Whyisitso?

Here is a brief account of my experience with Mission Hospital, Bangkok.

This may serve as a warning to you all in regard to the private health care system here in Thailand.

In March this year I developed an inguinal hernia which needed surgery as a matter of urgency.

I searched the web for a hospital and found Mission Hospital amongst the “cheaper” hospitals. I chose this particular hospital because I had previously experienced their services, though second-hand. A very good friend was admitted to this hospital about 7 years ago for palliative care. He then died there after receiving an extremely high standard of care and compassion.

Consequently, I made an appointment to see their specialist, then a date was set for the operation 2 weeks hence.

I then asked for the cost of this procedure.

I gave the staff member my BUPA health benefits card and then this particular staff member obtained the costings from BUPA, which was that I would be liable for a residual of 17,000 Baht, providing there were no complications.

I agreed to this.

Two weeks later upon admission for the surgery I once again asked the same staff member what is my residual (liability) and was reassured that it was 17,000Baht.

Upon discharge I was informed that my ‘residual’ had increased!

It had basically doubled!

I was totally enraged and traumatized.

I spoke to a BUPA representative who informed me of BUPA’s strict policy, that all quotations are only to be accepted in writing, not orally, and that this particular Mission Hospital staff member had not complied with this policy and had accepted an oral quotation by telephone, from one of BUPA’s customer service staff.

To date, Mission Hospital have not accepted liability for their staff member’s non-compliance and I am expected to pay.

In other words I have to pay for another person’s ‘mistake.!

This is not the first time I have had this experience with Thai private hospitals. Around 6 or 7 years ago I had a similar experience with the Bangkok Nursing Hospital, in which my ‘residual’ also suddenly and unexpectedly doubled! To me it seems to be a common practice of initially, deliberately ‘quoting’ a low residual, then upon discharge, giving you the true expense. A form of “bait and trap”.

I did not get the original ‘quotation' in writing from Mission hospital, as being an Adventist Church hospital I truly believed they were an ethical and honest organization.

One final point- I have absolutely no quarrel with, nor criticism of, the standard of surgery and nursing care I received. It was of the highest standard and I unhesitatingly recommend them, that is, the doctors, surgeons and nursing staff.

So in conclusion, my advice to you all is always get it writing ……. Even if it does not entail repairs to your body!!

Unfortunately, I suspect that Pedro is right, forget it

You should inform the hotel that you've still not been paid, they may take pity on you, if you don't ask you won't get.

They may also refuse to use Mr M's new company (and tell other class hotels in the area what he did).

Worth a shot, like I said, if you don't ask you won't get.

Thank you for your suggestions.

This last avenue I have considered, as some of my former students from the Master's Degree course I teach at a BKK university, are officers in the police and immigration. By the way Mr. M.F.'s initials are his real initials not a cheap reference to incestuous relationships!

I taught an English course at a Bangkok five star hotel through a language company. This company was paid(I checked with the hotel's HRM). The proprietor (Mr. M.F.) of this language company gave me many assurances over the first year of waiting, that the money is forthcoming. However over the last year or so............. nothing! I have since found out that Mr. M. has closed that particular company and opened a new one, which also caters primarily to the hotel and tourism sector. What do I do? Do I publicly shame him and his 'new' company via this and other forums. Or do I just keep emailling and SMS-ing him every month or so, reminding him that he owes me?