Thailand treats over 3.5 million international patients per year, making it one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations. The combination of JCI-accredited hospitals, board-certified surgeons trained internationally, and costs 50-80% lower than Western countries draws patients from the US, UK, Australia, the Middle East, and across Asia. Bangkok alone has more JCI-accredited hospitals than any other city in the world.
Key Facts: Medical Tourism in Thailand
- International patients per year: 3.5+ million
- JCI-accredited hospitals: 68 (most in Southeast Asia)
- Cost savings: 50-80% vs US/UK/Australia
- Top procedures: Dental, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, cardiac, fertility (IVF), LASIK
- Medical visa: Non-Immigrant “MT” visa — 90 days, extendable
- Best hospitals: Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, BNH, Samitivej, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) network
Why Thailand for Medical Treatment?
Thailand’s medical tourism industry has been growing since the late 1990s, when private hospitals began targeting international patients during the Asian financial crisis. Today the country has a well-established ecosystem: hospitals with dedicated international patient departments, visa pathways designed for medical travelers, and recovery resorts near major hospital clusters.
Three factors set Thailand apart from other medical tourism destinations:
- Price-to-quality ratio — Procedures cost 50-80% less than the US, UK, or Australia, but hospitals use the same equipment (da Vinci surgical robots, Siemens MRI machines) and follow international safety protocols.
- JCI accreditation density — With 68 JCI-accredited facilities, Thailand has more internationally accredited hospitals than any country in Southeast Asia. JCI (Joint Commission International) is the gold standard for hospital safety worldwide.
- English-speaking doctors — Most specialists at international hospitals trained at Western medical schools (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UK Royal Colleges) and conduct consultations in English. Many hospitals also have Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese interpreters on staff.
Top Hospitals for International Patients
Bangkok is the hub for medical tourism, but Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya also have accredited hospitals serving international patients.
Bangkok
Bumrungrad International Hospital — Thailand’s most famous medical tourism hospital, treating over 520,000 international patients annually from 190+ countries. JCI-accredited since 2002. Located in Sukhumvit (near BTS Nana). Specialties: cardiac surgery, orthopedics, oncology, bariatric surgery, health checkups. Has its own hotel-grade patient tower with concierge services.
Bangkok Hospital (BDMS flagship) — Part of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, the largest private hospital network in Southeast Asia (50+ hospitals). JCI-accredited. Located near Soi Phetchaburi. Strong in cardiac care, neurosurgery, transplants, and robotic surgery. The BDMS network includes specialty centers across Thailand.
BNH Hospital — Established in 1898, one of Bangkok’s oldest private hospitals. JCI-accredited. Located in Silom (near BTS Sala Daeng). Known for obstetrics/gynecology, fertility treatment (IVF), and joint replacement. Smaller and more personal than the larger hospital groups.
Samitivej Hospital (Sukhumvit) — Popular with expats and medical tourists alike. JCI-accredited. Part of the BDMS network. Located on Sukhumvit Soi 49 (near BTS Thong Lo). Strong pediatrics, women’s health, and dental departments. Has a dedicated Japanese Medical Center.
MedPark Hospital — Bangkok’s newest luxury hospital (opened 2021). JCI-accredited. Located in Queen Sirikit area. State-of-the-art robotic surgery, precision medicine, and genomic testing. Premium positioning with hotel-style suites.
Phuket
Bangkok Hospital Phuket — The island’s largest private hospital. JCI-accredited. Full international patient services including airport transfers. Popular for combining cosmetic procedures with beach recovery.
Siriroj International Hospital — Smaller, well-regarded facility near Phuket Town. Handles general surgery, orthopedics, and health checkups.
Chiang Mai
Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai — JCI-accredited BDMS hospital. Full range of services. Popular with medical tourists who prefer a cooler climate and lower cost of living than Bangkok during recovery.
Lanna Hospital — Established private hospital serving the northern region. Good general and dental care at prices lower than Bangkok facilities.
