Often seen as a place for relaxing in the sun, Thailand is also one of the leading destinations for Medical Tourism in Asia (official estimates state over 1,000,000 people travelled to Thailand for treatment in 2015). From orthopaedic spinal surgery to a new set of pearly white teeth, the chance to combine your hospital surgery or treatment with a holiday is seen by many people as a far better option than staying home. It makes sense when you consider the vast experience of dealing with foreign visitors, excellent customer service and world class hospitals Thailand – and Bangkok, in particular.
1. Add a treatment while on holiday for just a fraction of the price
Routine procedures such as health check-ups, colonoscopies or physical therapy are dramatically cheaper when compared to western countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the US, and still clearly cheaper than many other places in the world (more about the price below). Plus, it is possible to arrange simple procedures that don’t require an overnight stay in hospital (such as dental or an eyelid lift) so it doesn’t take too much time away from enjoying the rest of your holiday.
2. Have surgery in one of the world’s best places to spend your recovery time
If you require more complicated surgery, Thailand still makes a popular place to receive treatment as you can access some of the most amazing places on Earth – and you can even enjoy the beaches before your surgery with a Medi Makeovers Mini Break. If you are having dental – you’ll have no trouble spending a few days at a beautiful beach resort too! If you had the choice of a miserable winter spent recuperating or relaxing by the pool in 30+ degrees heat, which would you choose?
3. Short waiting times, even for extensive surgeries
Waiting times are notoriously long in many countries (some of our clients had been on waiting lists for hip and knee surgeries for over 4 years), with simple steps such as an MRI scan sometimes taking as long as a month to arrange. Not in Bangkok! Physical examinations can be done on the same day as admittance into hospital and surgery can be done in as little as three days. Of course, you would need to have sent your medical records and details in advance but if speed is a factor, Bangkok is a great place for treatment.
4. The Price
When it comes to your health, the price should never be your first concern; however, no one likes to waste money. The lower cost of like-for-like treatments in Bangkok versus most western countries is certainly one of the main factors that keeps it so popular. Costs will vary for each client – as each person’s needs are unique, but a general rule is that treatment is 30% cheaper than in Europe and 70% cheaper than Australia, New Zealand and the US.
5. Highly Experienced Doctors with international experience
It is very common for Thai doctors to study abroad where they will acquire new skills and witness the different approaches to medicine in places like the US, Germany, Australia or Japan. When they return to work in hospitals in Thailand, their combined international experience and added skills ensure Thailand is at the forefront of medical techniques and innovation.
6. Top Bangkok hospitals are like luxury hotels
Forget everything you know of dull hospitals with strip lights and an overbearing smell of bleach. In Bangkok hospitals the décor is as fancy as top-end hotels, with grand chandeliers, a choice of restaurants and sometimes even live pianists performing for the waiting room. It certainly helps to calm any anxieties patients may be feeling and makes for a far better experience for visiting loved ones.
7. Dentistry
As one of the most popular treatments in Bangkok, dentistry is an area of medicine many people want to know more about. With Medi Makeovers, our dentists prefer to do all the follow-up work personally, and depending on your needs – a dental stay will start from 10 nights in Thailand so you can visit your dentist regularly. In some cases (e.g. implants), you may be required to return to Thailand a second time for your final sit in the dentist’s chair. The good news is you can expect to pay less than half of what dentistry would cost in many western countries!
8. Insurance companies may consider covering your treatment and flight
This is an interesting option for anyone with medical insurance. Even though you aren’t based in Thailand, insurance companies may consider covering your treatment, flights and stay here providing it does not work out more expensive than treatment in your country of residence. Expats who are living elsewhere in Asia are the most common type of patient who is offered this choice but it is worth checking with your health insurance provider to see if you are eligible. This is something you will only be able to discuss with your insurance agency – Medi Makeovers cannot provide you with information about your coverage and eligibility.
9. Spine and Orthopedic
Medi Makeovers specialises in orthopaedic and spine treatment, including Paediatric, Hand & Microsurgery, Foot and Ankle, Arthroscopy & Sport Medicine, Arthroplasty, and Spinal Surgery. Our surgeons and professors come from Chulalongkorn Hospital (Thailand’s most prestigious university). All spine surgery is done by a team including an orthopaedist, a neurosurgeon, a cardiologist, an anaesthetist and a pain specialist. The team has been working together for many years and their complication rate is very low. Furthermore, the nursing team is experienced and attentive.
10. Advanced/Cutting-Edge Technology
As of 2016, Bangkok had more than 20 Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals, which is widely considered the international benchmark for the quality of a hospital. This accreditation is only possible if a hospital is offering the latest advances in surgery and treatment. Medi Makeovers hospitals hold this accreditation – for example Sikarin Hospital.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TREATMENTS IN THAILAND
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ENQUIRE with us for more info
We will personally get in contact with you within 24 hours of your enquiry to discuss your options and more. -
FREE SURGERY ASSESSMENT
If you have enough info and would like to start your free surgery assessment, click here and we will organise for you to be personally assessment by one of our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons. -
FREE DENTAL ASSESSMENT
If you have enough info and would like to start your free dental assessment, click here and we will organise for you to be personally assessment by one of our Experienced Dental Surgeons. -
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