A Bangkok Hosp blatantly charging foreigners a 25% surcharge!

[scubascuba3]

I disagree doctors and nurses are probably the most trusted of all professions,
We rely on their expertise to keep us alive, and hospitals are very expensive to run, try getting treatment in many western countries, and see how much more you will pay.
Did you study for minimum of 7 years to gain your basic qualification, without doing a specialty post graduate qualification?
 
 

Irrelevant, they shouldn't pad the bill or charge a higher amount for farang, it's plain wrong. Maybe we should have dual pricing everywhere? 7 Eleven, markets, supermarkets, airlines. If hospitals can do it why can't the rest?

[RJRS1301]

Just now, scubascuba3 said:

5 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

I disagree doctors and nurses are probably the most trusted of all professions,
We rely on their expertise to keep us alive, and hospitals are very expensive to run, try getting treatment in many western countries, and see how much more you will pay.
Did you study for minimum of 7 years to gain your basic qualification, without doing a specialty post graduate qualification?
 
 

Irrelevant, they shouldn't pad the bill or charge a higher amount for farang, it's plain wrong. Maybe we should have dual pricing everywhere? 7 Eleven, markets, supermarkets, airlines. If hospitals can do it why can't the rest?

I was responding to the comment about doctors being "scumbags" not the surcharge for farang .

There is duel pricing in Thailand for many things.

The ethics for price padding for farang is a business matter. Taking into account I suspect the perceived wealth of farang as opposed to the local population.

 

 

[scubascuba3]

I was responding to the comment about doctors being "scumbags" not the surcharge for farang .

 
 

then quote the correct post, that helps

[greeneking]

12 hours ago, ianezy0 said:

Then how do so many ferangs  flyhome without paying the bill? Just asking

I don't think they do.

[Los Luver]

I agree that foreigners with investments who live permanently in Los shouldn't be overcharged.

But all tourists and long stayers (with visa runs) must pay more than nationals.
Completely politically correct. As the government subsidy health treatments. Foreigners are indeed not a part of the calculated budgets......

[Sheryl]

does this apply to patients covered by Thai social security and registered at the provincial hospital?

It does not apply to provincial hospitals period. It applies only to one hospital in Bangkok (Siriraj) though I will not be surprised if others follow suit.

And it does affect people covered by social security.

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

[marcusarelus]

6 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

It does not apply to provincial hospitals period. It applies only to one hospital in Bangkok (Siriraj) though I will not be surprised if others follow suit.

And it does affect people covered by social security.

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

Don't know if it was mentioned but it was at least 8 years ago at Queen Sirakit Hospital in Sattahip they put a big sign up at the cashiers window.  

Edited July 29, 2019 by marcusarelus

[BobBKK]

13 hours ago, beau thai said:

Nope. Mine from Cigna went up 3 fold in one hit after a significant birthday. No claims.

Their justification was that I had entered a more at risk age group. Which, when you think about it, becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, as healthy people will not accept the increase, but unhealthy will feel glad to have insurance, even at exhorbitant premia.  So they are then left with a pool of greater risk clients, enabling actuaries to say 'told you so' when the claims inevitably arise .

But they evidently feel pricing out healthy older folk is good for their business.

I would have found it more acceptable if they had required me to have a full medical with all the tests at my cost before renewing. But they didnt.

Bit simplistic in my view, but hey, its their business.

Well let's see... i hope not!  Im with Aetna and the published rates are what they are as far as I can see so far.

[scubascuba3]

I agree that foreigners with investments who live permanently in Los shouldn't be overcharged.
But all tourists and long stayers (with visa runs) must pay more than nationals.
Completely politically correct. As the government subsidy health treatments. Foreigners are indeed not a part of the calculated budgets......

I struggle to get your logic. Dual pricing based on those long stayers with tourist visas vs those with retirement extension, makes no sense. Everyone should pay the same

[scubascuba3]

Siriraj hospital is part of Mahidol University, and has probably the best medical school in Thailand. Being treated there provides state of the art care. Its posted costs are probably much lower than private hospitals, and that's why they have a surcharge. It is supported by government taxes. 
If you want the level of care at Siriraj hospital you need to pay for it. 

I'm dead against dual pricing anywhere. I'd try my best to find an alternative

[mahjongguy]

It's essentially a government hospital. They could just refuse to treat non-citizens, at any price. Would that offend you?