Procedure Costs: Thailand vs Western Countries
These are approximate ranges based on 2025-2026 hospital pricing. Actual costs depend on the specific hospital, surgeon, complexity of the case, and length of stay.
| Procedure | Thailand (USD) | USA (USD) | UK (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart bypass (CABG) | $15,000-25,000 | $75,000-150,000 | $30,000-50,000 | 70-85% |
| Hip replacement | $12,000-17,000 | $40,000-65,000 | $15,000-25,000 | 60-75% |
| Knee replacement | $10,000-14,000 | $35,000-60,000 | $14,000-22,000 | 65-75% |
| Dental implant (single) | $1,200-2,500 | $3,000-6,000 | $2,500-4,500 | 50-65% |
| Dental veneers (per tooth) | $250-500 | $1,000-2,500 | $800-1,500 | 65-75% |
| LASIK (both eyes) | $1,500-3,000 | $4,000-6,000 | $3,000-5,000 | 50-65% |
| IVF cycle | $4,000-6,000 | $12,000-20,000 | $6,000-10,000 | 50-70% |
| Rhinoplasty | $2,500-5,000 | $8,000-15,000 | $5,000-10,000 | 60-70% |
| Breast augmentation | $3,000-5,500 | $8,000-12,000 | $5,000-8,000 | 55-65% |
| Full health checkup | $200-800 | $2,000-5,000 | $500-2,000 | 60-80% |
| Gastric sleeve | $10,000-15,000 | $20,000-35,000 | $10,000-15,000 | 50-60% |
| Facelift | $3,500-7,000 | $12,000-25,000 | $7,000-15,000 | 60-75% |
Tip: Many hospitals offer all-inclusive medical tourism packages that bundle the procedure, hospital stay, post-op care, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Ask for package pricing — it’s often 10-20% cheaper than paying for each component separately.
Most Popular Treatments
Dental Tourism
Dental work is the most common reason for medical travel to Thailand. Procedures like implants, veneers, crowns, and full-mouth restorations can cost 50-70% less than in Western countries, even at top-tier clinics. Many dental tourists plan a 7-14 day trip: consultations and preparation in the first week, fittings or implants in the second week, with beach time in between.
Top dental clinics: Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC) on Soi Thaniya, Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic (multiple locations), Thantakit International Dental Center (Silom), and dental departments at Bumrungrad and Samitivej hospitals.
Cosmetic Surgery
Thailand has been a global hub for cosmetic surgery for decades. Popular procedures include rhinoplasty (especially among Asian patients), breast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Gender-affirming surgeries are also widely available — Thailand is one of the most experienced countries in the world for these procedures.
Notable clinics: Yanhee Hospital (Bangkok), Bangpakok 9 International Hospital, Kamol Cosmetic Hospital (gender-affirming surgery), and the plastic surgery departments at Bumrungrad and BNH.
Orthopedic Surgery
Joint replacements (hip and knee) are increasingly popular, especially among older patients from Australia, the UK, and Scandinavia facing long NHS wait times. Thailand’s orthopedic surgeons routinely use robotic-assisted surgery (MAKOplasty) for precise implant placement. Recovery can be combined with physical therapy at Thai rehabilitation centers.
Fertility Treatment (IVF)
IVF in Thailand costs $4,000-6,000 per cycle compared to $12,000-20,000 in the US. Clinics like Jetanin Institute (Bangkok) and Superior A.R.T. (Bangkok) have success rates comparable to top Western fertility centers. Thailand permits egg donation and embryo freezing, though surrogacy for foreigners was banned in 2015.
Cardiac Surgery
Heart bypass surgery (CABG), valve replacement, and angioplasty at hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok Heart Hospital cost a fraction of US prices while using the same surgical techniques and equipment. Bangkok Heart Hospital is dedicated entirely to cardiac care with over 10,000 procedures performed annually.
LASIK and Eye Surgery
LASIK at Thai eye centers costs $1,500-3,000 for both eyes (vs $4,000-6,000 in the US). TRSC International LASIK Center in Bangkok is one of Asia’s most experienced laser eye surgery facilities with over 100,000 procedures completed. Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
Health Checkups
Comprehensive health screening packages are a popular entry point for medical tourists. A full executive health checkup (blood work, cardiac stress test, ultrasound, cancer markers) costs $200-800 at Thai hospitals compared to $2,000-5,000 in the US. Many travelers add a checkup to their holiday — results are typically ready the same day or next day.
