Advice- how much to put aside for self health insurance?

[JimmyJ]

6 minutes ago, BestB said:

Here is one example for you.

 

was bitten by a dog on my face , both eyes cut open, bleeding profusely. Not going to comment on reception procedure. Waiting in ER, the only person there. About 8 nurses, 2 doctors , all playing on their phones. 3 hours I laid there bleeding and no one did a thing. 

 

 

 

Thanks for explaining.

 

What hospital was that?

[BestB]

15 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

 

Thanks for explaining.

 

What hospital was that?

Muang Pattaya 

[TKDfella]

13 hours ago, thequietman said:

So, 6350 baht a year for health care is not attractive to you, eh?

 

So, when you get sick, you would neeeevvvveeer think about going to a public hospital, eh?

 

Oh, by the way, you can register at some of the best hospitals in your province under the social care but hey, you don't want that, eh?

Say, thequietman, I tried to find your original post for this reply but unsuccessful. I have no problems with government hospitals and already have a code number. When you wrote 'public' did you mean government or private? I enquired at both types for health care insurance for over 70's, but private said they only had this for under 70 years old and the government one said they they had discontinued health care insurance for westerners. Am interested if your quote is available for 70+ years old. Whatever your reply, thanks in advance.

[melvinmelvin]

23 minutes ago, BestB said:

Here is one example for you.

 

was bitten by a dog on my face , both eyes cut open, bleeding profusely. Not going to comment on reception procedure. Waiting in ER, the only person there. About 8 nurses, 2 doctors , all playing on their phones. 3 hours I laid there bleeding and no one did a thing. 

 

 

 

gosh,

by why didn't they sort you out?

 

[BestB]

1 minute ago, melvinmelvin said:

 

gosh,

by why didn't they sort you out?

 

That’s the question you should be asking them????????

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, BestB said:

Here is one example for you.

 

was bitten by a dog on my face , both eyes cut open, bleeding profusely. Not going to comment on reception procedure. Waiting in ER, the only person there. About 8 nurses, 2 doctors , all playing on their phones. 3 hours I laid there bleeding and no one did a thing. 

 

 

 

A friend who lives in Thailand and is married to a Thai woman told me a somewhat similar story:

 

He had a heart attack, his wife rushed him to the hospital, and there was a financial issue they insisted on resolving before treating him (cash? he didn't have enough credit card credit for their demand? Don't recall the exact financial issue).

 

He said he was lying on a bench while the nurses were playing Candy Crush Saga on their phones until his wife ran around and took care of the issue.

 

Don't know what hospital it was. I'm pretty sure it was a private hospital.

 

But they did treat him once that was taken care of - there was no mystery as there is in your case as to why the wait.

Edited November 9, 2018 by JimmyJ

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, BestB said:

Here is one example for you.

 

was bitten by a dog on my face , both eyes cut open, bleeding profusely. Not going to comment on reception procedure. Waiting in ER, the only person there. About 8 nurses, 2 doctors , all playing on their phones. 3 hours I laid there bleeding and no one did a thing. 

 

 

And yet, I've never had a problem with the government hospitals, if an emergency always seen immediately, if a non-emergency I waited in the queue. Once a hospital wanted a 5,000bht deposit after I was diagnosed but before I was admitted to the ward.

Nobody has ever asked me for money before seeing the doctor.

Bleeding wounds were always treated immediately on entry.

Edited November 9, 2018 by BritManToo

[BestB]

37 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

And yet, I've never had a problem with the government hospitals, if an emergency always seen immediately, if a non-emergency I waited in the queue. Once a hospital wanted a 5,000bht deposit after I was diagnosed but before I was admitted to the ward.

Nobody has ever asked me for money before seeing the doctor.

Bleeding wounds were always treated immediately on entry.

Have you seen the wards in public hospital? At least 20 people , all in the open with your  private’s hanging out for all to see. No AC, but can rent an old fan from hospital . Bad smell, may not be dirty but looks dirty. Call for nurse and you be waiting for a while .

 

compare this to private hospital and care provided and you would never think twice about public.

