Australian medical tourists visiting Thailand has incresed over the past 20 years. In addition to being far less expensive, tourists can have most procedures in Thailand within a much shorter time frame than they can in Australia due to Australia’s categories of necessity for elective surgeries, which can postpone a procedure for up to a year. In this article, we will concentrate on Australians who have learned and are still learning that visiting Thailand offers a wide range of medical treatments, including surgical interventions to treat any illness or injury as well as aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries, which can be quite expensive at home.
When traveling to another country for medical treatment, one must confirm the necessary requirements and comply with the host country’s laws and regulations. These requirements must be followed completely.
What requirements are there for medical tourism from Australia to Thailand?
Thailand and Australia both had strict entry and exit regulations during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To enter Thailand, travelers were required to obtain a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure, a $100,000 insurance policy that covers stay, approval to enter the country, known as a Thai Pass, and testing upon arrival. Travelers entering Australia were required to quarantine themselves for 14 days upon arrival, complete a Digital Passenger or Maritime Travel Declaration, and provide proof of vaccination status.
Thailand no longer requires permission to enter the country (Thai Pass) or insurance for COVID-19 as of July 1, 2022. Proof of fully completed vaccinations or negative test results is required. Proof of vaccination and completion of the Digital Passenger Declaration are no longer required in Australia.
Because requirements and conditions may change as the pandemic progresses, travelers must stay up to date on regulations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Health Organization, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Things to take into account before visiting Thailand
Australian citizens are not required to obtain a visa upon arrival in Thailand and are permitted a 30-day stay without one. With aid from the immigration office, they can extend their stay for a second time for the same length of time. Additionally, flights are relatively inexpensive. An average round-trip flight from Australia to Thailand costs $400 USD or $500 AUD.
One of the most important factors to consider is the time of year you plan to visit Thailand. From November to April, there is little rain and temperatures are moderate. Monsoon, or rainy, season is between July and October, and if you can handle the heat, travel between March and June is ideal.
Why Australian medical tourists are visiting Thailand?
The number of foreigners traveling to Thailand for medical treatment is rising quickly. According to the Ministry of Public Health, this nation receives hundreds of thousands of patients from overseas each year.
15,000 Australian medical tourists visited Thailand for medical tourism in 2019. Australian patients make up about 90% of the patients seen by Thai doctors. Australians are traveling in droves to Thailand for medical care for a variety of reasons, including:
- being able to arrange a surgery sooner given the lengthy waitlists in Australia;
- the nurse to patient ratio in Thailand is 1:4
- as of 2019, the country’s healthcare system is ranked sixth best in the world
- private rooms, toilets, gardens, restaurants, a living room and patient room separate from one another in a suite, a refrigerator, a dining table, free Wi-Fi, and other opulent amenities are provided at Thai hospitals
- most surgeries can be performed for up to 90% less money
Thailand is another nation with a lot to offer tourists; with its stunning natural scenery and historic landmarks, it is a popular destination.
Thailand’s major tourism destinations.
We can list the following as some of Thailand’s top tourism destinations:
- Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is home to some of the top tourist destinations. The Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun (for memorable sunsets), The Giant Swing, as well as a plethora of markets for trinkets and food, are all worth seeing. Additionally, there are many different eateries and food stands in Thailand.
- Chiang Rai is a tiny city in Thailand with less than 60,000 residents, but it boasts unmatched attractions. The Clock Tower, White Temple, and Blue Temple are all open for visits. Every hour, a light and sound performance is presented in the clock tower.
- The best location for diving is in Hin Daeng, which is on the west coast. Along with opportunities for night diving in a cavern known as “Twin Cathedrals,” whale sharks and manta rays are frequent visitors.
- The largest island in Eastern Thailand is Koh Chang Island, often known as Elephant Island in Thai, however it is much less well-known and popular with tourists. While avoiding the crowds, you may still take advantage of over 300 hotels and resort alternatives, pristine beaches, jungle trekking, treetop adventure parks, and elephant trekking.
- White beach, turquoise water, ocean rafting, ocean kayaking, rock climbing, and snorkeling are all available at Railay Beach.
If you are traveling for medical treatment, please review your travel insurance policy. Most contain an exclusion for this kind of travel, so you may need a specific policy to cover any injuries or illnesses that are related to your travels. This policy can also cover difficulties while you are away and for up to six months following your return.
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