Medical Tourism to Thailand

Thailand has become one of the world’s leading destinations for Medical Tourism to Thailand, attracting millions of international patients annually. In recent years the country has seen steady growth in medical tourism thailand, driven by competitive cost savings, internationally accredited hospitals, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that supports recovery and travel.

The main reasons Thailand now often tops the medical tourism market are:

The low cost of medical treatment compared with Western countries,
The high quality of care and internationally accredited private medical centers,
The country’s strong tourism thailand infrastructure that makes post-procedure recuperation convenient and appealing.

Thailand’s healthcare system

There are over 1,000 hospitals in Thailand, including more than 470 private facilities. The private sector plays a central role in thailand medical and international patient care: many of the best-known hospitals operate as private, internationally focused centers offering multilingual services and international patient coordinators.

Thailand also boasts a number of internationally accredited institutions. For example, several hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation — a recognized benchmark for high-quality medical services and patient safety. (When rewriting, reconcile current JCI counts with the JCI website and hospital annual reports to ensure accuracy.)

Thailand’s medical tourism industry is largely driven by private hospitals. Competitive compensation at international hospitals attracts experienced clinicians: many specialists trained overseas choose to practice in private centers that serve both local and international patients. This private-sector focus supports a robust range of medical facilities and medical services tailored to foreign patients.

Leading the list of private hospitals are the Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Group, and Samitivej Hospitals. These groups are widely recognized for serving large numbers of international patients and for investing in modern equipment and international-standard protocols. Many of these hospitals actively market to medical tourists and have international patient services, interpreters, and packaged care options.

Foreign-patient share varies by facility; some international hospitals report that roughly 30–50% of their caseload comes from outside Thailand. That said, these private hospitals typically charge higher prices than public hospitals, which can make private care relatively costly for many Thais even while remaining competitive for international patients. For details on specific hospitals and specialties, see the “Top Hospitals for Foreign Patients in Thailand” section below.

Top Hospitals for Foreign Patients in Thailand

Bumrungrad International
Bumrungrad International is widely recognized for its international patient services and comprehensive specialties. The hospital reports treating over 520,000 international patients from around 190 countries (3). Key benefits for medical tourists include an English-speaking international patient center, multidisciplinary teams, and many physicians with international training or board certifications. Typical strengths: complex medical care, cardiac and oncology services, and extensive diagnostic programs. Patient experience: many international patients highlight fast appointment scheduling and bundled care packages.
Bangkok Hospital Group
The Bangkok Hospital Group operates a nationwide network of hospitals and specialized centers (about 15 hospitals). Its Bangkok International Hospital hosts an International Medical Center staffed with multilingual interpreters and international patient coordinators, plus dedicated units such as a Japanese Medical Centre. Typical offerings: multi-specialty treatment, international-standard emergency care, and procedure-specific packages for medical tourists.
Samitivej Hospitals
Samitivej is a respected hospital group that emphasizes pediatric, orthopedic, and cosmetic care and is equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment comparable to North American and European facilities. The group includes several JCI-accredited hospitals and focuses on family-friendly services and international patient support.
For more information about Thai hospitals, browse our list of hospitals for medical tourists in Thailand, which compares specialties, accreditation, and international patient services.

Common Procedures done by Medical Tourists in Thailand

The procedures medical tourists come to Thailand for vary widely, but several treatments consistently rank among the most requested. Below are the popular procedures, what medical tourists can expect in terms of care and recovery, and quick guidance on typical stays and considerations.

Cosmetic / plastic surgeries
Thailand is a major destination for cosmetic surgery due to competitive pricing and experienced surgeons. Typical procedures include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction, and tummy tuck. Expected stay: 7–14 days depending on procedure and follow-up; recovery time varies from a few weeks to several months. Cost: often a fraction of US/UK prices (see cost tables); look for JCI-accredited clinics and ask for physician board certifications. Many hospitals offer bundled packages that include pre-op tests, surgery, and a post-op check.
Dental procedures
Dental tourism in Thailand covers everything from routine cleanings and whitening to implants, crowns, and full-mouth reconstruction. Expected stay: 3–10 days for common procedures, longer when multiple implants or staged treatments are required. Dental clinics typically use international materials and follow global protocols; compare porcelain/ceramic options and warranty policies.
Medical check-up programs
Comprehensive health check packages are popular for early detection and prevention. Packages commonly include blood panels, imaging (CT/MRI), cardiac screening, and specialist consultations. Recommended stay: 1–3 days; ideal for travelers in their 40s–60s. Many hospitals bundle executive health check-ups with optional add-ons (cancer markers, advanced imaging).
Cardiac procedures
Thailand performs complex cardiac care—bypass surgery, valve replacement, and angioplasty—at centers of excellence. Expected stay: 7–14+ days including immediate recovery and early rehabilitation; follow-up plans often include remote monitoring. These treatments are a significant reason some patients travel abroad for both cost savings and timely access to specialists.
Orthopedic surgery
Orthopedic offerings include hip and knee replacement, spine surgery, and arthroscopic procedures. Many surgeons have trained overseas and hospitals use modern techniques (computer-assisted surgery, minimally invasive approaches). Expected stay: 5–10 days for joint replacement (longer for complex spine cases); rehabilitation services and physiotherapy are widely available.
Infertility treatment
Fertility clinics in Thailand provide IVF, ICSI, IUI, and genetic testing (PGD) services. Regulations and eligibility can change, so confirm legal requirements and clinic policies before travel. Typical timelines: multiple visits over several weeks to months depending on protocol. Many international patients combine initial consultations (telemedicine) with treatment cycles scheduled around travel.
Bariatric surgery
Procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Expected stay: typically 3–7 days post-op, plus structured follow-up and nutrition counseling. Candidates should complete pre-op assessments and plan for medium-term follow-up (6–12 months) with a local provider or the operating clinic.
Ophthalmology and eye surgeries
Common eye procedures include LASIK, cataract surgery, and corneal treatments. Expected stay: 1–3 days for most outpatient eye surgeries; rapid recovery is common. Ensure clinics provide post-op care instructions and local follow-up options if you return home soon after treatment.

