Aside from a few drop-ins at a local clinic and a late night semi-emergency visit to the veterinarian for our cat, we’ve never had to step foot in a hospital in Thailand. But that doesn’t mean we’re not curious to know what would happen if we seriously needed to see a doctor. So when we were invited on a tour of Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, which is considered one of the best hospitals in all of Southeast Asia, we couldn’t turn it down.
Healthcare wasn’t a major determining factor for us when we decided to move to Thailand, but many prospective expats want to know how well the medical system abroad compares to that of their home country.
Admittedly medical standards do vary wildly in Thailand. There are some places that will cause some raised eyebrows. On the flip side there are also destination hospitals that meet Western standards, if not exceed them. After our tour of Bumrungrad International Hospital (pronounced buhm-run-grahd), we’re pretty sure this is a place where all of our medical dreams can come true.
Bumrungrad is unlike any hospital or clinic we’ve been to in America. Mind you that we once lived near Washington D.C., so we weren’t going to some potentially underfunded clinic in the middle of nowhere. Goodbye to antiseptic smells, sterile-looking hallways, and unflattering fluorescent lighting and hello to wall paintings, plush lounge areas, and attentive services.
Wait a minute, did we just step into a hospital or is this a high-end hotel?
Patient Services
After confirming that we were indeed in a hospital, we headed up to the 10th floor Sky Lobby Patient Registration Center in the Bumrungrad International Clinic (BIC) building. This is where the magic begins for every prospective patient.
There we were greeted by medical coordinators who are responsible for registering new patients and giving them a hospital card before setting up an appointment.
TIP:  Bring your passport when registering at the hospital and your hospital card (given to all registered patients) for each subsequent visit. It’s not required that you have a referral from your primary care physician to be seen by a specialist at Bumrungrad. |
If you need to be seen right away, a medical coordinator will direct you to the clinic or wellness center best for you based on your symptoms. Doctors accept walk-ins during clinic hours (9 am to 5:30 pm) while the 15th floor General Medicine Clinic accepts walk-ins until 8 pm. Otherwise, making an appointment is encouraged to avoid waiting.
Here’s something totally worth mentioning: as an expat or otherwise foreign patient, dealing with visas and traveling arrangements is part of the not-so-fun responsibilities when getting medical care overseas. Just around the corner of the 10th floor Sky Lobby Patient Registration Center is their Business Center that offers help with traveling and medical visa arrangements for inpatients if needed.
For example, representatives can help you get to and from your hotel and even offer you tours of Bangkok while you recover from treatment. They can also extend your visa during your recovery period if needed and any accompanying spouse’s or companion’s visa, too.
How incredibly convenient! This is not something we would’ve worried about if we were receiving medical treatment in our home country, but that’s the type of above and beyond customer care and service that can really make a world of a difference for foreign patients.
Designed for Efficiency
We are advocates of efficiency, so when Bumrungrad mentioned a centralized lab, a database for assisting in personalized cancer treatments, and a robotic pharmacist, and they got an A+ in our books.
For starters, Bumrungrad does in-house lab testing. None of this “Let me send every blood sample, biopsy, and MRI scan to a third-party lab that will take weeks to get results.” Instead, almost all are done at the hospital and the testing is completed and results are returned in less than an hour. There are a few tests that are sent away, but if that happens you’ll be told when to expect the results, which are delivered by email or can be picked up in person.
Then we went on to witness their pneumatic tube transport network in action, which transfers specimens from the different clinics and centers on all floors of the hospital to the centralized lab for testing. You know, the same pressure-dropping tubes used at banks when you’re depositing and withdrawing cash? Samples zip right to the lab and technicians start testing immediately.
Bumrungrad also uses a cognitive computer technology known as “Watson for Oncology.” It’s a massive database used by oncologists that takes into account a cancer patient’s symptoms and combines that with information from medical literature and the knowledge and experience from medical experts before providing a specialized treatment. This is the first of its kind and a huge leap forward for cancer patient care.
Further down the line is a pill dispensary system that is done by a robot. Inpatients’ meds are ordered by a doctor but then the task of dispensing and packaging them in single-use dosages are done so by a fully automated drug management system dubbed “Pharmacy Robot.” This robot also triple-checks drug interactions and dosages before popping everything into little plastic baggies to be later picked up by a nurse and administered to patients. This frees up the pharmacists to do more important tasks and patients know they are always getting the right medications.
