Where to start in a medical emergency as an expat in Thailand

[CharlieH]

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As an expat, handling a medical emergency in Thailand can be difficult, especially without the know-how and the right information. In this guide, we will be explaining what to do if you find yourself in a medical emergency, focusing on important contact numbers, the difference between public and private hospitals, dealing with language barriers, and just how essential health insurance is.

 

Knowing these few steps can save you in an emergency, ensuring that you and many expats quickly get the care they need.

Immediate steps to take in an emergency

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Knowing what to do in a medical emergency can make a world of difference, and it starts with quick and decisive action, along with clear communication. Follow these steps and you will be prepared to handle the situation.

Stay calm and assess the situation 

When in a medical emergency, stay calm and do not panic. To make better decisions and act quickly, you must do so with a clear head. Start by looking around and assessing the situation around you and what can be done. 

 

Ask yourself a few questions: What is the problem? Is the patient responsive? And if it is you, how bad is it? Is the situation around you still dangerous? Can anyone offer a helping hand?

 

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled to your surroundings.

Call emergency services

If medical assistance is necessary, start by calling for national emergency medical services at 1669; it's free to call and works anywhere in Thailand. If you need police assistance or an ambulance, call 911 instead.

 

For those in Bangkok, call 1646 instead for quicker local emergency assistance. Be sure to give clear and concise information: the problem, your location, and the condition of the patient. Keep your English simple if language and communication pose a problem.

Describe the situation clearly

To ensure that first responders can understand the issue at hand, explain clearly. Describe the symptoms, injuries, and medical history if you are aware of it. 

 

You can always ask those around you to help communicate in Thai if need be, giving responders a clear image of what they need to provide.

When talking to an operator, there are a few key details that you should share.

 

1. Location: Look around for any street names, landmarks, addresses, or anything in general that may give the operator a better picture of where the emergency is. Especially in Bangkok, these details are crucial in determining the next course of action.

2. Callback number: Give the operator your number just in case they need to call you back

3. Emergency: Tell them what the emergency is; if you are unsure, describe the patient’s injury the best you can. This will ensure that the right resources are provided.

4. Keep updating: Stay in contact with the operator and give them constant updates as situations can change for the worse.

How can you assist the ambulances?

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To make sure that the injured party receives timely care, getting ready for the ambulance is crucial. Having accurate information and knowing how to act can make a world of difference. The next outlined steps will provide you with a framework of how to prepare effectively while waiting for medical services.

Stay with the patient

Remain by the patient’s side until help arrives. You can provide medical assistance if you have any first aid knowledge. Monitoring breathing and consciousness can make a huge difference. If not, stay focused on keeping the patient calm, comfortable, and reassured.

 

Keep the ambulance and emergency service updated

 

Emergencies can quickly nosedive. You may have to move the patient to a safer location, or they may be stubborn and refuse help. To ensure that ambulances reach the right place with the right tools, constant information is needed to keep them updated.

Choosing a hospital

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What you might not know is that you can choose which hospital to send the patient to. Most hospitals have their fleet of ambulances and volunteer emergency rescue teams around the clock who are more than happy to help.

 

Calling for emergency services is only recommended in severe cases. But sometimes, the abundance of phone numbers to call can get confusing during an emergency already so tense and scary.

Private vs. public hospitals

Either option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Private hospitals, although pricier, may be ideal for timely and attentive care as they offer shorter wait times, industry-leading staff, and groundbreaking technologies. But it may not be an option for everyone.

 

Public hospitals are indeed more accessible to the masses. They will be more affordable and have the facilities to handle most medical emergencies, just without the same level of convenience and efficiency when compared to their private counterparts. They may also have longer wait times and fewer staff who are experienced in English.

Private ambulances

Just like the hospitals, private ambulances in Thailand are better equipped and will respond in a more timely manner. They offer initial treatment while en route to the hospital. If time is of the essence, it may be worth it to bite the bullet and opt for private services in this instance to make sure that the patient receives immediate care.

