Healthcare is Thailand is a little different from other countries. If you are considering making a move to this wonderful country, here are some things you need to know when it comes to healthcare.
The United States and many European countries have general practitioners to treat most minor medical concerns. Thailand, however, is home to many specialists. Most physicians only specialize in certain fields. Finding a general doctor to help you take care of minor aches and pains can be a bit of a challenge. When you are getting settled in, your first order of business should be locating an internist for general questions, check-ups, and minor issues. You can also try contacting the local hospitals to see if they have any family doctors or general practitioners on staff.
Doctors in Thailand don't necessarily work out of one central office along with one or two hospitals. They actually work all over Bangkok. They might have several hospitals where they can perform surgeries, in addition to private clinics. Their hours are long, and trying to diagnose problems over the phone is common.
Unlike a general practitioner who looks at the whole body and tries to treat the entire patient, specialists will only treat one area. Therefore, a kidney specialist may treat your kidney infection without worrying about your stomach ulcers. The treatments may interfere with each other, or worse, one condition may be completely neglected. Be willing to work with several specialists so you can receive proper treatment.
Because so many treatments are done at the hospital, rather than in an office, some treatments will wind up costing more than they need to. Be prepared for this possibility if you choose to make the move to Thailand.
Mobile intensive care units are owned by some hospitals, but there is no basic emergency transportation program. For the most part, if you require medical assistance, you have to get yourself to the hospital. There are some volunteer groups that will provide transportation for accident victims, and people just passing by are often willing to stop and help. However, the incredible traffic that constantly clogs Bangkok is sure to pose a problem. Unless you are lucky enough to get hurt near the hospital, you might find that getting to the doctor is problematic at best. If you have an ongoing medical situation, such as diabetes or a heart condition, it is best to choose a place to stay that is near a hospital.
Most European countries have mandatory health insurance, and the hospitals know they will get paid. American hospitals can confirm the status of a patient's private insurance prior to surgery. Thai hospitals are very strict about payment. They want confirmation of insurance before treatments are performed. In the event that you do not have the appropriate medical insurance documents with you, you will be paying for your treatments in advance. Failure to pay will result in a refusal to provide services
The country does offer properly structured fees, so patients can reasonably anticipate what their cost of care will be. Hospital fees tend to be quite high, although they do offer more services and are better prepared to deal with emergencies.
As of 2010, the annual spending as a portion of the gross domestic product was less than 5%. This is half of what is spent by western European countries and a third of what the United States spends. While it's not certain that low spending is the cause, it is certain that the health care system in Thailand could stand to improve. However, it should also be noted that the healthcare system in the country has been steadily improving for the last twenty years.
The universal measure of how solid a nation's healthcare system is lies with the infant mortality numbers. Most western nations have a mortality rate that is less than 5 deaths for every 1,000 live births. However, the death rate in Thai as of 2008 is double that number at 9 deaths per 1,000 births. It should be noted, however, that this is vastly improved from the 1990 infant mortality rate of 26 per 1,000 live births.
Another solid indicator of how good a health care system is the life expectancy. In 2008, Thailand had a life expectancy average of 69 years. This compares to Cambodia's lower average of 61 years and Vietnam's better average of 74. The life expectancy in the United States for 2008 was 78 years, and in France the average life expectancy was 81 years.
There are 35 companies who can provide expatriates with health care, as well as local citizens. International examples include Bupa International and Cigna. Bangkok Insurance is a local provider prepared to help keep you safe, as well as Dhipaya Insurance and Thai Health Insurance. These companies can cover you for basic health care as well as emergencies. Whichever one you choose, be sure to carry the necessary medical documents with you at all times.
It is important to carefully examine the benefits section of any policy. Inpatient and out-patient care should be included for the best coverage. However, some have budget options available to help you save more money. When choosing a policy, take into account not only your own medical history, but also that of your immediate family members.
There is an expat community that can help you navigate the foreign waters of Thai health care and insurance. You can learn from the successes and failures of other people who have also chosen this country as their new home. Local hospitals may be able to put you in touch with family doctors, and your insurance provider may also be able to help you find a general physician.
Unlike some other countries, hospitals in Thailand will not treat you if you can not pay for the services. Whether you are involved in a car accident and require life-giving care, or just need some minor services, if you do not have insurance you will have to pay upfront. In the event that you can not pay, you will not receive treatment on any level. Expats living in Thailand should protect themselves with health insurance. Take the time to learn the policy, what it covers, and how it pays. Finally, be sure to carry the policy information with you at all time, in case there is a medical emergency.
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