medtourism.guide

Travelling to Thailand for treatment

How do I get there?

For Bangkok, compare Suvarnabhumi Airport with Don Mueang Airport. Tell the clinic which airport and terminal you will use.

For Phuket, consult Phuket International Airport. Confirm the treatment hospital rather than using the location of a hospital group's head office.

For clinics in northern Thailand, consult Chiang Mai International Airport. Confirm any onward connection with the airline.

Do I need a visa?

The Royal Thai Embassy's revised exemption scheme took effect on 15 September 2026. For ordinary passports and tourism:

This exemption is for tourism. For planned treatment, check the medical-purpose route with the Thai embassy. Thailand's official e-Visa site includes a medical-treatment category for treatment lasting less than 60 days; ask about the correct category for a longer course.

The Thai Immigration Bureau's Digital Arrival Card applies to foreign arrivals by air, land or sea from 1 May 2025. Complete it within the three days before arrival, subject to the stated exemptions. It is an arrival registration, not a visa.

Before departure, read Canada's travel advice for Thailand, US travel advice for Thailand, UK travel advice for Thailand and the European Commission's gateway to EU national travel advice.

How do clinics usually take payment?

Bangkok Hospital Phuket lists cash in Thai baht, major credit cards, Apple Pay and wire transfers. Its international-patient team provides financial information once an appointment is confirmed.

Ask which currency will be used for your quotation and final invoice, whether a deposit is required, when a transfer must clear, and whether tax is included. A hospital's direct-billing relationship with an insurer does not establish coverage for your planned treatment.

What language and documents do I need?

Bangkok International Dental Hospital has an English international-patient page. Bangkok Hospital Phuket asks insured patients for a passport and insurance membership details. Confirm the language support and documents for your own appointment.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises patients to bring relevant medical records, test results, prescriptions and a medication list, and to tell the receiving team about allergies. It also advises obtaining complete records before returning home and arranging any necessary English translation.

Ask for a medical or dental report, an itemised invoice, prescriptions and a follow-up contact. If an implant or other device is used, request its identifying details and the operative record so your clinician at home knows what was placed.

Who can I complain to?

For a private facility, contact the Ministry of Public Health's Department of Health Service Support and ask which office handles your facility and complaint. The published contact page gives telephone and email routes in Thai. Request English assistance and the appropriate complaint form; do not assume that a general enquiry or a form for a different department opens a clinical complaint.

How to check a doctor's licence in Thailand: our guide.

How long do people stay?

Ask your treating hospital for a procedure-specific stay, dates for wound checks or other reviews, and written arrangements if travel is delayed. Do not use the tourist-entry allowance as the number of days needed for treatment.

The CDC's medical-travel guidance says flying after surgery can increase clot risk and discusses delaying air travel 10–14 days after major surgery, especially chest procedures. This is general official guidance; ask the treating team and airline about your own return journey.

What should I know about the place?

The Thai government's Medical Hub programme describes collaboration between public and private providers to serve international patients. It does not determine whether an individual procedure is suitable for you.

Checked on 24 October 2026.

Treatment in Thailand