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Coronavirus death toll rises to 304 in China while first reported death outside China
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Sandwiches: The Original Fast Food and a Thai 7-Eleven Favorite!
Terrible stuff. Every year or so, for whatever reason, my senses leave me and I try one of these “sandwiches” again, and once again, I am moved by deep regret. I don’t know how they keep selling these gastric monstrosities. Alcohol, I guess. -
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Schools closures did not change Covid transmission rates
I remember getting into heated 'discussions' with people on this Forum during lockdown about how ridiculous it was to close schools and the damage it would cause. Nice to be vindicated! -
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British woman jailed after collecting debt from Thai millionaire
Lawyer. Would have been much cheaper than what she did. -
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5 hidden healthcare costs in Thailand, and how can we avoid them?
Thailand's healthcare system, bolstered by the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, offers many of its citizens accessible medical care. However, the fact remains that unexpected healthcare costs may arise to surprise patients at the worst of times. Specialist fees, insurance coverage gaps, emergency service charges, and the high cost of medications are among the few. Let’s take a look at the five hidden healthcare costs in Thailand, and how can we avoid them. 1. Specialist consultations and private hospital expenses While they are held in high regard by some for their excellent care, private hospitals in Thailand often come with a substantial price tag. Specialist consultations can cost patients upwards of 4,000 baht depending on the medical institution. With additional services such as diagnostic tests, imaging procedures, and follow-up consultations, the final bill can quickly become hefty. Not to mention the additional administrative. Tips to minimise costs Compare prices: Research and compare costs between public and private hospitals before making your appointment. Public hospitals generally offer more affordable consultations, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 baht. Prioritise public hospitals for routine care: Utilise public healthcare facilities for routine check-ups and non-urgent medical needs to reduce the burden on your wallet. Request a detailed cost estimate: Before undergoing any tests or procedures, always request a detailed breakdown of the associated costs to make informed decisions. 2. Insurance coverage gaps Many health insurance plans in Thailand have exclusions or limitations that can leave patients with unexpected and hidden medical bills. These gaps often omit coverage for more costly procedures such as MRIs or CT scans. These exclusions may cause confusion regarding unclear policy terms. As an example, certain plans may have waiting periods or caps on reimbursable amounts. Tips to avoid exclusions: Thoroughly review your insurance policy: Carefully examine your policy documents, paying close attention to exclusions, limitations, waiting periods, and reimbursement caps. Opt for comprehensive coverage: Choose a health insurance plan that offers wide-ranging coverage, including diagnostic tests, specialist visits, hospitalisation, and emergency care. Clarification: If any aspect of your insurance policy is unclear, make sure to contact your insurer directly for clarification and ensure you understand your coverage limits. Choose reputable insurers: Select health insurance providers with a strong reputation, excellent customer service, and reliable coverage. Insurers such as Cigna offer flexible plans for expats and locals Utilise insurance brokers: Consider using an insurance broker to assist in comparing plans and selecting the most suitable coverage for your individual needs and budget. 3. Emergency services and ambulance charge Another area of healthcare services where hidden costs may arise is emergency services and ambulance transportation. While the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) programme lends a helping hand by providing free emergency treatment at the nearest hospital for the initial 72 hours, it has limitations. Coverage for ambulance services is not always guaranteed and can cost between 1,000 and 3,000 baht depending on the distance and the level of service required. Prolonged hospitalisation may also result in additional personal costs. For treatments outside the UCEP programme, costs can quickly mount up. Transfers to private facilities for further care may not be covered, and ambulance costs may vary depending on the level of life support needed. Tips to minimise these costs: Verify emergency service coverage: Make sure that your health insurance policy includes coverage for emergency services and ambulance transportation. Funds for a rainy day: Create a dedicated savings account to cover unexpected medical expenses during emergencies. Research local emergency services: Familiarise yourself with nearby hospitals and emergency services, including those participating in the UCEP program. Choose reputable ambulance providers: Select ambulance services that are affiliated with reputable hospitals and offer reliable and transparent pricing. Seek immediate medical attention: Act quickly and seek medical attention during emergencies to prevent complications and potentially higher treatment costs. 4. Overpriced prescription medications Hospital pharmacies in Thailand often charge significantly higher prices for medications compared to local pharmacies. These inflated prices reflect the hospital's operational costs, which are passed on to patients. At times, prices for medications at private hospitals can be up to 150% higher than their local counterparts. Although convenient, long-term medications at those prices can quickly stack up your bills. Tips to minimise high medication costs: Request a prescription: Ask your doctor for a written prescription instead of purchasing medications directly from the hospital pharmacy. Compare prices at local pharmacies: Research and compare medication prices at local pharmacies before filling your prescriptions. Utilize online price comparison tools: Keep an eye out for online that compare medication prices across different pharmacies in Thailand. Explore generic alternatives: Consult with your doctor about the availability and suitability of generic medications. They may work the same but at a significantly lower cost. 5. Language barriers and communication challenges Language barriers can pose significant challenges in Thailand’s healthcare system, particularly for non-native Thai speakers. Miscommunication regarding symptoms, medical history, or treatment plans can lead to unnecessary tests, additional consultations, and potentially incorrect diagnoses, all of which can increase healthcare costs. Although some hospitals offer interpreter services, they can be quite expensive and this service may not be readily available, especially in public hospitals. For international patients, it is crucial to find institutions with staff who can speak their language to avoid any hiccups or unexpected costs. Tips to minimise these challenges: Bring a trusted translator: If possible, bring a friend or family member fluent in Thai to assist with communication during medical appointments. Utilise translation apps: Use translation apps to assist in communication with medical staff. Choose hospitals with multilingual staff: Select hospitals with staff members who are proficient in English or other relevant languages to minimise communication barriers. Prepare medical information: Prepare a summary of your medical history, current medications, and symptoms in both English and Thai before your appointment. Confirm understanding: After speaking with your doctor, confirm your understanding of their instructions or recommendations. Health insurance for expats in Thailand For expats living in Thailand, dealing with healthcare services may prove to be challenging. Good health insurance will act as a safety net. Cigna’s plans make sure that you get reliable care for any emergencies or ongoing health issues. Designed for expats, they are here to help reduce any unexpected healthcare costs. Key features of Cigna's health insurance plans: Hospital stays: Coverage for hospitalisation expenses, with limits up to US$1,000,000 per year. Doctor visits: Coverage for doctor visits, including specialist consultations, with annual limits up to US$25,000. Chronic illness care: Coverage for the management of chronic illnesses to help negate continuous costs. Emergency evacuation: Worldwide coverage for emergency medical evacuation, providing peace of mind and access to critical care in unforeseen circumstances. Preventive care: Coverage for essential preventive care services, including screenings, check-ups, and vaccinations, reducing risks of future health complications. Customisable add-ons: Flexibility to customise your coverage plan for specific healthcare needs such as dental, vision, or maternal care. Before health insurance rates go up in 2025, now is the perfect time to get health insurance. Cigna’s plans safeguard you from any hidden costs while guaranteeing access to quality care. Thailand’s healthcare system can be tricky, given many hidden costs such as specialist fees, insurance gaps, emergency charges, and overpriced medication, fees can add up. Language barriers also prove to be a challenge for many. Through research, careful planning, and choosing reputable health insurance coverage through Cigna, any unexpected costs won’t rear its head anytime soon. Original article by The Thaiger -
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