Thailand
Medical Tourism Guide
Southeast Asia's medical tourism pioneer with 61 JCI-accredited facilities. Bangkok's hospitals feel like five-star hotels while offering world-class care at 50-80% savings.
Cost Comparison: US vs. Thailand
| Procedure | US Price | Thailand Price |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation | $8,000-15,000 | $3,500-5,500 |
| CABG (Heart Bypass) | $70,000-150,000 | $12,000-25,000 |
| Knee Replacement | $35,000-60,000 | $10,000-15,000 |
| Executive Health Checkup | $2,000-5,000 | $500-1,500 |
* Prices are estimates based on 2024 data. Actual costs vary by clinic, complexity, and package inclusions.
Why Thailand?
- ✓First Asian country with JCI-accredited hospital (Bumrungrad, 2002)
- ✓61 JCI-accredited organizations - highest in Southeast Asia
- ✓Hospitals designed for international patients with luxury hotel amenities
- ✓Thai doctors trained at Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and top global institutions
- ✓Medical Treatment Visa (Non-MT) allows extended stays for patients
- ✓Combine treatment with world-famous Thai hospitality and tourism
Things to Consider
- !Very long flight from US (17-20 hours with connections)
- !Hot, humid climate year-round - plan recovery accordingly
- !Language barrier outside medical facilities and tourist areas
- !Monsoon season (June-October) can affect travel plans
- !Some procedures require multiple visits weeks apart
- !Time zone difference (11-14 hours) can be challenging for work/communication
Where to Go in Thailand
Bangkok
Medical tourism hub with world-renowned hospitals like Bumrungrad (1.1M patients/year), Samitivej, and BNH. Southeast Asia's largest private hospital.
Tip: Stay near Sukhumvit or Silom for easy BTS access to major hospitals.
Phuket
Beach destination with growing medical tourism. Combine treatment with island recovery.
Tip: Popular for longer recovery stays. Beautiful beaches, but fewer hospital options.
Practical Information
Visa
Visa-exempt for US citizens (up to 30 days). Medical visa available for longer stays.
Currency
Thai Baht (THB). USD and cards widely accepted at hospitals.
Language
Thai. English excellent at international hospitals.
Timezone
GMT+7 (11-14 hours ahead of US)
Insurance
Travel medical insurance strongly recommended. Some hospitals offer package deals.
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