Health Care in Phuket
Summary: Learn about the health system in Phuket: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Phuket.
The healthcare system in Phuket is a combination of public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is run by the Ministry of Public Health and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Phuket for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Phuket are typically crowded and the wait times can be long, but the quality of care is generally good. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Thailand. However, many expats primarily use private hospitals for their healthcare needs. Private hospitals in Phuket are more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer a higher quality of care and shorter wait times. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Phuket
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Phuket for expats. Bangkok Hospital Phuket is a private hospital located in Phuket Town. It is a large hospital with a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialist care. Vachira Phuket Hospital is a public hospital located in Phuket Town. It is a large hospital with a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialist care. Phuket International Hospital is a private hospital located in Phuket Town. It is a large hospital with a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialist care. Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute is a private hospital located in Phuket Town. It specializes in plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
Emergency Services in Phuket
There are ambulance services in Phuket. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 1669. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the location.
Health Insurance Companies in Phuket
The most popular private health insurers in Phuket are AIA, Bangkok Insurance, and Thai Life Insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies for their health insurance needs, although some may use specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Phuket
- Driving in Phuket
- Cost of Living in Phuket
- Health Care in Phuket
- The Insider's Guide to Phuket
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Thailand
- Best Places to Live in Thailand
- Real Estate in Thailand
- Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand
- 8 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Thailand
- Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Thailand