Volunteer ambulances

Bangkok is a densely populated city; there is no doubt about it. When ambulances are overwhelmed, these guys can help save the day before ambulances arrive. If you have a particular volunteer team that you like, it's best to keep them in mind.

Dealing with language barriers

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As an expat, the language barrier can prove to be a headache in emergencies. To avoid any misunderstandings, try to keep clear communication. But alongside this, there are helpful tools that can make a big difference during emergencies.

Using translation applications

Apps such as Google Translate can be your best friend in situations like these, offering quick and reliable translations with shortcuts taken when it comes to medical lingo. These apps also allow you to speak or type specific phrases to quickly and effectively communicate with the medical crew.

Ask for English-speaking staff

Plenty of private and international hospitals in Thailand have English-speaking staff. If communication poses an issue, be sure to ask for someone who understands the language to make sure that any problem is clearly understood.

Payment and Insurance

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Planning ahead is crucial to ensure that you get the care that you need. For many expats in Thailand, the process can seem foreign at first glance, but just having insurance and emergency funds already makes a huge difference.

Medical costs in Thailand

Depending on the hospital and treatment required, healthcare costs may vary. Public hospitals are generally cheaper, but the costs will ultimately depend on the services provided. Private hospitals may require payment upfront, with outpatient costs ranging up to 4,500 baht and overnight stays racking up a bill of up to 30,000 baht.

 

Using travel or health insurance

For expats in Thailand, few things are as important as health insurance. Comprehensive insurance plans will help with emergencies, overnight stays, and outpatient care. 

 

For long-term residents, Cigna has long been the leading insurance provider, offering personalised plans with essential services such as emergency medical evacuations.

 

 

 

Post-emergency follow-up

 

 

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Following a medical emergency, follow-ups are important, so be sure to keep any medical records, prescribed treatments and any insurance claims that can help you keep track of everything.

Medical records

Be sure to keep copies of any medical records when you have to go for follow-up appointments. Most hospitals in Thailand do provide records for international patients, so be sure to request detailed reports including diagnosis, treatments, and any follow-up instructions. This will save headaches down the line for insurance claims for future visits.

 

Prescription refills

To make the process of getting medication refills much easier, you can ask for prescriptions to take to a pharmacy. Most pharmacies around have English-speaking staff and can offer you a helping hand with a good supply of medication for you to continue your treatment without having to visit the hospital.

Insurance claims

During any visit to the hospital, keep track of every bill, report and receipt, staying organised will eliminate any potential delays. Providers such as Cigna offer clear guidelines and processes for expats, ensuring quick reimbursement. 

 

Health insurance for expats in Thailand

Managing healthcare is part of the challenges of living in Thailand. But it doesn't have to be hard. Private health insurance firms such as Cigna are renowned for providing access to reliable care during health emergencies or ongoing health problems. They design their plans to meet the exact needs of expats, while also offering a range of benefits.

Benefits of Cigna’s plans

• Inpatient care: Coverage of up to US$1,000,000 for annual hospital visits

• Outpatient visits: US$25,000 per year coverage for doctor consuiltations\

• Chronic condition support: Ongoing treatment of chronic illnesses receive full coverage

• Emergency evacuation: Worldwide coverage for life-threatening situations

• Preventative care: Coverage for medical checkups, screenings, and vaccinations

• Addons: Customisable options for dental, vision, and maternity care.

 

There is no better time than now to get coverage with a health insurance plan in 2025. Trust Cigna and get a free quote today.

 

By being prepared to handle emergency situations, expats in Thailand can get a better picture of how to provide quick and urgent medical care. From knowing the differences between private and public hospitals, language barriers, and how to act in emergencies, you can make a difference in life-or-death situations.

 

Having health insurance like Cigna by your side is essential when it comes to ensuring proper care. 

*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

 

[Muhendis]

that's a very long advertisement. 

[CharlieH]

3 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

that's a very long advertisement. 

Lots of important and useful information for many travellers and residents alike.

