New annual medical treatment visa for Thailand in 2023

Thailand will launch a new annual medical tourism visa from 1 January 2023. There has already been some delay, to allow the various agencies and government departments to be ready. The government has since warned that any implementation delays could mean that this target date will be missed.

The Thai government has an annual medical treatment visa scheme to attract wealthier foreign tourists as part of the latest medical tourism policy. The visa fee is 5000 baht (US$140).

The multiple entry visa is valid for one year and is non-renewable, and the visa holder can be accompanied by up to three immediate family members.

The visas allow foreign patients to fly in and out of Thailand besides allowing them a maximum stay of 90 days at a time.  Patients who need further medical treatment must report to the immigration authorities.

The previous rules meant medical tourists could use 60-day tourist visas that could be extended only for up to another 30 days. Many in Thailand for long-term medical treatment had to do border runs every three months to get a new visa.

Applicants need to produce evidence of a hospital appointment, health insurance and proof of adequate financing for treatments covering at least 800,000 baht (US$ 22,800).

Medical tourists applying for this new visa must have health conditions Thailand is able to treat and require more than 90 days of medical treatment. They include anti-ageing and regenerative medical treatment, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dental care, organ transplants and cosmetic surgery.

They must also show confirmation of an appointment with healthcare professionals in Thailand issued at least 30 days before travelling overseas.

They will also need accident and Covid-19 insurance policies with a minimum coverage of US$100,000 (3 million baht).

The medical treatment visa scheme is intended to attract foreign tourists who can afford to pay for medical treatment in Thailand for a long period, in line with the government’s policy of promoting wellness and medical tourism.

Thailand currently allows tourists coming for medical treatment if they apply for a tourist visa or a non-immigrant visa. The exemption is for visitors from six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.