Is healthcare in Thailand really affordable? Breaking down doctor visit costs

[CharlieH]

 

Thailand offers high-quality, affordable healthcare, but how much does a doctor’s visit cost? For expats, the answer depends on whether you’re insured, with a significant difference in expenses. Let’s break down the costs and why securing health insurance before 2025 is a smart move.

The cost of seeing a doctor without insurance

If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll pay for medical services out of pocket. While costs are lower compared to Western countries, they can add up over time.

●     General Practitioner (GP) visits: At public hospitals, you might pay 500 to 1,500 baht for a check-up. In private hospitals, the same visit could cost 1,500 to 2,500 baht or more.

●     Specialists: Visiting a dermatologist, cardiologist, or other specialist starts around 1,500 baht and can exceed 5,000 baht in private clinics.

●     Medical tests: Blood tests or x-rays cost 500 to 2,000 baht. Advanced diagnostics like MRIs could cost up to 15,000 baht or higher.

●     Medication: While prescriptions in Thailand are generally inexpensive, chronic condition treatments can add up to several hundred baht per month.

Recurring visits, emergencies, or specialised care can strain your finances without insurance.

 

How insurance covers your medical expenses

Having health insurance significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your plan, many expenses are either fully covered or require only a small co-payment.

●     GP consultations: A visit might cost you nothing or just a small co-pay of 200 to 500 baht.

●     Specialist consultations: Most policies cover specialists entirely or require you to pay a percentage of the bill, often around 10-20%.

●     Medical tests: Policies typically include coverage for tests like MRIs or CT scans, though some may set limits on the number or cost of annual diagnostics.

●     Medication: Many policies cover prescriptions, especially for chronic conditions. This can save you thousands of baht annually.

For instance, a GP visit costing 2,000 baht in a private hospital might only cost 300 baht with insurance. Long-term treatments or emergencies are where insurance really proves its value.

Why health insurance in Thailand is a smart investment

Health insurance doesn’t just save you money—it ensures access to high-quality care. Plans like Cigna’s offer coverage for GP visits, specialist consultations, hospital stays, and surgeries, as well as access to top-tier hospitals like Bumrungrad International.

Service	Without Insurance	With Insurance
GP consultation	2,000 baht	300 baht (co-pay)
Specialist visit	5,000 baht	500 baht (co-pay)
MRI scan	15,000 baht	Covered entirely
Yearly medication	12,000 baht	Covered entirely

Having insurance could save you tens of thousands of baht each year, especially for chronic conditions or major procedures.

 

 

Last chance offer: 10% off for life!

Hurry, this offer expires soon! Lock in your 10% lifetime discount now.

T&Cs apply*

Real-life savings: Tom's story

Tom, an expat in Chiang Mai, recently needed medical attention for chest discomfort. He chose a private hospital, where a specialist consultation would have cost 5,000 baht. Thankfully, Tom’s insurance reduced this to a manageable 500 baht co-payment. When an MRI scan was recommended—a hefty 12,000 baht out-of-pocket expense—his policy covered the full amount.

In total, Tom’s insurance saved him 16,500 baht, offering both financial relief and peace of mind.

Why Thailand is a healthcare destination

Thailand’s healthcare system attracts expats and medical tourists due to its affordability and quality. With world-class private hospitals, shorter waiting times, and lower costs compared to countries like the US or UK, it’s a reliable choice. However, emergencies or ongoing health needs without insurance can quickly become expensive.

 

 

 

Act now: lock in 2024 insurance rates

As 2025 approaches, insurance premiums are likely to rise. Locking in a policy before the year ends ensures you get this year’s rates, saving you from potential increases.

Countdown until 2025: Only 1 day left!

By choosing a health plan now, you’re securing not just your finances but your long-term health. Don’t wait—get covered before the new year!

 

Last chance offer: 10% off for life!

Hurry, this offer expires soon! Lock in your 10% lifetime discount now.

T&Cs apply*

By choosing a trusted plan, such as Cigna’s expat-friendly options, you can safeguard your finances and enjoy peace of mind. Don’t wait—secure your 2024 rates today and start 2025 with confidence.

 

*Cigna Healthcare reserves the right to amend or withdraw a promotion at any time without notice. This discount will apply for the lifetime of the policy and is only eligible to new Cigna Global Individual customers. The discount may only be applied by a sales agent and cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer, except the 10% discount given to policies paid annually in full. If you choose to pay your policy annually in full, your 10% discount will be applied after the 10% annual discount has been applied. Only Cigna Global Individual Policies are eligible for the 10% discount. A minimum purchase value of $2000 for policies based in Europe is applicable. Policies based in the rest of the world require a minimum purchase value of $3000 to be eligible.

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of original article by The Thaiger