Hospitals in Phuket: Emergency Numbers and Where to Go

Hospitals in Phuket range from large private hospitals with English-speaking international desks to busy government hospitals that cost far less: for a life-threatening emergency anywhere on the island, call 1669 for an ambulance first, then use this guide to know which emergency department is closest and which hospital suits a non-urgent problem. With the high season under way and more visitors on boats, scooters and dive trips, it is worth saving a few numbers before you need them.

What number do you call in a medical emergency in Phuket?

Thailand's national emergency medical number is 1669. It is free, it works across Phuket, and it sends an ambulance to the nearest suitable hospital. Note that 911 is not an emergency number in Thailand. Other numbers worth saving:

• 1669: ambulance and medical emergency
• 1155: Tourist Police, with English-speaking operators
• 191: police
• 199: fire and rescue
• 1719: Bangkok Hospital network emergency and healthcare hotline

If someone can drive the patient safely, going straight to the nearest emergency room is often faster than waiting. In a serious case, reaching the closest emergency department matters more than which hospital it is.

Which are the main hospitals in Phuket?

Most of the larger hospitals in Phuket are in or near Phuket Town, with smaller government hospitals serving Patong, Chalong and the north of the island. The table below lists the main options.

Hospital	Area	Type	Phone
Bangkok Hospital Phuket	Hongyok Utis Road, Phuket Town	Private	076 254 425
Bangkok Hospital Siriroj	Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road (bypass), Wichit	Private	076 361 888
Dibuk Hospital	Wichit	Private	076 298 298
Mission Hospital Phuket	Thepkasattri Road, Phuket Town	Private, non-profit	076 237 220
Vachira Phuket Hospital	Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town	Government	076 361 234
Patong Hospital	Sainamyen Road, Patong	Government	076 342 633
Thalang Hospital	Thepkasattri Road, Thalang	Government	076 311 033

Check numbers again before an appointment, as hospitals sometimes add new lines.

Which hospital should tourists choose?

Bangkok Hospital Phuket is the largest private hospital on the island and the usual choice for foreigners with serious problems. It runs a 24 hour Emergency and Trauma Center, international patient services and insurance coordination. It is also generally the most expensive option.

Bangkok Hospital Siriroj sits just outside Phuket Town on Highway 402, near Central Phuket. Older maps and many residents still call it Phuket International Hospital; it is the same hospital, not a second one. Its emergency centre is open 24 hours.

Dibuk Hospital and Mission Hospital Phuket are smaller private hospitals that many residents use for routine visits, check-ups and minor problems.

Vachira Phuket Hospital is the province's main government hospital, with around 650 beds and advanced specialist care. It costs much less than private care, but expect long queues, limited English and mostly Thai signage, so a Thai-speaking companion helps for non-emergency visits. Outpatient clinics are busiest in the morning.

Where is the nearest hospital to Patong, Kata and Karon?

Patong Hospital on Sainamyen Road is the government hospital for the west coast and the nearest emergency department for most visitors staying in Patong. From Kata, Karon and Rawai, Chalong Hospital is closer than Phuket Town, while guests in the north near the airport and Mai Khao are closest to Thalang Hospital. For specialist or private care, all three areas are roughly a 25 to 45 minute drive from the private hospitals around Phuket Town, depending on traffic and the time of day. For transport, our guide to Grab vs Bolt in Phuket explains how to book a ride quickly for non-urgent visits.

Do private hospitals in Phuket accept travel insurance?

Yes, the main private hospitals in Phuket deal with international insurers every day and can often bill your insurer directly, but direct billing must be confirmed for each case. Without approved cover you pay at the counter, so ask for a cost estimate before any scan or procedure. Practical tips:

• Carry your passport (or a copy) and your insurance policy number and emergency phone line.
• Call your insurer's assistance line early, especially before admission or surgery.
• Check the small print on motorbike cover: many policies exclude riding without a valid licence or helmet. Our Phuket scooter rental guide covers the licence rules.
• Diving injuries need specialist treatment, so read our diving in Phuket guide and confirm your policy covers diving to your depth.
• Keep every receipt and the medical report for your claim.

What are the most common reasons visitors end up in hospital?

Road accidents, especially on rented motorbikes, are among the most frequent reasons visitors are treated in Phuket. Other common problems include rip current incidents at west coast beaches during the monsoon, heat exhaustion, stomach illness, infected cuts from coral and reef walking, and jellyfish stings. Wearing a helmet, swimming only at lifeguarded beaches with green flags, drinking enough water and avoiding unlicensed operators reduce most of these risks. Our Phuket tourist scams guide also explains how to deal with damage claims after a rental accident.

Is medical care in Phuket good?

Phuket is one of Thailand's main medical hubs outside Bangkok, and its private hospitals regularly treat foreign residents and visitors, including transfers from nearby islands. For the very latest contact details, the official Bangkok Hospital Siriroj location page and each hospital's own website are the best sources. If you are visiting in peak season, see our Phuket in December guide for more planning tips.

FAQ

Is the ambulance number 1669 free in Phuket?

Yes. 1669 is Thailand's free national emergency medical number and works across Phuket. The operator will send an ambulance to the nearest appropriate hospital.

Which hospitals in Phuket are open 24 hours?

The main hospitals, including Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj and Vachira Phuket Hospital, run 24 hour emergency departments. Outpatient clinics keep shorter hours.

Is there a hospital in Patong?

Yes. Patong Hospital, a government hospital on Sainamyen Road, serves Patong and the west coast. For private care, most visitors travel to the hospitals around Phuket Town.

Do I need travel insurance for Phuket?

It is strongly recommended. Private hospital treatment can be costly, and insurers often require you to call their assistance line before admission so the hospital can arrange direct billing.

Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0