Every year, hundreds of thousands of foreigners travel to Thailand for medical treatment. Often referred to as “medical tourism,” many people are attracted to Thailand by the high level of expertise and the fact that medical treatment here is generally more affordable than in other countries. However, this does not mean that patients are not protected against any negative outcomes. Here are 10 questions that travelers often ask about medical tourism:
Are there any diseases that are not treated in Thailand?
It’s no secret that Thailand is a medical hub for many reasons. In fact, it’s one of the most popular countries for medical tourism in Asia. But what if you have a disease or condition that isn’t treated in Thailand? Is it possible to go to another country? The answer: yes! You can get treatment for your disease at any hospital around the world and return home healthy and whole again.
Will the treatment be inferior because it is cheaper?
No, the quality of treatment is not inferior. In fact, medical tourism in Thailand has been growing for years and patients from around the world come here for their treatments. This growth is thanks to the fact that hospitals here offer high-quality services at prices that are lower than what you would pay for similar treatments in other countries. The reason for this? The cost of living in Thailand is lower than in most places on earth! Doctors earn less money than they do elsewhere so they can charge less for their services as well. And since there’s no medical or insurance plan involved with getting treatment in Thailand (aside from any travel insurance you may need), it’s significantly cheaper than getting it at home too!
So while yes—it might seem like a paradox—the reason why Thai hospitals can charge less money and yet still provide such high value is that people don’t have to worry about paying those big bills back later on down the road via monthly premiums and deductibles like they do here at home where everyone has some sort of health coverage plan through their employer or by purchasing one themselves through an insurer like Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna.”
What happens if complications arise after returning home?
If a complication arises after returning home, you can contact the hospital. If it is an emergency, call your insurance company or the embassy.
You can also call the hospital’s emergency number or international department to get help from staff who speak English and Thai. In addition, you can use their online services to communicate with your doctor if necessary.
Is the treatment offered by Thai hospitals recognized overseas?
Yes, the treatment offered by Thai hospitals is recognized throughout the world. The qualification of doctors in Thailand has been accredited by foreign regulatory bodies, and they have had experience working with patients from other countries. If you need to go back home for follow-up treatment, you will need to pay for it yourself.
Is Thailand a safe place to visit and receive medical treatment?
Thailand is a safe place to visit and receive medical treatment. The country has a good reputation for medical tourism, hospitality, safety, and cleanliness. In the past few years, Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism worldwide. While there are risks associated with traveling to any country in Southeast Asia (including Cambodia and Vietnam), these risks are significantly lower when compared with other countries.
Are the doctors qualified, and have they had experience with foreign patients?
There are many qualified doctors in Thailand. Not only that but doctors are used to treating patients from other countries and cultures. It is not uncommon for them to speak languages other than Thai and English, as well.
Many of the hospitals in Thailand offer international medical services as well. You can even get your medical treatment at top-notch hospitals without leaving your home country!
Is medical tourism legal in Thailand?
You can get treatment in Thailand, but you need to be careful about the following:
- You do not need a work permit to receive medical treatment. However, you will be required to produce your passport and visa at all times.
- It is illegal for someone who has been convicted of a crime or who has a criminal record to enter the country on a tourist visa or obtain work permits in Thailand.
If you have been convicted of any offense that could lead you to be denied entry into the country by immigration officials (such as drug offenses), it’s best not to risk entering the country illegally by staying under this pretense and facing possible deportation back home if discovered later on.
Who will be responsible for me if I have an accident in Thailand or become ill during my stay here?
If you have an accident or become ill during your stay in Thailand, you will be treated by the Thai health system. While there are many wonderful private hospitals and clinics in Thailand, if you need to go to one of these facilities because of any injury or illness that occurs while visiting, then it will be covered by your insurance policy. The same goes for any accidents that occur on public transportation (such as buses, trains, boats, and airplanes) since those services are regulated by the government.
Can foreigners take advantage of the Thai National Health Security Office (NHSO)?
Yes! Foreigners can take advantage of the NHSO. The NHSO is government-funded health insurance that covers treatment in Thailand and many other countries around the world. It has low premiums, and depending on your visa type (e.g., tourist, student), you may be able to get coverage for free or at a discounted rate.
Another option is private insurance; many different companies are offering different types of plans within Thailand itself, but you can also go through international providers like World Nomads or Aetna if you have an EHIC card from your home country (see more details below).
Does my insurance company cover the treatment I receive in Thailand?
Yes, your insurance company may cover treatment if you are traveling to Thailand for a medical procedure. Please check with your insurance company before making any travel arrangements.
If you are covered, you will have to pay for the treatment out of pocket and then get reimbursed by your insurance company later on. If not, then you will need to pay for the treatment upfront and then submit some forms to get reimbursed by your insurance company
Conclusion
You shouldn’t be afraid to make Thailand your choice for medical tourism. In most cases, it is just as safe as visiting a hospital in your home country and you can get excellent treatment from the doctors here who are highly trained and experienced.
