Why Thailand Is a Top Choice for Medical Tourism
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for international medical travellers and for good reason.
Here is why patients from190+ countries choose Thailand for healthcare:
- 3 million+ international patients receive treatment in Thailand yearly
- 60+ JCI-accredited hospitals with world-class standards
- Leading hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital serve 520,000+ international patients annually
- Shorter waiting times and up to 60% lower costs than in the UK, US, or Australia
- Language translators, English-speaking doctors, international patient departments
- Advanced specialties including robotic surgery, neurosurgery, cancer care, regenerative medicine
- Access to wellness, anti-ageing, and full-body screening packages for preventive health management
- Option to recover in private suites, near beach resorts, or wellness centres designed for post-operative healing
This guide gives you a step-by-step view of what to expect, how to choose the right hospital, costs, and how My 1Health, a medical tourism facilitator, supports every part of your journey; before, during, and after.
Speak to a Medical Travel Advisor at no cost. Our team will guide you through the entire process!
Who this guide is for:
- Medical tourists planning a procedure
- Patients exploring second opinions
- Caregivers supporting a loved one
- Travellers combining holiday + health
- First-time medical travellers
What to Know Before Travelling for Treatment in Thailand
Should You Use a Medical Tourism Facilitator?
When planning treatment abroad considering multiple hospitals, price estimates, medical records, visas, travel logistics, language barriers is very crucial.
A medical tourism facilitator helps you simplify all of that. Here is why My 1Health stands out:
- We’ve supported 50,000+ international patients — from IVF to heart surgery
- We work only with hospitals that meet global standards for safety and care
- Our services are fully supported by our partner hospitals, meaning no costs for you.
- We get you real treatment cost estimates from different hospitals so that you can compare
- We let you know which countries are best suited for your type of treatment
- Our team helps you choose the right hospital, prepare your documents, and feel confident every step of the way
We help you get answers, book in person and online video consultations with doctors in Thailand and give you the support you need before, during, and after your treatment.
Top Medical Treatments in Thailand
Thailand is globally recognised for advanced procedures and complex treatments delivered at internationally accredited hospitals.
If you’re considering any of the following, Thailand may be a highly suitable option:
- Orthopaedics: Joint replacements, spinal fusion, sports injury repair
- Cardiology: Bypass surgery, valve repair, catheter-based procedures
- Cancer treatment: Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy with precision diagnostics
- IVF and fertility: Options for heterosexual couples, single women, and same-sex couples — one of the few Asian countries that supports inclusive IVF care
- Gender-affirming surgery: Thailand is among the world’s top destinations for facial feminisation, top and bottom surgery, with high patient satisfaction and experienced teams
- Neurosurgery: Brain tumour removal, spinal decompression, minimally invasive techniques
- Health screening & anti-ageing: Full-body check-ups, hormonal therapies, regenerative medicine
- Cosmetic procedures: Rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction — often performed with shorter waiting times and lower costs than in Western countries
Get a personalised treatment plan and cost estimate for your procedure
Choosing the Right Hospital Based on Your Treatment
Not all hospitals specialise in the same things. Choosing based on your treatment needs gives you better outcomes and a smoother experience.
For example:
- Bumrungrad International Hospital is globally known for complex surgeries, cancer care, and cardiology
- Vejthani Hospital is a top choice for orthopaedics like knee or spine procedures
- Vitallife and RXV Wellness Village focus on longevity, wellness, anti-ageing, and regenerative therapies
- Some hospitals offer IVF options for same-sex couples or single women — a rare find in Asia
With the right match, you get the best treatment, the right surgeon, the right team, and the right support.
Timing & Recovery: What You Need to Plan For
Your treatment might only take a few days, but your recovery could take longer. Here’s what to think about:
- Will you need to stay in Thailand for 1 week, 2, or more?
- Will you need post-op therapy or check-ups before flying back?
- Are you choosing a treatment that allows some tourism during recovery, or will you need full rest?
Hospitals in Thailand often have dedicated international recovery suites, airport transfer services, and private nurses available but you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of it.