And about medications, when a doctor hands over a prescription, you don’t have to go to a third-party pharmacy after leaving the hospital. You can go directly to any of the pharmacies (one on each floor) and get your prescription filled right then and there before leaving the hospital.
This is not to say American or European hospitals don’t have on-site pharmacies because they do. But what about all the medication that your dentists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists prescribe? Do these physicians have their own pharmacies on hand to give you your medication before you leave their offices? Nope, at least not from any of our experiences back home.
Which leads us to our next point…
Treatments and Centers
What we found interesting was the incredible variety of services Bumrungrad offers under one roof. When we think hospitals we usually think of having babies, getting a bone set after a car accident, and open heart surgery. But Bumrungrad also has dermatologists, dentists, and allergists all in one place. In fact, Bumrungrad has over 36 different medical centers and programs ranging from nutritional consulting and pediatric care to fertility treatments to evaluating sleep quality. There is no need to drive from one part of town to another when you need treatment because it’s all in one spot.
Even with all these services, Bumrungrad is best known for its tertiary care. Doctors are trained in very complex procedures or treatments and use very specialized equipment. This is especially so in the following medical centers, which can be remembered by the acronym CONGO:
Cardiology (heart)
Oncology (cancer)
Neurology (nervous system)/Neonatal (infants)
GI (digestive disease)
Orthopedics (bones, muscles, ligaments)/Optometry (eyes)
(Sur)Passing the Bar on Western Standards
We learned that Bumrungrad is the first hospital in the entire continent of Asia to become Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited. It’s seen as the golden stamp of approval for anyone looking for overseas medical treatment. So although the hospital is in Thailand, it meets American medical and building safety standards with flying colors.
Of the 1200+ doctors and 900+ nurses employed at Bumrungrad, many have either earned their doctorate or conducted their post-graduate training overseas and are now practicing back in Thailand. Rest assured the expertise is there.
The medical staff also speaks both Thai and English. In the event that neither is your native language, Bumrungrad has 150 interpreters on duty for 25 different languages. These interpreters have medical backgrounds and are trained in medical terminology and conditions and help in translating what the doctors say.
Competitive Medical Costs
A sore area for many patients is the cost of medical care. Even though Bumrungrad emphasizes top-rate quality over pricing, they are still able to offer their medical services at affordable rates.
Not only do medical procedures often cost less in Thailand than in the bureaucratic-filled Western hospitals, Bumrungrad does not impose the much-feared dual pricing system. As a matter of fact, prices are the same for both Thai citizens and foreign patients. We were also told that prices are also consistent whether you are paying through an insurance plan versus out-of-pocket.
It was refreshing to learn that payment is expected on the way out the door and the process isn’t dragged out through claims.
What really got our attention is that Bumrungrad posts medical costs online so you can price compare. That’s practically unheard of in the US, but you can get real cost estimates for common medical procedures before stepping foot into their facility.
Schedule a Tour of Bumrungrad International Hospital
Anyone can take a free tour of Bumrungrad International Hospital. If you’re interested in seeing their facilities firsthand, go to the Customer Service Desk on the ground floor of the BIC building or call the service desk at the number below, particularly for large groups.
International Phone Number: +66 2 667 1555
Domestic Phone Number: 02 667 1555
Email: info@bumrungrad.com
24 hr Front Desk Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM (Main Hours)
And lastly, although Bumrungrad International Hospital is in the heart of Bangkok, it’s easily accessible by both private and public transportation. It’s at the crossroads of two major expressways and there is a parking garage available if you decide to take your own vehicle.
Free shuttles also make the short trip between the hospital and the Nana Station of the BTS (known also as the Sky Train) and there are also shuttles from the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports to the hospital, both less than 30 kms away.
Hopefully our tour of Bumrungrad International Hospital sheds some light on the quality and type of treatments available in Thailand. It certainly put our worries to rest knowing that we can have almost any procedure imaginable taken care of here. What are your thoughts?
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Thanks for the info on bumrungrad hospital bangkok. I’ve been wanting to head over there because I’ve hears the medical care is top notch
You’re welcome. Bumrungrad really lives up to its reputation. Many people assume Thailand doesn’t offer quality hospitals such as this but BIH is arguably the best in SE Asia!
