Healthcare System in Thailand: everything you need to know

How does the Thai healthcare system operate?

Thailand offers universal health coverage for all its citizens. It is considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world and offers coverage to most citizens free of charge, financed through taxes.

It excludes civil servants and their families who receive coverage through the civil service welfare system. Private employees are also not part of the universal system as they are covered by a social security system financed by contributions from their payroll.

The Thai healthcare system has such high standard of care and is recognized worldwide which is why there is a lot of medical tourism in the country. Europeans, Americans and other citizens from all over the world travel to the Asian country to receive medical attention for different treatments such as dental services, cardiovascular medicine, cancer treatment, among others. Apart from having first class facilities, medical procedures can cost 80% less than in Europe or the United States.

In general, public hospitals tend to have longer waiting times than private clinics. Technology and medical supplies are also of higher quality in private clinics.

How does the system work for foreigners?

If you are moving to Thailand for work, your employer must provide health insurance that allows you to be treated in the local system. If you are traveling for tourism, you must have your own health insurance, either travel insurance or international medical insurance. Both alternatives offer coverage and reimbursement for procedures in the best private clinics in the country.

In order to enter the country as a temporary tourist, it is a requirement to have health insurance that covers hospital expenses during your stay. Despite having health insurance, if you are not a permanent resident of Thailand and do not have insurance provided by a local company, you will have to pay the costs of the medical care you receive. However, a health insurance plan guarantees you will be reimbursed.

You can choose to receive care in the public or private system. It is important that you always carry your passport and evidence of your health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you will be asked to pay for the service before leaving the hospital or clinic.

The costs of attending private clinics are higher than in public hospitals, but as a foreigner you will have to pay for service in any health center in the country.

Before visiting a clinic, remember to check on the clinic's website to see if they accept your insurance plan. In private clinics you can walk in and get immediate attention even without an appointment. In the public system you may have to wait a long time to be seen by a doctor. You may also have difficulty communicating with doctors in public hospitals as most of them speak only Thai. In private clinics it is easier to find bilingual doctors. 

What should I do in case of an emergency?

The free emergency line to call for an ambulance in Thailand is 1669. This hotline will also put you in contact with "tourist police" who will be able to communicate in your language. If you wish to call the tourist police directly, the number is: 1155.

If you call an ambulance from a private clinic you will be charged for the service. However, there is also an ambulance service operated by volunteers.

Other emergency numbers that may be useful:

Fire Department: 199

Police: 191

How do pharmacies operate in Thailand?

To get a prescription drug in Thailand it must be prescribed by a local doctor. Medications in pharmacies outside hospitals are usually cheaper.

Pharmacists working in pharmacies can evaluate you and recommend any medication you may need. Many drugs that require a prescription in other countries are available over-the-counter in Thailand, for example antibiotics such as Penicillin and Bactrim.

In pharmacies you will find medicines as well as hygiene and beauty products.

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Thailand due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

To check if your country of nationality requires a visa to enter Thailand, check the following link.