MEDICAL TOURISM IN THAILAND

Thailand is consistently ranked as one of the top countries for medical tourism. In fact, due to its popularity, it is poised to grow by 14% annually.

This popularity has been around for some years. In 2014, Thailand was the number one medical tourism destination by sheer mass of patients alone. In 2017, the number of foreign patients who sought out medical care in Thailand was upwards of 2 billion.

A couple of hospitals in the country are now positioned as industry leaders. The sheer growth and profit data is proof of this. These hospitals are Bumrungrad Hospital and several others in Bangkok.

Allow us to outline why Thailand is a prime choice for medical tourism. We hope that after you’ve read what we have to say that you’ll consider Thailand as a destination for medical tourism.

What About Covid?

The first and most important topic to discuss right now is how the pandemic affects Thailand’s medical tourism.

Despite the growing popularity of hospital and medical tourism in Thailand, they were not unaffected by the current pandemic. However, even with the cases, both the government and local populace have decided to push through with their medical tourism programs. This started last July.

This doesn’t mean though that they are taking the virus lightly. It is quite the opposite. Thailand has implemented stricter control measures to help protect people against the disease.

Let’s take a look at what the first batch of patients went through and the requirements they needed to comply.

Thailand's Medical Tourism - Covid Era

The first batch of patients were those who wanted fertility and plastic surgery treatments. They are allowed to travel with three companions max.

These patients who arrived via airplanes were required to have an appointment letter with a doctor from Thailand. They were also required to have the necessary documentation from the Thai embassy from where they came from and a negative Covid test.

Upon arrival and departing, a set of tests would be carried out again.

Currently, a total of 62 hospitals are working together in this government program. For those coming in for medical tourism, hospitals will be directly handling the quarantine process. Certain quarantine facilities in the hospitals have also been built.

After patients receive their treatment, they will be required to be quarantined again for another 14 days. When that has been completed without any red flags, they can travel throughout Thailand if they wish, with government-planned local tours available.

As you can see, Thailand’s government and hospitals are treating their medical tourism with the utmost thought and care. Their steps create a safe environment for people to seek treatment and after, even go on a vacation of sorts.

Apart from the many hospitals, Thailand is also home to many sights and experiences. These include beaches, palaces, ancient ruins, and even Buddha temples.

More About Medical Tourism in Thailand

Medical tourism in the “Country of Smiles” has been literally skyrocketing. Medical centers of Thailand are supplied with innovative equipment, and doctors have received a very high level of training. Patients are accommodated in comfortable luxury-class wards and are surrounded by care and attention of medical personnel since the first days of stay. Moreover, the cost of medical services in the best Thai clinics is substantially lower than in Europe (by 60-70 % and even more). This is why Thailand more and more often receives patients from the USA, Australia, Japan, and West European countries.

Scores of private medical centers operate in Thailand, including network institutions targeted exclusively at foreign patients. These centers offer foreign patients a wide selection of checkup and treatment procedures in cardiology and cardio surgery, orthopedics and traumatology, plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine. Such procedures as plastic surgeries, addiction treatment, laser vision correction, and transgender surgeries find a ready market.

Oncologic diseases checkup and treatment is one of the popular fields which has been rapidly developing within the recent years. Medical centers of Thailand apply cutting-edge methods of radiation and chemical therapy and provide psychological support to patients during the treatment and rehabilitation process.

Diving-related diseases are also successfully treated in Thailand, in particular, decompression disease of divers. Patients are accommodated in a single ward being oxygen chamber, where you can stay without a mask and watch TV during the treatment procedure.

Treatment may be complemented with further rehabilitation and replenishing of vital forces at local spa resorts. They offer their guests ancient Thai methods along with orthodox Western machine methods combined in one-of-a-kind programs designed for recovery, immunity strengthening, relaxation, and increasing vital tonus.

Best Traveling Time : November to January

The pandemic safety measures implemented, plus the cultural offerings of the country, are just a couple of reasons to visit Thailand for medical tourism. In truth, there are more practical reasons why Thailand is a great destination for medical tourism.

Affordability

Certain procedures are more affordable than in their Western counterparts. These procedures include things like physical checkups, physical therapy, and colonoscopies. Moreover, these procedures need not take so much time. It won’t need to take much time away from seeing the sights and experiencing Thailand’s culture.

Recover in Luxury

If you are visiting for some serious surgery, Thailand is still a pretty good choice. This is because of the places that you can choose to recover post-surgery. Thailand has many beach resorts that are easily accessible. You can choose to recover in luxury. The surroundings are very important to a person's recovery. Why not choose to recover in a peaceful environment near the beach?