We’ve been here a couple of times, once for medical checkups and I just went again for my back. Three spinal xrays, plus the doctor’s visit, and meds: $150. And, as always, everything in the hospital is so clean and modern. I love it!
All that for $150? Nice! We were pretty blown away by how everything in the hotel was so inviting and comfortable. Hope your back feels better! See you at TBEX!
Hi Chris and Angela, Thanks for posting this article, it is very helpful. Is there a hospital in Chiang Mai you would recommend? If so, how is the experience there compare to Bumrumgrad and US hospitals in terms of efficiency and facilities? Thanks.
We don’t have a hospital we could recommend in Chiang Mai… at least, not yet. Our only experiences have been small clinics for very quick visits. When we do, we’ll be sure to share!
I have been receiving outpatient treatment at Bum. for about 3 months. I have been told it is the most expensive hospital in Thailand so if you are on a budget and the procedure is simple a you may want to look at some other places. I am using a Urologist and have found the cost for a doctor is very low compared to the US It is less than $40 per visit for the doctor fee but then they add on nurse charge, admin charge and many others charges. It is still much less than most specialists in the… Read more »
A lot has changed at Bumrubgrad since I first started going there 32 years ago. And yes it’s pretty amazing you can renew your visa from hospital bed via video conferencing with the immigration bureau. What’s even more impressive is that my primacy physician there is a Japanese doctor, one of the only two licensed to practice in Thailand (I happen to be a Japanese citizen). They have a few Japan-trained Thai doctors who speak Japanese, Japanese interpreters and a Japanese coordinator, but having a doctor from my own country being my primary physician makes a whole world of difference… Read more »
This hospital is a dream come true for senior citizens. This article made me feel like canceling insurance in US and going to Thailand now. I don’t mind paying more for hassle and price-gouging free. Thank you so much for this information.
We think if you are able to switch to an international plan that works with your health history, it would definitely be a perk of moving to Thailand!
Thanks for this article. I’m moving to Thailand in 3 months, and this sort of thing is in the back of my mind.
Would you guys mind sharing what kind of insurance you have, if any, or what you would recommend from your experience to anyone who is getting ready to expatriate themselves?
I don’t intend to maintain a US originating health insurance plan while I travel, so I’m interested in my options.
If you are looking for insurance while in Thailand, our contact at Bumrungrad recommends obtaining it through an international insurance company rather than a local Thai insurance company, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition (because chances are you will not be covered). A few companies that offer medical coverage plus some special coverage for traveling and activities are World Nomads, Cigna, and Aetna. We are going to look into more options and after a consultation with a professional, hope to shed more light on it this topic for our readers.
Thanks, I’ll check out World Nomads and look forward whatever else you dig up!
Very interesting. Personally , I tried the Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya which is a bit overpriced but Doctor and treatment are good. For example, they invoiced the medecine directly at +/- double rate. Even when you eat a clear soup ( Water with chicken flavor) they charged you full service.I paid 3500bath for 4 clear soup and 4 normal meal.Thank you.
We asked Bumrungrad about the price of their medications. It turns out the reason they are higher than if you were to get them at your corner pharmacy is because 1) you are having an expert prescribe them to you without you self medicating (risk involved) and 2) the hospital guarantees that the med are not counterfeit (which does happen here). The meals sound pricey though!
Hi Chris and Angela, thanks for that article. I was wondering what the hospital system was like. I heard that you have have to mindful of things at the one in Chiang Mia. Just a question for you – do you have medical insurance, either for Thailand or America (just in case you have to go back home) ? Though by the sounds of this article you wouldn’t have to back home as Bumrumgrad looks better than anything I’ve seen here in Australia. I’m planning to go to Chiang Mai next year for 12 months (just to see how I… Read more »
Glad we could add some perspective. If a medical problem came up in Thailand, we would not book an expensive flight back home to the USA for treatment. We’d get treatment in Thailand for sure! In the event we ever do settle back home in America, we’d probably get insurance through our future jobs (it’d be a deal breaker if the company didn’t offer something decent). As far as short term visits home, we have some coverage in the US.
Nice article folks! What would be nice to know is if this hospital either offers a health insurance policy or accepts a particular policy. The prices are okay, but it would be nice if they were more reasonable for sure. Everyone is looking to save a buck when we can!
Great point! We didn’t talk about what insurances they accept during our tour (only that they did accept it and there are a lot of them), but they do have a list of the international, Thai, and “assistance” insurance companies they accept on their website. Hope this helps!