[Guest]

Slightly off-topic but definitely could use an answer if you guys don't mind:

 

Girlfriend and I are expecting a baby next month, we are Pattaya based (although we don't mind travelling a bit), what would be the BEST hospital in ALL of Thailand for her to get top notch service for our childbirth?

 

I was keen on going to the Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya on Sukhumvit, she insists we use the Pattaya City hospital on Soi Buakhao because the "Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya" is quote: "too expensive!" according to her.

 

I just want the TOP quality, TOP safety, state of the art "childbirth service", regardless of the costs.

 

Thanks and sorry for being slightly off-topic.

[TSF]

49 minutes ago, tcp7 said:

Slightly off-topic but definitely could use an answer if you guys don't mind:

 

Girlfriend and I are expecting a baby next month, we are Pattaya based (although we don't mind travelling a bit), what would be the BEST hospital in ALL of Thailand for her to get top notch service for our childbirth?

 

I was keen on going to the Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya on Sukhumvit, she insists we use the Pattaya City hospital on Soi Buakhao because the "Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya" is quote: "too expensive!" according to her.

 

I just want the TOP quality, TOP safety, state of the art "childbirth service", regardless of the costs.

 

Thanks and sorry for being slightly off-topic.

If cost is not an issue then go with the Bangkok Hospital on Sukhumvit. 

[Guest]

9 minutes ago, FredGallaher said:

The Pattaya city hospital is probably a government hospital. If she's on the 30Baht gold card the cost is 30Baht. Care is usually very good without luxury. Since Thailand introduced the 30 Baht plan infant mortality has dropped to the level of developed countries. Very impressive. Many doctors at private hospitals primary practice is at the government hospital. 

Sadly she's still registered on a Tabian Baan from Nakhon Panom at her parent's house, far up in the north east Issan region, unless you're talking of something else?

[scubascuba3]

Slightly off-topic but definitely could use an answer if you guys don't mind:
 
Girlfriend and I are expecting a baby next month, we are Pattaya based (although we don't mind travelling a bit), what would be the BEST hospital in ALL of Thailand for her to get top notch service for our childbirth?
 
I was keen on going to the Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya on Sukhumvit, she insists we use the Pattaya City hospital on Soi Buakhao because the "Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya" is quote: "too expensive!" according to her.
 
I just want the TOP quality, TOP safety, state of the art "childbirth service", regardless of the costs.
 
Thanks and sorry for being slightly off-topic.

Bang Lamung Hospital is a better and cheaper government hospital than Pattaya City

[Guest]

25 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

1 hour ago, tcp7 said:

Slightly off-topic but definitely could use an answer if you guys don't mind:
 
Girlfriend and I are expecting a baby next month, we are Pattaya based (although we don't mind travelling a bit), what would be the BEST hospital in ALL of Thailand for her to get top notch service for our childbirth?
 
I was keen on going to the Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya on Sukhumvit, she insists we use the Pattaya City hospital on Soi Buakhao because the "Bangkok Hospital of Pattaya" is quote: "too expensive!" according to her.
 
I just want the TOP quality, TOP safety, state of the art "childbirth service", regardless of the costs.
 
Thanks and sorry for being slightly off-topic.

Bang Lamung Hospital is a better and cheaper government hospital than Pattaya City

Could you elaborate on how it is "better"?

 

Besides according to this comment (which is from 2009 though), it is referred to as a "death trap"?

 

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM78EA_Banglamung_hospital_Pattaya_Thailand

Edited July 30, 2019 by Guest

[scubascuba3]

Could you elaborate on how it is "better"?

 

Besides according to this comment (which is from 2009 though), it is referred to as a "death trap"?

 

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM78EA_Banglamung_hospital_Pattaya_Thailand

The A&E for example at Pattaya City is desolate, i reckon serious accidents are taken elsewhere probably Bang Lamung. PC to me just looks like a place to see a young junior GP, I'm not sure if they have any specialist activities going on. They also charge more than BL. BL does appear very busy

 

[soalbundy]

On 7/29/2019 at 1:17 PM, owenm said:

Not much good for a pre-existing condition..

I know a Thai who had a hernia op to correct at this hospital.. About 80k plus extras.. So a 25% surcharge for a foreigner would come in at 100k plus any additions..

