Medical Care
Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and insurance advice — so a health hiccup never ruins your trip.
Thailand is a premier destination for medical care, widely recognized for high-quality, internationally accredited private healthcare at a fraction of Western costs. The medical ecosystem is split cleanly into a highly advanced private sector and an affordable but crowded public sector.
It is highly advisable to have good travel insurance in Thailand. In case of an accident, expenses can rapidly rise.
Medical emergency: call 1669
Free nationwide ambulance dispatch with English support. Tourist police (non-urgent): 1155.
Vaccinations for entry
Thailand has no required vaccinations for entry, except a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Recommended for most travellers: your routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid (both spread through food and water), and an up-to-date tetanus booster. For longer stays, trekking or rural travel, ask a travel clinic about hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Bumrungrad International
Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Thailand's best-known international hospital — a one-stop campus with English-speaking doctors, same-day appointments, interpreters in dozens of languages, and a dedicated international patient center.
- English-speaking staff and medical interpreters
- Online booking and same-day outpatient visits
- Direct billing with many international insurers
BTS to Phrom Phong (Asok exit) — the hospital is a 5-minute walk.
Bangkok Hospital (BDMS network)
Phetchaburi, Bangkok
The flagship of the BDMS group — Thailand's largest hospital network with branches in every major tourist city (Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin). Strong emergency, cardiology and trauma units.
- 24-hour emergency room with ambulance service
- Branches in all major tourist destinations
- International coordinators for foreign patients
For emergencies, call the hospital directly — ambulances are dispatched faster than via a general hotline.
Samitivej Hospitals
Bangkok & Chonburi
A JCI-accredited private network popular with expat families — excellent pediatric care, women's health, and a children's hospital, plus 24-hour English-language call center.
- JCI accreditation and international standards
- Specialist children's hospital (Thonburi branch)
- Direct insurance billing available
Register online before your visit to skip queueing at reception.
Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Phuket Town
The island's main international hospital — dive-medicine and decompression expertise, a hyperbaric chamber, and trauma units used to treating tourists. ambulances cover the whole island.
- Hyperbaric chamber for dive accidents
- 24-hour emergency and ambulance service
- Multilingual international coordination
Divers with ear pain or joint pain after a dive should go here first — time matters with decompression issues.
Government hospitals
Everywhere in Thailand
Thailand's public state-run hospitals — run by the Ministry of Public Health — treat locals and tourists alike at very low prices. Care is competent but facilities are busier, waits are longer, and English is limited. They are a solid option for non-urgent treatment on a budget.
- Very affordable treatment and medication
- Able to handle emergencies and stabilization
- Long waiting times and limited English support
Go private for comfort and speed, but for minor affordable treatment a government hospital outpatient clinic is a great value.
Pharmacies
Everywhere in Thailand
Pharmacies are everywhere and many medications that need prescriptions back home (antibiotics, blood-pressure meds) are sold over the counter. Look for licensed shops with a green cross sign — Boots and Watsons chains are reliable.
- Pharmacists often speak decent English
- Boots and Watsons for familiar brands
- Very affordable generic medications
Avoid buying strong antibiotics without advice — over-the-counter does not mean risk-free.
Walk-in tourist clinics
Tourist areas
Small private clinics in tourist zones treat common traveler illnesses (food poisoning, ear infections, minor wounds) quickly and cheaply — usually without an appointment.
- Same-day treatment for minor issues
- A fraction of hospital prices
- English menus of services in resort towns
Go to a clinic for minor problems but head straight to a hospital for anything serious or if you need imaging.
Dental clinics
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Thailand is a top dental-tourism destination — cleanings, fillings, crowns and whitening at a quarter of Western prices, often completed within days at internationally accredited clinics.
- Internationally trained dentists
- Same-week treatment plans for tourists
- Modern sterilization standards at reputable clinics
Check reviews and accreditation before booking major work — quality varies widely.
Travel insurance
Buy before you fly
Private hospital care is affordable but can still sting — a motorbike accident or a hospital evacuation can cost thousands. A good travel policy costs a few dollars a day and covers hospital bills, medicine, and onward travel.
- Make sure it covers motorbikes and adventure sports
- Get a policy with direct hospital billing
- Save your insurer's 24-hour hotline in your phone
Riding a motorbike without a Thai or international license usually voids your cover.
Typical costs
What to expect
Consultations at private international hospitals run roughly 500–1,500 THB, a day in a private room 3,000–10,000 THB, and non-life-threatening treatment is far cheaper than in the US or Europe. Public hospitals are cheaper still but have longer queues.
- Private consultation: about 500–1,500 THB
- Private hospital room: roughly 3,000–10,000 THB/night
- Most hospitals take credit cards for larger bills
Ask for an itemized receipt — you will need it for any insurance claim.
Buy Online Travel Insurance
Coverage for medical expenses, accidents and more
Good travel insurance protects you from rapidly rising medical bills in case of an accident or illness while in Thailand. You can compare and buy travel insurance online in minutes.
Get travel insurance nowOpens the AXA Thailand travel insurance page — review coverage and prices there.
Good to know
Emergency number: 1669
Thailand's free medical emergency line dispatches ambulances nationwide and the call center has English support. For tourist police, call 1155.
Private first for tourists
Public hospitals are excellent but crowded with long waits and little English. International hospitals and clinics offer fast, English-speaking care at reasonable prices.
Bring your passport
Hospitals need your passport (or a copy) to register you and issue documents for insurance claims. Keep a phone photo of the photo page.
Watch for dengue
High fever with severe headache, body aches or rash (not runny nose/cough) may be dengue — get a blood test at any hospital instead of waiting it out.
Food poisoning — when to go in
Most cases pass in 24–48 hours with fluids and electrolytes (available at any pharmacy). Go to a hospital if you cannot keep water down for 12+ hours or see blood.
Keep every receipt
Insurers require itemized receipts, prescriptions and discharge papers. Ask for copies before leaving the hospital — chasing them later is painful.
Costs and services vary by facility — confirm directly with the hospital or clinic, and see a doctor for anything serious. This page is general guidance, not medical advice.