The healthcare system in Thailand

Thailand has a universal healthcare system with free or very affordable medical services for citizens, but expats typically need private health insurance unless they work for Thai companies or have residence permits. Public healthcare quality is high. Private hospitals offer excellent care with English-speaking staff. Cost examples: GP consultation THB 500-1,500, specialist THB 1,500-3,000. Most expats use a combination of public and private healthcare. Check out more expat living guides for Thailand and beyond.

Over the last 20 years, Thailand's universal healthcare system has greatly improved health outcomes. Most medical services and medications are available for free or at very affordable rates with high quality care. However, only certain expats qualify for healthcare coverage without private health insurance.

The Thai Healthcare System

Thailand operates three main healthcare schemes:

1. Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS): Free healthcare for Thai citizens at government hospitals
2. Social Security Scheme: For Thai and foreign employees of Thai companies
3. Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme: For government workers and dependents

Who Can Access Healthcare in Thailand?

Expats Who Qualify

• Employees of Thai companies (through Social Security Scheme)
• Permanent residents
• Long-term visa holders with specific permits

Expats Who Need Private Insurance

• Retirees on retirement visas
• Digital nomads and remote workers
• Students (unless school provides coverage)
• Tourists and short-term visitors
• Trailing spouses without work permits

Healthcare Costs in Thailand

Public Healthcare (With Coverage)

• GP consultations: Free or minimal co-pay
• Medications: Free or THB 30-100
• Hospital stays: Free or very low cost

Private Healthcare (Without Insurance)

• GP consultation: THB 500-1,500
• Specialist consultation: THB 1,500-3,000
• Basic blood tests: THB 500-2,000
• X-rays: THB 500-1,500
• Hospital room (per night): THB 2,000-10,000+
• Dental cleaning: THB 800-2,000

Do You Need Health Insurance?

Highly recommended for most expats. Even with access to public healthcare, many expats choose private insurance for:

• Access to private hospitals with English-speaking staff
• Shorter wait times
• More comfortable facilities
• Coverage for international treatment
• Emergency evacuation services

Popular International Health Insurance Providers

• AXA Thailand
• Cigna Global
• Allianz Care
• Bupa Global
• Pacific Cross

How to Register for Thai Healthcare

For Employees

1. Employer registers you with Social Security Office
2. Choose a hospital from approved list
3. Receive Social Security card
4. Present card at chosen hospital for treatment

For Permanent Residents

1. Register at district office (Amphoe)
2. Receive Universal Coverage card
3. Select primary care hospital
4. Access free healthcare at registered hospital

Public vs. Private Healthcare

Public Hospitals

Pros:

• Free or very low cost for qualified individuals
• High-quality medical care
• Modern equipment in major hospitals

Cons:

• Long wait times
• Limited English-speaking staff
• Basic facilities
• Crowded

Private Hospitals

Pros:

• English-speaking doctors and nurses
• Short wait times
• Hotel-like facilities
• International standards (many JCI-accredited)
• Medical tourism hub - experienced with foreigners

Cons:

• Expensive without insurance
• May recommend unnecessary procedures

Top Private Hospitals in Thailand

• Bangkok: Bumrungrad International, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital
• Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
• Phuket: Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Phuket International Hospital

How to Find a Doctor

Finding English-Speaking Doctors

• Ask expat community groups on Facebook
• Check private hospital websites (doctor profiles include language skills)
• Use online directories: Doctoroncall, Doctor2U
• Ask your embassy for recommendations

Types of Medical Facilities

• Hospitals (Rong Phayaban): Full medical services
• Clinics (Klinik): General practice, minor procedures
• Pharmacies (Ran Khai Ya): Over-the-counter medications, some prescription drugs available without prescription

Emergency Healthcare

Emergency number: 1669 (ambulance) or 191 (police/emergency)

Emergency rooms at both public and private hospitals accept walk-ins. Private hospital ERs typically have English-speaking staff. Expect to pay upfront or provide insurance details.

Prescriptions and Pharmacies

• Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescriptions elsewhere
• Pharmacies widely available, often in shopping malls
• Pharmacists generally speak some English in tourist/expat areas
• Medications significantly cheaper than Western countries

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Recommended vaccinations for Thailand:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Japanese Encephalitis (if rural areas)
• Rabies (if animal contact likely)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (routine)

Dental and Optical Care

Thailand is a popular destination for dental tourism. High-quality dental care at fraction of Western prices:

• Teeth cleaning: THB 800-2,000
• Fillings: THB 500-3,000
• Root canal: THB 8,000-15,000
• Dental implants: THB 40,000-80,000

Optical care also affordable with designer frames and lenses at competitive prices.