Sometimes things don't go according to plan on Koh Phangan and you will need medical attention. There are a number of hospitals on the island that can deal, diagnose or treat any problems you may have.
If you have a serious problem - if you have come off your motorbike, or you have a nasty cut that requires stitches - then don't take any chances on Koh Phangan as wounds take longer to heal here and infections are common - go to the hospital.
Most people visiting the island will have travel insurance. If you are visiting a hospital take your documents with you or have at least a screenshot of these on your mobile or tablet.
If you are unable to get your documents yourself, then try your hotel, a hostel or a trusted friend to get them to check your cover will pay for your treatment.
Worth checking on your insurance documents: Most insurers will either not allow any payout if you have a motorbike accident or will only allow you to ride a certain maximum CC motorbike like a 100cc 125cc. You will find the hospital staff here very helpful, but there will be a waiting time so please be patient and wait for your turn for treatment.
If you have a small issue that you would usually go to see a doctor for, rather than going to the hospital, you can visit a clinic. This is where they will help diagnose your problem and you could arrange medicine or small treatment with them. For example, if you have a cold, cough or small cut/injury then go to the clinic rather than straight to the hospital. If your needs are more urgent or emergency then, of course, go to the hospital. Use your common sense, judgement and its quite similar to how it would work back in your home country.
There are things you can do to avoid a motorbike accident, one of the most common ways people end up in the hospital here. Many Thais use their phone whilst driving, don’t do this just because you see it. Speed here is also not well policed and is a big killer across Thailand, just drive slower! Use your indicators, it raises the chance of someone noticing to what you are doing on the road whilst shifting lanes.
Take a taxi home. Drink driving is pervasive and not properly controlled. Just do not drink or drive. You can always find many taxis or the bar can call you one, then you have a designated driver. Most importantly, wear a helmet.
General health care for the local residents and visitors on Koh Phangan for both acute/chronic medical conditions and mild traumas.Nice doctor who has affordable prices.
One of the largest clinics close to Haad Rin Beach. Through an emergency team, they have 24/7 care. Working with insurance agencies worldwide.
Dr Sam can deal with food poisoning, skin disorders and fevers, coping with cuts and wounds, which are very normal and may not require a hospital visit. He will provide medications and medicines also so you can continue to enjoy your trip.
A great medical centre offering treatment and tests. The nurses are very caring and super sweet and together with the doctor, they all do a really thorough job of making sure you get better quickly.
A local doctor that many Thais will use, he also works at the hospital and so the clinic is only open at certain times which is worth checking. Very fair and well priced.
Bandon International is the first international medical centre in Surat Thani. It is an acute care general medical centre with high professional standards, fully trained personnel, equipped with ultra-modern technology. The warmth and friendly care of the staff is an additional plus.
Bandon International Koh-Phangan Hospital has a 9-bed capacity and a Clinic with 24 hours of emergency call-out on Koh Phangan. Bandon Hospital Koh Phangan opened in October 2015 and has two doctors, six nurse's aides and four certified nurses. The clinic's owners are in their seventies but still hard at work and are based on Koh Samui, they visit the team on Koh Phangan every two months during the Full Moon period. The hospital treats travellers and Thai people in private rooms if people need a quiet space to recover.
Located on the main road in Baan Tai, Bangkok Hospital belongs to one of the largest private hospital chains in Thailand. It offers treatment to foreign tourists and foreign residents and treats thousands of patients each year. It has a solid reputation and provides high quality and cost-effective hospital services. The staff are warm and caring.
First Western is a very popular choice for tourists because of its English speaking and western staff, employed specifically to help foreigners. The clinic can also help with insurance issues.
First Western provides treatment for all emergency & medical cases, from accidents to coughs and colds, with a 24-hour ambulance, doctor and medical staff, X-Ray, CT, MRI, operating rooms and ICU. First Western Hospital is an equal partnership between Thai and Western owners.
Between Wok Tum and Srithanu, Koh Phangan Hospital is also known as the Government Hospital, this is not a private hospital. As a foreigner, you will still need to pay for services.
This hospital is good for minor issues and will be cheaper than other options but it depends on what kind of treatment you require. If you have a serious bike accident it is likely you will be taken to this hospital. Staff can deal with accidents and emergencies. The only major difference to other clinics is the quality of facilities and fewer English speaking staff.
The procedure normally goes like this when you visit a Thai hospital. When you do not have an appointment, however, you need to see a specialist or doctor on the same day, you will be screened first by medical personnel. Remember to take your passport with you as they will ask for this and any necessary insurance documents. Then they submit you to do a basic checkup where your height, weight, and temperature are reviewed by employees. They can question you about your symptoms and recommend you see a general practitioner so they can assess you, and refer you to a specialist if appropriate. 
For your holiday in Thailand, travel insurance is important. If anything unfortunate happens, you're likely to be covered for those heavy medical bills. Without it, your dream trip could become a nightmare. And if you believe it is an option to miss out on the doctor’s bill, think again. Invest in some peace of mind and obtain travel insurance for your holiday in Thailand for a few extra dollars a day. You can, after all, buy travel insurance if you can afford to travel to Thailand. In some cases, it is now becoming mandatory to have Insurance to come here, check with your Embassy.
Phanganist recommends Safetwing travel insurance. It gives an easy solution to some of the most common hassles.
Can sign up even if your journey has already started.
Your insurance automatically extends every 28 days from your chosen start date until you pick an end date. Just like a subscription.
After being abroad for 90 days, you keep your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country if something happens while there.
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