Planning tips for all procedures: arrange a pre-consultation (telemedicine) to confirm candidacy, request itemized quotes that list hospital, surgeon, anesthesia, implant/device, and post-op care costs, and factor in travel, accommodation, and insurance (including medical evacuation or complication coverage). For procedure-specific guidance and clinic lists, use the linked pages above or contact hospital international patient services.

Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand

The tables below summarize representative cost comparisons (US$) that illustrate why many patients choose Thailand for major surgeries, cosmetic procedures, and dental work. Prices vary by hospital, surgeon, implants/devices used, and the scope of care (pre-op testing, ICU, anesthesia, and follow-up). Treat the numbers as illustrative estimates — always request an itemized quote from the hospital or clinic.

Major surgeries	Cost comparison of major surgeries between US and Thailand (indicative US$). Source: BusinessWeek and hospital reports — verify with providers for current pricing and included services.
Procedure	US	Thailand
Heart bypass	130,000	11,000
Heart valve replacement	160,000	10,000
Angioplasty	57,000	13,000
Hip replacement	43,000	12,000
Knee replacement	40,000	10,000
Hysterectomy	20,000	4,500
Spinal fusion	62,000	7,000

Interpretation: For major surgeries, patients often see 70–90% cost savings versus US prices, depending on the procedure and whether the quoted price includes implants, ICU, and post-op care. Ask hospitals what is included in the quote.

Cosmetic and plastic procedures	Cost comparison of cosmetic and plastic procedures between US and Thailand (indicative US$)
Procedure	US	Thailand
Breast augmentation	3,500-4,000	2,600-3,200
Breast lift	4,000-4,500	2,600
Breast reduction	4,000-4,500	2,900
Buttock implant	4,000-5,000	4,000
Buttock lift	4,000-5,000	2,400
Cheek implant	2,000-2,500	1,200
Chin augmentation	1,700-2,000	700
Blepharoplasty	2,500-3,000	540
Facelift	4,500-5,000	2,400
Forehead lift	2,500-3,000	1,400
Nose reshaping	3,500-4,000	1,200
Liposuction	2,500-3,000	1,200
Tummy tuck	4,500-5,500	3,000
Vaginal rejuvenation	2,000-2,500	350-1,200
Hair transplant	4,000-4,500	1,000-2,000

Interpretation: Cosmetic procedures can cost 40–80% less in Thailand depending on the operation and clinic. Many medical tourists choose Thailand for cosmetic surgery because treatment + short recovery can be combined with travel and recuperation.

Dental procedures	Cost comparison of dental procedures between US and Thailand (indicative US$)
Procedure	US	Thailand
Cleaning	100-300	25-50
Tooth whitening	800-1,200	100
Tooth bleaching	350 – 500	150
Single implant	3,500	2,000
Amalgam filling	200-500	20
Porcelain crown	600-1,000	300-470
Ceramic crown	5,500	470-500
Root canal treatment	500-2,000	150

Sample total-trip budgets (illustrative):

Cosmetic surgery (e.g., facelift): procedure + 7–10 days in hospital/recovery + economy return flights + 7 nights accommodation = estimated $4,000–$8,000 in Thailand (versus $8,000–$20,000+ in the US, depending on scope).
Dental implants (single implant): implant + surgery + short stay + local accommodation = estimated $2,200–$3,500 in Thailand (versus ~$3,500+ in the US).
Hip replacement (major surgery): surgery + 7–14 day stay + rehab = estimated $15,000–$20,000 in Thailand (versus $40,000+ in the US).

Practical advice when comparing costs: ask providers for an itemized quote that separates surgeon fees, hospital fees, implants/devices, anesthesia, pre-op tests, and post-op follow-up; confirm whether the price covers complications or readmission; factor in travel, accommodation, and insurance (including medical evacuation and complication coverage).

CTA: Before you book, contact the hospital’s international patient office for a written cost breakdown and a proposed care timeline. If you’d like, request a sample “what’s included” checklist to compare two or more hospitals side-by-side.

