Thailand At a Glance
- ✓ 3M+ medical tourists annually - Southeast Asia's leader
- ✓ 61 JCI-accredited facilities - highest in the region
- ✓ 50-80% savings vs. US prices
- ✓ Flight time: 17-20 hours from US (with connections)
- ✓ No visa needed for stays up to 30 days
- ✓ Best for: Cosmetic surgery, cardiac, orthopedic, health checkups
Why Thailand for Medical Tourism?
Thailand was the first Asian country to embrace medical tourism at scale, and it shows. Bumrungrad International Hospital received JCI accreditation in 2002 - the first in Asia. Today, Thailand has 61 JCI-accredited organizations, more than any other country in Southeast Asia.
What sets Thailand apart isn't just the credentials - it's the experience. Thai hospitals are designed to feel like five-star hotels. You'll find marble lobbies, private suites, gourmet food, and service that reflects Thailand's famous hospitality culture. Many doctors trained at Harvard, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and other top Western institutions.
Cost Comparison: US vs. Thailand
| Procedure | US Price | Thailand Price |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass (CABG) | $70,000-150,000 | $12,000-25,000 |
| Knee Replacement | $35,000-60,000 | $10,000-15,000 |
| Breast Augmentation | $8,000-15,000 | $3,500-5,500 |
| Rhinoplasty | $8,000-15,000 | $2,500-5,000 |
| Executive Health Checkup | $2,000-5,000 | $500-1,500 |
| Dental Implant | $3,000-5,000 | $1,000-1,800 |
Prices are estimates. Actual costs vary by hospital, surgeon, and case complexity.
Top JCI-Accredited Bangkok Hospitals
Bumrungrad International Hospital
JCI AccreditedSoutheast Asia's largest private hospital. Treats 1.1 million patients annually, 520,000+ from 190+ countries. First Asian hospital with JCI accreditation (2002).
- • Cardiac surgery
- • Orthopedics
- • Cancer treatment
- • Executive health checkups
- • 1,400+ physicians
- • 580 beds
- • International patient center
- • Interpreters for 26 languages
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
JCI AccreditedOne of Thailand's most respected private hospitals. Located in the heart of Bangkok's Thonglor district. Strong reputation for personalized care.
- • Pediatrics
- • Women's health
- • Orthopedics
- • Cardiology
- • Japanese patient expertise
- • Excellent nursing care
- • Central BTS location
- • Part of BDMS hospital group
BNH Hospital
JCI AccreditedOne of Thailand's oldest private hospitals (founded 1898). Originally served Bangkok's expatriate community. Boutique feel with personalized service.
- • Women's health
- • Fertility (IVF)
- • Orthopedics
- • Executive checkups
- • 126 years of history
- • Boutique hospital feel
- • Strong expat community ties
- • Silom area location
Yanhee Hospital
JCI AccreditedSpecializes in cosmetic and plastic surgery. Known for comprehensive packages and competitive pricing. 400+ beds with 150+ specialist doctors.
- • Cosmetic surgery
- • Gender confirmation
- • Hair transplant
- • Weight loss
- • All-inclusive packages
- • Competitive pricing
- • On-site recovery rooms
- • Beauty brand products
Planning Your Trip: Step by Step
6-8 Weeks Before
- • Research hospitals and surgeons for your procedure
- • Request consultations (many hospitals offer free video consultations)
- • Get medical records, test results, and imaging ready to share
- • Compare pricing and package inclusions
- • Verify JCI accreditation on JCI's website
4 Weeks Before
- • Confirm your treatment date and surgeon
- • Book flights (allow flexibility for recovery time)
- • Book hotel - ask hospital for partner hotel recommendations
- • Purchase travel medical insurance with coverage for complications
- • Check passport validity (6+ months required)
1 Week Before
- • Final consultation with your home doctor
- • Follow any pre-op instructions (diet, medications, etc.)
