Overview
 With visitors
from all over the globe, Thailand has positioned itself as a top-notch
contender for the medical market. In the past, people from less developed
countries have travelled to places like the US and Europe to benefit from the
latest technology in dentistry, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery as well as
medical surgery. But with the cost of surgeries and overall health services
skyrocketing, western patients are now looking for alternatives that will
allow them to have medical treatment at a reasonable price.
 Last year,
Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok treated almost 60,000 American patients,
with the majority opting for specialized procedures including hip and knee
replacement, angioplasty and prostate removal.
The reason for
this influx of medical travellers can be directly linked to the rising cost
of healthcare in Western countries. The savvy consumer will always try to find the
best product for the best price. Thailand is offering excellent products at
remarkable prices.
 One of the
factors contributing to low prices in Thailand is the lower cost of living.
There are also major differences in how the medical system operates in
general. For example, US doctors pay an ultra-premium cost for malpractice insurance,
whereas Thailand doctors pay only about US$5,000 annually. Another factor is
that 75% of patients pay in cash, so there is less cost processing
insurance claims.
Cost Comparison
 Bumrungrad
Hospital offers a rhinoplasty
(nose job) procedure for approximately
US$2,500. The same procedure in the UK will cost about US$5,000 while in the
United States will cost about US$6,000. Breast augmentation is an
extremely popular procedure in the US and can range from US$5,000 to US$8,000
while the cost in the UK is about US$6,500. You can have the same procedure
done at Bumrungrad Hospital for US$2,250.
 Bangkok
Phuket Hospital, on the island of Phuket, can perform a Heart Bypass surgery
for approximately US$12,000. The price for the same procedure in the US begins
at US$66,000 and can easily rise to US$150,000 and in the UK the procedure can
actually cost upwards of US$200,000.
 Gastric Bypass
surgery is tremendously popular in the United States and is gaining popularity
in the United Kingdom. As Americans are dealing with the issue of obesity,
this procedure is gaining widespread appeal. You can expect to pay anywhere
from US$33,000 to US$58,000 to have this operation in the US with the UK being
in the same price range. In Thailand, you can expect to pay approximately
US$13,000 for the same surgery.
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing
unwanted fat from specific areas. This is a very popular procedure in the US as
well as the UK. Liposuction is on offer in Thailand for approximately US$1,600
whereas the price in the US begins at US$2,500 and can go as high as US$10,000
which is comparable to the cost in the UK.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is an operation that removes excess skin and
fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal
wall. This procedure in the US can cost as much as US$8,000, while in the UK you
can expect to pay from US$6,000 to US$10,000. Thailand offers this
procedure at US$3,500.
If you are considering diagnostic
imaging such as a CT scan or an MRI scan, the price for
this procedure can be very expensive. For example,
a private
MRI scan can cost upwards of US$1,500 in the UK whereas in the United States the
scan can cost upwards of US$1,600. An MRI scan costs around US$700 in Thailand.
Medical tourists have also shown an interest in elective dental procedures
such as dental implants, dental
veneers and laser whitening. You can have a tooth extracted in Thailand for
US$30 while you can pay US$400 in the US and US$300-$400 in the UK.
Hip Replacement surgery can cost over US$40,000 in both the US and UK.
In Thailand, you can have this surgery for
just US$13,000. Knee Replacement
surgery will also cost over US$40,000 in both the UK
and the US, whereas Thailand is offering the same surgery for about US$10,000.
Hair Transplants are another popular procedure with medical tourists. The
procedure can be performed in Thailand starting at US$2,000 (less than 1,000
grafts). While this procedure is very common in the US for both men and women,
it has remained an extremely costly procedure with beginning costs of $US5,000
(less than 1,000 grafts). The UK has a starting price
of approximately US$6,000 (less than 1,000 grafts).
Many people will
consider medical tourism in Thailand for elective and medical procedures due
largely to the fact that the price is only a fraction of what similar
treatments would cost in Western countries. However, not every condition is
suitable for treatment abroad so make sure that your condition allows you the
flexibility of long distance travel.
Thailand Hospitals
 Bangkok Bumrungrad Hospital,
Bangkok
Bumrungrad
Hospital is one of Thailand’s leading hospitals and offers a wide array of
services including Pacemaker Implantation, Invasive and non-invasive procedures
for Congenital Heart Disease, Valvuloplasty (Balloon valve treatment), Coronary
Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) and Valve Replacement Surgery.
