Often one of the first things that people consider when they are thinking about where they are going to live is the standard of healthcare. Thankfully, the standard of healthcare in Pattaya and Thailand generally has improved dramatically in the last few years. Here in Pattaya, there are three superb private, international hospitals, all with English speaking doctors, nurses and administrative staff along with, for the most part, state-of-the-art medical equipment.
The prices charged in these three hospitals varies quite considerably so it is definitely wise to take out suitable health insurance. There are the government run hospitals in the city which are significantly cheaper although the standard of healthcare is perhaps not what you would be looking for. Just outside of Pattaya, there are quality hospitals in both Sriracha and Sattahip. For minor ailments, you will find a wide selection of local clinics along with pharmacies with qualified pharmacists who can offer helpful suggestions and help you to get on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
Private Hospitals in Pattaya
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
Regarded by most as being the best of the private, international hospitals in Pattaya, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya is in north Pattaya on the Sukhumvit Road, close to the turn to Soi Photisarn. The hospital has all the latest equipment although the prices that are charged reflect this – something that is a problem if you don’t have health insurance or insufficient cover.
The private rooms in the hospital have frequently been likened to those of a 5-star hotel rather than a hospital. This is a hospital that is popular with medical tourism patients with the hospital having a fantastic reputation for dentistry and cosmetic surgery.
The hospital has a large fleet of well-equipped ambulances which come with a team of doctors and nurses. Many of the other hospitals in the surrounding area transfer patients to this hospital when they require more major treatment for serious injuries or diseases. The hospital is used to dealing with patients of all nationalities and numerous languages are spoken. These give patients the extra peace of mind when they are communicating in their native tongue.
Pattaya International Hospital
This is another of the better quality hospitals in Pattaya. The hospital can be found on Soi 4, Pattaya Beach Road and comes a close second to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya in terms of the equipment that they have. This is much small that Bangkok Hospital and considerably cheaper. It is hardly surprising then that many people prefer here especially if they are treated for something that requires hospitalisation but is not life-threatening. English is widely spoken but other languages are less common, especially by native speakers.
Being a private hospital, Pattaya International Hospital has spacious rooms for single occupancy and the standard of treatment is very high. This hospital comes highly recommended for people who require outpatient treatment not least because of the medical bills. The hospital again has a well-equipped fleet of ambulances although they are perhaps not quite on the same level as those at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.
Pattaya Memorial Hospital
Pattaya Memorial Hospital is the third of the private hospitals in Pattaya and is found just off Pattaya Klang, near the junction for Second Road. The hospital is often favoured by Thai nationals and is far the cheapest of the private hospitals although the facilities and equipment perhaps reflect this. That being said, the hospital is still a very good hospital and certainly shouldn’t be ruled out. The doctors all speak English although this is not the case with all nurses. Other languages are few and far between. Also, be prepared to wait for long periods, something that doesn’t happen at the other options.
If you require treatment and finances are a concern, this is probably the best option to choose. However, be aware that as mentioned, in more serious cases you may be transferred to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.
Government Hospitals in Pattaya
Pattaya has two government run hospitals and these are Banglamung and Pattaya City Hospital. Banglamung Hospital is located in Naklua and is quite an old hospital. The facilities are pretty basic with patients often getting transferred to Chonburi. The doctors and nurses are knowledgeable although their level of English is not always great.
The second, more modern government hospital is Pattaya City Hospital which is situated on Soi Buakhao. The facilities are better here and this is the option that is favoured by expats and tourists who don’t have health insurance. You should expect to wait along time to be seen by a doctor but this will probably be less than at Banglamung Hospital.
Hospitals in the Surrounding Area
Two popular hospitals that are just outside of Pattaya are Samitivej Sirracha Hospital, a private hospital, and Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital Sattahip. Both hospitals are highly regarded with Samitivej often being the hospital of choice for expats with many of the same doctors working at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. The Naval hospital is again a good option for those without insurance and is of a good standard.
