Medical Check-Ups at National Cancer Institute

The National Cancer Institute is located on Rama VI road. If you follow Ratchawithi road from the Victory Monument BTS station, going westwards, you will after about 1,500 meter notice the expressway overhead. If you turn left (on ground level) you are entering Rama VI road. After a few hundred meters you will see the GPO pharmacy, well worth a visit by itself to get some basic medical supplies at low prices. The National Cancer Institute is located on the opposite side of the road. Not exactly an easy to know location for foreigners in Bangkok, so look on a map before you set out to go there. The National Cancer Institute is located close to Ramathibodi Hospital.

There are many private hospitals in Bangkok, where you can go for medical check-ups. Most offer 4 to 6 different check-ups, from basic to quite extensive and expensive. Some of the tests included in the packages may not be of interest to a particular person, but that is what it is with general packages. Now, of course, at least some of the public (government) hospitals in Bangkok will offer similar services at a fraction of the price. We found the one at the National Cancer Institute quite by accident, while we were using their website to find cancer statistics for Thailand.

Now, two important remarks. This Institute mainly concerns the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Likely, the tests in the check-packages will be influenced by that fact. Related : if you are mainly worried about having heart disease, this may not be the best place to get a check-up. Electrocardiogram and chest X-ray are included, as well as lipid profile (cholesterol), but no other cardiac tests like exercise stress tests, echocardiogram or more invasive tests are included. You could always get the best of both world, by going for the extensive and modestly priced packages at the National Cancer Institute one time, and the next time you think you need a check-up go for a package that includes some more cardiac exams ( we think this should also include a coronary calcium scan )

It is obvious that for the price mentioned, this package is very good value. When compared with tests at private hospitals, the liver and kidney function tests are more elaborate.Tumor markers tests are included (interpretation might be difficult, and lead to more exams). You even get a screening test of hepatitis B, and if you elect to, you can have stool examined for occult blood. Please be reminded that also a physical examination is included. This program as seen is priced for foreigners at 5,769 (4,304) Thai Baht (we hope VAT is included). As similar program for females is priced at 6,069 (4,524) Thai Baht. It does not include PSA test (for prostate), but you get a Cervical Cancer screening with Thin prep. The prices between brackets are the prices from begin 2023, by the end of 2023 the prices had increased)

You see that the most expensive package for men, called Platinum is priced at 11,534 (8,814) Thai Baht. The package for females is more expensive at 15.934 (11,934) Thai Baht, mainly because it includes a Mammogram and Ultrasound exam of the Breasts. Prices between brackets are from begin 2023, for comparison only).

Between the Premium and the Platinum packages, you have two more packages, called Premium Plus and Gold. Each time some more tests are added. These packages are still interesting, but of course less so than just a year ago.

Between the Premium and the Platinum packages, the following are added : Thyroid function tests, tests for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Ultrasound of Upper Abdomen (in Gold package) and Ultrasound of both Upper and Lower Abdomen (in Platinum package). Especially because of these ultrasound exams, the Platinum package is in our view recommended. In private hospitals, it is uncommon to get a total abdominal ultrasound exam, unless you go for expensive screening packages. Please be reminded that these exams are performed at an institute that examines and treats cancer patients, where likely examiners will have ample experience.

Especially for foreigners who reside in Bangkok and Thailand, it may beneficial to explore the medical facilities used by the local population. You may after a few years have saved a lot of money. When you check the Thai newspapers, you will often see that local dignitaries almost invariably are admitted and treated at public or university hospitals, which says something about their quality.