Getting a proper annual health checkup is one of those things expats in Phuket often put off — the hospitals look intimidating, the package names are all in Thai, and it's easy to assume you're fine. After six years on the island, I've been through the system multiple times, and I can tell you: it's actually straightforward, surprisingly affordable, and genuinely worth doing.
This guide covers the main hospitals where expats get checked up, what packages cost, what tropical disease tests you should add if you're living here long-term, how insurance fits into the picture, and how to make the most of your appointment. Consider it a practical orientation from someone who's done it.
Related: Full Phuket Healthcare Guide · Hospital Comparison · Expat Health Insurance Guide
The Main Hospitals for Expat Health Checkups
Phuket has several international-standard hospitals. For annual health checkups, most expats use one of two: Bangkok Hospital Phuket (the most expat-friendly) or Siriroj Hospital (the government hospital with lower prices). Here's how they compare.
Other options include Phyathai Sriracha Phuket Hospital (recently expanded, strong radiology) and Mission Hospital Phuket for those in Patong area. For anything advanced — cardiac stress tests, specialist oncology screening — Bangkok Hospital's equipment and specialist access is hard to beat.
Health Checkup Package Prices (Bangkok Hospital Phuket)
Bangkok Hospital Phuket has a tiered Health Check programme. Prices below are approximate 2025/2026 figures — always confirm current pricing when booking. The midrange "Gold" package is the most popular choice among working-age expats.
| Package Name | Who It's For | Key Tests Included | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Screen | Young adults, budget-conscious | CBC, blood glucose, cholesterol, urine, BP | ฿2,500–฿3,500 |
| Silver / Standard | Working-age adults | Above + liver/kidney function, chest X-ray, EKG | ฿4,000–฿5,500 |
| Gold / Executive | Most popular for expats 35+ | Above + abdominal ultrasound, thyroid, cancer markers (CEA, AFP) | ฿6,500–฿9,000 |
| Platinum / Comprehensive | Over 50s, high-risk | Above + cardiac panel, bone density, colorectal screen prep | ฿10,000–฿15,000 |
| Women's Health Add-on | Women 25+ | PAP smear, mammogram, gynaecology consult | ฿2,000–฿4,000 |
| Men's Health Add-on | Men 40+ | PSA (prostate specific antigen) test | ฿400–฿800 |
The International Health Check Centre at Bangkok Hospital Phuket is on the 2nd floor of the main building. Book via their website or call the international counter directly. Early morning slots (7:30–9:00am) are best — you fast overnight, arrive early, get bloods taken, and usually have results by afternoon.
What Tests Do Expats Actually Need?
The standard packages are designed for a general Thai population. As an expat, you may want to customise with a few additions — especially if you spend time outdoors, travel around Southeast Asia, or have lifestyle risk factors. Here's a practical breakdown.
- Full blood count (CBC)
- Fasting blood glucose (HbA1c if risk)
- Lipid profile (cholesterol)
- Liver function (ALT, AST, GGT)
- Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4)
- Vitamin D (very common deficiency)
- Iron studies + B12
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV)
- Dengue fever IgG antibody
- Typhoid O/H antibody (Widal)
- HIV test (if not recently checked)
- Leptospirosis (if flood exposure)
- Malaria (if border area travel)
- Syphilis / STI panel (if applicable)
- CEA (colorectal marker) — 40+
- AFP (liver marker) — 40+
- PSA (prostate) — men 50+
- PAP smear — women 25+
- Mammogram — women 40+
- Colonoscopy — 50+ or family history
- Skin check — all expats (sun exposure)
- CA-125 (ovarian) — women with risk
- Chest X-ray (lung, heart size)
- Abdominal ultrasound (liver, kidneys)
- Resting EKG (heart rhythm)
- Blood pressure check
- Bone density (DEXA) — 50+
- Cardiac stress test — 50+ if indicated
- Vision and hearing — worth doing
- Dental check — separate dentist
Many expats in Phuket are actually deficient in Vitamin D despite the sunshine — because they wear sunscreen or spend most time indoors with AC. Add a Vitamin D test to your panel (฿300–฿500 as an add-on). Deficiency affects energy, immunity, and bone health. Easy to treat if caught.
Tropical Disease Screening: What to Know
Phuket itself is relatively low-risk for many tropical diseases — it's a developed urban island, not a rural jungle. But longer-term residents who travel around Southeast Asia, spend time outdoors, or have had food-safety scares should be proactive.
