Bangkok has consistently been named the world’s top destination by MasterCard, making Thailand a very popular travel destination for both tourists and expats. Thailand’s medical tourism industry is fast growing as a result of the nation’s reputation for offering high-quality treatment at reasonable costs.
The level of care
Private international hospitals in Thailand are renowned for the high standard of care they provide. Bangkok and other big cities’ hospitals draw highly qualified and experienced medical professionals who provide top-notch care to all patients. Medical prices in the Kingdom will unavoidably rise as a result of the nearly all world-class hospitals in the nation offering healthcare that is equal to or better than that offered by counterparts in the west.
Rising medical expenses
Along with many other parts of the world, medical inflation has been continuously close to double digits in recent years, driving up medical prices considerably. Healthcare prices are currently increasing at their quickest rate ever due to technological advancements and the constant availability of new treatment options. Southeast Asians are finding it difficult to cover bills without adequate medical insurance because medical costs are rising at such a rapid rate.
What are the costs of treatments?
Although prices differ from hospital to hospital in Thailand, they are required by law to be made public and are frequently posted on the hospitals’ websites. In addition to the costs related to cardiac care and cancer therapies, surgeries for the eyes, appendix, and joints can be very expensive. Most Thais and many expats cannot afford these prices in any way.
Why Health Insurance Is Important
Any out-of-pocket costs, even for seemingly small treatments, might have a big impact on your budget because medical costs in Thailand are continually rising. Through their social security payments, Thais and those with work permits do have access to healthcare, but frequently these public hospitals lack the resources or staff to provide the necessary standards of treatment. You require a top-notch health insurance plan to cover these additional costs in order to receive the standards of care that you and your family require.
How much of a rise in premiums is anticipated?
It was clear that health insurance premiums would need to increase as medical inflation nearly reached double digits annually. Since the majority of insurers have made an effort to limit their annual increases, it is anticipated that the average insurance premium will grow this year by between five and nine percent, which is less than the increase in medical expenditures. When you consider the peace of mind that insurance provides, these hikes seem incredibly reasonable.
Cost of Major Surgeries in Thailand
Before we start, those who wish to be covered for such surgeries should bear in mind that health insurance options might be limited. This is because the treatment you are looking for might fall under the category of “pre-existing medical condition.”
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that a patient had been diagnosed with and had been treated for prior to joining a new health insurance plan. In Thailand, however, it is possible to obtain insurance for pre-existing conditions and even special retiree insurance plans.
While it is true that many procedures can be significantly cheaper in Thailand’s private hospitals than in other countries in the world, the costs of common medical treatments in Thailand can still be quite high, and paying for them out of pocket can be a tough blow to one’s wallet.
Let’s take a look at some approximate prices in Thailand for major surgeries:
| Treatment/Procedure | Starting Cost (in USD) |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG)* | $13,000 |
| Heart Valve Replacement* | $25,300 |
| Hip Replacement (1 Side)* | $10,600 |
| Knee Replacement (1 Side)* | $9,300 |
| Gastric Bypass | $11,700 |
| Phaco Monofocal Lens (per eye)* | $2,250 |
| Spinal Fusion (Exclude Implant)* | $10,650 |
*Note: Information from Bangkok Hospital – A renowned private hospital in Thailand
Cost of an Accident or Unexpected Illness Treatments in Thailand
Not everything can be predicted, and unfortunate events may cause you to become ill or injured. In such a situation, emergency care can be crucial for your survival, but it can also cost you a lot if you don’t have sufficient coverage.
Below, you can find the approximate costs for medical treatments in Thailand in case of an accident or illness.
| Treatment/Procedure | Starting Cost (in USD) |
| Bacterial Diarrhea | $10 – 160 |
| Dengue Fever | $704 – 2,500 |
| Motorcycle Accident* | $6,000 – 60,000 |
| Medical Evacuation | $8,000 – 12,000 |
*Note: Depending on the severity of the accident.
Cost of Dental Treatments in Thailand
Another popular topic among medical tourists is dental care in Thailand. The quality of dental care in Thailand is high, and prices are significantly lower than in other developed countries. Consequently, Thailand is a popular destination to get one’s teeth fixed.
Check out the approximate cost of common dental treatment in a private clinic in Bangkok:
| Treatment/Procedure | Starting Cost (in USD) |
| Ceramic Crown | $350 – 770 |
| Implant (per tooth) | $1550 – 2400 |
| Whitening (price depends on the whitening style) | $220 – 330 |
| Root Canal Treatment | $300 – 440 |
| Wisdom Tooth Extraction | $185 – 380 |
| Ceramic Braces | $2500 – 3100 |
Get the Right Medical Coverage in Thailand
How Can TIGON Be of Assistance?
We offer a wide variety of plans to fit your requirements and financial constraints. We’ll be able to talk about which solutions are best for you and your family.
