The material shows medical tourism trends and describes the leading expert-opinion-based specialties in the country. This information relies on the Bookimed statistics, patient reviews, analysis of the health tourism characteristics in 28 countries, data compiled from multiple variable sources: IMTJ, the Ministry of Health, NCBI.

The report aims to specify health care peculiarities for international patients in a particular country, patients' preferences and factors that affect their choice. It is not a call to action — use it for informational purposes only.


Medical tourism is traveling abroad to receive treatments. People over the world look for the best offers that combine high-quality healthcare services, doctors’ experience, and the most affordable prices.

Why do people choose medical tourism in Thailand?

There are 6 reasons to visit Thailand for diagnostics and treatment:

  1. Cost

  2. Low costs in Thailand

    Average savings for each patient is up to 50-75%. It’s cheaper than in European countries, the US, Australia.

    Pay attention, that the quality of the procedures in these countries is at the same high level.


    What factors do affect the cost of medical treatment in Thailand?

  • economic development of Thailand

Thailand is one of the developing countries. The level of economic growth is lower than in the states with the advanced economies. The median wage in Thailand is about $400.

  • medical tourism packages

Most of the medical facilities offer packages that include tests and therapy. Sometimes they also contain spa procedures and training (massage, yoga, acupuncture, sunbathes, and others). Medical tour packages cost cheaper than the separate therapies.


  • Healthcare standards

  • Medical accreditations in Thailand

    A lot of Thai medical facilities have the international accreditations, especially the American ones. Most of the centers in Thailand providing medical tourism services follow the US medical standards.


    42 medical facilities in Thailand have received JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation for the innovative equipment, specialists qualification, and patients’ safety.


    Specialists use state-of-the-art equipment and latest therapeutic methods currently available in the countries with the advanced economy and healthcare system.


  • Waiting time

  • Waiting lists in Thai hospitals

    Thai medical centers do not have long waiting lists for patients. So the patients have easier and quicker acess to the treatment in Thai hospitals than European, American or Australian clinics. The main reason for this phenomenon is a significant number of medical facilities in Thailand, which increases dramatically.


  • Excellent hospitality

  • 5-star medical centers in Thailand

    Almost all clinics in Thailand combine medical facility and 5-star resort. Effective treatment and luxury vacation attract thousands of international patients.



  • Doctors’ experience

  • Top doctors in Thailand

    According to the Thai government declaration, the doctors, surgeons, and nurses have to undergo the training in the USA or Australia.


    Over 500 Thai doctors are American Board Certified. Specialists in Thailand cooperate with their colleagues from the world’s best medical institutions. A lot of Thai experts contribute to medicine development and conduct research.


  • Specialized hospital services

  • Specialized hospitals in Thailand

    There are a lot of healthcare facilities providing specific medical services. Specialized medical centers reduce the cost of medical tourism services in comparison with general hospitals.


    The fact of specialized hospitals preference in Thailand is significant to know for those patients whose diagnosis is unknown.


    Healthcare in Thailand for tourists

    Plastic surgery

    In Thailand medical tourism of plastic surgery is the leading specialty by the number of cosmetic surgeries performed. Thai hospitals provide package tours for cosmetic procedures. The tours include the diagnostics, operation, and recovery period on the beach. Thai doctors are the pioneers in carrying out sex change operations.


    Most of Thai plastic surgeons have a great experience in performing a wide range of cosmetic operations. 300-500 plastic procedures carry out each surgeon every year due to medical tourism in Thailand statistics.

    Cosmetic medical tourism in Thailand

    Dentistry

    The 2nd main specialty of medical tourism in Thailand is dental one. The main reason for choosing dental medical tourism in Thailand is the low costs for the procedures. Australians and Europeans usually select Thai dental medical tourism due to the high quality of services and low prices. Dental implantation is the most popular procedure performed in Thai clinics.


    Dentistry market in Thailand increases up to 20% annually. This phenomenon makes Thai medical tourism the most available and famous in the world. Over 1,000 dental clinics offer the access to the full range of procedures.


    Single tooth implant cost in different countries:

    Dental medical tourism in Thailand

    Orthopedics

    Orthopedics and traumatology take the 3rd place in the healthcare system in Thailand for medical tourists. This specialty develops dramatically due to the road traffic crashes in Thailand. Thai orthopedists are professional and highly experienced because they carry out therapy for thousands of patients with traumas and injuries every day.


    About 2,000 orthopedic surgeons provide an effective treatment of locomotor system disorders. 12 Thai institutions have certification for orthopedic training.


    Orthopedic medical tourism in Thailand statistics according to NCBI (The National Center for Biotechnology Information):

    Orthopedic medical tourism in Thailand

    HIV and AIDS treatment

    Thailand is the leading country in Asia and the Pacific Region with the highest prevalence of HIV infected persons. It is 9% of total HIV population of these regions. Due to this fact, Thai specialists develop new test, counseling, prevention and treatment programmes.

    Medical tourism in Thailand: HIV/AIDS

    Thai specialists have contributed to development PMTCT (preventing mother to child transmission) program. Thailand is the 1st country in Asia and Pacific Region to decrease mother to child transmission.

    95% is the success rate of PMTCT

    Delivery services

    Almost all hospitals in Thailand offer childbirth packages that cover the delivery services procedures. But if a woman faces some complications before or after the delivery, the price for the procedure may increase.


    Future mothers choose Thai hospitals because of the high-quality services, doctors’ experience, and climate of the country. Healthcare services in Thailand combine with the luxury resort. The mild weather, exotic food, and comfortable wards turn the staying in a clinic into the vacation.


