How does healthcare work in Thailand, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Thailand?

What is the quality of healthcare in Thailand?

• Thailand generally provides good quality healthcare. There are many hospitals, of which about 80% are public hospitals.
• There are two types of pharmacies (indicated by the green cross logo); type 1 and type 2. Type 1 are the more extensive pharmacies with a license where you can buy prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Usually there is also a medical expert on staff. These pharmacies are usually found at hospitals and health centers. Type 2 pharmacies only sell over-the-counter medicines and usually cannot provide advice.
• If you do not work in Thailand, you pay for your own insurance. You can opt for private coverage with the choice between private and public hospitals.
• Strict rules apply to insurance for foreigners, if you stay in Thailand for a longer period and are going to apply for a long-term visa, health insurance is mandatory. Specific rules apply here with regard to cost coverage from the insurance. Check this well in advance.
• You must show the insurance coverage and it must be legible (in English) when applying for your visa. When extending your visa, you are even required to have a Thai certified local insurance, with all the paperwork that goes with it. Arrange this on time and check this well in advance.
• If you want to be helped, at the hospital (GP), dentist, midwife, maternity care or consulate, you often have to pay the bills yourself before (or after) the consultation.
• In contrast to physical health care, mental health care is lagging behind in Thailand. There have been leaps and bounds, but there is still a huge shortage of mental health care services.
• Traditional Thai medication is available everywhere and is very popular among locals. Most Thai hospitals and health centres also offer forms of traditional health care. It is fully regulated and used as complementary care.
• In case of medical emergencies, call 1669. As a foreigner, you can also call 1155 for advice in case of emergencies.
• Always take your passport with you when visiting a healthcare institution. This is mandatory in Thailand.

How does the public healthcare system work in Thailand?

• The Department of Medical Services of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) funds public health services and government hospitals. Apart from the long waiting times, you will find good medical services here.
• The first line of care is the health centres. The MOPH runs almost 10,000 health centres, where you will find nurses, doctors, general practitioners, dentists and pharmacists.
• Through your work, you are covered for your social security and you can use the public healthcare institutions. Please note that your family is not always covered. In that case, make sure you have private health insurance for them.
• The cost of most medicines is also covered by the public insurance. Private insurance can help you cover other costs if you regularly need expensive medicines.

How does the private healthcare system work in Thailand?

• Private healthcare is of very high quality and also attracts many foreigners every year. Thailand is a hotspot for medical tourism.
• There are many more private clinics than public health centres.
• The best healthcare can be found in Bangkok. In higher areas, private healthcare is not always of the quality that meets the expectations of Westerners.
• The advantage of private healthcare is shorter waiting times, but not necessarily more space in hospital beds.
• Always check with your international private insurance company which private institutions are covered before you go somewhere.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Thailand?

• Visits to a general practitioner are not as common as in some western countries. But you can find general practitioners in private or family clinics.
• The general practitioners that are there als often have offices in hospitals and work with consultation hours, but it is more common to go directly to a specialist in the hospital if something is wrong with your health. The specialists also have walk-in consultation hours and often also have an office in the hospital.

How is the dentist arranged in Thailand?

• There are different types of dentists to be found in private and public clinics, hospitals and health centres.
• About half of the dentists work in the private sector.
• The public health insurance covers basic dental care up to a certain amount per year. With private insurance you can increase your coverage and ensure that you are fully covered for costs. In general, there are good dentists available, who follow international standards, and for a reasonable price. And if you are unsure about a particular procedure, ask for a second opinion or a price indication from another provider.
• Most expats choose more expensive, private clinics because of the modern facilities and English-speaking dentists.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Thailand?

• Pregnant women have access to good prenatal care in both public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are the cheapest. Prenatal care is free for those insured and a standard birth usually costs around 800 euros and a caesarean section double that. The care is generally good, but waiting times can be long and you usually cannot choose your doctor. Private hospitals are even more personal.
• Every private hospital offers “Childbirth Delivery Packages” which, depending on the type of birth, includes a number of nights in the hospital. These packages cover routine costs, but not the costs of possible complications.
• In public hospitals you also have Premium Clinics, which offer more comfort and better care.
• English-speaking doctors are mainly available in private hospitals.
• Most expats choose private hospitals. Make sure you check with your insurance whether the hospital of your choice is covered by them.
• Breastfeeding in public is accepted, but most women cover themselves with a cloth.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Thailand?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Thailand?

• Thailand is generally safe, but pickpockets and petty theft occur in busy tourist areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, especially in Bangkok.
• In rural areas and national parks you can encounter poisonous snakes, scorpions and other animals.
• Thailand has a rainy season (May-October) with a risk of flooding and landslides.
• Tropical storms also occur, especially in the south.
• Drug use and possession is strictly prohibited in Thailand, punishable by stiff prison sentences. Note that many medicines are also considered drugs (prescription drugs). You are required to carry a medicine passport or a statement from a doctor for your use of these drugs, otherwise you can get into trouble with them.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Thailand?

• There are several mosquito-borne diseases that you can contract in Thailand. It is therefore wise to protect yourself well against mosquitoes.
• In large cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai (during the “burn season”) air pollution can be a major problem, especially for people with respiratory problems.
• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Street food is popular and the quality is improving, but be careful about the hygiene of what you eat. It may also be wise to avoid undercooked and raw foods such as raw seafood.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Thailand?

• In Thailand, people drive on the left side of the road.
• Traffic in Thailand is chaotic, especially in Bangkok. Many local drivers ignore traffic rules.
• Scooters and motorbikes are popular means of transport, but riding them can be dangerous. Many accidents involving tourists occur every year.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter.
• Insurance often does not cover accidents if you do not have a valid motorcycle license.
• Tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared taxis) and motorbike taxis are convenient, but agree on a price before you get in.
• The BTS Skytrain in Bangkok is reliable and fast.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Thailand?

• Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Thailand if you are going to live there for a while?

• Expats are required to have health insurance, especially if they work in Thailand. Thai employers are often responsible for offering basic insurance, but if you do not work for a Thai employer, you must take out private insurance yourself.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.