Thailand healthcare system for foreigners

There are two main choices for expats when accessing the Thailand healthcare system, as there are for Thai people themselves. You may either visit a public (government-run) hospital or a private hospital. The only difference is that as an expat, you will most likely have to pay for treatment in either case. If, however, you are a Thai citizen or a foreigner with a work permit who contributes to the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), you will be able to access treatments at government hospitals without paying extra. In today’s blog post, we are exploring the pros and cons of the Thai healthcare system for foreigners and the consequences associated with choosing either a public or private hospital when you need medical care.

Public Hospitals in Thailand

Many of the hospitals in Thailand are run by the Ministry of Public Health. These public hospitals cater primarily to Thai citizens who contribute to the UCS, but they are happy to treat foreigners too. If you pay regular contributions through your employer, there will be no additional charges to pay when visiting public hospitals in the Thailand healthcare system.

The quality of treatment in Thai public hospitals varies from one establishment to the next. Generally speaking, the standard of treatment tends to be higher in hospitals located in major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. However, this is not always the case, so it’s a good idea to do your homework before visiting a local hospital.

The main advantages of accessing treatment via the public healthcare system for expats in Thailand are:

• Value for Money – Your money will go much further in the public healthcare system for foreigners in Thailand. All types of treatments are less expensive, as are the pharmaceutical products prescribed by doctors in public hospitals.
• Convenience – No matter where you live in Thailand, there will always be a public hospital within easy reach. In the most remote locations, it may be little more than a basic clinic with just one doctor and a couple of nurses, but it should nevertheless be clean and well-run.

The biggest drawbacks associated with public hospitals in the Thailand Healthcare System are:

• Waiting Times – Clinics in Thai public hospitals normally operate on a first-come-first-served basis. During times of peak demand, this can lead to substantial waiting times, especially in smaller hospitals.
• Language Barrier – All doctors working in the Thailand healthcare system will have studied English at school and university. However, the standard of English spoken by Thai medical professionals varies widely. If you prefer to discuss your symptoms in English, public hospitals may not be the right choice.

If you don’t mind spending an hour or two in a crowded waiting area and you are happy to discuss your symptoms in Thai, a well-regarded public hospital should be able to serve your needs well. It will also be less expensive than a private hospital.

Private Hospitals in Thailand

Almost all the private hospitals in the Thailand healthcare system are located in major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. This is something you should bear in mind if you are planning to move to a more rural location in Thailand. The further away you are from a large city, the more difficult it will be for you to access private healthcare treatment.

The primary benefits of treatment at private hospitals in the Thailand healthcare system are:

• Speed of Service – Waiting times at private hospitals in Thailand are generally much shorter, and in many cases, it is possible to make appointments to see doctors at specific times.
• Ease of Communication – The majority of doctors and nurses employed in private hospitals speak excellent English. Whilst there are a few exceptions, it is unlikely you will ever be unable to make yourself understood in a private hospital in Thailand.
• Standard of Treatment and Equipment – There are some excellent public hospitals in the Thailand healthcare system, but for the very best treatment and the latest diagnostic tools, private hospitals normally have the edge. This is mainly due to their superior funding.

The main disadvantages associated with hospitals in the private healthcare system for expats in Thailand are:

• Cost – While very competitive compared to Western hospitals, the cost of treatment in private hospitals in Thailand is still high compared to public hospitals. Unless you are independently wealthy or unusually lucky in regard to your health, treatment at private hospitals may turn out to be too expensive in the long term for uninsured expats.
• Availability – If you live in a more remote part of the country, you will find it more difficult to access private healthcare in Thailand. For emergency procedures in particular, private treatment is likely to be impractical. This is something you should consider when choosing where to live. If access to the private health care system in Thailand is important to you, then you should plan to stay in a large city or at least within easy reach of one.

If high-quality treatment, English-speaking doctors and speed of service are all essential to you, private hospitals will be your best option. You can pay for treatment out of your own pocket or purchase a suitable health insurance policy.

Health Insurance in Thailand

If you would like to be treated at private hospitals in the Thailand healthcare system, the most cost-effective solution is to purchase health insurance from a local insurer. With a comprehensive policy, you can visit private hospitals across the country and access both inpatient and outpatient treatments.

If you are unsure what to look out for when purchasing health insurance, we suggest focusing on coverage limits for inpatient and outpatient treatment, exclusions and renewability.

If you would like to discuss your insurance needs with one of our advisors, feel free to call or message us. We offer a variety of health insurance products, including policies designed especially to meet the needs of expats on certain long-stay visas in Thailand. We also offer group health insurance for corporate customers.