    Some clinics may join you to some package without your consent. So after the arrival to the medical facility, ask doctors about packages in their hospital.


    Except for the delivery procedure, the medical tour package in Thailand usually includes extra nursing care for mom and baby, emergency care for a child, and some drugs

    The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bumrungrad Hospital

    Medical vacations in Thailand

    Thailand is a country of the mild climate and exotic nature that make staying in the country particularly enjoyable. Taking into account these advantages, the Thais have developed the new type of medical tourism.


    Medical tourism in Thailand is not only a high-quality treatment but also a rest at the first-class resorts. Thai medical facilities look like 5-star hotels with beautiful beaches, unique Thai cuisine, and relaxing services. Massage, yoga, acupuncture, spa procedures are available at any hospital.


    Medical vacations in Thailand help patients not only to relax after the treatment but also to shorten the recovery period.


    Thailand medical tourism hospitals

    Bumrungrad International Hospital

    Bumrungrad Hospital consists of 30 specialty centers. The Medical Center has JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation that proves the high-quality standards of healthcare services and patients’ safety. Bumrungrad Hospital is the 1st Asian medical facility to receive JCI certification.

    Bumrungrad specialists offer the advanced medical services at reasonable prices. The treatment is 50-70% lower in comparison with US hospitals.

    Over 1.1 million patients undergo treatment in the Hospital. 520,000 of all patients are the medical tourists from 190 different countries.

    Bumrungrad International Hospital
    Thailand, Bangkok
    91% patients recommend

    Bumrungrad International Hospital is a global medical facility in Bangkok, Thailand that specializes in oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neurosciences, heart surgery, check-ups, etc. Over 1 million patients choose Bumrungrad annually. 50% of them are international ones from over 190 countries.

    The hospital is one of the largest private centers in Southeast Asia and one of the most significant world’s outpatient clinics. Bumrungrad International is recognized as TOP-10 best hospitals and TOP-30 most technologically advanced clinics in the world.

    Read more details Hide details

    Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

    International Organization for Standardization certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital Joint Commission International  certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital Global Healthcare Accreditation Program certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2020 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Bumrungrad International Hospital

    Latest review

    Verified review.
    The medical team gave us the best of care and showed professionalism, and at the same time friendly. Even though the result I wanted couldn't be achieved but I really appreciate the support and care I received from Dr. Anna. Bumrungrad International hospital gave us the best of care and professional advice I must say once again. I'm still seeking medical attention for my wife's "Diffuse Cerebral Dysfunction". That's the diagnostics and results we received from Bumrungrad International hospital Bankok! Thank you!
    — Anonymous
    China, Aug 5, 2019
    Aug 5, 2019 • Verified review.
    [object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results
    Heart Valve Replacement $33800 - $40000
    Liposuction $5184.22
    Myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) $7300 - $11840

    Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDS)

    BIDS specializes in the dental care services. It is one of the largest dental clinics in Thailand. Over 20,000 international patients undergo dental procedures in the Hospital annually.

    The Center has accreditation of JCI (Joint Commission International) that controls the quality of medical services and doctors’ experience.

    70 certified dentists provide treatment for patients from 43 countries.

    Bangkok International Dental Center
    Thailand, Bangkok
    100% patients recommend

    Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC) is one of the largest and most reputable dental clinic in Thailand, treating over 20,000 worldwide patients per year according to the international standards and approved by JCI and ISO 9001:2008 UKAS. The list of provided treatment includes all possible dental care services from cosmetic dentistry to dental surgeries and dental implant replacements.

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    Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

    International Organization for Standardization certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center Joint Commission International  certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center American Dental Association certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center American Academy of Implant Dentistry certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center American Board of Prosthodontics certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center Dental Association of Thailand certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center Ivoclar Vivadent Official Partner certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center International Team for Implantology certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center Straumann® Dental Implant System Official Provider certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center American Association of Orthodontists certificate for Bangkok International Dental Center

    Latest review

    Verified review.
    It is a clean hospital and the wisdom teeth extraction was done so fast with utmost care. The dentist and dental personnel can speak fluent English which is important for most people like I. For wisdom teeth extraction the cost was 20000 baht for 4 teeth( including medication and nurse charge), but it all depends if the teeth has impacted. I would highly recommend the clinic.
    — Noel Julie
    United States of America, Feb 21, 2023
    Feb 21, 2023 • Verified review.

    Medical tourism in Thailand cost

    Procedure

    the USA

    Thailand

    India

    Heart valve replacement

    $160,000

    $11,000

    $10,000

    Breast implants

    $10,000

    $3,500

    $4,500

    Hip replacement

    $50,000

    $8,000

    $14,000

    Tummy tuck

    $8,500

    $3,600

    $4,000

    The procedures costs given in the table are approximate. You may consult Bookimed medical doctor to find out exact price for the procedure you’re interested in.


    Guideline for medical tourism in Thailand

      Choose a right hospital

      Bookimed medical doctors will give you additional information about the Thai hospitals and help you to choose the best one. To get the Bookimed consultation, you should submit a request.


      Send medical records to Bookimed medical doctor

      Only after learning your records, a medical doctor will consult you about the best hospital, doctor, and treatment option in your case.


      Medical visa

      You have to get the medical visa to undergo treatment in Thailand. There are 3 types of visas:

    • 30 days tourist visa
    • 3-month tourist visa
    • 9-month tourist visa

    The longevity of your stay in the country depends on your reasons for visiting.


    Treatment

    Bookimed medical doctor will consult and support you during the treatment process and after your arrival at home.