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What are the requirements for obtaining a medical visa to Thailand for treatment?
medical visaThailand immigrationVisa application processmedical treatmenthospital requirementsBangkok hospitalsVisa extensions
Mar 17, 2023
3 years ago
Andrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am in the USA now. I had a bad rotator cuff tear that looks like it will need surgery and therapy. With no insurance I want to go straight to BKK.
I have already been in and out of Thailand 5 times within a year. So I don’t get turned around at immigration and can stay full length of treatment I would like to apply for medical visa.
Every Thai embassy website asks for 2 things.
1. appointment letter with treatment details
2. Hospital / medical facility registration certificate
Every hospital wants to offer me an appointment slip and a letter with treatment details. Every hospital is also confused by the meaning of #2 above. I understand #2 to mean the certificate they get from government agency to be a medical facility.
Does anyone know what I need to submit? I’m in pain and the visa application already takes 10 days. Trying to get this right the first time. Thanks in advance.🙏🙏
I have already been in and out of Thailand 5 times within a year. So I don’t get turned around at immigration and can stay full length of treatment I would like to apply for medical visa.
Every Thai embassy website asks for 2 things.
1. appointment letter with treatment details
2. Hospital / medical facility registration certificate
Every hospital wants to offer me an appointment slip and a letter with treatment details. Every hospital is also confused by the meaning of #2 above. I understand #2 to mean the certificate they get from government agency to be a medical facility.
Does anyone know what I need to submit? I’m in pain and the visa application already takes 10 days. Trying to get this right the first time. Thanks in advance.🙏🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, currently in the USA, is seeking information on obtaining a medical visa to Thailand for necessary surgery and therapy, after experiencing unclear requirements from hospitals and embassies. They need to provide an appointment letter and a hospital registration certificate but face confusion regarding the latter. Several commenters suggest approaches taken by others, including potential alternatives like a tourist visa, while also sharing their experiences. Additionally, there’s commentary on the healthcare systems in both the US and Thailand.
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Jack *********
It's too bad you can't enjoy the great healthcare system we have in place for our citizens in the US.
Andrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack ********
biggest circle of greed and corruption on this planet... im happy to not be part of it.Braulio *********
Reply to
Braulio *********
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Brandon ************
You're better off getting a tourist visa and getting 90 days from that (60+30), then trying to get a medical extension if you still need more time.
But know that it's almost impossible to get medical extensions at this time. You need documentation from your doctor stating why you can't fly, not why you don't want to fly. You must physically be unable to leave the country to get a medical extension anymore as it was abused too much.
But know that it's almost impossible to get medical extensions at this time. You need documentation from your doctor stating why you can't fly, not why you don't want to fly. You must physically be unable to leave the country to get a medical extension anymore as it was abused too much.
Michael *********
In country medical extension, like many things, might depend largely on the IO one is at. Just got my 3rd 90 day ext at CNX. Walked in and out 😂. CM does have this ridiculously old form for the Dr to fill out. That plus medical report (done at same time as IO form) has really been all they cared about. Plus I have every C19 extension, haven't left Thailand in 3 years plus. Dr Chanakarn in CM is one of the world's best for arthroscopic surgeries, look him up! Understand your entry concerns, if you can, do get a 60 day tourist, extend 30, then try for medical in country.
Michael *********
Also CM is arguably ridiculously better for recovery, travel times to/from appointments etc...
Reply to
Michael *********
Reply
Andrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
alot of people are reporting that immigration officers are stopping people with more than 3 exempt or tourist entiries into the country from passing through immigration. I am on number 5.Stuart ********
@Brandon ***********
is absolutely correct.Medical extension is impossible to get.
I have had personal experience of this.
Immigration do not care, unless you are half dead, on a ventilator or unconcious in a hospital you won't get medical extension.
I had ACDF Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion (spine surgery) at Bangkok Hospital, personal expense 700'000bt.
I was in agony, incapacitated, had all documents from hospital and doctors.
Immigration officers are hard hearted and hard headed unsympathetic people.
They declined any medical extension.
Mitchell *******
@Brandon ***********
is rightThere is nothing stopping you from coming in on a tourist visa, or exempt and just having the surgery. You can set all that up before you get to Thailand.
Mitchell *******
I was told the same about a medical extension. "If you are at all mobile, it is easier to fly out and fly back in"
Reply to
Mitchell *******
Reply
Mitchell *******
I THINK it is the form you fill out for the hospital that puts you in their system. You will need your passport. I had a routine eye checkup at Bangkok Hospital, and although it was all booked online, I had to fill out the form once I physically arrived. I was told to come early because I had to register before any treatment starts. So, I would guess "the certificate" just says you are in the system as a patient??
I would ASSUME this can all be done online.
I would ASSUME this can all be done online.
Andrew *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mitchell ******
two other hospitals thought that. You may be right. But the normal English language for that is “patient registration form”Mitchell *******
@Andrew ********
"Lost in Translation"?Reply to
Mitchell *******
Reply
Gordon ********
I had a friend who had surgery at bunmungrad in BKK, they dealt with all his visa issues.
Av **********
@Mark ********
Samitivej is just as nice, better locations and cheaper just so u knowMark *********
@Gordon *******
definitely my go to hospital for me! ALWAYS have had my issues diagnosedReply to
Mark *********
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