An Expat Guide to Healthcare and Insurance in Chiang Mai

Welcome to the ultimate guide on the healthcare system and insurance in Chiang Mai for expats. If you’re an expat planning to move to Chiang Mai, understanding the intricacies of the Thai healthcare system is crucial. This practical guide on utilizing Chiang Mai’s healthcare system will provide you with essential information, tips, and insights to navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.

Living in Chiang Mai as an expat, you might wonder about various things such as

• how much does it cost to live in Chiang Mai?

• how many expats live in Chiang Mai? or

• where do most expats live in Chiang Mai?

Here we have put together some practical tips about how to get the most out of healthcare in Chiang Mai. For information on medical insurance and care for expats in Thailand, click here.

Public Hospitals in Chiang Mai

Public hospitals in Chiang Mai such as Maharaj Hospital (also known as Suan Dok Hospital), Nakhornping Hospital, Sarapee Hospital, Hang Dong Hospital and San Kamphaeng Hospital. An upside of public hospitals is that they are sometimes the nearest choice which is vital in a case of emergency. Although the medical costs of public hospitals are lower than those of private ones, the medical equipment is typically more outdated and not many medical staff members can speak good English. These are the reasons why private hospitals in Chiang Mai get more popular with the Chiang Mai expat community.

Private Hospitals in Chiang Mai

The mere downside of private hospitals in Chiang Mai is its possibly expensive medical cost. At these private healthcare providers, you and your family can experience high quality service, first-rated medical facilities and generous coupled with accessible medical personnel. Sometimes their standards are even higher than those in the country where you are originally from. You can usually get results of x-rays and laboratory examinations within a single hour. If necessary, you can also ask to get a photocopy of your medical results without any additional expenses.

Some of the most popular private hospitals in Chiang Mai for expats include:

1. Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai

Having accomplished many healthcare-related awards and being accredited by the Joint Commission International, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai is a Chiang Mai health center which caters to both local Thai nationals and Chiang Mai expatriates. It has 360-degree expertise which includes Cosmetics Surgery Clinic, Oncology Clinic among others.

Location: 88/8-9 Moo 6 Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000.

Phone number: 052 089 888 or: 1719 (local calls only)

Fax number: 052 809 800

2. Chiang Mai Ram Hospital

The Hospital Group of Chiang Mai Ram is composed of many branches in Chiang Mai which have won many healthcare-related awards and are easily accessible for you and your family. Their medical amenities including food and accommodation resemble those of a first-rated hotel. There is no language barrier as all of their medical officers speak decent English. Despite the obviously higher treatment costs in comparison to their counterparts in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Ram hospitals do provide you with the facilities that are definitely worth your payment.

Location: 8 Bunrueang Rit Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.

Phone number: 053 920 300

3. McCormick Hospital Chiang Mai

McCormick Hospital Chiang Mai is an excellent option for expat retirees in Chiang Mai who have strong Christian ties because it was established by American Presbyterian missionaries with an ISO certification as well. Its emergency unit is well-resourced, open 24/7 and equipped with expertly trained, English-speaking medical professionals.

Location: 133 Kaeonawarat Rd, Wat Kaet, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000

Phone number: 053 921 777

Doctors and Health Clinics in Chiang Mai

As more than 40,000 expats relocate to Chiang Mai and become more health conscious by getting more Chiang Mai health check ups at Chiang Mai health centers and Chiang Mai health clinics, you are also advised to give more attention to your health and that of your family.

Basically, you can get access to Chiang Mai walk in clinics where you meet doctors who can give you medicinal prescriptions and introduce you to medical experts at other Chiang Mai hospitals. You can make appointments at your convenience and also that of your family. However, queue for medical treatment can be slightly long because only a single doctor is there to cater to the needs of every ill person. The opening hours of most of these Chiang Mai clinics are in the evening.

If you see signs with a green cross on a white background, that means they typify medical clinics.

In addition to Chiang Mai English-speaking international doctors from Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai University Hospital, some other most popular alternative expat-friendly doctors and clinics in Chiang Mai include:

1. Doctor Nisachon Morgan of Health Care Medical Clinic

This doctor is also known as Doctor Morgan Chiang Mai. She is a full-time general practitioner (GP) at Health Care Medical Clinic and is also popular with expats living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dr. Morgan can help you prescribe medication and refer you to other medical experts if you really need to. She can also give you and your family vaccinations that are specific to this area. Feel free to either walk in or email her to book an appointment.

Location: 275 M.6 Chiangmai-Hangdong Road MaeHia Muang Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100

Phone number: 053-804405 or 0827668672

Fax number: 053-280647

E-mail: info@healthcaremedicalclinic.com

Appointment Request: reception@healthcaremedicalclinic.com

2. Chiang Mai eye doctor: Dr. Rachada

Dr. Rachada who works at both Chiang Mai Ram Eye Clinic and Sriphat Medical Center of Chiang Mai University is one of the most sought-after ophthalmologists among the Chiang Mai expats.

