Healthcare and medical services in Thailand

What to do if you need help

British Embassy Bangkok

Consular Section

AIA Sathorn Tower, Floor 12A

11/1 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn

Bangkok 10120

• medical emergency hotline: 1669

If you have travel insurance, you should contact your insurance company as soon as you are hospitalised. This will give them time to check whether your policy covers your condition and get your permission to access your medical records through your GP. Once they have validated your policy, they will liaise with your treating doctor to agree the best way for you to travel home. It may be some time before you are well enough to travel, and communication between hospital staff and the insurance company representatives is vital to assess and plan your repatriation. The British embassy cannot pay your medical bills. There are usually between 8 and 20 beds on each hospital ward. There are additional service fees if you want a single or private room. There are few private rooms in government hospitals. A laundry service for personal items of clothing is not normally provided, so make sure you have enough clothing. It is mandatory to show your passport at both public and private hospitals to get treatment. You will be asked to provide an emergency contact, which can be anyone you know, such as a family member, friend or other contact. If you live in Thailand, also read our living in Thailand guide for further information on medical considerations if you are resident in Thailand. If you need medical help urgently, including an ambulance, you should call:

• you are unable to call them yourself, and
• you have no one who can do this for you

In Thailand, people with mental health needs may be hospitalised and detained without giving their consent, for example, if they are considered to be behaving in a threatening manner or need treatment urgently and are unable to make decisions themselves. If you have medical insurance or can cover costs yourself, you are likely to be admitted to a private hospital. Most private hospitals in Thailand have an international liaison officer who can help liaise with insurance companies. If self-funding, you will usually be asked to provide a cash deposit before medical treatment begins. You should always take out appropriate travel insurance before visiting Thailand, or if you live here.

Financial compensation scheme for foreign tourists

If you are unable to seek the required response from the Medical Hotline, then you should call: Many Government hospitals and clinics in Thailand are not equipped to deal with major trauma, particularly in the southern islands and many districts outside Bangkok and the provincial capitals. Also read Guardianship section which explains about the use of legal guardians for people who are no longer able to take care of themselves. To decide how to support you, we will consider factors such as your condition, whether you can speak on the phone, whether you are being supported by a tour operator or insurance company representative, or have relatives or friends with you.

Primary care (General Practitioners – GPs)

Check list of mental health facilities in Thailand for more information about specialised mental health facilities. Some medications prescribed in the UK may not be available or legally sold in pharmacies in Thailand. Carrying a copy of your prescription can help doctors to find the exact or similar medication. Medical costs and services in Thailand can vary significantly and are dependent on whether you use government or private medical facilities and your health condition. The fee for a consultation with a medical professional can vary between hospitals and will normally be discussed before proceeding with the service.

Repeat or replacement prescriptions

Drug laws in Thailand are very strict, so caution must be taken even with medication that you have been legitimately prescribed within your home country. See information on bringing medication into Thailand from the Royal Thai Embassy, London. You must apply for a permit to bring drugs containing psychotropic or narcotic substances into the country. If you do not have travel insurance and you wish to be medically repatriated, you (or your next-of-kin) may wish to consider paying for repatriation yourself. The British embassy cannot help with the cost of repatriation, and we recommend you contact a few medical repatriation companies to obtain an estimate of the cost. Alternatively, many private Thai hospitals offer a similar service, provided by medical professionals. A walk-in consultation service is available at most private hospitals, who can often give further information on specialists within different medical fields. There is usually a minimal waiting time for the Outpatients Department in private facilities and English-speaking staff available to help. You, a relative or friend should request a medical report directly from the hospital before you are discharged. If you require a repeat or replacement prescription, you should ask your local government or private hospital for advice on which doctor you need to consult in order to obtain the correct treatment / prescription. You should also contact your GP in the UK, as your insurance company may want to speak to them as well. Repatriation under medical supervision is possible in many cases but can be costly and take a long time to organise. This is normally done through a medical repatriation company and costs are normally covered by travel insurance or personal funds. Some major provinces have mental health service facilities, including psychiatric hospitals. These facilities often have teams of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and other health workers. Some of these are centres for both adults and children.

