Cost Comparison of Treatment in Thailand vs. Western Countries

Reading time - 5 minutes
Shahtaj Wasim
Our content isn't generated by AI. It's written by medical writers with at least 2 years of experience. They make sure that the content is clear, informative and helpful for our readers.
Every article is then meticulously reviewed by medical specialists with hands-on clinical and research experience.
We go beyond dry medical facts. Our writers translate complex topics into understandable language, helping you to make informed decisions about your health journey.
Content Editorial Policy
Medical Author
Dr. Zeeshan Zaman (M.D)
Our content isn't generated by AI. It's written by medical writers with at least 2 years of experience. They make sure that the content is clear, informative and helpful for our readers.
Every article is then meticulously reviewed by medical specialists with hands-on clinical and research experience.
We go beyond dry medical facts. Our writers translate complex topics into understandable language, helping you to make informed decisions about your health journey.
Content Editorial Policy
Medical Author & Reviewer

With the increasing inflation around the world, healthcare has also become difficult to afford, especially for those who live in Western countries.

But, there are countries that offer the best and the latest treatment facilities at a fraction of cost compared to the USA, UK and Europe.

One such example is Thailand which is a cost-effective alternative for high-quality medical care. With its top-notch hospitals, experienced doctors, and extremely affordable prices, the country has become a popular destination for medical tourists from all over the world.

So, in this blog, we’ll compare the cost of medical treatment in Thailand with Western options like the USA, Germany, and Spain.

How Affordable is the Cost of Medical Treatment in Thailand?

Thailand is known as one of the most affordable options for medical treatment in the world. Medical procedures in the country can be up to 75% less expensive than in Western countries such as the US, Spain, Germany, and Canada.

For example, a heart bypass surgery that could cost $100,000 in the US can be performed at $10,000 in Thailand, that too including the cost of airfare and accommodation.

Similarly, a consultation with a specialist in Thailand will cost you around $100-$150, while in Germany and Spain, they charge around $300-$550.

This significant price difference is due to the lower cost of living, which leads to lower operating costs for hospitals. Moreover, the highly competitive medical tourism industry in the country keeps prices low while maintaining high standards of care.

One of the biggest differences between Thailand and the USA is that you can ask for and get a reliable price quote here prior to the procedure. This allows you to make an informed and right decision.

To make your research easier, we have compiled the cost tables of the popular procedures from different medical fields for which most people travel to Thailand.

Cost of Plastic Surgery in Thailand

Thailand is one of the top 5 countries for cosmetic procedures(Statista). Patients who want high-quality plastic surgery procedures at a low cost often choose the Thai Clinics.

Expert Plastic Surgeons in the country offer various plastic surgery procedures at 50% to 70% lower costs than in Western countries.

For example, rhinoplasty in Thailand starts at $1000, whereas in the US, it can cost you around $6000. The table below includes the prices of the few common cosmetic surgical procedures performed in Thailand.

We have also included the prices of these procedures in Western countries so that you can have a better idea of cost comparison.

Plastic Surgery Procedure Thailand USA Germany Spain
Rhinoplasty From $1000 From $6000 From $4000 From $6000
Breast augmentation From $3,000 From $10,000 From $5,000 From $6,000
Tummy tuck From $4,000 From $12,000 From $9,000 From $8,000
Liposuction From $800 From $5,000 From $3,000 From $3,000
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) From $3,000 From $20,000 From $16,000 From $13,000
Mommy Makeover From $5,000 From $25,000 From $20,000 From $18,000

Cost of Dental Procedures in Thailand

Like cosmetic procedures, affordable dental procedures are equally high in demand in Thailand. The country is known to have the best dentists who offer a wide range of dental procedures, ranging from routine checkups to the most complicated dental surgeries.

Here’s the price table for a cost comparison of some of the dental procedures offered at Thai Dental Clinics with other Western clinics:

Dental Procedure Thailand USA Spain Germany
Dental Implants $2000-3000 $3,000 – $4,500 $2,500 – $3,500 $2,000 – $3,000
Lumineers From $800 $2,500 – $3,500 $2,000 – $2,800 $1,800 – $2,500
Veneers From $400 $1,200 – $2,500 $1,000 – $1,800 $800 – $1,500
Invisalign From $6,000 $6,000 – $8,000 $5,000 – $7,000 $4,500 – $6,500

Cost of Weight Loss Surgeries in Thailand

Many hospitals in Thailand offer different weight loss surgeries at very affordable prices and high success rates. These procedures are performed by experienced bariatric surgeons only.

For example, Dr. Pornthep Prathanvanich, who has 23 years of experience, performs hundreds of surgeries every year at Bumrungrad Hospital in Thailand.

The cost table below includes the cost comparison of different weight loss surgeries in Thailand and other countries.

Weight Loss Procedure Thailand USA Spain Germany
Gastric Bypass $15,000-18,000 $23,000 – 35,000 $15,300 – 27,300 $16,000 – 23,000
Gastric Sleeve $10,000 – 15,000 $18,000 – 28,000 $13,900 – 23,500 14,000 – 20,000
Adjustable Gastric Band $10,000 – 14,000 $20,000 – 30,000 $14,500 – 25,000 $13,000 – 19,000

Cost of Orthopedics Procedures in Thailand

Orthopedics is another medical field in Thailand that is popular among medical tourists. Many people from all around the world come to the country for various orthopedic procedures, including joint replacement procedures of the knee, shoulders, and hips.

