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.
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:
The biggest drawbacks associated with public hospitals in the Thailand Healthcare System are:
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.
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.
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:
The main disadvantages associated with hospitals in the private healthcare system for expats in Thailand are:
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.
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.
