Healthcare in Bali vs Thailand: What Expats Should Know

Relocating to a new country is an exciting yet challenging adventure, especially when it comes to making sure you and your family’s healthcare needs are met. For expats, moving to Bali from Thailand or vice versa means adapting to new medical systems. While Thailand is renowned for its world-class hospitals, Bali’s healthcare system has made significant strides in recent years, offering a growing number of reliable medical services. If you are planning to move from Thailand to Bali and are considering healthcare as one of your key factors, you will find the answers here.

In this article, we will compare healthcare in Bali vs Thailand, focusing on the quality of care, costs, availability of international hospitals, and how Bali is improving to cater to the needs of expats. From emergency services to private concierge services, we’ll provide you with the key information to ensure that your healthcare needs can be easily met in Bali.

Healthcare Quality: Bali vs Thailand

When it comes to healthcare, Thailand has long been a destination known for its high-quality medical services. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are home to world-class hospitals, which attract thousands of medical tourists each year. Hospitals like Bangkok Hospital, Bumrungrad International, and Samitivej are internationally recognized for their state-of-the-art facilities and skilled medical professionals. They provide a wide range of specialized services, from cosmetic surgery to dental care and fertility treatments, making Thailand one of the top destinations for affordable yet high-quality medical care in Asia.

In comparison, Bali has made substantial progress in improving healthcare standards, with hospitals like BIMC, Siloam, and Bali International Hospital providing reliable medical services to expats. While the healthcare infrastructure in Bali may not yet match the scale of Bangkok, hospitals on the island are increasingly able to provide high-quality general care, emergency services, and specialized medical treatment. Bali also boasts a growing number of private clinics and health services, and the introduction of private medical concierge services has made accessing healthcare more convenient for expats. For example, BIMC Hospital in Kuta has English-speaking staff, modern medical equipment, and international-standard care, catering to the needs of foreign residents and visitors.

Key Point: While Thailand is known for its advanced healthcare system, Bali is rapidly catching up with growing international-standard medical facilities. Both offer a high level of care, but Thailand may have the edge in terms of specialized services.

Healthcare Costs: Bali vs Thailand

Healthcare costs are often one of the first factors expats consider when choosing a destination. Thailand is known for its affordable healthcare compared to Western countries, but the cost can vary depending on the hospital. Routine medical visits in Thailand, especially outside of the capital, tend to be relatively inexpensive. However, specialized services, surgeries, or treatments in top-tier hospitals like Bangkok Hospital or Bumrungrad can still be costly, even for foreign residents. Generally, the cost of medical care in Thailand is more affordable than in countries like the U.S. or Europe, but at higher-end facilities, prices can still add up.

On the other hand, Bali offers medical care at competitive prices. While Bali may not have the sheer variety of hospitals as Thailand, BIMC and Siloam hospitals offer medical services at prices similar to what you would find in Thailand’s mid-range facilities. For example, a doctor’s consultation in Bali can range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 20-35), which is generally lower than what you would pay in Thailand’s international hospitals.

For more complex treatments or surgeries, Bali’s costs may be slightly higher compared to Thailand, especially if you need to travel to neighboring countries for more specialized care. However, Bali’s healthcare system continues to develop, and costs for general medical services and hospital stays remain affordable, making it an appealing choice for expats.

Key Point: Both Bali and Thailand offer affordable healthcare, but Thailand may have a broader range of specialized services available at a higher cost in some cases. Bali remains cost-effective for general medical care.

Read more: Why has Bali become the Center of Medical Tourism? Find Out Here!

Availability of International Hospitals and Specialized Care: Bali vs Thailand

Thailand’s international hospitals are among the best in the world, particularly in Bangkok. Hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital have international accreditation, meaning they follow the highest medical standards and cater to the needs of foreign patients. These hospitals are fully equipped with modern technology and staffed with medical professionals fluent in English. Expats in Thailand can access a broad range of specialties, including cancer treatment, heart surgery, and cosmetic procedures, all under one roof.

In contrast, Bali does have high-quality hospitals, but the variety of specialized care is more limited compared to Thailand. Bali’s BIMC and Siloam hospitals are well-equipped to handle emergency cases, general surgery, dental care, and maternity services. However, if you require highly specialized treatments such as organ transplant surgeries or advanced oncology treatments, you may need to travel to larger medical centers in Jakarta, Singapore, or even Bangkok.

That said, Bali offers an expat-friendly healthcare environment with international-standard hospitals. Plus, Bali offers private concierge services that assist with finding the right doctor and navigating the healthcare system. This added level of service is perfect for expats who may be unfamiliar with the local system or need personalized assistance for their medical needs.

Key Point: Thailand’s larger cities, especially Bangkok, offer a broader range of highly specialized medical services. However, Bali’s main hospitals are improving, and private concierge services make accessing medical care much easier for expats.

Emergency Services: Bali vs Thailand

In an emergency situation, Thailand’s larger cities are well-prepared, with well-established emergency medical services and fast response times. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have high-quality ambulance services and emergency rooms equipped to handle serious medical situations. For instance, Bangkok Hospital offers 24/7 emergency services that cater to both Thai citizens and international patients.

While Bali’s emergency services are improving, there is still a noticeable difference when compared to Thailand. Bali does have hospitals with emergency rooms capable of handling urgent care, but response times can be slower in more remote areas of the island. Private ambulance services are available, but expats living in Ubud or Sanur may experience longer response times compared to those in Bangkok.

However, Bali does offer private medical concierge services that assist expats with emergency situations by helping them navigate local hospitals and providing access to a doctor at home if needed. These services can be a lifeline for those who need quick and efficient access to medical professionals, especially in more remote areas of the island.

Key Point: While Thailand has superior emergency services due to its well-established infrastructure, Bali’s growing medical concierge services and doctor home care options help provide a high level of care for expats.

Read more: Doctor Home Visit Bali: Bringing Professional Medical Services to Your Doorstep

Health Insurance: Essential for Expats

Both Thailand and Bali offer affordable healthcare compared to Western countries, but health insurance is still essential. In Thailand, many expats rely on international health insurance to cover medical costs at top-tier hospitals. Companies like Cigna, BUPA, and Allianz offer comprehensive policies that work seamlessly with Thai hospitals.

For expats in Bali, health insurance is equally important. With the growing number of international-standard hospitals, many insurers provide coverage for these institutions. However, it’s essential for expats to ensure their insurance covers medical evacuation in case specialized care is required outside Bali. Fortunately, medical concierge services like the ones provided by Bali Premium Trip can help ensure you’re fully covered for your healthcare needs during your relocation.

Key Point: Health insurance is a must in both Thailand and Bali. Make sure your policy covers the hospital network in both countries and includes medical evacuation if necessary.

Healthcare in Bali vs Thailand for Expats

Healthcare is an important factor to consider when relocating, and both Bali and Thailand offer high-quality medical care. Thailand remains the leader in medical infrastructure, especially for specialized treatments and international-standard hospitals. However, Bali’s healthcare system has significantly improved, and BIMC, Siloam, and other hospitals offer affordable, reliable medical services for expats.

For those moving from Thailand to Bali, navigating this transition is crucial, and Bali Premium Trip offers comprehensive relocation services to ensure you receive the best medical care possible. With our private medical concierge service, we’ll help you find the right doctor, book appointments, and even provide home doctor visits when needed. Our services ensure your health is in good hands while you focus on settling into life in Bali.

Ready to relocate from Thailand to Bali? Contact Bali Premium Trip today and let us help you with a smooth transition, from finding the best healthcare options to guiding you through Bali’s medical system.