Sriphat Medical Center

Location: Sriphat Intararoroj Building 110/392 Intavaroroj Soi 2 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Phone number: 053 936 900

3. Skin doctors in Chiang Mai

Dr. Siri of Moon Muang Clinic and Sriphat Medical Center as well as Dr. Vachiraporn of Chiang Mai Ram Skin Clinic have fluent English speaking skills and excellent skills for skin disease related treatment.

Chiang Mai Emergency Numbers

Expats in Chiang Mai can call 1669 for getting an English-speaking operator with an ambulance to the emergency scene fast which can further take you or your family to the closest healthcare provider. Otherwise, if you have a particular hospital in mind, just perhaps try calling the phone numbers of the aforementioned private hospitals in Chiang Mai above.

While you enjoy your expat life in Chiang Mai, Thailand, remember to either digitally or physically write down the contact details of your nearest embassy or consulate before any real-life emergency actually happens to you.

Medical Evacuation (Medivac) in Chiang Mai

Medical evacuation to a Bangkok private hospital is necessary as long as you become seriously sick or get severely injured. The most popular route is to be evacuated from Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai to Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok.

When it comes to a severe emergency case like this, it is always best to consider having the medical evacuation benefit on your health insurance policy in Chiang Mai.

Dentists for Chiang Mai Expats

Like Bangkok, Chiang Mai dental tourism is also popular with expatriates and travelers visiting the city. There are many Chiang Mai dental clinics including those in Chiang Mai dental hospitals and Chiang Mai university dental clinics. When it comes to getting dental work done in Chiang Mai, here are some of the most popular dentists in Chiang Mai:

1. Chiang Mai Dental 4 U Clinic

At Chiang Mai Dental 4 U, you will experience reliable health and safety with up-to-date dental technology such as sterilization equipment, in-house X-ray machines and in-house film processors in a relaxing and relaxing atmosphere.

Location: 382, 384 Thapae Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300

Phone number: 053 874 149

2. Dental World Chiang Mai

Being Chiang Mai’s first dental center, Dental World Chiang Mai provides world class dental care in a calm and comfortable setting. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city and has spacious car parking facilities. Dental World Chiang Mai prices are moderate, not the cheapest and not the highest and can be viewed here: https://www.dentalworldchiangmai.com/price-eng.html

Location: 180/1 Rat Chiang Saen Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100

Phone number: 053 209 100

3. Grace Dental Clinic Chiang Mai

Rated as a high quality dental clinic by the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, the team of dentists at Grace Dental Clinic Chiang Mai is made up of prosthodontists, periodontists, restorative dentists, oral surgeons, oral radiologists and pedodontists.

Location: 45 Soi 11 Nimmanhemin Rd. T.Suthep A.Muang Chiang Mai Thailand 50200

Phone number: 053 894 568

Chiang Mai Dentist Prices

Dental care in Chiang Mai costs much less than that in your home country in the West and also less than that in Thailand’s capital city Bangkok. You can typically experience decent dental facilities with friendly well-trained English-speaking dentists and dental staff with this price level. While you are in your dental recovery, you can also enjoy Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage and mountain scenery.

Chiang Mai offers affordable dental care with high-quality services. Here's an overview of dental prices in Chiang Mai as of 2025:

Common Dental Procedures

• Basic Cleaning: 900-2,500 baht ($25-$71 USD)

• Filling: 600-3,500 baht ($17-$100 USD)

• Teeth Whitening: 8,000-12,000 baht ($227-$341 USD)

Advanced Procedures

• Dental Implants: 56,000 baht ($1,600 USD)

• Dental Crowns: 22,750 baht ($650 USD)

• Veneers (per unit): 14,000 baht ($400 USD)

• All-on-4 Dental Implants (per jaw): 280,000 baht ($8,000 USD)

Cost Comparison

Dental work in Chiang Mai is significantly cheaper compared to Western countries:

• Dental implants are 56% less expensive than in the USA

• All-on-4 dental implants are 65% cheaper than in Australia

Specialized Treatments

• Root Canal (premolar): 10,150 baht ($290 USD)

• Surgical Tooth Extraction: 1,000-5,000 baht ($28-$142 USD)

• Invisalign (per jaw): 77,700 baht ($2,220 USD)

Prices may vary slightly between clinics and depend on the complexity of the procedure. Despite the lower costs, Chiang Mai dental clinics maintain high standards with modern equipment and experienced professionals

Our Advice

Learning in advance the whereabouts of exceptional hospitals, medical clinics and dental clinics and their medical costs is always important. For Chiang Mai particularly, you are recommended to include the benefit of medical evacuation on your expat health insurance policy because a location such as Chiang Mai has fairly limited healthcare amenities for expatriates with severe illn