 

its not like back home, little better, it’s 1000 times better.

Edited November 9, 2018 by BestB

[BestB]

50 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

 

A friend who lives in Thailand and is married to a Thai woman told me a somewhat similar story:

 

He had a heart attack, his wife rushed him to the hospital, and there was a financial issue they insisted on resolving before treating him (cash? he didn't have enough credit card credit for their demand? Don't recall the exact financial issue).

 

He said he was lying on a bench while the nurses were playing Candy Crush Saga on their phones until his wife ran around and took care of the issue.

 

Don't know what hospital it was. I'm pretty sure it was a private hospital.

 

But they did treat him once that was taken care of - there was no mystery as there is in your case as to why the wait.

To put it in perspective , after 3 hour wait I had enough and as I was leaving they chased after me wanting I pay the bill.

 

what was the bill for I questioned and was told for doctor fee and nursing fee.

 

while still bleeding profusely not only I told them

i am not paying a single but but asked to be told what exactly doctor and nurse did.

 

when admin realised I was not even treated, all over sudden their attitude changed and they offered to give a referral letter to another hospital.

 

again I said what exactly are you going to put in this letter when I was not treated or even looked at by the anyone.

 

many sorry’s and it ended there . 

 

Went over to private and was fixed up within 15 mins.

 

to put some light humour into situation , I told them dog bite me but they refused to believe me. Told them my gf bashed me and with many smiles and giggles I was treated and told to be nice to her.in the mean time girl who took me to the hospital was all embarrassed.

 

 

[BritManToo]

5 minutes ago, BestB said:

Have you seen the wards in public hospital? At least 20 people

More like 40 where I was, and the guy in the bed next to me died.

I moved to a private room once I had sorted someone to stay with me (private room requires friend/relative 24/7)

There were about 10 nurses, and another 10 assistant nurses in my ward, getting their attention was not a problem.

 

My private room cost 1,000bht/night and had aircon, tv, fridge.

But I had my injuries cleaned and stitched within 10 minutes of entering the place.

If you're happy to go private and wait for cash before treatment, that's fine.

But don't complain the hospitals don't see you immediately, you made your choice, so live with it.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, BestB said:

Here is one example for you.

 

was bitten by a dog on my face , both eyes cut open, bleeding profusely. Not going to comment on reception procedure. Waiting in ER, the only person there. About 8 nurses, 2 doctors , all playing on their phones. 3 hours I laid there bleeding and no one did a thing. 

 

 

This is not typical of all government hospitals.

 

Hospitals vary greatly by level. Please see https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/615461-the-thai-public-health-system/

 

In most hospitals at provincial level and above the staff are very hard working, indeed seriously overworked.  The main problems are extreme crowding and long waits, often in non-aircon cramped quarters. "Community" (district level) hospitals are usually best avoided unless for something very minor. Definitely not where to  go in an emergency. 

 

 

[BestB]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

More like 40 where I was, and the guy in the bed next to me died.

I moved to a private room once I had sorted someone to stay with me (private room requires friend/relative 24/7)

There were about 10 nurses, and another 10 assistant nurses in my ward, getting their attention was not a problem.

 

My private room cost 1,000bht/night and had aircon, tv, fridge.

But I had my injuries cleaned and stitched within 10 minutes of entering the place.

If you're happy to go private and wait for cash before treatment, that's fine.

But don't complain the hospitals don't see you immediately, you made your choice, so live with it.

Firstly where did I complain about private hospital not seeing me?

 

secondly not once was I asked for cash upfront prior to being treated in a private hospital and 

 

lastly, this is why people have insurance . All you do is either give them your insurance card or insurance number and you are looked after.

[BestB]

2 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

This is not typical of all government hospitals.

 

Hospitals vary greatly by level. Please see https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/615461-the-thai-public-health-system/

 

In most hospitals at provincial level and above the staff are very hard working, indeed seriously overworked.  The main problems are extreme crowding and long waits, often in non-aircon cramped quarters. "Community" (district level) hospitals are usually best avoided unless for something very minor. Definitely not where to  go in an emergency. 

