Medical Tourism Destination: Thailand

For decades, thousands of Americans andas much as 700 to 800% more in the US when
Europeans have been traveling to Thailand seekingcompared to their cost in Thailand!
medical treatment at affordable prices. In fact,Thai hospitals make every effort to make the
Thailand is considered by many to be the globalmedical tourist's stay a trouble-free experience.
leader in medical tourism.So, to minimize any possible language barrier, they
Boasting the first hospital in Asia to attain ISOemploy staff who are fluent in English. Many
9001 accreditation, Thailand takes medical tourismdoctors and specialists have had overseas training.
seriously. In fact, Bumrungrad Hospital in BangkokStriving to meet demand, some hospitals have
proudly hosts more foreign patients than anyeven employed Arabic-speaking personnel to
other hospital in the world, with accommodationsmeet the needs of some of their foreign guests.
that look more like rooms in a 5-star hotel thanWith such attention to detail, it is obvious that
those in a hospital.they are determined to go the extra mile.
The national air carrier, Thai Airways, beganThailand offers a full spectrum of quality medical
packaging medical check-ups as part of its Royaland health care options, from cosmetic and plastic
Orchid Holidays program. And patients can clocksurgery to lasik eye treatment. Weight loss
up their frequent flier miles to apply to the costsprocedures, such as a lap band surgery, cardiac
of their post-procedure check-ups. From meetingcare, dental care, elective surgeries, and gender
their patients on arrival at the airport to providingreassignment surgeries are all popular and
luxurious accommodations complete withaffordable choices.
welcoming fruit baskets and a complimentaryThe government joins in these efforts for
massage, what more can be said to prove thatproviding a trouble-free medical holiday by allowing
Thailand goes above and beyond the call of dutyvisitors from many nations a stay of up to 30
to provide world-class service to its medicaldays without needing a visa. And, once in Thailand,
tourists?if you should decide to extend your stay, a
But, aside from the luxurious pampering, whatone-month extension is available for around $50.
exactly does Thailand have to offer as a medicalTwo-month visas are easily attainable through the
travel destination?Thai embassy in the traveler's home country. For
With more than 400 private hospitals, manyvisits of longer than 60 days, the traveler can
offering world-class standards, doctors andapply for a non-immigrant visa.
specialists trained in US or European medicalAside from the many advantages of opting for
schools, and state-of-the-art technology, Thailandmedical treatment in Thailand, the nation is a highly
promises quality medical care at a fraction of theacclaimed exotic vacation spot, rich in its history
cost of its Western counterparts.and culture. Known for its Buddhas, its tropical
The Thai baht has an extremely favorablesandy beaches, and its fantastic shopping
exchange rate when compared to the US dollaropportunities, from the bustle of Bangkok to the
or the Euro. This, when paired with lower medicalthriving night life, from the luxurious and relaxing
costs in general, passes huge savings along to thespas to the vast array of Asian cuisine, Thailand
medical traveler. One might expect to pay as littlehas something to offer to everyone. So visit the
as 20% of the cost for procedures identical to"land of smiles" and combine health care with a
those provided in a Western hospital. Somedelightful holiday stay.
medical, dental, or diagnostic procedures may cost