Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a major medical tourism hub, offering a mix of accredited hospitals, affordable care, and world-class beaches. If you’ve already decided on Phuket, this guide covers the on-the-ground details: which hospitals to consider, what treatments are popular, how to get around, and what you’ll likely spend on accommodation and daily costs.
Hospitals in Phuket
Our database lists two major hospitals catering to international patients. Both are JCI-accredited or follow international standards, and they have dedicated international patient departments.
| Hospital | Key Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Hospital Phuket | Multi-specialty, bariatric surgery, cosmetic surgery, diving medicine | Part of the Bangkok Hospital chain; has a hyperbaric chamber for diving emergencies |
| Phuket International Hospital | Emergency care, cosmetic surgery, general surgery | Located near Phuket Town, older facility but well-regarded for emergency services |
Both hospitals offer translation services, visa support letters, and package deals that often include airport transfers and accommodation. For more detailed comparisons of hospitals across the country, see our Thailand destination guide.
Popular Treatments
Phuket is particularly known for:
- Bariatric surgery – Gastric sleeve and bypass at significantly lower prices than in Western countries.
- Cosmetic surgery – Facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction are common.
- Diving medicine – With its status as a diving hotspot, Phuket has specialized chambers and doctors for decompression illness.
- Emergency care – Both hospitals can handle trauma and acute conditions.
- Multi-specialty – Orthopedics, cardiology, and wellness check-ups are also available.
Getting to and Around Phuket
Phuket International Airport (HKT) has direct flights from major cities in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi (around 500-800 THB to Patong) or use ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Local transport options include:
- Taxis and tuk-tuks – negotiate the fare upfront; metered taxis are rare.
- Songthaews – shared pickup trucks that run fixed routes along the main beach roads (cheap but less comfortable).
- Motorbike rental – popular but dangerous; only if you have experience and a valid license.
- Car rental – useful if you plan to explore the island.
Convenience score: 8/10 – easy to get around, but traffic can be heavy near Patong.
Where to Stay
Accommodation costs range from $30 to $150 per night for mid-range hotels. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts. Popular areas:
- Patong – lively, crowded, with nightlife and shopping. Convenient for hospital access but noisy.
- Kata and Karon – quieter beaches, more relaxed, good for recovery.
- Phuket Town – cultural hub with Old Phuket Town architecture, local markets, and cheaper eats. Closer to Phuket International Hospital.
Many hospitals offer discounted rates at partner hotels, so ask when booking.
Costs and Budget Tips
Medical tourism in Phuket is generally 50-70% cheaper than in the US or UK. For example, a gastric sleeve might cost $8,000-$12,000 compared to $15,000-$25,000 in the US. Cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation range from $3,000-$5,000.
Daily living expenses: A meal at a local restaurant costs $2-$5; a western meal $8-$15. Budget around $50-$100 per day for food, transport, and incidentals.
Use our trip cost calculator to estimate your total expenses including flights, accommodation, treatment, and recovery time.
Combining Treatment with Tourism
Phuket’s tourism score is 9/10 – it’s a genuine vacation destination. Top attractions include the Andaman Sea beaches, the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay (with James Bond Island), the Big Buddha, and Old Phuket Town. Diving and snorkeling are world-class.
However, the tropical climate means monsoon season from June to October, which can limit beach time and boat trips. Plan your trip during the dry season (November to May) for better weather, especially if you want to combine recovery with sightseeing.
Who Should Choose Phuket?
Phuket is an excellent choice if you want a beach vacation alongside medical treatment, or if you need diving medicine services. It’s less suitable if you prefer a quiet, non-touristy environment – Patong can be overwhelming. For more specialized treatments like complex cardiac surgery, Bangkok might have more options.
Practical Next Step
Contact the international patient departments of both hospitals with your medical records. Ask for a detailed cost estimate and what’s included (transfers, accommodation, follow-up). Compare packages before deciding. Browse our all destinations for more options if Phuket doesn’t fit.