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The Best Private Hospitals for Expats and Digital Nomads in Thailand

Thailand’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and the country is home to excellent hospitals such as Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok International Hospital, and Samitivej Hospital. Note that private hospitals are popular among expats and digital nomads in Thailand.

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Are you an expat in Thailand looking to stay insured while abroad? In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, we bring you the ultimate guide to the best private hospitals in some major cities in Thailand.

Public Hospitals vs. Private Hospitals in Thailand

When you need medical treatment, you have two major choices in Thailand: public or private hospitals. You can go to public hospitals, which are cheaper, but you might encounter difficulty when it comes to communication and long waiting times.

On the contrary, at a private hospital, the wait times are shorter, and the cost of treatment is higher. But if you have medical insurance, the cost won’t be a problem because your insurance will help pay for it.

So, if you’re moving or traveling to a new place, it’s a good idea to get international health insurance to make sure you’re covered if you need medical care.

Overall, selecting a private hospital in Thailand is generally recommended for expats due to the likelihood of staff members being proficient in English and other languages, shorter wait times, elevated service standards, and in some cases, greater access to the latest medical technologies.

Now that you know more about the differences between public and private hospitals in Thailand, let’s look at the best private hospitals in Thailand in each major city.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and home to one of the best hospitals in the world. Medical tourism in Bangkok is on the rise due to the number of high-standard private hospitals and the lower medical costs compared to other major cities in the world.

Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the best hospitals in Bangkok. It also has an Expatriate Liaison Center, which offers a multilingual service. Medical professionals are proficient in several languages, including English, Thai, Arabic, Chinese, and more.

Additionally, this hospital has been providing high-quality healthcare services for over 38 years. It has received numerous awards and recognitions for its excellence in medical services and is a popular destination for medical tourists resulting in it being a world-renowned medical facility.

Bangkok International Hospital

Bangkok Hospital is another private hospital in Bangkok that has been offering comprehensive healthcare services for over 50 years. It’s also popular among expat communities due to its expat care center, which has highly trained doctors and other medical specialists.

Other than that, it is also one of the popular destinations for medical tourism in Bangkok due to its up-to-date facilities and equipment to provide high-quality medical care. The hospital also has a multilingual staff who can communicate in different languages.

Samitivej Hospital

Samitivej Hospital is a private hospital chain in Thailand that was founded in 1979. It provides a wide range of medical services, including general check-ups, specialized treatments, and surgeries.

With its global standard care, Samitivej Hospital will help you to simplify the process of finding a physician or medical specialist and help you file claims with your insurance company. Other than that, they also have one of the best children’s healthcare in the Asia Pacific.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the major cities in Thailand with a large expat community. The city has a lot of international hospitals and clinics that are well-known for their high standard of medical services – making it easy for expats to get medical services when the need arises.

McCormick Hospital

McCormick Hospital is one of the best healthcare facilities in Chiang Mai. It is known for providing high-quality medical care and services to local and international patients. This hospital was established by American Presbyterian missionaries and has an ISO certification.

The hospital provides several medical services, including cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and more. If you are living in Chiang Mai, this could be one of the best options for you. The staff are English-speaking and have great service minds.

Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai

Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai is the 36th hospital in the Bangkok Hospital Group, which is the biggest network of private hospitals in Thailand. It is located in the heart of Chiang Mai and provides advanced medical services and specialized care for patients with complex health conditions.

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital is part of the Ramkhamhaeng Group, which operates several hospitals and clinics throughout Thailand. It offers a wide range of medical services and has modern facilities and technology to provide high-quality care to both locals and expats.

The hospital has been recognized for its quality management by achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation, as well as being accredited by the Hospital Accreditation of Thailand.

Phuket

Scenic Krabi Province - Thailand

Due to its beautiful beaches and islands, Phuket is home to a large number of expats from all over the world. The Thai government approved the development of a 5 billion baht (USD $131 million) international medical hub in Phuket, aiming to expand medical and health-related tourism.

Let’s check out some of the best hospitals in Phuket, Thailand.

Bangkok Hospital Phuket

Bangkok Hospital Phuket is the biggest hospital in Phuket that provides excellent medical services. It serves approximately 90,000 foreign patients every year, and ensures that they receive high-quality care. The hospital has a team of coordinators who are fluent in many languages.

Moreover, they are ready to assist you with coordinating with your insurance, making it easier for you to deal with medical expenses and help simplify the processes of billing agreements.

Dibuk Hospital

Dibuk Hospital is another high-standard hospital in Phuket, Thailand. It is part of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services network (BDMS). The hospital has a team of multilingual staff who can speak various languages and offers a wide range of medical services.

It is known for its fast and efficient IT-driven services that help manage information and make services flow better – resulting in shorter wait times and creating a more friendly environment.

