Private vs Government Hospitals in Thailand
Thailand is known for its high standard of healthcare. The Land of Smiles has world-class hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and doctors who have received international training. With many options available, finding a suitable Thai hospital can be challenging for foreigners and expats. It’s important to know the pros and cons – private vs government hospitals in Thailand to ensure your smooth journey as living in Thailand as an expat.
Are you an expat seeking options for healthcare in Thailand? This Pacific Prime Thailand article will provide you with valuable insights into public and private Thai hospitals, so you can make informed decisions and select the best option that aligns with your specific healthcare needs.
Types of Hospitals: Private vs Government Hospitals in Thailand
Both provide medical care for a wide range of medical conditions. Yet, you will have a different experience because they offer different facilities and services. Keep in mind that private hospitals are more expensive than public hospitals.
Private Hospitals
There are multiple private hospitals in Bangkok, the majority of which provide healthcare that is similar to or better than what is available in hospitals in many Western countries.
Hospitals in Thailand are reviewed and accredited by two independent accreditation organizations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Below are known benefits and factors to keep in mind about private hospitals in Thailand.
Short Waiting Times
If you prefer to avoid the hassle of queuing early in the morning and enduring long waiting times, private hospitals in Thailand are the recommended choice.
These hospitals prioritize efficiency and provide a more streamlined experience. In addition, private hospitals often attract highly experienced medical specialists, which contributes to their reputation and quality of care.
Greater Service and Care
Private hospitals excel in providing better treatment options and superior customer service. Patients can expect more personalized attention and ample time to communicate with their doctors, which may be limited in government hospitals due to high patient volumes.
There are many advantages to visiting a private hospital, one being its customer service. Staff, including doctors and nurses, receive comprehensive training to deliver exceptional care. They go the extra mile, ensuring a pleasant experience and guiding patients, minimizing confusion.
Higher Price Tag
It is important to consider that private hospitals generally come with higher price tags compared to public hospitals. Especially if you prioritize convenience, personalized care, and excellent customer service, private hospitals are likely to meet your expectations. However, it’s advisable to assess your budget before making a decision.
Notable Private Hospitals in Thailand
Some notable private hospitals in Thailand include Bamrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, and more. Below are brief descriptions on each notable private hospital in Thailand:
- Bamrungrad International Hospital: Founded back in 1980, Bamrungrad International Hospital is known for its comprehensive services, including cutting-edge diagnostics, complex surgical procedures, and various specialties such as allergies, dentistry, urology, and more.
- Bangkok Hospital: Established in 1972 as one of the first private hospitals in Thailand, Bangkok Hospital features various areas of medical services such as cancer treatment, check-ups, dental care, male, female, and children wellness, and more.
- Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital: Located in the heart of Bangkok, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is renowned for providing advanced medical care and treatment across various specialties, including various forms of pediatric care, allergies, brain health, infectious diseases, and more.
- MedPark Hospital: This large 25-story modern hospital located once again in the heart of Bangkok is known for its experienced medical staff, advanced medical technology, and numerous areas of medical services such as critical care, neurology, pediatric care, and many more.
Public Hospitals
If you are looking for cost-effective medical treatment in Thailand, public hospitals are a highly recommended option. These hospitals typically offer more affordable rates compared to private hospitals.
The public healthcare system in Thailand is funded by the Department of Medical Services and the Ministry of Public Health. Most of the healthcare staff in these hospitals primarily communicate in Thai, although there might be a few doctors who have some proficiency in English.
Despite the cost-effective treatment for the price, public hospitals in Thailand do have some drawbacks such as problematic waiting times and some factors to consider like social security. Below are key factors to keep in mind about public hospitals in Thailand.
Longer Waiting Times
One thing to note is that public hospitals often face a large number of patients on a daily basis, which can result in long wait times before seeing a doctor.
To mitigate this, some people choose to arrive at the hospital earlier than 6 AM to avoid lengthy queues. This helps them secure an earlier spot in line and potentially reduces waiting times.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the language barrier and potential wait times are factors to consider when seeking treatment at these hospitals.
