For anyone relying on travel insurance, Thailand’s healthcare system works very differently from public systems in Europe: private hospitals can be fast, highly equipped and expensive, while pharmacies often handle minor problems first.
Two healthcare systems
Thailand has long ranked highly for the quality of its medical care, but the system is split into two distinct sectors. Public hospitals mainly serve less affluent Thai citizens under state insurance. They are often crowded, waiting times can be long, and the standard varies, even though the medical staff may be the same people who also work in expensive clinics.
Private hospitals are where many Thai residents with extra insurance go, along with tourists and expatriates. Facilities such as Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad International are described as looking more like luxury shopping centres than clinics, with concierge desks, grand lobbies, piano music and translators, including Polish-speaking translators in some locations.
Why pharmacies matter
One of the biggest differences from Poland is the role of the pharmacy. In Thailand, pharmacists often act as a first-contact medical point. If you have food poisoning, a rash or ear pain, you may go to a pharmacy first. The pharmacist will ask a short set of questions and help choose medicine on the spot.
In tourist areas, most pharmacists speak English well. It also helps to show a phone note with the names of active ingredients rather than local brand names. Many medicines that require a specialist visit in Poland can be bought without a prescription in Thailand, including antibiotics, strong steroid creams, anti-inflammatory drugs and some hormonal medicines.
Medicine is often sold by the strip, which makes it economical. Pharmacists usually add an English dosage label to the package. Prices are typically lower than in Poland, often around 20-50% of Polish pharmacy prices for the same medicine.
What travel insurance should cover
Buying travel insurance for Thailand is not only about the price. The important part is the exclusions. A recommended sum insured is at least PLN 200,000-300,000, because surgery and intensive care in a private Bangkok hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Check whether the policy includes coverage after alcohol use. Thai hospitals routinely test blood after traffic accidents, and many policies do not pay if alcohol is detected. Scooter travel is another common trap: for insurance to apply after a scooter accident, the rider needs a Polish category A licence and an International Driving Permit. Category B is not enough in the eyes of insurers.
Also look for a policy with Guarantee of Payment, often shortened to GOP. If the insurer works directly with hospitals in Thailand, you may not need to pay large sums yourself before treatment begins.
What to do in an emergency
If you become ill or have an accident, call your insurer first. They can direct you to the nearest hospital with which they already have an agreement. In major cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Samui and Hua Hin, international hospitals are available and usually offer English-language service.
Keep a photo of your passport and policy on your phone. Outside life-threatening emergencies, a hospital may wait to confirm payment or insurance before starting treatment. The main emergency numbers are 1669 for medical rescue and 1155 for Tourist Police, where English is available.
Thailand remains medically safe for visitors if they have a solid policy and understand that the pharmacy is often the first line of defence for minor complaints.