Bangkok Hospital Siriroj

Bangkok Hospital Siriroj, overseen by the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), is the first private hospital in Southern Thailand. The Hospital offers more than 30 medical and surgical specialties. It is one of South East Asia’s leading plastic and cosmetic surgery centers.

No matter what you need in terms of medical care, this hospital can provide the best solutions for you. It boasts high service standards by receiving JCI Accreditation three years in a row.

Pattaya

According to Numbeo’s Health Care Index by City 2023, Pattaya is fourth on the list with 75.33 in the health care system index. This index also shows that most people are happy with the treatments, locations, costs, and medical staff of hospitals in Pattaya.

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya is a JCI-accredited hospital, known among locals and expats in the area for its high-quality healthcare services, state-of-the-art medical technology, and highly qualified medical professionals. They also have a team of multilingual coordinators as well.

Pattaya International Hospital

Pattaya International Hospital is an exceptional tertiary care provider which offers 24-hour emergency services, an extensive range of advanced facilities, and highly skilled medical professionals.

The hospital also boasts of its State-of-the-Art medical technology, which helps improve reliable diagnostic imaging, shorter recovery times, and more options for patients. It is a top choice for expats and medical tourists in the Pattaya area.

Jomtien Hospital

Jomtien Hospital is one of the best options you can choose when it comes to medical care in this neighborhood in Pattaya. The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, general surgery, eye department, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and more.

Additionally, Jomtien Hospital provides affordable prices and personalized care to its local and expat patients.

Koh Samui

A popular destination for tourists, Koh Samui is home to several international hospitals and clinics. For those who live or plan to relocate there, you do not have to worry about the healthcare system. Some hospitals in this area are rated highly in the Thai medical tourism industry.

Samui International Hospital

Samui International Hospital is one of the biggest private hospitals in Koh Samui. It provides 24-hour ambulatory services and various specific clinics, including Physiotherapy Clinic, Gynecology & Obstetrics Clinic, and a vaccination center.

With multilingual doctors and staff, there are no language barriers. Samui International Hospital is also well known among locals and expats for its services and modern treatments.

Thai International Hospital

Thai International Hospital in Koh Samui is a fully-equipped international hospital that has been operating for almost 20 years and provides comprehensive services to its patients.

In addition, there is an international cooperation team that assists foreign patients with the entire process. Furthermore, the hospital has 24-hour emergency services and global health insurance coverage, ensuring access to specialized doctors when needed.

Best Private Hospital in Hua Hin

Bangkok's Wat Arun Temple - Iconic Landmark

Not too far from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a hidden gem when it comes to a coastal city with a low cost of living. Hua Hin has several reputable hospitals and medical facilities, making it a good option for expats looking for reliable healthcare services.

San Paulo Hospital

San Paulo Hospital has a team of professional medical experts who can provide general check-ups or specialized medical care to patients. Additionally, it works with various types of insurance, including life insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance.

The hospital has several clinics that provide expertise in medical care for specific symptoms, including the cardiology clinic, ear, nose, and throat clinic, radiography and ultrasound center, and more.

Bangkok Hospital Huahin

Bangkok Hospital Huahin, another one of the Bangkok Hospital group, is renowned for its high standards of medical services and medical technology provided.

The hospital serves residents, expats, and medical tourists. It provides 24-hour services, with Ground Ambulances and Sky ICU, that can transfer critical patients to Bangkok hospital headquarters.

Conclusion

Most of the time, international and private hospitals in Thailand are better for expats and digital nomads because they have hi-tech equipment and multilingual medical professionals.

However, these hospitals can be expensive, and if you want to be worry-free about medical bills and make sure you have access to the best hospitals in Thailand, you need to secure expat health insurance. Moreover, comprehensive health insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you won’t face financial hardship from medical treatment.

For over 20 years, Pacific Prime has been helping expats secure the right comprehensive insurance plans. We provide consultations with unbiased information and help design an insurance plan that fits your needs and budgets. Get in touch with Pacific Prime Thailand now to get a free consultation and receive a quote!

FAQs

Can foreigners use public hospitals in Thailand?

Foreigners, expats, and digital nomads can access public hospitals and healthcare services in Thailand.

How much does it cost to go to a private hospital in Thailand?

The starting price is normally around 1,000 THB (approximately USD $29). The cost of outpatient check-ups in private hospitals in Thailand depends on the specific medical treatments and services required by the patient.

Is Bangkok Hospital less expensive than Bumrungrad Hospital?

Medical expenses for these two hospitals are dependent on a variety of factors, whether it’s the room cost, medical treatments, and duration of hospital stay.

Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

Foreigners do not get free healthcare in Thailand unless they have resident status. Those who are tourists, expats, and digital nomads do not have access to free healthcare in Thailand.

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Head of Content at Pacific Prime
Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
Serena Fung