Dengue Fever
Dengue is present in Phuket, especially during the wet season (May–November). If you've had a mystery fever in the past, an IgG antibody test can tell you if you've been exposed. Note: having dengue once increases risk of a more severe second infection — knowing your status is useful. Bangkok Hospital Phuket has a dengue rapid test available within hours.
Hepatitis B
Thailand has a higher hepatitis B prevalence than many Western countries (around 6–8% of the population). If you're not vaccinated, get tested AND vaccinated. The 3-shot course takes 6 months and is around ฿2,500–฿3,000 total at Bangkok Hospital. This is non-negotiable for anyone living here long-term.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water contaminated by animal urine — the classic risk is wading through floodwater during heavy rains (which Phuket definitely gets). Most people with lep recover, but severe cases can cause kidney failure. If you've waded through flood water and felt flu-like after, mention it to your doctor.
Water & Food-Borne Infections
Typhoid and traveller's diarrhoea are more of a risk when eating at market stalls with questionable hygiene. Most expats build up tolerance, but if you're new or have had repeated GI issues, a stool culture and H. pylori test is worth doing (especially if you have recurring stomach problems).
Insurance & Health Checkups: How It Works
Many expat health insurance plans include an annual wellness benefit — but the coverage varies enormously, so don't assume yours is covered until you check.
- Comprehensive plans (e.g. Cigna Global, Pacific Cross Premium): Often include ฿5,000–฿15,000/year wellness benefit for checkups, screenings, and preventive care
- Mid-tier plans: May cover basic blood tests but exclude imaging or cancer screening
- Entry-level / hospital cash plans: Usually NO coverage for outpatient wellness screening
- Local Thai insurance: Rarely covers preventive checkups unless specifically added
Bangkok Hospital Phuket has a dedicated insurance desk that deals directly with major expat insurers. If your plan covers checkups, they can often bill directly so you don't pay out-of-pocket. Bring your insurance card and policy number, and contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm coverage.
If you don't yet have comprehensive health insurance in Phuket, an annual checkup is one of several good reasons to get it sorted. See our Expat Health Insurance Guide for a comparison of the main plans available.
Don't Have Expat Health Insurance Yet?
Health checkups are just the start — a serious illness or hospital stay in Phuket can cost hundreds of thousands of baht. Get a personalised quote that covers you properly.
Compare Health Insurance Plans →How to Prepare for Your Checkup
The night before
- Fast for 10–12 hours before your appointment — no food, no coffee, only water. This is required for accurate blood glucose, cholesterol, and liver function readings.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, ideally 48 — it significantly skews liver function tests (GGT in particular).
- Don't do strenuous exercise the day before — can raise certain markers.
- Continue your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
What to bring
- Passport (required for registration at Bangkok Hospital international counter)
- Health insurance card and policy details (if claiming)
- Any previous test results you have (useful for comparison)
- List of medications and supplements you're taking
- Reading glasses if you have them — you'll fill in forms
On the day
Arrive early — ideally 7:30am. Register at the International Health Check Centre (2nd floor, Bangkok Hospital Phuket). You'll typically have blood drawn first (while fasting), then move through stations for ECG, chest X-ray, and ultrasound. The whole process usually takes 2–4 hours depending on the package. Results are available same day or the next morning; the doctor walks you through any findings at a follow-up consult.
How Often Should You Get a Checkup?
- Under 30, healthy: Every 2–3 years or upon arrival in Thailand (establish a baseline)
- 30–45: Every 1–2 years; annually if you have risk factors (family history, smoker, overweight)
- 45–60: Annually — this is when things like blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose, and cancer markers become increasingly important
- 60+: Annually, comprehensive package — don't skip. Bangkok Hospital's geriatric team is good.
Upon first arriving in Phuket, it's worth doing a baseline checkup regardless of age. You want a starting point — and it's useful to know your Hepatitis B status, Vitamin D level, and general health before Thai life really gets going (late nights, great food, heat).
Other Health Check Options in Phuket
Beyond Bangkok Hospital and Siriroj, a few other options are worth knowing:
Part of the Phyathai-Paolo network. Good for imaging, particularly CT and MRI. Health check packages available, some English support. Located near Central Festival Phuket.
Convenient for Patong and Kamala residents. Good for routine checkups and outpatient services. Less comprehensive for advanced screening than Bangkok Hospital.
Several expat-oriented GP clinics have sprung up in residential areas. Samitivej Clinic (Bang Tao area) and various international clinics can handle basic checkups. Less comprehensive but more convenient and often quicker.
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