Guide

Healthcare in Bangkok

Bangkok has excellent private hospitals. Here is how to use them, what they cost, and how to stay covered.

Private Hospitals

→ Bangkok has world-class private hospitals. Bumrungrad International, Samitivej Sukhumvit, and Bangkok Hospital are the top three for expats.
→ Bumrungrad is the most internationally recognized and has English-speaking staff across every department.
→ Samitivej Sukhumvit is excellent and slightly more approachable in terms of cost. Multiple locations across Bangkok.
→ Walk in to any of these hospitals without an appointment. Waiting times are short compared to public healthcare in most Western countries.
→ Private hospital bills in Bangkok are a fraction of US costs. An ER visit with tests typically runs 5,000 to 20,000 THB without insurance.

→ Health insurance is not legally required for most visas but is strongly recommended. A serious accident or surgery without insurance will cost you.
→ SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the most popular option for nomads. It costs around $40 to $80 USD per month depending on age and deductible.
→ Pacific Cross and AXA offer more comprehensive local Thai plans that are cheaper if you are staying long-term.
→ If you are on the LTR or Thailand Elite Visa, local Thai health insurance plans are often better value and cover more.
→ Check whether your plan covers pre-existing conditions and which hospitals are on the direct billing network before you sign up.

→ For minor issues like colds, infections, or prescription refills, walk-in clinics are faster and cheaper than hospitals.
→ Most expat neighborhoods have English-speaking general practice clinics. Ask locals or expat Facebook groups for the nearest one.
→ Consultation fees at a GP clinic are typically 300 to 800 THB, compared to 1,500 to 3,000 THB at a private hospital.
→ Doctor Raksa is an app-based telemedicine service popular with expats for non-emergency consultations.

→ Pharmacies are everywhere in Bangkok. Boots and Watsons are the main chains with English-speaking staff.
→ Many medications available only by prescription in Western countries are sold over the counter in Thailand.
→ Always check expiry dates and buy from a reputable pharmacy, not convenience stores.
→ If you take regular medication, bring a supply from home for the first few weeks while you confirm local availability.

→ Dental care in Bangkok is exceptional quality at very low prices. This is one of the biggest lifestyle upgrades of moving here.
→ A routine cleaning and checkup costs 500 to 1,500 THB. Implants, crowns, and veneers are a fraction of Western prices.
→ Dental hospitals like Bangkok Dental Spa and dedicated dental clinics in malls are popular with expats.
→ Book in for a full checkup and any work you have been putting off soon after you arrive. You will not regret it.

→ English-speaking therapists are available in Bangkok, though the market is smaller than in Western cities.
→ Bumrungrad and Samitivej both have psychiatry departments with English-speaking practitioners.
→ Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp work in Thailand and are often cheaper than in-person sessions.
→ Expat Facebook groups are a good resource for therapist recommendations from people in a similar situation.
→ Loneliness and adjustment difficulty are common in the first few months. This is normal. Seek support early.

→ Call 1669 for a government ambulance. For faster response, Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej all have private ambulance services.
→ In a serious emergency, get yourself to the nearest private hospital by any means. Do not wait for an ambulance if a taxi is faster.
→ Keep your insurance policy number and emergency hotline in your phone contacts before you need it.
→ The emergency number in Thailand is 191 for police and 1669 for medical emergencies.