Mental health services

The Medical Council of Thailand, and other healthcare bodies, have a Declaration of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities. Most hospitals in Thailand publish these declarations online. For more serious complaints, you should seek legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Thailand. Read more about using your EHIC/GHIC abroad. Under Thai law a guardian is normally a family member. Filing for guardianship has two stages: the first includes providing sufficient proof that the ward is incapacitated and cannot adequately take care of themselves and the second stage the actual appointment of the guardian by the Court. The court-appointed guardian must regularly provide reports to the Court, and their guardianship status may be revoked by the court if they do not take appropriate care of the ward under Thai law.

Compulsory hospitalisation

Check with your airline if you need a Fit to Fly Certificate. If you do, you must request the treating doctor to provide one. They may not automatically give this to you. Meals are provided by both government and private hospitals and included as part of the standard room rate. If you have a dietary requirement, you should discuss this with hospital staff at the time you are admitted or shortly afterwards. You will normally get 3 meals each day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) but menus and mealtimes may vary according to your medical condition and whether you are in a government or private hospital. You may also make an appointment with a psychologist or a psychiatrist in a private practice. Doctors in most hospitals should be able to recommend one, or you can contact one directly. If you have any concerns about guardianship, you should seek legal advice. We have a list of English speaking lawyers in Thailand.

How the British embassy can help

There are many private care home facilities throughout Thailand that specialise in providing care to elderly or longer-term patients. The majority can be found in the larger cities such as Bangkok and the provincial capitals. They can help with daily basic needs and liaise with medical professionals. Most major hospitals have developed strong relations with local care homes in their area, so the referral process is usually very straightforward. Most care homes in the major cities will have English-speaking staff. Full medical reports are not always readily available in Thailand. Most hospitals do not have a computerised records system, including some of the international ones. Handwritten notes are the norm and in government hospitals, they are sometimes written in Thai. Medical costs in Thailand can vary significantly and are dependent on whether you use government or private medical facilities and your health condition. Eligible tourists must meet the scheme criteria and conditions (PDF, 295 KB) set by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Our contact details

If you are hospitalised in Thailand and the British embassy is notified, we will try to contact you as soon as possible to see how we can help you. We will then aim to provide assistance according to your specific needs. Different wards often have different visiting times and regulations. If family members or friends wish to visit you in hospital, they should arrange this with the hospital directly. The embassy may be able to help if you have language or other difficulties.

Going into hospital

In an emergency a police officer or doctor may take this step, but the power to do so will be decided by a court if it decides that a person requires urgent treatment and are unable to make decisions for themselves. If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Thailand. You should consult your GP before travelling to Thailand to find out about any alternative medication. We do not usually contact or visit people who have travelled specifically for medical treatment.

Private hospitals

British Embassy Bangkok

Consular Section

AIA Sathorn Tower, Floor 12A

11/1 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn

Bangkok 10120

Thailand

Please send your feedback or complaint to the embassy using our online feedback form or by post.

Government hospitals

When you are discharged, you are likely to be given a medical certificate outlining your diagnosis, along with a copy of your hospital bill and any medication prescribed. Further information on the Traveller Safety Scheme, including registration and how to apply for compensation is available from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Check your insurance terms and conditions. Your insurance company may not accept your claim if you did not disclose a pre-existing medical condition. If you are involved in an accident whilst driving a motorcycle your insurance may not cover you if the bike is over 50cc, or you did not comply with Thai road laws. For less urgent requirements, you may wish to contact the nearest government or private hospital. See a list of English speaking doctors and medical facilities in Thailand. They should be able to make an initial assessment, provide some support, and signpost you elsewhere if they feel it is necessary. They should also be able to assist you in guiding you to a more specialised hospital or facility.

Check your visa status

Whilst the embassy can help liaise with a hospital to request your medical reports, these may not be provided due to privacy and data protection regulations. With a government hospital, you are likely to have to register with the hospital before being able to book an appointment. Services are often limited compared to their private counterparts. Waiting times are often considerably longer and waiting areas are likely to be crowded. There are also fewer English-speaking staff available. Large government and private hospitals are likely to have General Practitioners (GP) available through their Outpatients Department. There are also some private GP clinics in Thailand.

