How much do medical procedures cost in Thailand?

There are many reasons why someone might want to move or retire to Thailand. 

Aside from the affordable cost of living and the great climate, Thailand also has excellent standards of health care, which can not be said for other retirement havens in Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s healthcare system is internationally recognized as one of the best in the region.

The government or public hospitals in major tourist hubs such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket will have English speaking staff and can offer good levels of care.

While the same level of care might not be available in rural Thailand, treatment is normally at an acceptable level.

As an expat living in Thailand it is important you consider the level of care you wish to receive should you become ill or have an accident.

Nothing can be predicted and falling ill or having an accident often occurs when we least expect it. 

The level of care you receive is of course indexed against what you can afford.

For expats in Thailand who don’t have health insurance, you risk being left with significant medical bills even if you opted for treatment in a government hospital as opposed to private hospital.

Even fairly routine or minor treatments can cost a lot if you do not have coverage.

Prices can also vary significantly depending on the hospital.

A routine check up at a private hospital is likely to cost around 3,000 baht, and while it is likely to be less at a government hospital, you could face a lengthy wait to see a doctor and not have access to English speaking staff.

If you need to stay overnight in a private hospital, you would be given your own private room but should expect to pay in the region of 5,000 to 10,000 baht per day. 

If you are admitted to ICU the cost of your stay in hospital could skyrocket to as much as 100,000 baht per day. 

The cost of treatment for more common conditions or infections, while also varying greatly, can be significant. 

Treatment for something such as dengue fever, which could require several days stay in hospital, can cost up to 80,000 baht if treated privately.

Treatment after having a motorcycle accident - an all too common occurrence in Thailand - could cost into the millions of baht depending on the severity of the injuries. 

As stated, costs will vary depending on the hospital, length of stay and any potential complications but the above gives a rough idea of how much some common medical procedures can cost in Thailand. 

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