Dual Pricing and Social Security
In 2019, Thai public hospitals have been given the green light to charge foreign nationals higher fees for their services, due to newly implemented regulations. These regulations go beyond simple dual pricing and introduce a more nuanced approach by categorizing patients into four tiers based on their visa status.
Thai nationals who possess a Universal Coverage Health Card, as well as foreigners who contribute to social security through their taxes, are entitled to free treatment at government hospitals.
Notable Public Hospitals in Thailand
Some notable public hospitals in Thailand include King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital. The following are brief descriptions of each notable Thai public hospital:
- King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital: This prestigious hospital combines top-tier medical services and compassionate care, offering numerous areas of medical care through various clinics such as dentistry, rehabilitation medicine, pediatrics, and more.
- Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital: Part of the Siriraj Hospital network, Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital stands out as a beacon of medical innovation on the banks of Thailand’s iconic Chao Phraya River. Notable medical centers include the dental center, urology center, cancer center, and more.
| Public Hospitals | Private Hospitals | |
| Pricing | More Affordable | Much more expensive. |
| Quality of Care | Cost-effective treatment for the price. | Much greater quality care. |
| Waiting Times | Facilities may be crowded and waiting times may be long especially for non-emergency medical cases. | Much shorter regardless of whether the patients’ case is an emergency or not, allowing greater access to treatment in a timely manner. |
Visiting a Hospital in Thailand
Before visiting a hospital in the Land of Smiles, whether it’s a public or private hospital, you should be aware of the following to ensure a smooth experience.
Making an Appointment
After you’ve picked a hospital for your treatment, the next step is to make an appointment. It’s difficult to book an appointment at a government hospital online, so you must arrive as early as possible before 6 or 7 a.m.
Meanwhile, at private hospitals, they allow you to set up an appointment either online or by phone call. Usually, they will call you a day or two for confirmation.
Documents You Need to Bring
Whether you’re an expat or a tourist seeking medical treatment in Thailand, you will be required to use your passport for hospital registration. Regardless of whether you have scheduled an appointment online or walk in, it’s necessary to carry your passport with you during every hospital visit.
If you have health insurance coverage, you should bring your insurance card and show it to the hospital staff during the registration process. This enables the hospital to verify your insurance details and ensure a smooth billing process.
Arriving at the Hospital
When visiting a public hospital in Thailand, we advise you to arrive as early as possible. This is because you will need to complete registration forms and obtain a queue number before seeing a doctor. Arriving late may result in not being able to see a doctor on the same day.
On the other hand, private hospitals are much easier. If an appointment is made, it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes early. This allows enough time for registration, undergoing a check-up, and waiting for your doctor.
Being Admitted
If you need to be admitted to the hospital, you will have the option of staying in a private or shared room. Private hospitals provide VIP rooms and royal suites in addition to private and shared rooms. These rooms are normally very pricey by Thai standards, yet they provide more facilities and even attractive furnishings similar to 5-star hotels.
How Much Does It Cost to See a Doctor in Thailand?
Private hospitals in Thailand offer several advantages, but they do come with a high price tag. While private hospital treatment is generally more expensive than public hospitals, it’s still more affordable than equivalent services in Western countries.
Thus, having international health insurance is strongly recommended as you can not only access top-quality private hospitals in Thailand, but also keep your finances safe even with these hospitals’ higher treatment costs.
With benefits like dental, vision, or maternity coverage also available as part of the plan, you can also extend the coverage to your family to ensure maximum healthcare accessibility for everyone.
Contact Pacific Prime Today
Despite the relatively lower cost of medical treatment in Thailand, it’s important to keep in mind that expenses can still be substantial. Therefore, securing insurance coverage is vital to protect yourself from unexpected accidents or illnesses.
In the absence of international health insurance in Thailand, the expenses associated with any accident, illness, or medical service can potentially deplete your savings, limiting your options for care and treatment quality. Having the right insurance not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that you and your family have access to high-quality treatment.
With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Pacific Prime Thailand is your trusted partner for all insurance-related matters. We work with both local and international insurers in Thailand and offer a wide range of insurance plans that meet our client’s needs, including family insurance, individual health insurance, maternity insurance, retiree insurance, and more.
Contact us to receive impartial advice or a free quote today.
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