This table will give you an idea of the cost of some common orthopedic procedures in Thailand Vs other Western countries.

Orthopedic Procedure Thailand USA Spain Germany
Hip Replacement From $7,000 $45,000 $18,000 – $30,000 $20,000 – $35,000
Knee Replacement From $8,000 $50,000 $22,000 – $35,000 $25,000 -$ 40,000
Ligament Reconstruction From $6,000 $15,000 – $25,000 $12,000 – $20,000 $14,000 – $22,000

Cost of IVF in Thailand

Many couples who have experienced failed attempts of IVF or those who do not have this procedure in their home country often travel to Thailand.

The country is extremely popular when it comes to IVF due to its low cost and high success rates of 60-70%(Bumrungrand. com).

Thai Hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok International have well-equipped IVF clinics and fertility centers. Experienced doctors of these clinics use modern methods, including hormone therapy, intrauterine insemination, IVF, and ICSI, for successful conception.

Here is the cost comparison table for IVF procedure:

Procedure Thailand USA Spain Germany
IVF From $ 7,000 $15,000-$20,000 $14,000 $14,000

Need help choosing a clinic or doctor?

Fill out the form or call us for a free consultation

Conclusion

If you are considering traveling abroad for a medical procedure to a country that is affordable yet offers high-quality service. Then, Thailand can be the best option. The country has top-notch hospitals and experienced doctors offering medical care at 75% lower costs than many Western countries.

Ready to book a treatment in Thailand? Contact us at ClinicsonCall. Our partnering clinics in Thailand offer some inclusive packages at extremely affordable prices. To get more details, please leave us a message, and our Medical Coordinators will share them with you. 

Resources

  • Bumrungrad Hospital
  • NCBI
  • Pubmed

Coordinating Doctors / Case Managers

At Clinics on Call, we prioritize your healthcare needs with utmost seriousness. That’s why our medical coordinators are Qualified Doctors, dedicated to assisting you throughout your medical travel journey.

Meet All Our Coordinating Doctors
Want to sign up for procedure right now
Choose the most suitable option to communicate with us

FAQs

Are all medical treatments cheaper in Thailand as compared to Western countries?

Yes, in general, most medical treatments are around 75% cheaper in Thailand compared to Western countries, particularly the United States and Canada. However, it is also important to note that some specialized procedures, such as organ transplants, may be just as expensive as in Western countries.

What are the additional costs to consider in Thailand beyond the procedure itself?

Along with the procedure costs, you should consider the costs of your visa, travel, and accommodation. However, if you book a treatment through our platform, ClinicsonCall, you can get inclusive packages from our patterning clinics that include the prices of the procedure along with accommodation.

What specific medical procedures are most cost-effective to get done in Thailand?

Some of the most cost-effective medical procedures to consider getting done in Thailand include hip and knee replacements, plastic surgery procedures (rhinoplasty, breast lift), dental implants, cosmetic dentistry( teeth whitening, veneers, etc.), and IVF procedures.

Are there any hidden costs or risks associated with medical tourism in Thailand?

Although medical tourism in Thailand has significant cost advantages, it's important to be aware of potential hidden costs and risks before starting your journey. You might have some post-operative complications that might require additional procedures or extended stays, which might increase your expenses. Similarly, using taxis can be pricey, especially for frequent hospital visits. On the other hand, some risks include quality of care, language barriers, and differences in healthcare laws. However, these problems can be avoided, you can consult with medical tourism experts like our medical coordinators at ClinicsonCall. They will help you plan your trip and will even give you tips and tricks to avoid any mishaps. For example, to stay within a budget, they'll help you find the best-accredited hospital so that there is a low chance of complications. Moreover, they will give you tips like using public transportation options like buses or the BTS Skytrain for further cost savings. Consulting us will also help you have a risk-free trip, as our partnering clinics are internationally renowned and always offer quality care, along with translation services, without any extra charges.
Shahtaj Wasim
Our content isn't generated by AI. It's written by medical writers with at least 2 years of experience. They make sure that the content is clear, informative and helpful for our readers.
Every article is then meticulously reviewed by medical specialists with hands-on clinical and research experience.
We go beyond dry medical facts. Our writers translate complex topics into understandable language, helping you to make informed decisions about your health journey.
Content Editorial Policy
Medical Author
Dr. Zeeshan Zaman (M.D)
Our content isn't generated by AI. It's written by medical writers with at least 2 years of experience. They make sure that the content is clear, informative and helpful for our readers.
Every article is then meticulously reviewed by medical specialists with hands-on clinical and research experience.
We go beyond dry medical facts. Our writers translate complex topics into understandable language, helping you to make informed decisions about your health journey.
Content Editorial Policy
Medical Author & Reviewer
Information given on this page is confirmed by medical expert on 19.01.2024
Dr. Zeeshan Zaman (M.D)
Our content isn't generated by AI. It's written by medical writers with at least 2 years of experience. They make sure that the content is clear, informative and helpful for our readers.
Every article is then meticulously reviewed by medical specialists with hands-on clinical and research experience.
We go beyond dry medical facts. Our writers translate complex topics into understandable language, helping you to make informed decisions about your health journey.
Content Editorial Policy
Medical Author & Reviewer
Make an appointment with a doctor abroad
Contact us now. We will answer your questions as soon as possible.

Add comment