month accident/sickness cover for short term visitors to Thailand. This coverage does not include cosmetic surgery or procedures for pre-existing conditions.

• For more information, see the BUPA Thailand website: Click here
• For local English-speaking Insurance agents see The AngloFILE Health & Medical Insurance

Surgery and Post-treatment Care

Surgical packages will specify what services are included and will outline among other things, the number of days included for post-treatment care at the hospital, equipment available, room type, meal plan and medical tests. Any additional days spent in the hospital or any optional extras will be charged to the patient.

Hospitals have a selection of accommodation, often ranging from shared rooms to luxurious suites. They obviously vary in price and availability. After surgery, the patient may stay longer than the included post-operative care specifies, as long as the bed is available and they have the funds to pay. Generally, the level of care and attention before, during and after treatment is very high in Thailand.

Follow-up care

International hospitals can arrange any documentation in English needed for follow-up care in the patient's home country. The hospitals also have services to facilitate claims from insurance.

International Hospitals

These are the four main international hospitals and treatment centres in Bangkok with dedicated facilities for international patients.

Bangkok Hospital

The Bangkok Hospital website provides information on services, how to find a specialist/doctor and how to make an appointment for treatment. The facility has four hospitals within the Bangkok Hospital complex including a heart hospital and a cancer hospital. Capabilities include: heart surgery, plastic surgery and gynaecology.

Bangkok Hospital will process insurance claims for the patient as long as the following documentation is provided:

• Copy of passport
• Copy of Insurance Document Policy number
• Insurance Claim Form (if possible)

• Bangkok Hospital
  At: 2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Rd, Bangkapi, Huay Khwang Bangkok 10310
  Tel: (+66) 2 310 3000 or 1719 (local calls only)
  e-mail
  Website
  For languages other than English: Click here
  For room rates and services: Click here (link to rates at bottom of page)

BNH Hospital

The BNH Hospital (previously known as Bangkok Nursing Home) website has information on services, how to find a specialist/doctor and how to make an appointment for treatment.

Hospital capabilities include: paediatrics, a spine centre, radiology, a dental clinic, check-ups, heart centre and surgery (including elective).

• BNH Hospital
  At: 9/1, Convent Road, Silom Bangkok 10500
  Tel: +66 (0)2 686 2700
  Fax: +66 (02) 632 0577 - 79
  e-mail
  Website
  For room rates and services: Click here

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital has been awarded Red Cross classification "A".

• For more information on what this classification means: Click here

Capabilities include: radiation therapy, plastic surgery, complete diagnostic imaging and intensive care units (adult, pediatric, level 3 neo-natal ICU and cardiac).

• Bumrungrad International Hospital
  At: 33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok 10110
  Tel: +66 (0)2 667 1000
  e-mail
  Website

Samitivej Hospitals

Samitivej Hospitals include four hospitals, three in Bangkok and one in Sriracha on the Eastern seaboard. Capabilities include: radiology, plastic surgery, dental clinic, invasive bone and joint treatment, children's health, eye clinic, pulmonary centre, surgery centre and more.

• Samitivej Hospitals
  At: 133 Sukhumvit 49, Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok, 10110
  Tel: +66 (0)2 711 8181
  Website
  For room rates and services: Click here
  Samitivej Hospital also offers immigration service if visa extensions are required. For information on their visa assistance program: Click here

Medical Processes and Surgeries in Bangkok

General check-up: General medical check-ups are also available at the international hospitals, through medical tours and at any medical clinic and hospital in Bangkok. All doctors have training in the English language, but as it may rarely be used in the government hospitals and smaller clinics, communication can be difficult.

Cancer treatment: For cancer treatment, contact the international hospitals for information.

Cosmetic surgery: For an overview of cosmetic and corrective surgery options in Thailand with links to clinics. 

• See The Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand website.
• See also The AngloFILE for Bangkok-based English-speaking Cosmetic Surgery & Cosmetic Treatments

Dentistry: Dental procedures, from basic check-ups to complex implant procedures are available to foreigners in Thailand.

• See The AngloFILE for Bangkok-based English-speaking Dentists & Orthodontists

Elective surgery: Available at the international hospitals and through the medical tours.

Gender reassignment surgery (SRS): SRS and penile enlargements performed at various locations in Bangkok.

Orthopaedic treatment: Comprehensive orthopaedic treatments provided by specialist surgeons.

Spine treatment: BNH Hospital has an all-inclusive spine treatment centre with specialists in spinal treatments.

Further Information

• See the INFOrmation Page Health, Doctors, Hospitals and the Medical System in Thailand
• For travel document information, see the INFOrmation Page Visas and Non-immigrant Visas in Thailand
• For English-speaking hospitals and medical centres in Bangkok see The AngloFILE category International Hospitals & Health Centres

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