The hospital
also has a dedicated plastic surgery centre offering all of the latest
reconstructive surgeries, skin treatments and hair transplants as well as LASIK
Laser Refraction Surgery for sight correction.
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi
Nana Nua),
Wattana, Bangkok
10110 Thailand
Tel: 66 (0) 2667
1000
Fax: 66 (0) 2667
2525
Emergency: 66
(0) 2667 2999
Out-patient
Appointment: 66 (0) 2667 1555
www.bumrungrad.com
The Bangkok
International Hospital,
Bangkok
The Bangkok
International Hospital has received numerous awards including the Asian Hospital
Management Award and the Japan Audit and Certification Organization for
Environment and Quality Award. Using state-of-the-art technology has made their
medical team second to none. The equipment used is at the forefront of medical
technology. With a medical staff committed to patient care and satisfaction,
they have gained a reputation as being one of the premier hospitals in Thailand.
2 Soi Soonvijai
7, New Petchburi Rd.,
Bangkok 10310,
Thailand
Tel:
02-310-3000
Fax:
02-318-1546
Email:
info@bangkokhospital.com
 Bangkok
Phuket Hospital,
Phuket
The Bangkok
Phuket Hospital has won the Prime Minister's Export Award 2004 for Best Service
Provider from The Prime Minister. They are experienced in closed and open-heart
surgery, keyhole surgery, hip and knee replacement. Their Aesthetic Centre
specialises in plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery such as facelift,
liposuction and breast augmentation.
2/1 Hongyok Utis
Rd., Muang District,
Phuket, 83000,
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0)
7625 4425
Fax: +66 (0)
7625 4597
Email:
info@phukethospital.com
 Phuket
International Hospital, Phuket
Phuket
International Hospital has an enviable status as one Thailand’s foremost centres
for plastic surgery. A few of their specialties include: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty),
Liposuction and Sex Change (Sex Reassignment Surgery).
44
Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd
Phuket 83000,
Thailand
Tel: + 66 (0) 76
249400
Email: info@phuket-international-hospital.com
Web:
wwww.phuket-international-hospital.com
Bangkok Accommodations
 Bangkok
is a bustling and vibrant city
that offers a rich culture and history. It is a top tourist destination,
so it is advisable to make your reservations in advance. There are
numerous accommodations
where you and your family can relax
and enjoy mystic Bangkok
while you are taking care of your medical needs.
 Modern,
luxury
hotels can be found throughout Bangkok, including
Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, which is right in the heart of the shopping
and tourist centre.
This 5-star hotel
has all of the amenities and the ambience to ensure an unforgettable stay.
The
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, located on Rajadamri Road, has all of the
amenities and luxuries
 that
one expects from The Four Seasons Hotel chain. The
Royal
River Hotel is an accommodation that is
reasonably priced and convenient. Located on the Bangkok riverside,
this hotel offers many amenities and has a stunning view.
Zenith Sukhumvit Hotel is a prime boutique hotel, conveniently located on
Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana Nua). It is 5 min walking distance to
Bumrungrad Hospital and is easily accessible to the Skytrain (5 min walk).
If you would like more travel information about Bangkok,
please visit Bangkok Travel Guides.
Phuket Accommodations
 If
you are having a procedure done at the award winning Bangkok Phuket Hospital,
you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of
Phuket. This picturesque island is the perfect setting to recover from
a procedure or to just relax and have a marvellous vacation.
The
Phuket Merlin Hotel, located in Phuket Town and close to Bangkok Phuket
Hospital, is just a short drive from the beach and 34 kilometres from the
airport. For those who prefer the comfort of the big chain hotels,
Holiday Inn Resort is located in Patong Beach and offers amenities
that include: sauna and Thai massage, family suites, swimming pool and exercise
equipment.
 For
maximum comfort and luxury, the 5-star
Amanpuri
Resort is situated above Pansea Beach on the west coast of Phuket Island.
The Amanpuri hotel is a 20 minute, 17 km scenic drive from Phuket International
airport. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking ocean view, be pampered with
a massage treatment and a yoga session or take a relaxing stroll through the
garden pavilion.
If you would like more travel information about Phuket,
please visit Phuket Travel Guides.
Visa Information
Foreign visitors
from many US and European nationals are eligible for a “visa on arrival”,
which allows a 30 day stay in Thailand. However, visitors who are
undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Thailand can apply for a long
stay visa called a Non-immigrant Visa “O-A”. This visa is issued to visitors
undergoing surgery or rehabilitation. In many cases the hospital will apply for
this visa on your behalf.
Contact your
local Thai embassy for further information.
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