X-Ray Cost in Thailand
What you actually pay under the Gold Card, Social Security, and at private hospitals. Last reviewed April 2026.
Quick Overview
Thailand has three public-payer schemes: Universal Coverage (UCS / Gold Card, for ~75% of Thais), Social Security (SSS, for formal-sector workers), and the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS). UCS provides free care at the beneficiary's registered hospital. Private care is dominated by international-facing hospitals (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, BNH) priced for medical tourists, and local private hospitals priced for domestic self-pay. X-rays at private hospitals run ฿500–3,000 per view.
🏥 UCS / Gold Card
- Covers ~75% of Thais
- Free care at registered public hospital
- Original ฿30 co-pay eliminated post-2006
- Out-of-network care not covered
🏥 Private — Mid-market
- Thai domestic private hospitals
- Same-day appointments
- No referral needed
- English speaking common in Bangkok / Chiang Mai
🏥 Premium Private
- Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, BNH
- Medical-tourist focus, JCI-accredited
- Premium service and amenities
- Often includes radiologist consultation
Typical Thai X-Ray Prices
Private hospital prices vary with the tier of facility. Thai medical tourism pricing is transparent — most hospitals publish English-language price lists for international patients. The table below summarises April 2026 ranges.
| X-Ray Service | Mid-market private (THB) | Premium private (THB) | USD (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 500–800 | 1,200–2,000 | $15–$60 |
| Limb / joint / hand / foot | 500–900 | 1,300–2,200 | $15–$65 |
| Spine — single segment | 700–1,200 | 1,800–2,800 | $21–$85 |
| Spine — multi-view / full | 1,500–2,500 | 3,000–5,000 | $45–$150 |
| Abdomen | 600–1,000 | 1,500–2,500 | $18–$75 |
| Pelvis / hip | 600–1,100 | 1,500–2,500 | $18–$75 |
| Dental panoramic (OPG) | 500–900 | 1,000–1,800 | $15–$55 |
| Specialist consultation (often bundled) | 500–1,000 | 1,500–3,000 | $15–$90 |
Indicative self-pay ranges. USD conversions at approximately ฿33 = $1. Prices change — confirm with hospital international patient coordinator before booking.
How Thai Coverage Works
The three public schemes
- UCS / Gold Card: universal coverage for ~75% of Thais (NHSO-administered)
- Social Security (SSO): formal-sector workers — payroll contributions, choose one registered hospital
- CSMBS: civil servants and families — full coverage at designated facilities
- Private insurance: common among middle class and expats
Gold Card specifics
- Registered with one specific hospital
- Free care at that hospital including X-rays
- Out-of-network care not covered (except emergencies)
- Preventive care, chronic disease management, surgery all covered
How to get an X-ray
- Gold Card: go to registered hospital, see doctor, imaging ordered
- SSS: go to your registered hospital with SSS ID
- Private: walk into hospital OPD or imaging centre
- Bring Thai ID or passport + insurance card
Where to Get an X-Ray
🏥 Public Hospitals
- Siriraj Hospital — Bangkok
- King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital — Bangkok
- Ramathibodi Hospital — Bangkok
- Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital
- Songklanagarind Hospital — Hat Yai
- Provincial hospitals in every changwat
🏥 Premium Private Hospitals
- Bumrungrad International — Bangkok
- Bangkok Hospital (BDMS) — nationwide
- Samitivej — Bangkok and Chonburi
- BNH Hospital — Bangkok
- Piyavate Hospital — Bangkok
- MedPark Hospital — Bangkok
💡 Practical tips
- Premium private hospitals have dedicated international patient desks
- Mid-market Thai private: often 60%+ cheaper than premium for same study
- Ask for a written quote before the study
- Digital imaging delivered via USB / CD / patient portal
Guide by Patient Type
🇹🇭 Thai residents
- Gold Card: free at registered hospital
- SSS: free at registered hospital
- For speed or specialists: private (฿500–3,000)
- Private insurance often covers private hospital visits
💼 Expats in Thailand
- SSS eligible if on Thai work permit with contributions
- Private insurance is common — covers premium hospitals
- Self-pay: premium private ฿1,500–3,000, mid-market ฿500–1,200
- Thailand Elite Visa holders: confirm specific coverage
✈️ Medical tourists / visitors
- Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital are JCI-accredited, globally respected
- Pricing 30–60% below US / UK equivalents
- Travel health insurance recommended for emergencies
- Quality extremely high in premium tier
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- Thai ID card or passport
- Gold Card / SSS card / CSMBS proof
- Doctor's referral for public hospital
- Prior imaging on CD/USB
- Cash / card for private
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency: immediate
- Public non-urgent: hours to days
- Mid-market private: same day
- Premium private: same day, minimal queue
💡 How to save money
- Gold Card / SSS: free at registered hospital — always check first
- Mid-market private is often just as good at 50% of premium cost
- Ask for international-patient package pricing at premium hospitals
- Request itemised quote to avoid surprise fees
FAQ
Is the Gold Card really free?
Yes. The original ฿30 co-pay was eliminated after 2006 and care is free at the patient's registered hospital, including X-rays. Out-of-network care isn't covered except in emergencies.
How much is an X-ray at Bumrungrad?
Premium private hospitals typically charge ฿1,500–3,000 per X-ray view, with specialist consultation often bundled. Bumrungrad publishes English-language package pricing — ask the international patient centre for a written quote.
What's the difference between UCS and SSS?
UCS / Gold Card = universal scheme for ~75% of Thais not covered elsewhere. SSS = Social Security for formal-sector workers, funded by payroll contributions. CSMBS = civil servants. All three schemes register the beneficiary to a specific hospital for covered care.
Can tourists use Thai public hospitals?
Emergency care is provided to all. Non-emergency non-citizens pay private rates. Most tourists with travel insurance choose premium private hospitals for speed and English service.
Is Thai medical tourism safe?
Premium private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej) are JCI-accredited and among the world's most respected medical-tourism facilities. Clinical quality is high and prices are transparent.
Can I pay in USD at Thai hospitals?
Most premium private hospitals accept credit cards in THB with automatic USD conversion. Some also accept USD cash. Mid-market hospitals prefer THB or card in local currency.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- Thailand National Health Security Office (NHSO) — UCS / Gold Card coverage
- Social Security Office (SSO) — SSS benefit package
- Private hospital price lists (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, BNH)
- Bookimed and Bangkok Post references
Last reviewed: April 2026. Private prices change — always request a written quote.