- • Arrange airport pickup with hospital (often complimentary)
- • Download translation apps and hospital apps
- • Pack loose, comfortable clothing for recovery
Arrival Day
- • Hospital coordinator meets you at airport (if arranged)
- • Check into hotel or hospital accommodation
- • Pre-operative consultation and testing
- • Meet your surgeon and anesthesiologist
- • Sign consent forms and confirm costs
After Surgery
- • Hospital stay varies by procedure (1 night to 1 week)
- • Transfer to hotel or recovery facility
- • Follow-up appointments as scheduled
- • Receive detailed aftercare instructions
- • Get surgeon's contact for questions after returning home
Practical Information
Visa & Entry
- Visa-exempt: US citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa
- Medical visa: Available for longer stays - apply at Thai embassy
- Passport: Must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry date
- Return ticket: May be requested at immigration
Money & Payments
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB). ~35 THB = $1 USD
- Payment: Credit cards accepted at hospitals. Wire transfer for deposits.
- ATMs: Widely available but charge ~$6 foreign withdrawal fee
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated for exceptional service
Getting Around
- BTS/MRT: Bangkok's modern metro system. Fast and air-conditioned.
- Grab: Southeast Asian Uber. Reliable and affordable.
- Taxis: Metered taxis cheap but traffic can be brutal.
- Hospital transfers: Most include airport pickup in packages.
Language
- Hospital: English excellent at international hospitals
- Outside: Basic English in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
- Interpreters: Available at major hospitals (26+ languages at Bumrungrad)
- Apps: Google Translate works well for Thai
Where to Stay
Location matters in Bangkok - traffic is notorious. Stay near your hospital or along the BTS Skytrain line for easy access.
Near Bumrungrad
Sukhumvit Soi 3 area. Many international restaurants and easy BTS access.
- • Grand Hyatt Erawan (luxury)
- • JW Marriott (luxury)
- • Jasmine City Hotel (mid-range, hospital partner)
Silom/Sathorn Area
Near BNH Hospital. Business district with excellent hotels.
- • Banyan Tree Bangkok (luxury)
- • The Sukhothai (luxury)
- • Eastin Grand Sathorn (mid-range)
Recovery Hotels & Serviced Apartments
For longer recovery stays, serviced apartments offer better value than hotels. Many have kitchens for post-surgery dietary needs.
- • Bumrungrad Suite - Hospital-connected, ideal for outpatient follow-ups
- • Oakwood Studios - Serviced apartments with kitchens
- • Somerset Sukhumvit - Long-stay specialists
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Bangkok is hot and humid year-round. For medical travel, the most comfortable months are November through February (cool season, 25-30°C/77-86°F). Avoid March-May (hottest, 35°C+) if possible.
Monsoon Season Warning
June through October is monsoon season. Heavy afternoon rains can cause flooding and traffic chaos. Flights can be delayed. Plan extra buffer time and avoid ground-floor accommodations.
What to Pack
Essentials
- □ Passport (6+ months validity)
- □ Medical records and test results
- □ Insurance documents
- □ Current medications (in original bottles)
- □ Hospital confirmation/itinerary
- □ Credit cards and some cash
For Recovery
- □ Loose, button-front clothing
- □ Slip-on shoes
- □ Small pillow for flights
- □ Entertainment (tablet, books)
- □ Compression garments (if required)
- □ Gentle skincare products
Common Questions
"How long should I plan to stay?"
It depends on your procedure. For most cosmetic surgeries, plan 10-14 days: 1-2 days pre-op, 1-3 days in hospital, and 1 week recovery before flying. Cardiac or orthopedic surgeries may require 2-3 weeks. Always confirm with your surgeon before booking return flights.
"Is it safe to have surgery in Thailand?"
At JCI-accredited hospitals, yes. These facilities meet the same standards as top US hospitals. The key is choosing the right hospital and surgeon - avoid unaccredited clinics promising unusually low prices. Major Thai hospitals have lower infection rates than many US facilities.
"What if something goes wrong after I return home?"
Reputable hospitals provide detailed aftercare instructions and direct contact with your surgeon. Many offer virtual follow-ups. For complications requiring treatment, you'd need to see a local doctor or return to Thailand. This is why travel medical insurance with complications coverage is essential.
"Should I bring a companion?"
Highly recommended for any surgery. A companion provides emotional support, helps with logistics, and can advocate for you if needed. Most package deals include accommodation for one companion. At minimum, have someone at home who can fly out if needed.
Ready to Explore Thailand Options?
Browse our directory of Thai providers and read detailed facility profiles.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making decisions about medical treatment. Verify all information directly with hospitals and providers.