Thailand International Travel Information
Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
Medical tourism is an established and rapidly growing industry. You should consult with your local physician before traveling and also refer to information on medical tourism from CDC.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Medicine for personal use is allowed as long as the amount does not exceed a 30-day supply and you bring the medicine with you. Do not mail medicine to Thailand without first confirming it will be allowed into the country.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with Thailand Customs and the Thailand Food and Drug Administration to ensure the medication is legal in Thailand. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
The following diseases are present:
– Dengue
– Chikungunya
– Japanese encephalitis
– Zika
– Tuberculosis:
– Influenza
– Malaria
– Rabies
– Cholera
– Hepatitis A and B
– HIV/AIDS
– Typhoid
– Melioidosis
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Air Quality: The air quality in Thailand varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons, but seasonal smog is a problem. government daily standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) for a portion of the year. index. In Bangkok environs, airborne dust and auto pollutants are prevalent in the cooler, dry period (December-February). In Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, annual agricultural burning, approximately February through late April, and forest fires cause days with unhealthy to hazardous air quality based on the U.S. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. In recent years the air quality in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon have exceeded Thai and U.S. People at the greatest risk from air pollution exposure include:
– Infants, children, and teens
– People over 65 years of age
– People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
– People with heart disease
– People who work or are active outdoors
For Bangkok and Chiang Mai, U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated from PM2.5 data captured by monitors owned and maintained by the Royal Thai Government. The information and advice on health protection measures to take is available Mission Thailand is reporting the U.S.
Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Health facilities in general:
– Adequate health facilities are available in Bangkok and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. Credit card payment is not always available. – Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. – Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. standards.
– Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. – Medical staff at public hospitals may speak little or no English.
Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:
– Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. – We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. – Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Thailand. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. – Although Thailand has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. – Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Thailand. If you plan to undergo surgery in Thailand, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.
Pharmaceuticals:
– Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:
– If you are considering traveling to Thailand to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page. – Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Thailand, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of Thailand’s website for information on foreigner surrogacy. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution. – If you decide to pursue parenthood in Thailand via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship.
Water Quality:
– In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Adventure Travel:
– Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.