I hope I’m not stepping on any toes here but medical care in Thailand is near and dear to my heart and my medical experiences go back 20 years. In fact I’m hoping to do private consulting a bit for Americans looking to Thailand for care. As for insurance, my Federal Government Blue Cross/Blue Shield works almost exactly the same in Thailand as in the USA and payment can be arranged for both out patient and in patients. Bumrumgrad is very adept at dealing with insurance from around the world. For Americans, you need to look at the terms of… Read more »
Thanks! That is exactly what I needed. I should have been able to find this myself, but the Bumrumgrad website is as vast as the hospital and I must’ve missed it.
Cheers you two!
Check out Morgan Spurlock’s Inside Man show, he did an episode last year called Club Med where he toured that very facility & had some checkups done. It was very cool to see & looks top notch.
Yes, we’ve seen this short clip of Morgan Spurkock’s experience there, part of his Inside Man show. We didn’t watch it until sometime after the tour, so it was fun seeing some of the same rooms Morgan visited in the film as we did on our tour.
Chris and Angela, I don’t know what your schedule is or what you have going on but I’d love to meet you! I’d be thrilled if you came by my room :)
We’re actually up in Chiang Mai. We appreciate you inviting us though! Hope you’re doing well :)
(P.S. we removed your room number from the comment to protect your privacy)
Thank you Chris and Angela! As fellow Thailand expats I am sure we will meet one day. I am dying to visit Chiang Mai again after a 20 year absence. Oh, thanks about the room number. I’m on a LOT of medication and not thinking clearly. Choke dee na kha and take care.
Oh, about the smell or lack thereof, Bumrumgrad invested in a several million dollar air filtration system quite a while back. I’ve Never been in a ward or room that seems like a normal hospital. That was intentional. Bumrumgrad management wanted people to leave the hospital with better memories and our sense of smell is profoundly linked to our memory. You can truly breath fresh air here!
As I lay here in my 12th floor bed at Bumrumgrad this was a very timely article to read. I’ve been here a week with 5 more days added after yesterday’s testing found I have a nearly perforated stomach ulcer. I’ve been a dedicated Bumrumgrad patient since 2000 and have had numerous tests, physical therapy, and hospitalizations here, including major spine surgery. I just moved back to Thailand a couple weeks ago but before that I was happy to travel thousands of miles to receive Bumrumgrad’s gracious and superior treatment. The culture is what really makes the difference on a… Read more »
Wow, 15 years! That definitely says something with that kind of dedication. Yes, the technology implemented there was incredible. We took a video of the Pharmacy Robot but sadly it did not come out well :/. We didn’t taste the food but we did a walk-through of the food court and it looked great!
The food court is pretty good as is the Japanese restaurant next door. In the rooms you can choose from Thai, Japanese, Western, Vegetarian and Halal for each meal. For example I Western food for breakfast Thai for lunch and Japanese for dinner today! Plus at around 2pm they serve a sweet snack and some mystery tea. I saw a bit of the tech getting wheeled to somewhere and was very impressed. Bumrumgrad was also the first hospital in the entire world to have a fully integrated computer system running everything. I had many doctors tell me they had never… Read more »
This looks much nicer than the majority of medical facilities in the US and I found their price list pretty interesting to look through.
It’s nice to have something to look at online in the privacy of your own home before you invest in a treatment. They have special package deals (similar to when we got braces and LASIK in the US) plus several check-up deals too. We love the idea!
Yeah, I recently had to have an appendectomy. Landed up at Pat Rangsit in Pathum Thani – while the facilities are from the these uber high standards, the service was excellent and efficient and English was available to some degree.
I had an emergency that landed me at phat Rangsit in 2001. They were kind and offered to admit me but I didn’t feel that comfortable “off the grid.” In reality, I probably would have been fine. I’ve been told it’s harder to get into medical school in Thailand than it is America, and there are other excellent hospitals both public and private.
Hope you are well recovered Cuan!
Thank you, and yeah – neat wound, good follow up and no complications :)
Thanks for putting Pat Rangsit on our radar and glad to hear you had a great experience there.
Wow, this looks better than Yanhee hospital where Sacha had her surgery, and we thought that was high standard!
But you still had a great experience at Yanhee hospital, right? We remember thinking it looked nice from your pictures.