Why should a foreigner be charged an extra 20k baht for same procedure and then insist on a longer stay and perhaps in a private room?
They recommend a 3 day admission..

100k which is about AUD 5000, is more expensive than in Oz as a private patient.. On the public Medicare would be free, but maybe a 12 mth wait, being an elective procedure.. And in both cases, a morning op and discharge same day in most cases..

I did manage to suspend my private Bupa cover in Oz because an extended stay abroad.. You can do this for up to 2 years without penalty.. If I rtd to Oz, paid 2 mths premiums, no wait period applies, and with excess and gap fees my full cost would be AUD 1000 or about 20k baht.. A lot cheaper than 100k baht.. Maybe a plan to consider..

I had mine done at a private hospital in Surin for 27,000 Baht

[Sheryl]

Be forewarned that unnecessary c-sections are the norm in Thai private hospitals and this does carry a very slight increase in risk to the mother.

Quality of delivery services is fine in larger government hospitals, just the creature comforts that are (much) less. And often not possible for the father to be in the delivery room.

It is best to deliver in a hospital that has neonatal intensive care facility in case there is a problem with the baby and I don't think Banglamung has a NICU though you could ask. The main government hospital in Chonburi town does, as does the Red Cross hospital in Sri Racha.

You need to consider proximity to where you live as once labor starts (or if there is any problem) you'll need to get to the hospital quickly.

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

[elliss]

On 7/29/2019 at 8:21 AM, ianezy0 said:

Then how do so many ferangs  flyhome without paying the bill? Just asking

          Really,  you believe   the bar rural rumours , welcome to the forum..

        Fyi , farlangs have to provide proof of identity , on arrival at hospitals .

 

   If they dont pay the bills , for treatments recieved, the thai police will be informed , 

 Red flags will be flying , and runners will be pulled at departure, or on their next arrival in Los.

  Even the days of farlangs not paying their hotel bills and running, are over, so sad.

   Thx IT. 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2019 by elliss

[ianezy0]

14 minutes ago, elliss said:

          Really,  you believe   the bar rural rumours , welcome to the forum..

        Fyi , farlangs have to provide proof of identity , on arrival at hospitals .

 

   If they dont pay the bills , for treatments recieved, the thai police will be informed , 

 Red flags will be flying , and runners will be pulled at departure, or on their next arrival in Los.

  Even the days of farlangs not paying their hotel bills and running, are over.

   Thx IT ..

 

 

 

 

OK mate, you are obviously the experienced one. Cheers.

[elliss]

11 hours ago, tcp7 said:

Sadly she's still registered on a Tabian Baan from Nakhon Panom at her parent's house, far up in the north east Issan region, unless you're talking of something else?

 

      Nakhon panom , in the north east ?

      Nakkhon Phanom , is in the north east, or it was when i was there last month .

      Just saying ..

 

 

Edited July 30, 2019 by elliss

[Guest]

13 hours ago, elliss said:

 

      Nakhon panom , in the north east ?

      Nakkhon Phanom , is in the north east, or it was when i was there last month .

      Just saying ..

 

 

Most useless comment award of 2019. Refrain yourself from posting next time.

[drbeach]

Racist.

 

Do they charge Burmese laborers 25% extra too, or are they exempt because they look like Thais?

 

 

[drbeach]

On 7/29/2019 at 9:08 PM, Los Luver said:

I agree that foreigners with investments who live permanently in Los shouldn't be overcharged.

But all tourists and long stayers (with visa runs) must pay more than nationals.
Completely politically correct. As the government subsidy health treatments. Foreigners are indeed not a part of the calculated budgets...... 

No it's not, it's politically INcorrect and extremely racist.

 

Last time I checked the income disparity between increasingly frugal westerners and Thais, 1/4 of whom own a car and live in a decent house wasn't that great.

 

This crap wouldn't fly in any western country. Just goes to show the pathetic mentality of Thais. "oh falang u lich". BS not all farang are rich. Pretty sure they don't charge Burmese laborers more - probably because they have the "correct" skin color.

Edited July 31, 2019 by drbeach

[drbeach]

On 7/29/2019 at 5:52 PM, RJRS1301 said:

I disagree doctors and nurses are probably the most trusted of all professions,

We rely on their expertise to keep us alive, and hospitals are very expensive to run, try getting treatment in many western countries, and see how much more you will pay.