[Kwaibill]

I have had a few emergencies since living here.
The first was on the occasion of my first stroke in Bang Sare. I did manage to hobble out of my condo room to the lift, and some very kind neighbors took over as soon as they spotted me, calling an ambulance that took me to Queen SiriKit Hospital, where I had great care. The ambulance driver came back into the ER on his next “ delivery” to see how I was doing. 
I don’t recall how much, but it was within my means though I had to borrow a little from my fan at discharge because of timing.

My ( now) wife got me set up with an accident policy at least as I am apparently uninsurable for a health policy in Thailand. That took care of matters when I fell in the shower and fractured my pelvis.

[edwardflory]

MEDICAL Rule # 1

REGISTER at a your local hospital if staying long term.

 

Suggestion: have a basic physical done after you register if you HAVE / forsee medical problems so the hospital already has a basic file on you. 

 

I use a Thai MILITARY Hospital, ( ARMY in KORAT ) many MILITARY doctors were trained in US or UK and no language problems.  Slightly more cost than civilian hospitals, WAY, way, way less than private hospitals - your cost is SAME as Thai civilians using the military hospital.

 

I do NOT know if children or health insurance is accepted, I'm too old for both.

 

[spidermike007]

The best thing you can do if you're ill or have peculiar symptoms that you cannot identify within two or three days, is to immediately go to a doctor or a good hospital. The worst thing you can do is let it go and wait, that is a recipe for disaster, or possibly your death. 

[Phillip9]

I can simplify:

 

If you have a medical emergency in Thailand, go to the nearest hospital.

[Faranggupai1]

I believe that number is 1669 everywhere now including Bangkok. 

 

[Faranggupai1]

Beware of some volunteer rescue workers in your area. This is an excerpt from a currently unpublished article.
 

"The pandemic drained the energy from the rescue service, shattering the momentum we’d fought so hard to build. Volunteer numbers dwindled, unity frayed, and private hospitals began offering illegal payouts to rescue workers. More unscrupulous volunteers, eager for quick, lucrative incomes, flooded the service. For old-school rescuers like me—those who joined to help people, not for profit—this created constant friction.

In the old days, volunteering was about passion for humanity, not benefits. Sure, small illegal payments had crept in over the years—200 or 300 baht to cover fuel or supplies—but it didn’t compromise the ethics of the job. Most volunteers paid for their own vehicles, equipment, and petrol. But now, hospitals were offering thousands of baht for delivering insured patients, and even more if they were admitted or required surgery. Volunteers could earn a month’s salary in a single day, provided they were aggressive enough.

And aggression became the problem.

To ensure they reached incidents first, volunteers abandoned rescue radios and switched to private messaging apps like Line, similar to WhatsApp. They developed networks of informants—motorcycle taxi drivers, shopkeepers, rogue policemen, and even a radio operator from Erawan, the government ambulance service. For tipping them off, these informants received kickbacks of around 300 baht.

Some volunteers stopped reporting incidents until they were already on scene, preventing others from arriving first. This reckless behavior delayed critical medical care and, in some cases, cost lives. Though proving this is nearly impossible, the possibility alone is deeply troubling.

One case still haunts me. A young volunteer arrived at a multi-casualty accident but didn’t call it in. Instead, he ferried two injured patients to the hospital, leaving others on the roadside for 20 minutes until he returned to transport them. He earned 8,000 baht that day—more than half the average monthly wage in Thailand in 2024. All the while, other volunteers stood ready and willing to help. This greed-driven negligence put lives at risk, and it was appalling.

Adding to the chaos, some volunteers stopped performing basic assessments altogether in their rush to secure their illegitimate income. I’ve even seen untrained friends or girlfriends tagging along, foundations and government regulators turning a blind eye to these serious violations.

The influx of money tore apart volunteer teams, shattered friendships, and nearly obliterated the brotherhood culture that was one of greatest things about the service. Watching the system unravel was heartbreaking."

Yesterday, I was in parliament where they were having a hearing on some rescue volunteers who had taken a heart attack patient to a hospital far away to get extra money. He allegedly had more heart damage than he would have if he had received earlier treatment. 

Not all rescue workers are like this but just be aware there are quite a few nowadays. They are often first on scene and may be useful in an emergency but if you can wait for a non-volunteer ambulance then it "may" pay to do so.