How to Choose a Hospital
Not all Thai hospitals are equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing a facility for medical treatment:
- JCI accreditation — Joint Commission International is the global gold standard. Check the JCI website to verify accreditation status. All hospitals listed above are JCI-accredited.
- Surgeon credentials — Ask for the surgeon’s CV, board certifications, and number of procedures performed. Thai medical boards require rigorous training, but international training (US, UK, Australia) is a plus.
- International patient department — Good medical tourism hospitals have dedicated departments with multilingual coordinators who handle visas, airport transfers, appointments, and post-op care. This is a sign the hospital is set up for foreign patients.
- Reviews from international patients — Check Google Reviews, medical tourism forums (like Medical Tourism Association), and hospital-specific review sites. Pay attention to reviews from patients who had the same procedure you’re considering.
- Transparent pricing — Reputable hospitals provide detailed cost breakdowns upfront, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and follow-up appointments. Be wary of unusually low quotes — they may exclude essential costs.
Warning: Avoid unaccredited clinics offering cosmetic surgery at rock-bottom prices. Complications from procedures at substandard facilities can be serious and expensive to fix. Saving $500-1,000 on the initial procedure isn’t worth the risk. Stick with JCI-accredited hospitals or well-established specialty clinics with verifiable track records.
Medical Visa and Planning
Medical Treatment Visa (Non-Immigrant MT)
Thailand offers a specific medical treatment visa for international patients. The Non-Immigrant “MT” visa grants 90 days of stay and can be extended. Requirements include:
- Confirmation letter from a Thai hospital or clinic
- Proof of treatment appointment
- Proof of funds (varies by embassy)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
For shorter treatments, many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days or use a tourist visa. The medical visa is mainly needed for procedures requiring extended recovery periods or multiple treatment stages.
Planning Timeline
A typical medical tourism trip to Thailand follows this timeline:
- 3-6 months before: Research hospitals, request quotes, have virtual consultations with surgeons, arrange medical records to be sent
- 2-3 months before: Confirm hospital and dates, book flights, apply for medical visa if needed, arrange accommodation near the hospital
- 1-2 weeks before: Complete any pre-operative tests required by the hospital, confirm arrival details with the international patient coordinator
- Day 1-2 in Thailand: In-person consultation, pre-op assessment, blood work and imaging
- Treatment + recovery: Varies from same-day (LASIK, dental) to 2-4 weeks (major surgery)
- Before departure: Final follow-up appointment, receive medical records and surgeon’s report for your home doctor
Recovery and Aftercare
Thailand’s appeal for medical tourists extends beyond the operating room. The country’s hospitality infrastructure makes recovery genuinely pleasant compared to recuperating at home.
Recovery Accommodation
Serviced apartments and recovery hotels near major hospitals in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area offer medical-grade rooms with nurse call buttons, daily wound checks, and transport to follow-up appointments. Rates range from $40-150 per night — far cheaper than an extra night in the hospital.
For cosmetic surgery recovery, some patients choose Phuket or Hua Hin resorts that cater to post-operative guests, combining medical aftercare with a beachside setting.
Follow-Up Care
Most hospitals provide a discharge package with detailed care instructions, prescriptions, and the surgeon’s direct contact information (often via Line or WhatsApp). Follow-up consultations can be done virtually for patients who have returned home. Hospitals will also send detailed medical records to your home doctor on request.
Insurance and Payment
Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover elective medical procedures. If you’re traveling specifically for treatment, check whether your policy covers:
- The planned procedure and any complications
- Extended stays if recovery takes longer than planned
- Medical evacuation if needed
- A return trip for follow-up treatment
Specialist medical tourism insurance is available from providers like Nomad Insurance, SafetyWing, and World Nomads — compare policies carefully.
