April 7, 2026 | News & Articles

International Care
Cost Comparison

Costs, Care, Personal Support & Quality of Life

Written by CAREWELL

“More Care. More Personal Attention.
More Quality of Life – at Significantly
Lower Overall Costs.”

What Families Should Know Before Making a Decision

Choosing the right care or long-term care facility for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While care options across Europe, other Western countries and Asia may appear comparable at first glance, there can be significant differences in quality of care, cost structures and everyday living.

This comparison is based on typical privately funded residential care in a private room, including accommodation, meals and care services. To ensure a fair and transparent comparison, the figures shown reflect typical private-market conditions in each country. Government subsidies, insurance benefits and means-tested financial assistance have not been included.

What Determines the Quality of a Care Facility

Cost is only one factor – the key differences lie in:

the level of personal attention & support
the quality of care & support services
the flexibility to adapt care as needs change
the living environment & quality of everyday life

These factors have a direct impact on quality of life and well-being in long-term care.

A Key Difference

International care models differ not only in cost, but above all in the level of personal care and attention they can provide.

CAREWELL Thailand offers approximately 55 – 75% lower overall costs than comparable residential care options in Western countries, while providing a significantly higher level of personal care and attention. This allows for more individual and consistent support – not only with medical needs, but throughout everyday life.

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International Care Cost Comparison

Privately Funded Residential Care (Private Room · Accommodation · Meals)


Criteria	Switzerland	USA (North America)	Australia	England	Thailand
24/7 Care	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Typical Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio	1:6 – 1:10	1:6 – 1:10	1:7 – 1:10	1:6 – 1:9	1:1 – 1:2
Basic Nursing Care	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Specialized Dementia Programs	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Therapy Services	Usually additional cost	Often additional cost	Often additional cost	Partially additional cost	Included
Body-Oriented Treatments (e.g. Massage)	Usually additional cost	Rarely included	Rarely included	Rarely included	Included
Accommodation & Meals	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Flexible Care Level Adjustment	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited	Flexible & transparent
Cost Transparency	Complex billing	Add-ons common	Subsidy-based	Means-tested	Clear bundled structure
Night Surcharge	Often applies	Often applies	Often applies	Often applies	No night surcharge
Typical monthly cost of private residential care (USD)	11,000 – 15,000	9,000 – 14,000	7,000 – 10,000	7,500 – 11,000	2,900 – 4,600
Estimated annual cost (USD)	132,000 – 180,000	108,000 – 168,000	84,000 – 120,000	90,000 – 132,000	35,000 – 55,000
Relative cost position (USA = 100%)	110–120%	100%	70–80%	75–85%	30–35%

* Compared with the USA, Switzerland, England and Australia, CAREWELL Thailand offers significantly lower overall costs while maintaining a high level of personal care and attention. The costs shown are based on the market and pricing data available at the time of assessment. Data as of July 2026.

Swiss Approach to Care

CAREWELL in Phuket, Thailand, combines Swiss-influenced quality standards in care and support with professional medical services and a highly personal, family-oriented approach to care. Residents benefit from consistent professional care and support. The high availability of care staff allows for greater personal attention in everyday life. This is complemented by integrated therapy, massage and activity programmes, as well as prompt access to medical consultations and treatment to support physical and emotional well-being.

Services are clearly defined and structured into transparent packages. A comfortable, family-like living environment, varied meals and a calm, respectful and compassionate care culture all contribute significantly to residents’ quality of life.

For families, CAREWELL provides additional reassurance through structured communication and regular updates on residents’ health and well-being.

What Makes Carewell Different

CAREWELL offers a transparent and predictable approach to long-term care. Clearly defined care packages include accommodation, meals and professional care, with a transparent cost structure and no unexpected additional charges. As care needs change, support can be adapted accordingly without requiring residents to move to another facility.

As a fully integrated residential care facility, all essential services are provided in one place. This supports continuity of care and a structured daily routine.