# Medical tourism in Thailand: costs, hospitals & safety

> Informational only, not medical advice. Figures are sourced population data; outcome rates are population averages, not a personal prognosis. Source: CureMeridian (https://curemeridian.com/destinations/th).

## Quick facts
- Procedures with sourced pricing: 17
- Typical savings vs home: around 66%
- Popular hospitals listed: 6
- English proficiency: Very Low

## Treatment cost in Thailand by procedure

| Procedure | Average cost | Typical range | Save up to |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Heart Valve Repair & Replacement | $20,000 | $15,000 to $25,000 | 86% |
| Knee Replacement | $11,000 | $8,000 to $14,000 | 66% |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | $7,200 | $5,400 to $9,400 | 74% |
| Cataract Surgery | $1,900 | $1,400 to $2,500 | 65% |
| LASIK | $1,400 | $1,100 to $1,800 | 65% |
| Gastric Bypass | $9,600 | $7,200 to $12,500 | 65% |
| Hip Replacement | $13,500 | $10,000 to $17,000 | 64% |
| Shoulder Replacement | $4,400 | $3,300 to $5,700 | 65% |
| Angioplasty & Stenting | $6,000 | $4,000 to $8,000 | 77% |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | $17,000 | $12,000 to $22,000 | 87% |
| Dental Implants | $1,150 | $800 to $1,500 | 76% |
| Gastric Sleeve | $7,000 | $5,000 to $9,000 | 65% |
| SMILE | $1,900 | $1,400 to $2,500 | 65% |
| Dental Veneers | $375 | $250 to $500 | 58% |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | $4,750 | $3,500 to $6,000 | 63% |
| Liposuction | $3,000 | $2,000 to $4,000 | 23% |
| Rhinoplasty | $3,750 | $2,500 to $5,000 | 64% |

## Safety & recovery by procedure in Thailand

| Procedure | Success rate | Serious complication | Safe to fly after |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Heart Valve Repair & Replacement | 95% | 3% | ~21 days |
| Knee Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | 98% | 2% | ~7 days |
| Cataract Surgery | 98% | 1% | ~2 days |
| LASIK | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Gastric Bypass | 95% | 5% | ~42 days |
| Hip Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Shoulder Replacement | 90% | 3% | ~10 days |
| Angioplasty & Stenting | 95% | 1% | ~7 days |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | 98% | 2% | ~21 days |
| Dental Implants | 95% | 2% | ~3 days |
| Gastric Sleeve | 90% | 4% | ~35 days |
| SMILE | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Dental Veneers | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | 95% | 5% | ~35 days |
| Liposuction | 85% | 3% | ~21 days |
| Rhinoplasty | 90% | 2% | ~10 days |

Outcome rates are sourced population averages, not a personal prognosis.

## Safety & advisories
US travel advisory: Exercise Increased Caution.

## Visa & entry
- Visa: Visa Free (30 days)
- Main airport: BKK

## Popular hospitals in Thailand
- Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok, rated 4.8
- Bangkok Hospital Headquarters (BDMS Flagship), Bangkok, rated 4.7
- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Chonburi, rated 4.3
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Phuket, rated 4.4
- Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, Bangkok, rated 4.4
- BNH Hospital, Bangkok, rated 4.3

## Frequently asked questions

### How should I handle currency and payments in Thailand?
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB), with approximately 31-34 THB to 1 USD. Credit cards are accepted at hospitals and hotels, but merchants may add a 2-3% surcharge or set a minimum spend of 300-500 THB for card transactions. Carry cash for markets, pharmacies, and smaller shops. Exchange currency at airport counters or SuperRich-branded exchange booths in the city for the best rates.

### What ride-hailing apps should I download for getting to hospitals?
Grab is Thailand's most widely used ride-hailing app, operating in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. Bolt is a popular alternative that typically offers fares 15-35% lower than Grab. Download both apps before arrival and compare prices for each trip, which can regularly save you 30-80 THB per ride. Both apps accept credit cards and show upfront pricing in English.

### How do I get a SIM card for staying connected during my stay?
Tourist SIM cards are available immediately upon arrival at counters in all international airport arrival halls. The three providers are AIS (best rural/island coverage), TrueMove H (strong in tourist hotspots), and DTAC (often the cheapest tourist plans). Prices range from 299-1,199 THB for 8 to 30 days of unlimited data. You will need to present your passport for mandatory registration.

### Is tap water safe, and what should I know about food safety?
Tap water is not safe to drink in Thailand. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere, typically 10-20 THB per bottle. Ice in drinks at restaurants and even street stalls is generally safe, as it is factory-produced with purified water and delivered commercially. Thai street food is widely considered safe when purchased from busy stalls with high turnover.

### What are the tipping customs in Thailand, especially at hospitals?
Tipping is not obligatory in Thailand but is appreciated. Most restaurant bills include a service charge, so additional tipping is not expected. For drivers and hotel porters, rounding up or leaving 20-50 THB is customary. Tipping hospital staff is not standard practice at Thai private hospitals, but small gifts or thank-you notes are sometimes given at discharge as a gesture of gratitude.

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Source: CureMeridian, https://curemeridian.com/destinations/th. Hospital rankings are calculated by our algorithm and are not paid placements.