A Quick Guide to Medical Tourism in Thailand

There’s a reason why people have decided to venture to Thailand for medical procedures – the overall cost is not only less expensive than it is in the United States and similar countries, but the level of care is higher.

According to recent statistics, the total number of people who travel to Thailand for this reason rise every year, ranging from 1.9 million in 2010 to 2.5 million in 2012.

On top of this, around 26% of all travelers to the country are there for medical purposes (note that many stick around once the procedures are completed and they’ve healed, in order to take in the sights and act like traditional tourists.)

Here’s everything that you need to know about medical tourism in Thailand.

Thailand Is A Leader in Medical Tourism

Many of the facts and statistics surrounding medical tourism in Thailand point out the same thing – that the country is one of the world’s leaders in this area. Why is this notable? For one thing, if you’re there for a medical procedure, you aren’t alone.

Since 26% of all people visiting Thailand are there, for this reason, there’s a good chance that many of the people on the plane with you are traveling for the same purpose. After all, 26% is the equivalent of one out of every four tourists. This is a big number.

Their Medical Facilities are Extremely Modern

It’s easy to think of Thailand as a so-called “developing country.” This is the view that a good number of people have of it. However, this viewpoint is entirely wrong.

As it turns out, Thailand is quite modern and developed. Their medical facilities are modern and can handle a number of different procedures. Those same procedures are the ones performed in hospitals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, proving that the country is now a leader in medical technology as well.

On top of this, you’ll also receive top of the line care. The hospitals and medical facilities in Thailand are known for their aftercare and nursing skills. The workers in them truly care about their patients and have the ability to discern and meet their needs.

They’ll make sure that you’re comfortable and well looked after until you’re back on your feet again. The level of care is very high, both before, during, and after your medical procedure.

There Are Wings for International Patients

If you’re worried that you’ll end up in the hospital in a foreign country surrounded by people who don’t speak your language, well don’t. You need to dispel that notion immediately. Many of the hospitals in Thailand – the ones that specialize in medical tourism – have entire wings set aside for international patients.

Among the many things that they offer include interpreters and guides who speak English or your native language, as well as other things that will make you feel like home while you recuperate. And that’s even if you need the interpreter. Most of the doctors and surgeons that you’ll encounter have been trained in the U.S. or the U.K., so they speak English just fine.

Some of the nurses have learned the language as well. There isn’t anything to be worried about. Plus, if you’re able to, you might be able to recuperate in a five-star hotel room, complete with high-quality food. That definitely beats what you’re offered in the United States.

The Cost of the Procedures is lower and there’s No Waiting List

If you’re at all familiar with medical care and the hospital system in the United States, then you already know how much everything will cost. In Thailand, these procedures only cost around a tenth of that amount – and they are the exact same procedures.

This is one major incentive in heading overseas to have that heart valve replacement or facelift completed. You also won’t have to wait for the procedure to be done. There’s no waiting list or major scheduling chores involved.

Unlike in the U.S., where you have to wait for your insurance to approve it, and then wait for the doctor or surgeon to be available, everything moves very quickly in Thailand. This is great for people who need to have the procedure done sooner rather than later.

You Can Travel the Country Afterwards, If You’re up To It

Not only can the surgeons in Thailand handle a wide variety of medical procedures, ranging from necessary life-saving ones like heart surgery to more elective ones, such as cosmetic surgery, but once you’ve recuperated, you can travel around the country and act like a standard tourist.

There are a number of different things to do in Thailand – the country is quite beautiful – and you’ll be able to wander around and take in the sights once you’re able to. This is yet another reason to go.

Author Bio:

This article is a work of John Wells in support of www.samitivejhospitals.com.