The Medical Tourism Destination of Thailand

Thailand, the land of smiles! It's practically the most visited country in Southeast Asia, what with its stunning beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, and preservation of culture. While most of the world goes forward into the 21st century and beyond, Thailand is one that still pays a lot of respect and reverence to their traditional culture. But beyond the temples, buddha statues, and the like, the country has also become known for its medical services. The medical tourism in this country has risen in popularity over the years, making it just as lucrative as their typical tourism. And here are some reasons as to why.

 

Traveling to and Staying in Thailand Legally

The requirement of a visa to get to Thailand varies. For example, many countries in Southeast Asia do not need a visa to enter Thailand as a tourist. Whilst some other nations, more so from the Western hemisphere, will need to apply for one in their respective homelands. But in order to stay in Thailand beyond the standard 15/30-day limit of a normal tourist visa, patients must apply for a non-immigrant tourist visa for medical reasons. This will allow them to stay in Thailand and get treated for a maximum of 90 days, approximately three months. 

 

The Thai Healthcare System

Thailand runs its healthcare system universally, meaning that all citizens and residents of the country can gain access to public health insurance. However, that also means that foreign visitors and tourists are not given this privilege. Even if they got a tourist visa for medical reasons, that will only give them access to the country's hospitals, clinics, and emergency services. but in terms of insurance, they're not allowed to access the public option. This is why, for patients planning to travel to Thailand as a medical tourist, it's better that they get private/travel insurance before leaving their home countries. 

 

 

What the Thai Medical Tourism is Most Known For

Over the years, Thailand has excelled in many medicinal fields, allowing the country to be quite the hotspot for medical tourism. Specifically, they're known for their HIV/AIDS treatment. One of the hardest-hit of the disease when it first came to be in the late 80s and early 90s, the country has since improved in taking good care of patients diagnosed with the STD. Dentistry and ophthalmology are also some of their strong points. Many people go here for more intense dental surgery or important eye operations. And finally, Thailand also excels in aesthetic medicine, or more commonly known as plastic surgery. 

 

Thai Medicine for Any Illness

An agricultural country by heart, Thailand is known for its herbs and spices. And beyond just seasoning their most flavorful dishes, such ingredients have also become effective in the field of medicine. So another reason why the "Land of Smiles" is a medical tourism hotspot is because of its medicine. They make most of their medicine within the country themselves, making it easier to ensure that each and every drug offered to the public were certified and tested to be safe and effective. Unfortunately, not all countries can or actually do the same. 

 

 

Getting Affordable Healthcare in Thailand

As compared to the healthcare systems in other countries, Thailand offers one of the more affordable to both its citizens and residents as well as medical tourists. And it helps that they operate within a universal public system. Though the contributions of its citizens and residents, the Thai government is able to not only keep the system intact but really subsidize the rates to make it more affordable for any sort of patient. In fact, it's said that patients in Thailand actually pay around 50%-80% lower in total medical costs as compared to the USA, Canada, and many European countries. 

 

Waiting for Health Services in Thailand

An especially unique ace within Thailand's healthcare system is that many hospitals and institutions in the country are quick to respond to patients. It's uncommon for patients, especially for foreign medical tourists, to have to wait long to get treated. All a patient has to do is to schedule his/her appointment and go on time. No long lines, no waiting for weeks, and no hassle whatsoever. In fact, if a patient is able to schedule his/her entire treatment even before actually traveling to the country, rest assured that the schedule will be followed with no problem. 

 

 

 

The Tropical Weather

Of course, when it comes to Thailand and tourism, the weather just has to be discussed. If there's one thing that many visitors to the "Land of Smiles" love about the country, it's its tropical climate. It's practically summer all-year-round here, perfect for anyone recovering. With no fall and winter seasons, it'll be easier for patients to get better and even enjoy their time in Thailand. Though some may have to be more careful, as it can also get extremely hot in Thailand too. Those with rather weak constitutions might be prone to getting a heat stroke in Thailand. 

 

Holidays in Thailand

Still, spending a holiday in Thailand is always good for the body, mind, and soul. For the body, the country offers its natural beauty by way of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas. enjoying a fun day out in the sun—when the temperature's not too hot, that is—always does good. For the mind, learning more about the history and culture of Thailand through its many museums and temples is a good distraction during recovery. And speaking of temples, meditating in them will do one's soul some good as well! Whether you're a medical or a normal tourist, you'll leave Thailand healthier than you were! 

 

 

Thailand is the "Land of Smiles" and you'll surely be smiling after visiting the country as a medical tourist. They have one of the best healthcare systems, the finest hospitals, and the most effective service providers in the whole world!

 

Thailand also has its fair share of luxurious rental apartments. If you're staying here to get treated, it'll be better if you choose one as your accommodation!