Did you study for minimum of 7 years to gain your basic qualification, without doing a specialty post graduate qualification?

 

 

This statement is quite ignorant of reality.

 

First of all, in most western countries you get treated first and can skip paying the bill, happens a lot. Even non-citizens get away with it and nothing is done about it. In cases of financial hardship, payment plans can be made.

 

Secondly, most residents of western countries can get insurance that covers most or all their bills such that they end up paying little out of pocket and often less than what is being charged by Thai hospitals, foreigner surcharge or not.

 

Hospitals everywhere are profit oriented. To say that doctors and nurses are the "most trusted" of professions is laughable. Although most of them are well meaning, they are human and many make mistakes - in fact the third leading cause of death in the United States is due to the side effects of drugs and medical errors; it's similar in most other countries worldwide. Many people have lost trust in the medical establishment altogether. So while YOU may trust them, don't speak for the rest of us.

[MobileContent]

On 7/28/2019 at 11:35 PM, elliss said:

 

     It has been my experience @ AEK, international hospital  Udon ..

Bangkok Hospital have daily clearance if you dont have private medical insurance.

 

On another note BH is overcharging heavily if the insurance pays. My friend left 1.4 million Baht in ten days without even an operation. 

[Los Luver]

2 hours ago, drbeach said:

No it's not, it's politically INcorrect and extremely racist.

 

Last time I checked the income disparity between increasingly frugal westerners and Thais, 1/4 of whom own a car and live in a decent house wasn't that great.

 

This crap wouldn't fly in any western country. Just goes to show the pathetic mentality of Thais. "oh falang u lich". BS not all farang are rich. Pretty sure they don't charge Burmese laborers more - probably because they have the "correct" skin color.

Burmeses and Thais are nationals in ASEAN lands. They have their own conventions...etc

Exactly as we, EU lands have. If a British gets ill while visiting Sweden, that person will be treated exactly as a Swede, while a Russian who also has the same skin color will be in different way....The Russian will have to pay....

It's about taxes, it's about conventions....etc... It's all politics

[RJRS1301]

3 hours ago, drbeach said:

This statement is quite ignorant of reality.

 

First of all, in most western countries you get treated first and can skip paying the bill, happens a lot. Even non-citizens get away with it and nothing is done about it. In cases of financial hardship, payment plans can be made.

 

Secondly, most residents of western countries can get insurance that covers most or all their bills such that they end up paying little out of pocket and often less than what is being charged by Thai hospitals, foreigner surcharge or not.

 

Hospitals everywhere are profit oriented. To say that doctors and nurses are the "most trusted" of professions is laughable. Although most of them are well meaning, they are human and many make mistakes - in fact the third leading cause of death in the United States is due to the side effects of drugs and medical errors; it's similar in most other countries worldwide. Many people have lost trust in the medical establishment altogether. So while YOU may trust them, don't speak for the rest of us.

I have no idea where you get you misinformation from. 

 

Medical professions in general garner high trust levels among the public and 84 percent of Americans rated the honesty and ethical standards of nurses as high or very high. Doctors and pharmacists also did well in the honesty league with 67 and 66 percent placing a high level of trust in each profession respectively.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/01/11/americas-most-least-trusted-professions-infographic/#713d939b7e94

 

• Number of persons under age 65 uninsured at the time of interview: 30.1 million
• Percent of persons under age 65 uninsured at the time of interview: 11.1%
• Percent of children under age 18 uninsured at the time of interview: 5.2%
• Percent of adults aged 18-64 uninsured at the time of interview: 13.3%

Source:Health Insurance Coverage: Early Release of Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey, 2018, tables I, II pdf icon[PDF – 648 KB]

 

But the private medical industry is still far below its peak in 2008, when 4.35 million people – 12.4% of the UK population – had private cover. After the rise in 2015, a total of 4,022,000 people have cover, or 10.6% of the population.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/16/private-medical-insurance-sales-surge-health-nhs

Edited July 31, 2019 by RJRS1301

[Airalee]

3 hours ago, drbeach said:

Racist.

 

Do they charge Burmese laborers 25% extra too, or are they exempt because they look like Thais?

 

 

Racist?

 

I’m sure an Asian American,  African American, Caucasian American  etc. would have the same surcharge.