Medical Tourism from Australia to Thailand

Medical tourists traveling from Australia to Thailand have been increasing over the past twenty years. Not only is it much less expensive to undergo most types of surgeries in Thailand, tourists also have the opportunity to undergo surgery within a shorter window of time, as Australia has categories of necessity for elective surgeries, which may delay a procedure for close to a year. In this article, we will focus on Australians who have discovered, and continue to discover, that traveling to Thailand offers a wide array of medical treatments, including surgical interventions to correct any disease or injury, and aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries, which can be quite expensive at home.

What are the requirements for medical tourism from Australia to Thailand?

When traveling to another country for medical treatments, one must confirm the necessary requirements and comply with the laws and regulations of the host country. These requirements must be observed in their entirety.  As of 1 July 2022, Thailand no longer requires permission to enter the country (Thai Pass) or insurance for COVID-19. They do require proof of fully completed vaccinations or negative test results. Australia no longer requires proof of vaccination nor the completion of the Digital Passenger Declaration.   It is necessary for travelers to stay abreast of regulations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, World Health Organization, and social networks such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Why do Australians travel to Thailand for medical tourism? 

The influx of foreigners to Thailand for medical tourism is increasing rapidly. Every year, this country receives hundreds of thousands of patients from abroad, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

In 2023, approximately 18,000 Australians traveled to Thailand for medical tourism. Some of the reasons Australians are flocking to Thailand for medical tourism are:

• having the ability to schedule a procedure sooner as the waitlists are long in Australia;
• excellent and credentialed medical facilities;
• nurse to patient ratio is 1:4;
• the Thai government has taken several measures to promote the healthcare industry and are ranked 6^th best in the world as of 2019;
• luxury amenities offered at Thai hospitals including private rooms, bathrooms and gardens, restaurants, separate living room and patient room in a suite, refrigerator and dining table; free Wi-Fi, etc.;
• saving up to 90% on the cost of most surgeries.

Things to consider when traveling to Thailand...

Australians are not mandated to acquire a visa upon entry to Thailand and can stay for a period of 30 days without a visa. They can renew their stay for another period of the same duration, with communication and assistance through the Immigration office. Flights are very affordable as well. Flying from Australia to Thailand round trip costs an average of $400 USD or $500 AUD.

One of the most important aspects to take into account is the time of year in which you plan to travel to Thailand. November through April offers little rain and seasonable temperatures. Monsoon, or rainy, season is between July and October and if you can handle the heat, travelling between March to June is for you.

Please check your travel insurance policy if travelling for medical care. Most travel insurance policies have an exclusion if travelling to receive medical care. Therefore, a specific travel insurance policy may be needed to cover travel related injuries or illnesses and can include complications from an approved medical tourism medical procedure. Complications coverage can apply whilst you are away and up to 6 months after you return home.