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Twilight view of Bangkok's Wat Arun across Chao Phraya River

Typical Treatments and Costs

Cardiovascular
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: $22,000-$24,000
Bypass + Valve Replacement (single): $25,000-$26,300
Pacemaker (single-chambered): $3,700-$4,650

Orthopedic
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing: $14,300-$14,900
Joint Replacement:
    Knee: $11,200-$11,800
    Hip: $12,400-$13,000

Cosmetic
Breast Augmentation: $2,050-$3,040
Breast Lift/Reduction: $4,400
Facelift (higher figure includes neck): $2,800-$8,000
Liposuction (stomach, hips, and waist): $2,500-$3,000
Tummy Tuck: $2,900-$4,400

Dental
Porcelain Veneer: $215-$350
Crown (all porcelain): $465-$620
Crown (porcelain fused to gold): $430
Inlays and Onlays: $215-$250
Implant: $2,150
Root Canal: $100-$230
Full Denture (per jaw): $430-$580
Extraction (surgical, per tooth): $60

Vision
Glaucoma: $2,300-$2,500

Weight Loss
LAP-BAND System: $12,400-$14,000

Other
Gall Bladder Removal: $4,650-$5,260
Prostate Surgery (TURP): $4,100-$4,700

 

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Thailand: The Land of Smiles


Although it now shares the spotlight with India, Singapore, and Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand is the rightful wellspring of contemporary medical travel. Twelve years ago, with the crash of the Thai baht, business and governmental leaders capitalized on Thailand's excellent medical infrastructure to attract international patients from nearby countries with less robust healthcare choices. Patients from Cambodia, Vietnam, the Middle East, and China were rapidly followed by European clients. Now thousands of Americans and Canadians also head to Bangkok or Phuket, mostly to save on elective surgeries with lower costs that more than compensate for the uncomfortably long flight.


Although not Thailand's native tongue, English is widely spoken in Thai cities and resort centers, and English is taught as a second language in Thai schools. While extremes of wealth and poverty can be readily witnessed, health travelers may feel more comfortable in Thai culture than in India or Africa.


At a Glance

  •   Language   Thai (English widely spoken in business and medical circles)
  •   Time Zone   GMT +7
  •   Country Dialing Code   66
  •   Electricity   220V, plug types A, B, and C
  •   Currency   Thai baht
  •   Recommended Immunizations   Hepatitis A, boosters for Typhoid and Polio
  •   Treatment Specialties   Cardiovascular, Cosmetic, Dental, Gender Reassignment, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Weight Loss
  •   JCI-Accredited Hospitals   Bangkok: Bangkok Hospital Group Medical Center; BNH Hospital; Bumrungrad International Hospital; Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital; Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital; Samitivej Sriracha Hospital; Synphaet Hospital; Vejthani Hospital   Chiangmai: Chiangmai Ram Hospital   Chonburi: Bangkok Hospital Pattaya   Phuket: Bangkok Hospital Phuket
  •   Standards and Accreditation   Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation, Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand, Thai Association of Orthodontists, JCI

 

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