Travel Readiness: What to Prepare Before You Go
Before booking anything, check that you’re travel-ready. This includes:
- Medical reports and imaging from your home doctor
- Updated passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Health clearance for flying, especially for surgery
- A valid medical visa, if required (we help with that)
- Having a travel companion, if your treatment recommends one
The earlier you prepare, the smoother your journey. My 1Health can guide you on what documents your hospital will need — and help you avoid delays or missed approvals.
Top Hospitals in Thailand for International Patients
1. Bumrungrad International Hospital- Ranked Top 100 Hospitals Worldwide by Newsweek
Website: Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand
- 1.1+ million patients served annually, including 520,000 international patients from 190+ countries
- JCI-accredited with advanced robotics, oncology, bone marrow transplant and cardiac centres
- Home to Vitallife Wellness Centre, one of Asia’s leading centres for preventive and anti-ageing medicine
- Offers online video consultations, rapid second opinions, and English-speaking medical teams
- Known for personalised care plans, advanced diagnostics, and seamless in-hospital coordination
Reach out to Bumrungrad international patient support team
2. Vejthani Hospital, Bangkok- Advanced Orthopaedics and Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- 300,000+ patients annually, including international patients
- Strong focus on spine surgery, joint replacement, and minimally invasive techniques
- ISO and JCI-accredited with an International Patient Centre offering translator support
- Modern recovery suites and on-site rehabilitation services for surgical patients
- Known for competitive pricing on orthopaedic packages, including bundled care with follow-up
3. Vitallife Wellness Centre, Bangkok & Phuket- Health Promotion and Aesthetic Treatments
Website: Vitallife Wellness Centre in Bangkok & Phuket
- 1st Wellness Center in Asia with 23+ years of providing personalised wellness programs.
- 55+ internationally recognised doctors dedicated to personalised, top-tier care.
- Part of Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in the world.
- Specialises in preventive health check-ups, longevity care, hormonal balancing, detox programs
- DNA-based wellness plans, anti-ageing solutions, and executive screenings
- Attracts international patients from 150+ countries seeking long-term health optimisation
4. RXV Wellness Village, Chiang Mai- Integrative Recovery, Wellness, Functional Medicine
Website: RXV Wellness Village in Chiang Mai
- Leading destination for integrative medicine, recovery, and regenerative therapies
- Located in a nature-rich setting ideal for post-treatment healing or long-stay wellness plans
- Provides services such as functional medicine, stem cell therapy, and anti-ageing treatments
- Preferred by patients recovering from major surgery, managing chronic illness, or seeking preventive therapies
Best Cities for Medical Travel in Thailand
Each city in Thailand offers something different for medical travellers.
Whether you need a major procedure, a wellness retreat, or a cosmetic treatment, the city you choose can influence your care experience, recovery environment, and overall comfort.
Here is a comparison of Thailand’s top medical destinations:
| City | Best For | Why Patients Choose It | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Surgeries, IVF, cancer, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, gender affirmation surgeries | Home to Thailand’s top hospitals like Bumrungrad, Vejthani, Samitivej. Central location, full hospital infrastructure. | ||
| Rehabilitation centres, mental health support, functional medicine | Peaceful escape with access to nature, yoga, and quiet boutique hotels | ||
| Phuket | Cosmetic surgery, dental work, short recovery stays | Combines treatment with beachside rest. Ideal for minor to moderate procedures. |
In addition to medical care, each of these cities offers rich cultural experiences.
Many patients combine their treatment with travel to explore Thailand’s famous street food, historic temples, and local hospitality.
Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand
One of the reasons patients choose Thailand is the ability to access world-class treatment at a cost 40% less than in Western countries, without compromising quality or safety.