Get Treated in Luxury

The luxury in Thailand does not begin only during recovery. Even in the hospitals, the atmosphere is something very different from what you normally experience in hospitals. In fact, it may feel like you aren’t in a hospital at all, but a fancy hotel. You’ll see chandeliers, a variety of restaurants to choose from, and even live music to keep your time in waiting rooms more pleasant. All of these allow for the patients to feel less anxiety and stress when there.

In a Flash

Whether it is routine procedures or major surgeries, people have experienced the immensely long waiting time. However, that isn’t the case in Thailand. Routine procedures and checkups can take place on the same day as checking in. Surgeries can take as fast as 3 days. As a tip, if you’d like things to be done in a flash, send your medical records and details ahead of time.

A Fraction of the Price

As the saying goes, health is wealth. Price should never be an object. But, if you can save some bucks for the same or better quality treatment, why wouldn’t you go and do that? This is what you get in Thailand. This is actually a big reason why there are so many foreigners coming for medical tourism. While exact costs are hard to pinpoint as each need or treatment differs, one general rule is that costs in Thailand are 70% more affordable than that of the US and 30% than that of Europe.

International Training

Doctors from Thailand often head out of the country for their training. Once they get to other countries like the US and Japan, they learn new and innovative techniques. It is worth noting too that they bring this international experience home with them to Thailand where they practice. The specializations of these doctors combined allow Thailand to become a hotbed for innovation and modernity in the medical industry.

Expats in Mind

The Thai government, as well as the people who run and work in the hospitals, understand the strength of their medical tourism. Thus, the hospitals are catered towards foreigners. Personnel there speak several languages. They also design the healthcare experience to something that Westerners are more used to.

Quick Access

Access in and out of Thailand, as well as to the hospitals is a distinct advantage that the country has. There are many airports littered across the country, with costs that are more affordable than foreign airports.

Insurance Coverage

If you have medical insurance, the insurance company may opt to pay for your flight, treatments and procedures, and even your stay in Thailand. It is best to check with your insurance provider if this is an option that you can avail.

What is Medical Tourism in Thailand Known For?

Up to now, we’ve spoken about the benefits and advantages of heading to Thailand for medical tourism. Now, let’s take a look at what procedures and treatments are popular there.

One of the most common and frequented procedures in Bangkok is dentistry. Many people, foreigners included, head to Thailand to get their teeth worked on and fixed. Most of the hospitals in Thailand will have the doctors follow you up personally. This means that you may need to visit several hospitals over the course of a few weeks. However, the upside is that you can still expect to pay half the costs than in most western countries.

Another set of procedures that Thailand is known for is orthopedic and spinal treatment. These include podiatric operations, procedures for the hand, foot, ankle, spinal, and more. The surgeons come from one of the most prestigious universities in the country - Chulalongkorn University. The doctors and nursing team are very experienced and have been together for years. The spinal surgery includes a team of a neurosurgeon, a cardiologist, an anaesthesiologist, and a pain specialist.

The reputation for plastic surgery in Thailand may have already reached your ears. All sorts of procedures can be done here. These include procedures like botox, face lifts, breast implants, liposuction, and even gender reassignment surgery or sex changes. The team doing the surgeries are very experienced, and like every other procedure in Thailand, comes at a more affordable cost.

Which Hospitals Should You Go To?

Let’s take a look at several hospitals that you can go to for the common Thailand procedures covered above. Bear in mind that these are only suggestions and that you should thoroughly do your research on which facility to go to depending on your needs.

The Thantakit International Dental Center is one of the best places to visit for any and all dentistry work. It was established in 1945 and has amassed a slew of quality experience for their dental practice. Any implants or cosmetic work done on your teeth also come with a warranty should anything happen. They also have payment plans that you can choose from depending on the work to be done. This can help space out any payments from an already affordable selection.

Located at the center of Bangkok, Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the best hospitals in all of Thailand. It is also the largest hospital in all of Southeast Asia. This hospital has had many awards in the past years. These include medical tourism hospital of the year, orthopedic service provider of the year, and most trusted hospital just to name a few from the long list of awards they have received. Their orthopedic center has a complete set of services like diagnostics, therapy, and surgical.

Bangkok Plastic Surgery is a great option for any plastic or cosmetic surgeries. The doctor in charge is Dr. Pichet Rodchareon M.D. He is a board certified plastic surgeon that has gotten international training. His medical affiliation includes the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Their services are vast and include basic to complex procedures. It is a great hub for any plastic and cosmetic surgery needs.

Is Thailand a Go?

We have outlined what makes Thailand a top contender in the Medical Tourism industry. If you need or want to undergo any of the procedures that Thailand is known for then it’s worth giving some deep thought.

There are many available Thailand Medical Tourism Packages being offered by hospitals and other agencies. It will be less stress and hassle for you. If the Medical Tourism in Thailand and the packages being offered interest you so much, you can go ahead and check with the known hospitals for your appointment.

You might also wanna check MedicAbroad News.