Medical Tourism in Phuket
What is Medical Tourism?
Medical tourism is when a person travels to another country for affordable quality medical care and has an opportunity to combine it with a vacation.
One of the main reasons medical tourism is becoming popular is the lower cost of affordable quality medical tourism services offered by medical tourism destinations, such as Thailand. Medical procedures in some countries can be expensive compared to those in Thailand.
Why is Thailand popular for medical tourism? Western accreditation is seen as a significant factor when patients look to receive medical treatment outside their home country. Several of the main reasons why many tourists to go Thailand as medical tourists are because Thailand offers quality care and affordable costs. In addition, the wait time for procedures and imaging in other countries can be lengthy and most hospitals in Thailand can arrange appointments for you within a few days.
Why Phuket for Affordable Quality Medical Tourism
Phuket is not only a major tourism destination in the world but it is also one of the most popular locations for affordable quality medical tourism. People travel to Phuket to receive affordable medical treatment and surgical procedures. Each year, many foreigners plan their medical travel around a Phuket holiday. For the price of flights, villa rental, and medical work the cost still comes in cheaper than receiving medical treatment in your home country, and you have the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic holiday in Phuket.
Over the past few years, Thailand and Phuket have gained a reputation as reliable, affordable and quality medical tourism destinations. Phuket’s medical tourism has seen its popularity rise because it is home to internationally accredited hospitals. These hospitals offer a range of treatments, such as cosmetic/plastic surgery, dental work, and hip and knee surgery, all at affordable rates.
Procedures in Phuket can cost a fraction of the price it would take for similar medical procedures in the US, UK, or Australia. Private hospitals in Phuket and the big cities of Thailand boast the latest technology. Many Thai doctors have medical certifications from the UK and the US and attend to patients with professionalism and great care.
Medical tourists coming to Phuket, Thailand can apply for a 90-day non-immigrant Visa for medical reasons. These visas allow the medical tourist 90 days to receive treatment and spend part of their visit on a relaxing Phuket holiday. This visa requires proof that the medical tourist is receiving treatment from a licensed medical facility and that all accredited hospitals can provide the proper documents.
A large part of Phuket’s medical tourism success is due to its huge popularity as a holiday destination.
Thailand’s Private Hospitals
The doctors in private hospitals are well-trained in the latest treatments and procedures. These hospitals are outfitted with cutting-edge medical technology. Additionally, the hospitals that medical tourists gravitate to offer doctors and other staff with excellent language skills. Also, the private rooms and customer service are some of the best in the region.
Most Common Medical Tourism Treatments and Procedures
Scans of various kinds – MRI, PET scans, CT scans, Ultrasounds, and X-rays- are much cheaper than in Western or Asian countries.
Cosmetic procedures and dental work – Significant savings can be achieved on cosmetic surgery such as a facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, anti-aging treatment, or any other number of cosmetic surgeries with a trip to Phuket. Dental treatment is also a very popular reason to visit Phuket. Specialized dental work can offer sizable savings.
Physical examinations – Why not combine your regularly scheduled physical examination with a tropical holiday? Many private hospitals offer yearly specialized packages for regular checkups or even specialized checkups such as Heart Healthy, Cancer Prevention, or Women’s Health. These costs can be considerably cheaper than back in your home country.
Joint replacements – US hip replacements can cost over $33,000 USD. However, in Thailand, the same procedure may cost only $13,000 USD all-inclusive, with no hidden costs. Knee replacement surgery in the US can cost $30,000 USD but only $11,500 USD in Thailand. A very good reason to travel to Thailand for these procedures.
Wellness: The Future of Medical Tourism
Wellness Tourism
What is wellness tourism? It can be many things but is generally regarded to be health-related services that are not medical. Many health-conscious people travel to Thailand to better themselves physically, mentally, nutritionally, emotionally, and spiritually. There are a lot of activities that can fall under the banner of wellness tourism, including:
- Nutrition
- Fitness and mind-body
- Personalized preventive care
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Beauty and anti-aging treatment
- Alternative medicine
- Herbology
Many people realize that longevity is linked to developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The world’s stresses are unavoidable, therefore people are looking for getaways that will help them alleviate stress. For this reason, more medical tourists are spending more time in spas and hotels and less time in hospitals and clinics.
5 Reasons Why Phuket, Thailand Is Your Best Choice in Medical Tourism:
1. Affordability
Affordability is the most basic purpose to acquire medical tourism. Thailand’s medical processes and treatments are approximately 40-70 percent cheaper than those offered in Australia, UK, and US.
There is a growing global awareness that proves that health care cheaper in price doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. Combined quality technology and facilities with practically no wait list and it makes sense to travel to Phuket, Thailand for medical tourism.
2. Highly Trained Doctors and Staff
Private hospital medical professionals, surgeons, doctors, and nurses are highly trained and globally accepted. Thailand offers the latest and safe procedures performed by licensed and accredited staff. The professionalism is undertaken by Thailand’s Medical Council, whose standard is a counterpart to the American Medical Association (AMA).
3. Excellent Service
Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Siriroj are major medical tourist centers in Phuket. Provided with excellent service, these two Phuket International hospitals cater to their patient with 5-star amenities. These services include top-of-the-line studio apartment-size rooms for the patient with free Wi-Fi, tastefully decorated living rooms, washrooms, and kitchens with sleeping accommodations for their family or travel partner. These hospitals have a multi-lingual staff available to assist with patients’ communication and translation needs.
4. Bundling Service
In Phuket, the major hospitals offer many services with a complete package of specialized treatments. Packages usually include all costs, with no surprises. All medical treatments are carried out under expert medical professionals and well-equipped medical facilities.
5. Tourist Destination
Phuket is a major tourist destination, which has already drawn tourists worldwide. Its warm weather, effective tourism infrastructure, world-famous Thai cuisine, exotic islands, and sun-kissed beaches are always great attractions for tourists from around the world.
Consider Phuket for some affordable high quality medical treatment and an exciting fun-filled holiday.
Holiday Rental Villas
Baan Wise has many villas in Phuket which can be rented before your procedure and during your recuperation. Why not stay for a week or more in a fully serviced pool villa managed by Baan Wise Phuket to enjoy a relaxing recovery.
See HERE a list of available villas for rent in Phuket.
The article was written by Prakaidao Hodges. For inquiries or further information contact us here