Thailand is among the more preferred destinations for quality medical care. But why is that? Their quality healthcare services and reasonable prices are the obvious answers, but in this blog, we’ll delve deeper to learn more about Thailand’s popularity as a medical tourism hub.

Thailand’s medical tourism expenses were approximately $820 million in 2023. The country’s undeniable impact on the medical tourism industry has patients all around the world traveling to Thailand. These travelers are in search of medical care and wellness programs that are available but not affordable in their home countries. Procedures that cost more than $5,000 in Western countries can be found at a fraction of the cost in Thailand. But this remarkable achievement did not happen overnight. For decades, Thai policymakers, medical researchers, professionals, and of course, the Thai government have been investing to improve their healthcare industry. As a result, Thailand now has one of the most resilient health sectors in the world.

Thai hospitals provide complex and advanced medical services that include treatments not readily available in other countries. These hospitals have specialists at the top of their fields, doctors from all disciplines, a wide range of accommodation options, and the latest medical technology. Most of these hospitals have staff members who can speak multiple languages, so patients can effectively communicate their needs to their medical service providers. Some even offer language interpreter and translator services. To know which one provides all the services you need, consider partnering with a medical tourism company in Bangladesh. You’ll get access to the best Thai hospitals and also benefit from other services such as a streamlined doctor booking service, secure money transfer options, hospital admission, Thai medical visa processing, air ambulance, and more.

Now let’s take a look at the most popular medical services tourists seek in Thailand!

1. Health Screenings

Common health screening tests can be expensive in countries like the US and UK, especially when you don’t have insurance. These tests include blood pressure checks, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, weight, and body mass index (BMI), complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, urinalysis, chest X-rays, and more. These tests are necessary for a diagnosis, and the reasonable price makes health screening the most in-demand medical treatment in Thailand.

In the US, the average cost of an MRI is around $1,325. However, in Thailand, a full-body scan ranges from $500 to $1,000. The prices may vary depending on the hospital and the specific area of the body being scanned, but they are significantly lower. Medical imaging procedures, such as PET scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, mammograms, echocardiograms, and angiograms, are also more reasonably priced in Thailand.

2. Cosmetic Treatments

The cosmetic surgery industry is a highly celebrated sector in Thailand as it continues to bring them praise. The country has highly skilled plastic surgeons with jaw-dropping success rates. Patients get access to cost-effective expert care, advanced procedures, and excellent post-surgical recovery services.

These services are known for having long-term positive consequences. Many people travel to Thailand for cosmetic enhancements to improve their appearance and impact career opportunities and personal confidence. Some of the most popular cosmetic procedures include rhinoplasty (nose job), breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), rhytidectomy (facelift), and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).

3. Cancer Treatments

A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. The availability and affordability of treatment options make cancer care highly sought after in Thailand. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants, and stem cell transplants.

The cost of chemotherapy in Thailand typically ranges from $1,000 to $6,800. Prices vary depending on the type and severity of cancer, treatment method, hospital location, and doctor’s experience. In the US, the average monthly cost of chemotherapy drugs can range from $1,000 to $12,000. If a patient needs four sessions in a year, the total cost could reach $48,000. This amount is well beyond the budget of many patients seeking lifesaving care.

4. Orthopedics

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a popular treatment in Thailand. It involves replacing damaged cartilage and bone in a joint with a prosthetic implant. This procedure can be performed on the knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, elbows, wrists, fingers, and toes. The cost of hip replacement surgery starts at around $35,000 in the UK. In Thailand, hip and knee surgery packages range from $10,206 to $21,660 depending on which hospital and clinic you’re visiting.

5. Eye Procedures

There are many different types of eye surgeries, depending on the part of the eye being treated, the condition, and its severity. For correcting vision problems, LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely recognized procedure. This quick and safe surgery is in high demand among patients globally. The average cost of LASIK surgery in the US is $4,400, while in Thailand, it is approximately $2,150.

6. Heart Surgery

By choosing Thailand for complex medical procedures such as heart surgery, patients can save substantial amounts of money. Treating heart-related conditions requires specialized expertise which leads to high costs. In the US, heart valve replacement surgery can cost more than $170,000. In Thailand, the procedure ranges from approximately $8,000 to $28,000. The affordability of these procedures in Thailand makes life-saving medical care accessible to more people.

7. Kidney Treatments

Thai hospitals offer advanced diagnostics and treatments for a wide range of kidney conditions. Preventing such diseases from progressing often involves a team of specialists, including nephrologists, nurses, nutritionists, and pharmacists. Such a team is usually far more expensive abroad than it is in Thailand.

A kidney transplant in Thailand typically costs between $28,000 and $40,000. In the US, the average cost is around $442,500. This is more than 11 times higher. The difference in cost can significantly affect a patient’s finances.

8. IVF and Fertility

Having a child is a major life event. Reliable medical support can make a big difference. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments help many couples become parents, but the cost in the US is often a barrier.

In the US, a single IVF cycle includes procedures, imaging, bloodwork, and medications. The total can range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more. In Thailand, IVF costs typically range from $4,500 to $6,000. The final amount depends on the type of IVF, the patient’s age, the specific fertility challenges, and the medications needed.

9. Urology

Urologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Common procedures include vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, cystoscopy, prostate surgery, ureteroscopy, lithotripsy, orchiopexy, penile plication, penile implants, and circumcision.

A vasectomy in the US typically costs up to $1,000 without insurance. Follow-up care, such as semen analysis, can raise the total cost. Out-of-pocket expenses depend on the insurance plan. In Thailand, vasectomy costs range from $416 to $594. This often includes a consultation with a urologist, the procedure using local anesthesia and small instruments, and a follow-up visit.

10. Neurology

Neurology focuses on conditions that affect the nervous system. Common issues include brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Bell’s palsy, cerebral aneurysms, epilepsy, herniated discs, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cluster headaches, migraines, and encephalitis.

In the US, the average cost of treating brain cancer ranges from $100,000 to over $1 million per patient. In Bangkok, brain tumor treatment typically costs between $50,610 and $55,920. This difference in cost is attracting the attention of patients from around the world.

Conclusion

Apart from the medical treatments discussed in this blog, wellness treatments and programs in Thailand are also growing in popularity. Traditional Thai medicine, meditation, yoga, beauty treatments, and alternative medicine are drawing in patients from around the world, perfectly showcasing Thailand’s growing healthcare sector.

Thailand’s reasonable costs for medical services, accommodation, transportation, and recovery make it an attractive option for people seeking high-quality medical care. And if you are not sure how to choose the best medical treatment or program for you, reach out to an authorized medical referral partner in your area that has agreements with top hospitals in Thailand. This can help streamline your medical visit so your patient journey is smooth and hassle-free.