What springs to mind when you think of Thailand? Exotic beaches, stunning picturesque mountains, or delicious spicy food. Well, if that’s all you know, there is more. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, over one million tourists visit the Kingdom yearly for its state-of-the-art medical services.
Thailand has a host of well-known hospitals and clinics that provide world class medical services conducting several surgical procedures. Why do many people choose Thailand over other countries? The answer is simple, why pay more for a procedure that could cost you less? The Kingdom’s high standards of healthcare expertise make it a world leader in medical tourism.
Popular Medical Procedures
No surgical procedure is beyond Thailand’s capability; the Kingdom receives tourists requesting procedures ranging from gender reassignment to hip and knee replacements to cosmetic surgical procedures like liposuction, facelifts, and chin augmentation. Those yearning for a heightened facial definition choose to refine their looks and turn back time on their face and body in Thailand, thanks to the competitive rates.
All hospitals in Bangkok are equipped with the latest machines and medical equipment for diagnostic and laboratory prognosis, along with digital MRI scans and X-Ray machines. Other procedures that require meticulous care, like corrective eye surgery and dentistry, are also conducted.
Excellent Care and Service
When you are arrive in Thailand, expect to be treated cordially. Many patients report becoming so at ease that they feel almost like guests on holiday from the moment they arrive at the hospital. Thais pride themselves on their compassionate care and warm hospitality, which is why the country is known as the “land of smiles.”
When Thai doctors and nurses treat you, the first thing you will notice is their personal care and genuine interest. This is one of many reasons why people choose to fly to Thailand to seek medical treatment. Forget about long waiting lists, stressed-out nurses, crowded hospitals, and grumpy receptionists. All of Thailand’s leading hospitals feature several amenities. For example, hospitals like Bumrungrad and Samitvej feature receptionists and translators who speak several languages.
Other amenities include chauffeured rides to the hospital if a friend or relative is undergoing a medical procedure, free welcome drinks, newspapers in English and Thai, food courts, and relaxation centers. Thai physicians, surgeons, and nurses are trained to the highest level, with many specialists conducting research and gaining first-hand experience at some of the world’s most renowned medical institutes.
Thailand’s medical treatment cost is significantly lower than other Western and developed nations. When you choose a medical procedure or treatment in Thailand, you get value for money. For example, a heart bypass surgery in the US could cost more than $130,000, which can be performed in Thailand by experienced doctors for only $13,000. Moreover, most cosmetic treatments are roughly 50 percent less expensive in Thailand than the United States or Canada.
What to Expect
From the moment you arrive at the airport, there are a number of hospital booths where you can register your personal information. A few hospitals like Bumrungrad have a complete support service system to manage inbound patients, including partnerships with travel and tour operators.
Also of interest is the range of in-hospital accommodation available for family members and next of kin. The five-star service includes studio apartment-sized rooms for patients and their families. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi and tastefully designed and decorated with a living room space, washroom, and kitchen if you stay with a family member or travel partner.
Additionally, all lounges in hospitals like Bumrungrad and Samitvej offer alcohol-free drinks free of charge. Each hospital has a check-in reception with professional customer service staff offering in-house travel services like visa extensions and translators for international patients.
For additional convenience, hospitals like Bumrungrad offer an airport representative to assist you upon arrival at the airport. Once you clear customs, the hospital provides shuttle services free of charge after checking in with your medical information and credentials at one of their kiosks. Designated service staff at the airport and hospital speak several languages helping you overcome barriers to get the needed support.
There are numerous advantages for a medical holiday in Thailand; besides saving costs, internationally accredited physicians and hospitals offer you the treatment you need. The Thailand medical tourism website provides essential information about procedures, services, packages, and promotions, along with the most recent industry news.
Thailand has over 60 Joint Commission International accredited hospitals, which pride themselves on the highest quality of service. All medical institutions undergo rigorous inspections and tests to meet standards and requirements. Thailand’s exceptional healthcare expertise makes it a world leader in the medical tourism industry, with the options for a post-medical treatment holiday considered among the best in the world.