 

 

Well I was the only person in ER, I guess they could have only been overworked from playing on their phones.????

[janclaes47]

2 hours ago, BestB said:

Here is one example for you.

 

was bitten by a dog on my face , both eyes cut open, bleeding profusely. Not going to comment on reception procedure. Waiting in ER, the only person there. About 8 nurses, 2 doctors , all playing on their phones. 3 hours I laid there bleeding and no one did a thing. 

 

 

I'm surprised you see all this while profusely bleeding on both eyes for 3 hours.

 

 

[BestB]

Just now, janclaes47 said:

I'm surprised you see all this while profusely bleeding on both eyes for 3 hours.

 

 

See what ?

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, TKDfella said:

Say, thequietman, I tried to find your original post for this reply but unsuccessful. I have no problems with government hospitals and already have a code number. When you wrote 'public' did you mean government or private? I enquired at both types for health care insurance for over 70's, but private said they only had this for under 70 years old and the government one said they they had discontinued health care insurance for westerners. Am interested if your quote is available for 70+ years old. Whatever your reply, thanks in advance.

public = government

 

Hospitals  - public or private  - do not provide insurance.  You get that from an insurance company, either directly or through a broker.  Costs the same but broker will help provide options and also help later if any issues with claims.

 

There are internationally based countries that issue expat policies to people aged over 70.

 

Suggest you contact AA brokers  www.aainsure.net

[janclaes47]

Just now, BestB said:

See what ?

That 8 nurses and 2 doctors are playing on their phones for 3 hours.

 

When bleeding profusely on the eyes for 3 hours, that would be very difficult I presume

 

[Sheryl]

4 minutes ago, BestB said:

Well I was the only person in ER, I guess they could have only been overworked from playing on their phones.????

Please re-read my post. I said provincial level and above. You were not in a provincial level facility, you were in a "community" hospital which I said were best avoided.

[janclaes47]

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

Please re-read my post. I said provincial level and above. You were not in a provincial level facility, you were in a "community" hospital which I said were best avoided.

 

Do you really believe that, even in a community hospital, when there is only ONE patient in ER while there are 8 nurses and 2 doctors present in the ER that they refuse assisting a profusely bleeding person for 3 hours?

[thequietman]

2 hours ago, TKDfella said:

Say, thequietman, I tried to find your original post for this reply but unsuccessful. I have no problems with government hospitals and already have a code number. When you wrote 'public' did you mean government or private? I enquired at both types for health care insurance for over 70's, but private said they only had this for under 70 years old and the government one said they they had discontinued health care insurance for westerners. Am interested if your quote is available for 70+ years old. Whatever your reply, thanks in advance.

Not for your age, sorry.

[melvinmelvin]

hmm

 

where I come from we have a saying;

 

Staying in hospital requires a strong health.

 

[Saltire]

8 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

This is not typical of all government hospitals.

 

Hospitals vary greatly by level. Please see https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/615461-the-thai-public-health-system/

 

In most hospitals at provincial level and above the staff are very hard working, indeed seriously overworked.  The main problems are extreme crowding and long waits, often in non-aircon cramped quarters. "Community" (district level) hospitals are usually best avoided unless for something very minor. Definitely not where to  go in an emergency. 

 

 

Some good information for me in this link thanks.

 

I live in Kanchanaburi and as you say we have a small heath centre 10 minutes from my home who seem very professional and for a few minor issues, charged me zero Baht. In one case when I almost lost the nail from my big toe they cleaned it and strapped it up and suggested I go to the District hospital an hour away, again no charge, just smiles.

 

I was already registered at the district hospital for my medical certificate for extension of stay (100 Baht) so have a registration number. Now this place is ALWAYS busy but i was in and out with a nail removal and patched up in an hour, charge 400 Baht. They wanted me to return every day for new dressings but they allowed me to go every day to the Health Centre (never charged me again and gave me meds and bandages to last me months!).

 

My question is, for something serious the district will transfer me to the Provincial hospital (for a charge) which is 2 hours away but having never been, would it be a good idea to register there next time I go to town in advance of an emergency? Can you be registered at are than one government place?