While you are in hospital

The Medical Council of Thailand, and other healthcare bodies, have a Declaration of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities. Most hospitals in Thailand publish these declarations online. Not all staff in a government hospital will speak English. Whilst most doctors will be able to communicate with you in English, it is unlikely that nursing and other staff speak English. If the government hospital does not provide you with someone to help translate, you can contact the Tourist Assistance Centre via the Tourist Police on 1155 and ask for assistance. Many private hospitals offer “medical tourism” to people from around the world, and in many cases, this includes mental health and drug rehabilitation treatment. This category of hospital tends to be in the higher price range, but still, as a rule, considerably less expensive than European / Western countries. A stay at a private psychiatric hospital can be expensive. It is essential that you have a deposit, or a payment guarantee before you are admitted. The staff are usually willing to work out payment plans with family or relatives, if required. If you are not able to extend or change your visa to an alternative, you should discuss your options with your local Immigration Office. Visit the Thai Immigration website for further information on visa extension options. Telephone +66 (0) 2 305 8333

Treatment by means of physical restraints, confinement or seclusion of a patient are not normally used in Thailand, unless it is necessary for the protection of the patient or other people. Both Government and Private hospitals charge for their services. Treatment, even in an emergency, is rarely free of charge. Medicine, medical supplies and laboratory costs can be expensive. If you can, we recommend you check hospital fees before you are admitted.

Guardianship

Both Government and Private hospitals charge for their services. Treatment, even in an emergency, is rarely free of charge. Medicine, medical supplies and laboratory costs can be expensive. If you can, we recommend you check hospital fees before you are admitted.

Medical repatriation

They also provide walk-in service, but the queue is normally longer than private hospitals. Thailand Courts have the authority to appoint a legal guardian for people who are no longer able to take care of themselves. Guardians are also appointed for minors (under eighteen) in cases where the parents are no longer able to exercise parental authority. A guardian can make legal decisions for the ward. This includes making all medical decisions related to the ward, managing the ward’s property, ensuring all bills are paid on behalf of the ward and determining where the ward lives. Whilst they are likely to have more basic facilities, the level of medical expertise tends to be high since most doctors working in government hospitals also have surgeries and consultation contracts with private hospitals.

Care homes

You many be moved to a government hospital if you are no longer able to continue to fund your stay in a private hospital. Both Government and Private hospitals charge for their services. You may have to pay your bill before you can be discharged. If you do not have insurance, you are likely to receive regular invoices, sometimes daily, with a breakdown of costs. In some hospitals you may be expected to pay daily if you have no insurance.

List of doctors and medical facilities in Thailand

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Chon Buri

Nakhon Sawan

Nonthaburi

Pathum Thani

Phitsanulok

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Samut Prakan

Trat

List of medical repatriation (medivac) companies in Thailand

List of mental health facilities in Thailand

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Chon Buri

Khon Kaen

Pathum Thani

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Surat Thani

Udon Thani

Mental health support from other agencies and organisations

The scheme is valid until 31 August 2024 and there is no cost to register.

List of care homes for British people in Thailand

A Traveller Safety scheme run by the Thai Government offers financial compensation to foreign tourists who are injured or die as a result of an accident, crime, or other emergency whilst visiting Thailand.

List of care home placement facilitators

List of care homes in Thailand

Bangkok

Buriram

Chiang Mai

Chonburi

Khon Kaen

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Ratchasima

Nonthaburi

Pathum Thani

Phuket

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Surat Thani

Disclaimer

As a patient in a government hospital, you will need to bring your own towels and toiletries. You might want to ask family or friends to bring them after you have been admitted. In a private hospital these are usually provided and form part of the standard room charge.

Feedback

Many private hospitals offer “medical tourism” to people from around the world. This category of hospital tends to be in the higher price range, but still, as a rule, considerably less expensive than European / Western countries. Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

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