Medical care in Thailand

[synthia]

I think United is the only one that sends people overseas for treatment. They don't do expat policies or anything like that.

[oddball]

A few years ago i had a heart attack in Bangkok , went to the BNH hospital . in intensive care for 5 days with some of the most pleasant staff i have ever encountered , the doctor was knowledgeable , pleasant to converse with and worked with me to get my medication right , which incidentaly , i only needed for 6 months because it was explained to me what i should NOT eat or do .The cost for this including take away drugs was $1,400.00 Canadian of which my health service payed half , i also used Bumrumgrad when i was pushed down stairs at a disco and split my head open , cost for emergency treatment and 8 stiches including removal ? B2,000 , about $50.00 Canadian , they are not cheap but they were very caring and attentive , maybe our friend is a grump !!!!!

[synthia]

Sometimes when people come from a country where doctors are expected to push people through and keep costs down, they misinterpret efforts to give them comprehensive care. I felt that way a bit during my recent spate of doctor's appointments and a hospital overnight. But, I have had a low-grade infection for a long time that is now cleared up, and got a lot of tests that I should have had done a couple of years ago. I feel reassured now, which is also important.

[skycop51]

Corruption is alive and if you are a Foreigner wow. Now have seen some surgeries that tell you the cost.

I again have Tricare Reps in Thailand to help with getting ripped off. Tragic some good care there apparently.

skycop51

[skycop51]

Gouge Americans seems to be the word in thailand. Its ashame, damn shame if you ask me.

skycop51

[skycop51]

Originally Posted by annamartha

Well, hospital pharmacies are always more expensive. I can't believe you think that it is cheaper in the US, at least per procedure cost. But requiring a hospital stay for a colonoscopy is a bit much.

Where are you located, and what hospital did you go to?

You really have to stand up to them, that was a rip off by any terms.

skycop51

[synthia]

That used to be standard in the US. The other side of the coin is that the US pushes people out of hospitals before they are ready to go. It took a law to make insurance companies allow new mothers to even stay in the hospital for 24 hours after delivery, because the insurance companies figured the mother woudl be fine if there were no complications with the birth. The law got pushed through because the baby should be monitored for 24 hours, because that's when most problems crop up.

[oddball]

I am currently in Cambodia , you want to talk rip-offs and arrogance , just come here for the experience , i went to an American hospital( SOS) and was treated(?) by an Asean , costs exorbitant and he could not even tell me what my problem was !!!
Have recomended several expats to fly to Thailand and use BNH hospital , almost took my arm off shaking my hand when they got back to Cambodia , only one problem , where would one go for a heart attack ? Long way to Thailand . Colin

[synthia]

It's always a good idea to maintain expat insurance or traveler's insurance so that the cost of being med-evac'ed to the nearest acceptable hospital will be covered. Heart attacks are, of course, more of a problem since it is the time right after the heart attack that is most critical.

And if you want to complain about cost, try the US without insurance.

[Erynn]

I had worked at several teaching hospitals, there are many write-off policies to the homeless patients or unidentified 'farangs'. Without dignity, 'farangs' can also get free medical care in every public emergency room, even when one's drunk. Renal failure patient with transplant should stay close to university hospital such as Sirirat, Julalongkorn, Chiang Mai University. No private hospital will accept 'farang' without money, it's just not their specialty.