Payment: Thai hospitals accept credit cards, wire transfers, and cash (THB or USD). Most require a deposit (typically 30-50%) before scheduling surgery. Get a detailed written quote including all foreseeable costs before committing.
Practical Tips for Medical Tourists
- Get multiple quotes — Contact 2-3 hospitals for the same procedure. Prices vary significantly between facilities.
- Request a virtual consultation — Most major hospitals offer free video consultations. This lets you assess the surgeon and ask questions before booking flights.
- Bring all medical records — X-rays, blood tests, medication lists, and previous surgical reports. Digital copies on a USB drive or in a cloud folder work well.
- Book accommodation near the hospital — Traffic in Bangkok can be severe. Staying within 10-15 minutes of your hospital makes follow-up visits much easier.
- Don’t fly too soon after surgery — Discuss safe flying timelines with your surgeon. As a general rule: 24-48 hours for dental work, 1-2 weeks for minor procedures, 4-6 weeks for major surgery.
- Plan for companions — Having a family member or friend with you post-surgery is strongly recommended, especially for procedures requiring general anesthesia.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking — Thai surgeons will ask you to stop smoking 2-4 weeks before surgery and avoid alcohol for at least a week before and after. This significantly improves outcomes.
- Schedule sightseeing for after recovery — Arrive, have your procedure, recover, then explore Thailand. Don’t try to do temples and shopping the day before surgery.
Useful Contacts
| Contact | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Police | 1155 | English-speaking, 24/7 |
| Emergency (ambulance) | 1669 | National emergency medical services |
| Bumrungrad Hospital | +66 2 066 8888 | International patient center |
| Bangkok Hospital | +66 2 310 3000 | BDMS flagship |
| BNH Hospital | +66 2 022 0700 | International services |
| Samitivej Hospital | +66 2 022 2222 | Sukhumvit branch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical treatment in Thailand safe?
Yes. Thailand’s top private hospitals hold JCI accreditation (the same international safety standard used by US hospitals), employ surgeons trained at leading Western medical schools, and use internationally sourced equipment and implants. Bumrungrad International Hospital alone treats over 520,000 international patients per year with outcomes comparable to top Western facilities. The key is choosing a JCI-accredited hospital rather than an unaccredited clinic.
How much can I save on medical procedures in Thailand?
Typical savings range from 50-80% compared to the US, and 40-60% compared to the UK or Australia. For example, a dental implant costs $1,200-2,500 in Thailand vs $3,000-6,000 in the US. A heart bypass costs $15,000-25,000 vs $75,000-150,000 in the US. Even after factoring in flights and accommodation, most patients save significantly.
Do I need a special visa for medical treatment in Thailand?
For short treatments (dental work, health checkups, LASIK), the standard visa-free entry (60 days for most nationalities) or a tourist visa is sufficient. For longer treatments requiring extended recovery, Thailand offers a Non-Immigrant “MT” (Medical Treatment) visa that grants 90 days and can be extended. Your hospital’s international patient department can provide the documentation needed to apply.
How do I verify a hospital’s accreditation and surgeon credentials?
Check JCI accreditation at jointcommissioninternational.org. For surgeon credentials, ask the hospital’s international patient coordinator for the surgeon’s CV, board certifications, and statistics on how many times they’ve performed your specific procedure. Reputable hospitals are transparent about this information and will share it readily.
What happens if something goes wrong after I return home?
Most hospitals provide the surgeon’s direct contact details (often via Line or WhatsApp) and offer virtual follow-up consultations at no extra charge. If a complication requires in-person treatment, some hospitals offer discounted or complimentary corrective care. This is one reason to choose a large, established hospital over a small clinic — they have the resources and reputation incentive to handle post-treatment issues properly.
Can I combine medical treatment with a holiday?
Yes, and many patients do — it’s one of the main appeals of Thailand for medical tourism. The key is scheduling correctly: have your procedure first, recover near the hospital, then enjoy your holiday once cleared by the surgeon. Thailand’s beaches, temples, food, and hospitality make recovery far more pleasant than at home. Just don’t plan strenuous activities too soon after surgery.
