Money & daily life
Healthcare, hospitals and insurance basics
Public and private hospitals, what cover to look for, and how to keep treatment simple when you need it.
All resources
5 min read · Reviewed October 2026
In short
- Private hospitals are excellent and priced accordingly; public hospitals are far cheaper.
- Some visa routes require a minimum level of insurance cover, so check the requirement before choosing a policy.
- Confirm direct billing with the hospital before treatment where you can.
The hospital landscape
- Public hospitals: low cost, widely distributed, sometimes long waits and limited English depending on location.
- Private hospitals: English-speaking staff, short waits and international pricing. Many have international patient departments used to insurance paperwork.
- Clinics: for everyday illness, vaccinations and minor injuries, usually walk-in and inexpensive.
Insurance
- Local policies cover treatment in Thailand and are usually cheaper. International policies cost more and travel with you, often including evacuation.
- Declare pre-existing conditions. Non-disclosure is the most common reason a claim is refused.
- Check exclusions for motorbike accidents and for activities such as diving, which many policies treat separately.
- If your visa route requires a minimum cover level, make sure the policy certificate states it clearly.
Paying
Private hospitals generally expect payment or an insurer’s guarantee before non-emergency treatment. Keep your policy number and the insurer’s twenty-four-hour line in your phone, and ask the hospital to confirm direct billing in advance. Emergency treatment is provided first and billed afterwards.
Practical steps
- Register with a hospital near home, and keep a copy of your passport, visa and insurance card together.
- Ask about annual health checks, which are inexpensive and thorough here.
- Note the ambulance number, 1669, and the address of the nearest emergency department in Thai, so a driver or neighbour can use it.