Last July 2024, I started my journey to remove my fallopian tubes through bilateral salpingectomy as a medical tourist in Thailand. Giving up on getting sterilized in my own country, I figured I would find the care I needed from a different country instead. I’ve been asked by all countries why I chose Thailand for my operation. A month later, I returned to McCormick Hospital for the surgery. On August 17, 2024, I finally had my bisalp.
Why Thailand?
My answer is straightforward- Thailand’s reputation for medical tourism, more progressive doctors, and the country’s generous visa-free access to Filipino passport holders like me. Other factors make Thailand an appealing destination to seek female sterilization for medical tourists.
Medical Tourism in Thailand
Thailand has been known as a medical tourism destination for decades. Many tourists come to Thailand to seek treatments in hospitals with medical standards similar to those in Western countries for less. Hospital service quality is often higher than in neighboring Asian countries like the Philippines. You can walk in for consultations without appointments, and surgeries are usually available within a week in private hospitals. Some medical tourist hospitals resemble fancy hotels. Midrange private hospitals are comparable to 5-star hospitals in the Philippines. The mentality of Thai doctors and nurses is open and service-oriented. During my three-day hospital stay for my bilateral salpingectomy in Chiang Mai, I was treated with the utmost care and respect by my doctors and nurses. No one ever harassed me just because I chose not to have children.
While doctors and nurses can speak basic English, the language barrier can be problematic. Using Google Translate and clarifying any questions repeatedly helps with communication.
As a medical tourism destination and the quality of healthcare, Thailand is a recommended destination for female sterilization.
More open-minded doctors in Thailand
Getting a bilateral salpingectomy (bisalp) or Tubal Ligation in Thailand is legal. No official laws about minimum age, number of children, or spousal consent exist. While Thailand is a family-oriented country, and Thai citizens would likely experience some pushback, medical tourists would get approved almost instantly for sterilization. Thai doctors and nurses better understand bodily autonomy than average healthcare professionals in the Philippines. As one doctor told me, “Not wanting kids is enough reason for us to sterilize you!”. I never experienced any patronizing and unwanted sermons from Thai doctors and nurses just because I wanted to have my tubes yeeted out. No one ever told me I would change my mind, dictate my choices, and especially bully me just because I didn’t choose to follow the LifeScript/Cheesus Fries/whoever it is they worship.
The process will be different if you are a Thai citizen seeking out free surgery and have insurance in a public hospital.
Visa free access to Filipino tourists
Filipino passport holders can now enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days. There is no need to collect mountains of documents and pay thousands to secure a visa to enter Thailand.
Dealing with Immigration authorities is straightforward as long as you present a medical certificate and hospital appointment slip from your doctor.