Prices vary depending on the hospital, procedure complexity, recovery needs, and whether you choose package-based or customised care. Below is a general comparison:
| Treatment | Average Cost in Thailand | Approx. Cost in UK |
|---|---|---|
| IVF cycle | USD 4,500 | USD 9,000 |
| Heart bypass surgery | USD 15,000 | USD 28,000 |
| Hip or knee replacement | USD 10,000 | USD 19,000 |
| Breast augmentation | USD 4,200 | USD 7,800 |
| Full-body health check | From USD 500 | USD 1,000+ |
Package Examples from Our Partner Hospitals
Bumrungrad International Hospital – Preventive Health Check Packages
Packages for different age groups and genders including:
- Regular check-up (men & women) THB 7,000 (USD 216)
- Comprehensive female 40+ check-up THB 36,300 (USD 1121)
- Holistic male check-up (55-69)- THB 47,000 (USD 1451)
- Holistic 70+ Male Check-up- THB 43,700 (USD 1349)
- Holistic 70+ Female Check-up- THB 44,000 (USD 1358)
Explore more packages from Bumrungrad
Bumrungrad – Cosmetic Packages.
Price starts from:
- Upper/ lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)- THB 81,840 (USD 2529)
- Rhinoplasty- THB 132,170 (USD 4085)
- Breast augmentation with implants- THB 244,989 (USD 7573)
- Liposuction-THB 203,870 (USD 6301)
- Breast lift (vertical, inverted T incision)- THB 298,290 (USD 9220)
View more Bumrungrad cosmetic package details
RXV Wellness Village – Preventive & Anti-Ageing Care
- Calm & connect: 3 nights- THB 48,000 (USD 1483)
- Link & sync: 3 nights THB 50,000 (USD 1545)
- Link & sync: 5 nights THB 89,000 (USD 2751)
- Calm & connect: 5 nights THB 82,000 (USD 2534)
- Calm & connect: 7 nights THB 114,000 (USD 3523)
How to Plan Your Medical Trip with My 1Health
Planning treatment abroad involves more than choosing a hospital.
My 1Health is here to guide you through every step at no cost— from understanding your options to post-treatment follow-up.
Here’s how it works:
| Step | What You Do | How My 1Health Helps. We; |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clarify your health needs | Assess your goals and recommend top hospitals based on your treatment |
| 2 | Get medical advice | Arrange online video consultations with hospital specialists before/after you travel |
| 3 | Request quotations | Collect personalised cost estimates and package options for comparison |
| 4 | Prepare documents | Help with medical records, appointment confirmations, and travel planning |
| 5 | Apply for visa | Secure an official hospital invitation letter to support your application |
| 6 | Book your trip | Facilitate hotel booking, airport pick-up, and scheduling your hospital visits |
| 7 | Undergo treatment | You receive care with interpreter support from our partner hospitals |
| 8 | Aftercare | Help with digital records, second opinions, and ongoing communication with your doctor |
Many patients choose to begin with an online consultation to confirm eligibility, discuss medical history, and feel confident before making travel plans.
Visa Information for Medical Travellers
Visa rules vary depending on your passport and how long you plan to stay.
Some medical travellers can enter visa-free for short medical visits.
- Singapore- Visa-free entry for up to 60 days
- UK- Eligible for the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme, which allows for a stay of up to 60 days.
- UAE- UAE citizens can visit Thailand without a visa through the Visa Exemption Program for up to 30 days.
Others may need a medical visa.
What is a Medical Visa and Why Does It Matter?
A Non-Immigrant Medical Visa allows you to stay in Thailand for extended treatment.
Applying with proper documentation can improve your approval timeline and help avoid issues during travel.
Visa consideration process takes at least 15 working days from the day the application is successfully submitted, payment is successfully made, and all requirements are fulfilled
What You Need for a Medical Visa
- Valid passport
- Hospital appointment confirmation
- Invitation letter from a recognised Thai hospital
- Medical history or test results (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation and return flight
How My 1Health Helps You
We work directly with partner hospitals like Bumrungrad, Vejthani, Vitallife, and RXV to obtain official invitation letters.
These letters are often required by embassies and serve as proof of treatment intent and eligibility. This step is essential for medical visa approval and ensures a smoother immigration process.
Our support team is available to walk you through the entire application, check your documentation, and coordinate directly with hospitals to avoid delays.
Connecting patients to world-class medical care through our trusted hospital network
