For those unfamiliar with the private hospitals on the island, and their fee structures, here are some things to maybe consider.
Private hospitals in most western countries are expensive. In some Asian countries they can be cheaper but not always (and rarely so in tourist areas in Thailand). Why should the ones in Samui be any different?
If I am unwell, or if I have a minor medical problem, my first stop is ALWAYS the local pharmacy. They can sell most drugs and liquids and give advice for blocked ears for example. All pharmacists can speak English. Some better than others. I tend to ignore the large chain pharmacies - except for Boots. They tend to be good as well - but slightly less helpful. Most local pharmacies will take your temperature and blood pressure as well (for a small fee).
If the phamacist cannot help then my next stop is a clinic. I do not use the government ones (even though I pay social security) as they are already overworked and the waiting time can be long. This is the same reason that I do not go to the government hospital in Nathon. Very good service if you survive the wait.
I use the private clinic that is nearest to my home - it is down the old Monkey Theatre Road in Bophut. It is much much cheaper than the private hospitals and offers a more friendly and detailed service. (They seem to actually care!) I attend the clinic regularly for blood tests (I have to monitor my PSA) and the price is a fraction of the hospital prices. Note that the clinics are not open 24/7.
For non urgent medical needs that the clinics cannot provide, I then go to the various hospitals depending on their attributes and costs.
I have visited all four International hospitals in my 17 years on Samui and all are good for something.
In terms of ability, specialists and equipment I would rank them as
1 Bangkok Samui
2 Samui International
3 Thai Inter
4 Bandon
You can reverse the order for lowest costs (in my experience). The cheapest usually being Bandon.
So for X-Rays, ultra sound etc I would use number 2 BUT for specialist doctors (urologist heart etc) I use number 1. Sometimes it is easier to use just the one hospital for everything. If, for example, the clinic sends me for an X-Ray at a hospital then the fee is often less than going direct to the hospital - but it takes longer.
In an emergency I would always go for number 1.
There is nothing to stop you from visiting each and asking for a quote! Common sense tells us not to do this if we are dying!
One thing that I have learnt is that there are usually two price lists. The hospitals ask if you have insurance in the majority of cases. I always say no. The reason is that you then usually get the cheaper price. Last month I had a biopsy in a private hospital in Bangkok. I was quoted 80 - 90,000 baht as a paying patient. When I asked for the receipt for my insurance company - the price leapt up to 147,000 baht and this was AFTER I had the biopsy and I was checking out! (Yes - I should have kept quiet.)
Just remember that all hospitals in Thailand have to provide emergency treatment only free of charge. However, the clock is running once you are stabilised.
Thank you for your patience in reading this - it may save you some money and angst.
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So true. Some places are so busy that the delivery people are taking an hour or more - from local restaurants/shops. Slightly off topic (sorry) but when I saw the photo - I thought that is was a photo of Hong Kong.
