Pattaya is a beach-lover’s dream — turquoise waters, island-hopping boat trips, buzzing nightlife, and plenty of palm trees. But if you happen to fall ill while visiting, it can throw your tropical escape off track fast.
Whether it’s a fever, food poisoning from street food, a sunburn gone wrong, or just a sudden sore throat, this guide has everything you need to feel better — quickly and stress-free.
Getting Medical Help in Pattaya
Despite being a resort town, Pattaya has a surprisingly strong healthcare system, especially when it comes to private clinics and hospitals that cater to travelers. Many doctors here are used to seeing international visitors and speak English well.
You’ll find everything from small local clinics to large international hospitals. Some of the more popular choices include:
- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
- Pattaya International Hospital
- Pattaya Memorial Hospital
Private hospitals tend to be faster and more comfortable, though they’re more expensive. If you’ve got travel insurance, ask if they support direct billing — some do, and it can save you a lot of hassle.
What To Do in an Emergency
If you’re in a medical emergency, call:
- 1669 for medical emergencies
- 191 for general police and emergency help
- 1155 for the Tourist Police (they speak English and can help with coordination)
You can also ask hotel staff or locals for help — they’re generally very kind and helpful when it comes to health-related concerns.
Common Travel Illnesses in Pattaya
Here are a few things travelers often deal with:
- Food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea from unfamiliar foods
- Sunburn or heat exhaustion (especially after a beach day!)
- Dehydration — easy to forget in a tropical climate
- Mosquito bites — and the occasional risk of dengue fever
- Colds or flu-like symptoms from air conditioning or travel stress
The good news? Most of these are treatable with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicine — or a quick visit to a local doctor.
Finding a Pharmacy in Pattaya
You’ll find pharmacies all over Pattaya, especially near the beach, markets, and popular tourist streets. Many of them are open late and have staff who speak basic English.
Pharmacists can often help with minor problems like headaches, sunburn, stomach issues, or insect bites. If you need something stronger, you might need a doctor’s note — which you can easily get with a clinic or hotel visit.
What If I Have Travel Insurance?
If you’ve got travel insurance, it can definitely come in handy. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Contact your provider to ask about coverage and clinic recommendations
- Keep receipts and medical paperwork for claims
- Ask if your chosen clinic or hospital offers direct billing (some do)
With some platforms (like Air Doctor), you can even get care without needing to pay upfront or submit a claim later — just search for doctors who offer cashless visits.
After-Hours & At-Home Care
If you’re too unwell to leave your hotel or villa, many doctors in Pattaya offer hotel or home visits. Some services even run 24/7, so you won’t have to wait until morning.
This is a great option if you’re dealing with fever, fatigue, or anything contagious — and would rather recover in bed than in a waiting room.
What If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
If you have asthma, diabetes, or another long-term condition, make sure you:
- Carry any necessary medication with you at all times
- Have a note from your regular doctor (in English if possible)
- Know where the closest hospital is to your accommodation
- Use travel apps like Air Doctor to keep local medical help within reach
If you need a doctor’s note for any reason — for flights, school, or further treatment — most clinics can provide one on request.
How To Avoid Getting Sick in Pattaya
No one wants to spend their beach holiday stuck in bed. Here’s how to stay healthy:
- Drink bottled water — not tap
- Reapply sunscreen often
- Avoid street food if it’s not hot and freshly cooked
- Carry insect repellent — dengue is rare but does happen
- Take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating
Listen to your body — if something feels off, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the faster you’ll bounce back.
Quick Recap
- Pattaya offers great private and international hospitals and clinics
- Emergency number for medical help is 1669
- Pharmacies are everywhere and can help with minor issues
- Travel insurance may cover most of your care — keep documents handy
- You can get hotel visits and after-hours help easily
- Prevent illness by staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and avoiding risky food
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Healthcare access in 90 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists
FAQs
No, tourists usually need to pay for medical care in Pattaya. But if you have travel insurance, it might cover your costs — especially at private hospitals.
A basic consultation at a private clinic usually costs between $30–$60 USD, depending on the facility. Hotel or after-hours visits may cost more.
Yes! You’ll find plenty of walk-in clinics around the city. They’re used to treating travelers and usually don’t require an appointment.
