How to See a Doctor in Koh Samui: A Tourist's Easy Guide

Getting sick or injured is the last thing you want to think about on your dream holiday. The sun, sea, and sand of Koh Samui are fantasticuntil you're dealing with a sudden fever, a nasty cut, or the dreaded "Koh Samui Belly."

Suddenly, you're in an unfamiliar country, and the questions pile up: Where do I go? Will they speak English? How much will it cost? Will my travel insurance work?

Relax. We're here to answer every one of those questions. Getting medical help in Koh Samui as a tourist is much easier than you think.

Why You Can Trust This Guide

We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. Our clinic was built specifically to serve tourists and expats. We have first-hand experience every single day helping travelers just like you. We know exactly what your concerns arefrom language barriers to insurance paperworkand we've designed our entire process to be as clear, fast, and stress-free as possible. This isn't just general advice; this is our on-the-ground expertise.

When Should You See a Doctor in Koh Samui?

While many minor issues can be solved with rest, it's better to be safe than sorry. You should see a doctor if you experience:

• A fever that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Traveler's diarrhea that is severe or lasts more than a day or two.
• Vomiting and inability to keep fluids down.
• Cuts or scrapes from a fall (especially from a scooter) that need proper cleaning.
• Any animal bite or scratch (for rabies and tetanus prevention).
• A "tropical" illness like dengue fever (symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain).
• Painful ear infections (common from swimming).
• Severe sunburn that is blistering.

Clinic vs. Hospital Emergency Room

For most tourist ailments, a walk-in clinic is your best choice. Go to a hospital emergency room (ER) for life-threatening emergencies, such as:

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Major trauma from a serious accident.
• Signs of a stroke.
• Loss of consciousness.

The Big Question: Hospital vs. Clinic for Tourists

As a tourist, you have two main options for medical care: a large private hospital or a local medical clinic. While hospitals are well-equipped, a clinic is often a much better choice for most non-emergency issues.


 

How to See a Doctor in Koh Samui as a Tourist: The Process

Here is the simple, step-by-step process for getting medical care.

Do I Need an Appointment?

 
No. At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we are a walk-in clinic. You do not need to call ahead or book an appointment. If you feel unwell, just come in during our opening hours. We know that when you're sick, you want to be seen now, not tomorrow.

What to Bring With You

 
To make your visit as smooth as possible, try to bring these items:

• Your Passport: We will need to see it for registration. A photo on your phone is often acceptable.
• Your Travel Insurance Details: Bring your policy card or any documents you have. This is crucial for your claim.
• List of Current Medications: If you take any regular medicine, knowing the name and dosage is very helpful.
• Payment Method: You will be expected to pay for your services at the time of your visit.

Understanding Medical Costs and Payments in Thailand

 
One of the biggest worries for tourists is the cost. Heres the simple truth:

1. You Pay at the Time of Service: Unlike some home countries, in Thailand, you pay your bill directly to the clinic or hospital after your consultation.
2. Clinics are More Affordable: A visit to a private clinic is significantly cheaper than a visit to a large hospital for the same problem.
3. We Provide All Your Paperwork: After your visit, we will give you an official medical certificate and a detailed, itemized receipt. You will use these documents to get your money back from your insurance company.

Will My Travel Insurance Be Accepted?

Yes! This is a key part of our service.

The process is called "pay and claim." You pay for the consultation and treatment at our clinic, and we provide you with all the official medical documents you need. You then send these documents to your travel insurance company, and they will reimburse you for the full amount. We do this every day and know exactly what your insurance provider needs to see.

What About Pharmacies in Koh Samui?

 
You will see pharmacies everywhere, and the pharmacists are often very knowledgeable. They are great for simple things like paracetamol or rehydration salts.

However, for issues like infections, you will need antibiotics, which require a doctor's prescription. It is always safer to get a proper diagnosis from an English-speaking doctor before taking medication.

Your Best Choice: A Walk-In Clinic for Tourists in Lamai

At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we've removed all the stress. We are your "home doctor, away from home."

• No Appointment Needed: Just walk in.
• English-Speaking Doctors: Our entire team is fluent in English. There will be no miscommunication.
• Fast and Efficient: We're set up to get you diagnosed, treated, and back to your holiday (or your hotel bed) as quickly as possible.
• Insurance Ready: We provide all the correct paperwork for your travel insurance claim, guaranteed.
• Affordable Care: We provide top-level medical care without the high prices of a large hospital.

How to Find Our Clinic

 
If you need to see a doctor in Koh Samui, we are easy to find. Our clinic is conveniently located on the main ring road in Lamai Beach, making us easily accessible from all over the south and east of the island.

• Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
• Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Phone: +66 65 262 9396
• Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
• Map: Find us on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions for Tourists

 
What if I have a real emergency?

If you have a life-threatening emergency (like a heart attack, stroke, or major accident), you should call an ambulance and go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For everything else, a walk-in clinic is faster and more appropriate.

Can I get a prescription refill?
 
Yes. If you are a tourist who lost or ran out of your regular medication, bring your original prescription or the medication box to us. Our doctor can consult with you and issue a new prescription.

What are your clinic hours?
 
We are open every single day, including weekends, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We know that people don't just get sick from Monday to Friday.

Do you handle minor injuries, like cuts from coral or scooter scrapes?
 
Absolutely. This is one of the most common things we treat. It's very important to have these wounds professionally cleaned and dressed to prevent infection in a tropical climate.

What if I don't have travel insurance?
 
You can still see us. Our consultation and treatment costs are very affordable, so you can pay "out-of-pocket" without the shock of a huge hospital bill.

A Final Word on Your Health in Koh Samui

Getting sick on vacation is stressful, but it doesn't have to ruin your trip. The medical care in Koh Samui is excellent. Just know where to go, what to bring, and relax knowing that English-speaking, professional help is right here.

References

• TravelHealthPro (UK). (2024). Thailand: Health. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/221/thailand#Health 
• NHS (UK). (2024). Travel health and vaccinations. https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/travel-vaccinations/travel-vaccination-advice/ 
• U.S. Department of State. (2024). Thailand: Health Information. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Thailand.html#Health