When seeking quality healthcare outside their home country, many people consider Thailand among their top choices. But why is that? Let’s explore why Thailand is a preferred destination for medical care and the treatments it is known for.
Thailand’s impact on the medical tourism industry is undeniable. Patients seeking affordable medical care have been traveling to Thailand since the COVID-19 pandemic. Procedures that cost more than $5,000 in other parts of the world can be found at a fraction of the price in Thailand.
This was not achieved overnight. For decades, policymakers, researchers, medical professionals, and the Thai government have been investing in and improving the healthcare industry. Today, it is one of the most resilient health sectors in the world. In 2023, medical tourism expenses in Thailand were estimated to be around $820 million. This growth is expected to continue as the economy recovers from the pandemic. With travel restrictions lifted, more people are choosing Thailand, and the future of its healthcare system looks promising.
Private hospitals in Thailand provide some of the best services, including treatments that may not even be available in Western countries. These hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology, well-trained staff, and access to high-quality accommodations. Beyond excellent healthcare facilities, hospitals also provide interpreters who speak multiple languages, ensuring patients can communicate their needs accurately.
6 Popular Medical Tourism Treatments in Thailand
Before discussing the most common medical services sought by tourists in Thailand, it is important to note that emergency services are not included in this list. This is because emergency air ambulance services are primarily available to neighboring countries of Thailand. To determine if this service is an option for you, further research is required.
1. Health Screening and Checkups
There are many tests and scans a patient must undergo before a diagnosis, including blood pressure checks, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, weight and body mass index BMI, complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, urinalysis, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms. These tests can be expensive in countries like the US and UK. The national average cost of an MRI in the United States is around $1,325, whereas a full-body scan in Thailand ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the hospital and the specific area being scanned. Other medical imaging procedures, such as PET scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, mammograms, echocardiograms, and angiograms, are also more affordable in Thailand.
2. Dental Work
Everyone deserves a confident smile. When left untreated, dental problems can have serious consequences, affecting not only oral health but also the heart and respiratory system. They can also impact self-esteem and overall quality of life. Thailand is a popular destination for dental work, with world-class dental facilities, particularly in Bangkok. The cost of dental exams, cleanings, removals, and fillings is significantly lower than in Western countries. For example, veneers, a procedure popularized by influencers, can cost between $4,500 and $12,000 in the US, while in Thailand, prices start at around $89 per tooth.
3. Cosmetic Treatments
The cosmetic surgery industry is thriving in Thailand. The country has highly skilled plastic surgeons with impressive success rates. Patients benefit from expert care, access to advanced procedures, and excellent post-surgical recovery services, all at reasonable prices. Many people travel to Thailand for cosmetic enhancements that can improve their appearance and, in some cases, impact career opportunities and personal confidence. Popular cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), rhytidectomy (facelift), liposuction, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
4. Joint Replacement
Arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, involves replacing damaged bone and cartilage in a joint with a prosthetic implant. This procedure can be performed on the hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, elbows, wrists, fingers, and toes. The cost of joint replacement surgery in Thailand is significantly lower than in Western countries. For example, hip replacement surgery starts at around $35,000 in the UK, whereas in Thailand, hip and knee surgery packages range from $10,206 to $21,660.
5. Heart Surgery
Patients can save substantial amounts of money by choosing Thailand for complex medical procedures. Treating heart-related conditions requires specialized expertise, which often leads to high costs. For example, heart valve replacement surgery costs more than $170,000 in the US, whereas in Thailand, the same procedure ranges from approximately $8,000 to $28,000. The affordability of these procedures makes life-saving care accessible to more people.
6. Eye Procedures
Ophthalmic surgery is a highly specialized field. Different types of eye surgeries exist, depending on the part of the eye being treated, the condition, and its severity. LASIK, short for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a widely recognized surgery that corrects vision problems. This fast, safe, and painless procedure is in high demand among patients worldwide. In the US, the average cost of LASIK surgery is $4,400, while in Thailand, it is approximately $2,150.
Conclusion
The range of healthcare services available in Thailand is remarkable. Beyond medical procedures, wellness treatments are also growing in popularity. Traditional medicine, yoga, meditation, beauty and anti-aging treatments, and alternative medicine are attracting patients from around the world. This shows Thailand’s growing healthcare sector is not slowing down anytime soon.
Thailand’s lower costs for medical care, accommodations, travel, and recovery make it an attractive option. If you are unsure how to navigate Thailand’s healthcare and wellness options, reach out to a medical tourism company in your area that has partnerships with top hospitals in Thailand. This can help you access the best possible medical care far more efficiently.