Pros

Here are the main reasons why multitudes of foreigners seek medical treatment in Thailand.

Low cost of medical treatments

Many international patients choose Thailand because treatment costs are substantially lower than in Western countries. Depending on the procedure and the hospital, patients typically see 40–90% cost savings for major surgeries and significant reductions for cosmetic and dental work. Those savings often cover travel and accommodation and leave a budget for recuperation or tourism activities after treatment.

High-quality healthcare services

Thailand’s private medical sector has invested heavily in modern hospitals, advanced equipment, and international accreditation. Many hospitals maintain international patient services, multilingual staff, and specialists trained abroad. When evaluating care, look for JCI accreditation and surgeon board certifications as indicators of high-quality medical standards and patient safety.

Highly developed tourism infrastructure

Thailand is a top travel destination and thailand offers a built-in tourism ecosystem — hotels, recovery-friendly resorts, transport, and hospitality services — that complements medical care. Combining treatment with a comfortable recovery stay is a major draw: many hospitals partner with hotels and organize sightseeing or rehabilitation activities to improve patient experience.

Cons

Limited primary-care integration

Thailand’s healthcare system is specialist-heavy in many urban private hospitals. That can mean less emphasis on continuous primary care or generalist oversight, which may complicate diagnosis when symptoms are diffuse. If you have multiple chronic conditions or unclear symptoms, plan to consult a primary-care physician or internist before traveling and request coordinated handover notes between your home clinician and the treating team in Thailand.

Some doctors split time across facilities

It’s common for specialists to work in several hospitals or run private clinics part time. Before you commit, confirm the surgeon’s scheduled availability for your procedure and post-op follow-up. Practical tip: ask the international patient coordinator for the surgeon’s clinic timetable and an alternate contact if the surgeon is unavailable; this reduces unexpected waiting times and ensures continuity of care.

Emergency transport and aftercare considerations

While most major hospitals provide ambulances and in-hospital emergency care, air-ambulance services and rapid long-distance patient transfer can be limited or costly. If travel time or heavy traffic could affect you, arrange appropriate coverage in advance. We recommend purchasing travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation, and confirming whether your chosen hospital coordinates emergency transfers.

Safety checklist (brief): 1) Request surgeon availability and backup contact; 2) Get an itemized quote and ask what happens if complications arise; 3) Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation; 4) Arrange a pre-travel teleconsult with your home doctor to confirm candidacy and handover plan.

Statistics of Thailand Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in Thailand has grown substantially over the past two decades, with the number of international patients and thailand medical tourism activity recovering after the Covid-19 downturn. Official statistics report international patient volumes (hospital inpatients and outpatients); a conservative estimate commonly used is that roughly 15–25% of international patients are medical tourists rather than expatriates or short-term visitors — verify current proportions with hospital reports or Statista for the latest figures.

Year	Number of International Patients	Number of Medical Tourists (estimated)
2008	1,300,000 [8]	260,000
2009	1,200,000 [8]	240,000
2010	400,000 [9]	80,000
2011	500,000 [9]	100,000
2012	2,000,000 [10]	400,000
2013	2,500,000 [11]	500,000
2014	1,200,000 [12]	240,000
2015	2,810,000 [13]	562,000
2016	3,000,000 – 3,500,000 [14]	600,000 – 700,000
2017	3,300,000 [7]	660,000
2018	3,400,000 [10]	680,000
2019	3,500,000 [8]	700,000
2020	3,500,000 [15]	700,000
2021	1,200,000 [17] – Covid -19	240,000
2022	1,200,000 [17] – Covid -19	240,000
2023	3,000,000 [16]	600,000
2024	3,700,000 [17]	740,000

Medical tourists travel to Thailand from across the world. Major source regions include:

Japan
Middle East
US
China
United Kingdom
Western Europe
Australia

Notes and next steps: these figures combine inpatient and outpatient international patient counts; verify the underlying sources and the date of each data point before using them in decision-making. The medical tourism industry and tourism market are dynamic — changes in travel restrictions, exchange rates, and local policy (for example, IVF rules or JCI accreditations) can shift patient flows and market size rapidly. For up-to-date statistics consult Statista, hospital annual reports, JCI listings, and recent academic publications linked below.

Information Sources

[1] Taiwan Institute of Economic Research – An Insight on Medical Tourism Sector Developments in Asian Countries

[2] Business Week report – Top Medical Tourism Destinations

[3] Bumrungrad International Annual Report 2008

[4] Smart travel Asia – Medical tourism in Asia

[5] Asia News Network – Thailand dominates global medical tourism market

[6] Tourism Authority of Thailand [7] Tourism in Thailand

[8] Harvard Kennedy School – Public-Private Partnerships in the Thailand Medical Tourism Industry[9] BBC– The rise of medical tourism in Bangkok

[10] FULCRUM– Is the Growth of Thailand’s Medical Tourism Industry Sustainable?

[11] Reuters– Coup crisis could cost Thailand its medical tourism crown

[12] Thailand Board of Investment – Medical Device Industry in Thailand

[13] LaingBuisson/ International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) – Thai medical tourism to increase in 2015