 

I currently have UK insurance from Health Care International, premium just over £1000 p.a. with 30% co pay (I am 63 and so far in 5 years no major increase in premiums, and no claims). They also say they offer a moratorium on pre exiting conditions and if there have been no issues, they will 'consider cover'. Until a claim is made though you don't know how this will go. I will continue this till at lease 65 or 66 then re-evaluate.

[Sheryl]

24 minutes ago, janclaes47 said:

 

Do you really believe that, even in a community hospital, when there is only ONE patient in ER while there are 8 nurses and 2 doctors present in the ER that they refuse assisting a profusely bleeding person for 3 hours?

I believe from his description of his injury that he went to an inappropriate level of facility where they could not/dared not treat him and I have known hospital staff in that situation to avoid telling the patient directly, rather waiting for them to go elsewhere on their own. Not condoning this, but I have seen it happen.

 

In fact I had a similar experience recently (as a small military hospital where as it turned out the OR was under renovation and unusable) though they did eventually explain the need to go elsewhere and the time lapse was more like 45 minutes. Still, since it was a possibly ruptured appendix, that could have been fatal. They could and should have told us instantly to go elsewhere, instead they (doctor and nurses) hid behind the counter avoiding us.

 

Various Thai cultural traits, including the avoidance of confrontation and not telling people something they do not want to hear, unfortunately often carry over into medical practice.

[BritManToo]

52 minutes ago, BestB said:

lastly, this is why people have insurance . All you do is either give them your insurance card or insurance number and you are looked after.

I had that once, insurance refused to pay (Kasikorn Bank Accident Plus).

I just paid, just over 2,000bht, after treatment.

Edited November 9, 2018 by BritManToo

[BestB]

1 hour ago, janclaes47 said:

That 8 nurses and 2 doctors are playing on their phones for 3 hours.

 

When bleeding profusely on the eyes for 3 hours, that would be very difficult I presume

 

Why oh why on any thread there always has to be one troll to make smartass comments wanting to outsmart everyone. I said i was bleeding, not deaf and blind

[BestB]

27 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I had that once, insurance refused to pay (Kasikorn Bank Accident Plus).

I just paid, just over 2,000bht, after treatment.

Thats for you to take up with your bank insurance, this thread is about health insurance not accident insurance

[TKDfella]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

public = government

 

Hospitals  - public or private  - do not provide insurance.  You get that from an insurance company, either directly or through a broker.  Costs the same but broker will help provide options and also help later if any issues with claims.

 

There are internationally based countries that issue expat policies to people aged over 70.

 

Suggest you contact AA brokers  www.aainsure.net

Thank you for taking the time to post. Yes, I've tried various international companies and all were way above of what I can afford. Will look at the link you provided and let you know. Thanks again. 

[melvinmelvin]

interesting thread, learning every day (the whole point of living)

 

over the past few years, I have been somewhat unhappy with the cost of my insurance arrangements

 

seeing what others pay for so and so

I am now learning that I am probably pretty well off with my arrangements and the associated cost

[khunPer]

11 hours ago, BritManToo said:

And yet, I've never had a problem with the government hospitals, if an emergency always seen immediately, if a non-emergency I waited in the queue. Once a hospital wanted a 5,000bht deposit after I was diagnosed but before I was admitted to the ward.

Nobody has ever asked me for money before seeing the doctor.

Bleeding wounds were always treated immediately on entry.

Agree, been driving people to government hospitals several times, and they always been taking care of immediately, just like when driving to a private hospital. I have only positive experience with the public hospitals I've been visiting...????

[Sheryl]

Agree, been driving people to government hospitals several times, and they always been taking care of immediately, just like when driving to a private hospital. I have only positive experience with the public hospitals I've been visiting...[emoji846]

It does vary greatly depending on the hospital and also the severity of the patient's condition.

 

Non-emergency outpatient visits at higher level govt hospitals typically involve an all day wait through the public channel, couple of hours waits through after hours clinics.(I am sitting in one right now)

 

 

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app