Advertorial Why expats should not rely on Thailand's public healthcare system

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Thailand is a country that captures the hearts and imaginations of travelers from around the world. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand offers beautiful beaches, colorful cultures, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisines. Whether visitors seek adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or entertainment, the Land of Smiles offers a unique experience that keeps them coming back for more.

 

In recent times, Thailand has also become a hotspot for expats and digital nomads. With an affordable cost of living, a pleasant climate with lots of sunshine, and a fast-growing expat community, Thailand offers ample opportunities for remote work and entrepreneurship. What’s more, the excellent infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity, co-working spaces and modern amenities make Thailand an ideal destination for digital nomads.

 

While there are many highlights to living in Thailand as an expat, the country's public healthcare system is not one of them. For a number of reasons, private healthcare is far and away the best option for expats and digital nomads in Thailand. Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand have shared their insights with us in this article.

What are the issues with Thailand’s public healthcare system for expats?

Thailand’s public healthcare is not awful, as a matter of fact, the country ranks high in global health security. However, it is not a good choice for expats for the following reasons:

1. Inadequate resources

Due to inadequate funding, Thailand's public healthcare system grapples with a shortage of hospital beds, medical equipment, and crucial medications. Scarce healthcare professionals result in extended wait times and below-par care. Besides, medical resources are frequently imbalanced, with rural areas receiving fewer resources than their urban counterparts.

2. Long wait times

Patients may have to wait in lines for hours to receive medical attention in public hospitals, and wait times for specialist appointments can be several months long. This problem is not limited to hospitals but can also be observed at primary healthcare clinics.

3. Language barriers

Foreign patients often face challenges in navigating the healthcare system and communicating with their healthcare providers due to the limited English proficiency of many healthcare professionals. This is especially problematic in emergency situations where prompt and effective communication is critical.

 

Moreover, expats may struggle with comprehending medication instructions, treatment plans, and follow-up appointments, which can result in noncompliance. While some public healthcare facilities have begun to offer translation services for expats, there is no guarantee of their availability.

4. Inconsistent quality

Thailand's public healthcare system experiences a significant discrepancy in the quality of care provided by hospitals and clinics, with some delivering substandard care. This is primarily due to the uneven allocation of resources, especially in rural areas where a scarcity of healthcare professionals and specialized medical equipment is not uncommon.

 

Besides, the inconsistency in the quality of care can be linked to the diverse levels of experience and training among healthcare professionals.

5. Lack of privacy

Private rooms are scarce in public hospitals, and patients may have to share rooms with several other patients, compromising privacy and comfort.

 

Cultural attitudes in Thailand may also contribute to the lack of privacy in public healthcare settings. In Thai culture, expressing personal details and medical issues openly is not as taboo as it may be in some other cultures.

6. Limited coverage

Thailand's public healthcare system may not cover all necessary medical procedures or treatments, leaving patients to pay out of pocket for expensive healthcare services.

 

Mental health is one area where limited coverage presents a significant challenge. There is a lack of resources and personnel to provide mental health services in the public healthcare system, with only limited facilities located in urban areas.

7. Lack of follow-up care

With limited capacity to provide it, patients may not receive adequate follow-up care after receiving treatment in public hospitals, leading to incomplete recovery or the possibility of recurring health issues.

 

Moreover, the experience and qualifications of healthcare professionals at public healthcare facilities are not always sufficient to provide the necessary follow-up care.

Benefits of having a private health plan

Many expats in Thailand have private health coverage, even if their employer provides cover. The main reasons for their choice include:

1. Wider range of choices

Private health insurance allows expats to choose from a wider range of hospitals, clinics, doctors, and medical treatments compared to Thailand's public healthcare system.

 

What’s more, private health insurance offers expats access to a range of supplementary services, including health screenings, immunizations, and dental care. Private health insurance also covers medical evacuation services, which expats may require in the event of an emergency.

2. Higher quality of care

Private healthcare facilities in Thailand generally have more resources and access to modern medical equipment than public healthcare facilities. Private healthcare providers also place a greater emphasis on patient comfort and satisfaction than their public counterparts.

3. Shorter wait times

Private hospitals and clinics typically have shorter wait times for appointments, tests, and treatments, enabling expats to receive medical attention quickly. Needless to say, this can be the difference between life and death in some circumstances.

4. English-speaking staff

Private hospitals and clinics generally have English-speaking staff, ensuring expats can communicate their symptoms and medical history effectively.

 

English-speaking staff can also better understand the cultural norms or customs impacting expats, which can help to tailor the medical care provided effectively. This can provide expats with increased comfort and confidence in their medical treatment, which is crucial when seeking medical care in a foreign country.

5. Comprehensive coverage

Private health insurance plans often provide comprehensive coverage, including emergency care, hospitalization, outpatient treatments, and prescription medications.

 

Another benefit of private health insurance is the availability of 24/7 assistance for medical emergencies. Private health insurance providers often offer round the clock support, including emergency assistance services, ensuring that expats can access medical care at any time of the day or night.

6. Access to specialist care

Private health insurance plans usually offer coverage for specialist consultations, which may cover cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and other specialities.

 

Apart from specialist consultations, private health insurance plans may also cover surgical procedures that require specialized care, such as experimental treatments, including immunotherapy for cancer treatments or uncommon surgeries.

 

What’s more, private health insurance providers frequently collaborate with distinguished specialized clinics and hospitals, giving policyholders access to exceptional medical technologies that may not be accessible in public hospitals.

Looking for private health coverage in Thailand?

If you are an expat in Thailand looking to secure or review your health insurance, you need to look no further, because Pacific Prime Thailand is here to help!

 

With 20+ years of experience under its belt, Pacific Prime is well-positioned to provide unbiased advice and unsurpassed support that only a leading global insurance brokerage can. You and your family will be presented with the best options that also fit your budget, which you can secure at no extra cost!

 

So, get in touch with Pacific Prime Thailand to discuss your needs or for a FREE plan comparison today!