Ways to Reduce Medical Expenses in Thailand

[CharlieH]

Healthcare costs in Thailand keep rising each year. While the country offers both public and private healthcare options, many people still face significant medical bills despite the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). This guide shows you six proven ways to lower your healthcare costs while maintaining quality care.

1. Get the right health insurance plan

Health insurance is crucial for managing medical expenses, especially for expats living in Thailand. Look for plans that cover:

• Hospital stays and inpatient care

• Doctor visits and specialist consultations

• Prescription medications

• Emergency medical evacuation

• Repatriation services

Some insurance plans now cover pre-existing conditions. Currently, Cigna offers expat health plans with a permanent 10% discount on premiums.

2. Use public hospitals

Public hospitals provide quality care at significantly lower prices than private facilities. While you might wait longer, they are a great choice for non-urgent checkups. These hospitals offer:

• Much lower costs for all services

• Modern medical equipment

• Qualified healthcare professionals

• Full range of medical services

• Emergency care options

To manage your medical expenses while sparing no expense on dependable healthcare, public hospitals are a great choice for routine checkups or non-life-threatening cases.

3. Focus on prevention

 

Regular health screenings can prevent expensive medical problems from popping up later. Preventive care includes:

• Annual check-ups

• Routine vaccinations

• Health screenings

• Early detection tests

Many Thai hospitals offer affordable preventive care packages. The country's Universal Health Coverage ensures that all citizens receive essential preventive services, including vaccinations and chronic disease screenings. This goes a long way in preventing long-term medical issues and expenses.

4. Visit pharmacies for minor issues

Thai pharmacies can handle many basic health needs without requiring a doctor's visit. For many, they are more affordable and provide easy access to medication. Pharmacies offer:

• Over-the-counter medications at reasonable prices

• Free consultations for common health issues

• Convenient locations throughout the country

• Basic health advice

• Prescription refills

The National Health Security Office, through many programmes,  works with pharmacies to provide care for 16 common conditions, reducing hospital visits.

5. Look for discounts

Healthcare facilities regularly offer money-saving opportunities including promotions on check-ups, treatments, and memberships. Be sure to keep an eye out for:

• Seasonal promotions on health check-ups (up to 50% off)

• Membership programmes with reduced rates

• Group discounts through organisations

• Package deals on medical services

6. Try telemedicine

Telemedicine or virtual healthcare visits offer a cost-effective method to manage minor health issues, often with follow-up consultations without ever leaving your home. Telemedicine provides:

• Remote medical consultations

• Evening and weekend availability

• Prescription management

• Follow-up care

• Mobile app access

Special insurance offer

Thailand’s healthcare system can prove to be tricky for many expats. Private health insurance is crucial to ensure that you get access to the quality care that you need, just without financial stress.

Cigna offers comprehensive expat health insurance that includes:

• Annual coverage up to US$1,000,000 for inpatient care

• US$25,000 yearly for outpatient care and doctor visits

• Full coverage for chronic conditions

• Worldwide emergency evacuation

• Preventive care services

• Optional dental, vision, and maternity coverage

Consider securing health insurance today as rates typically increase with the new year. Cigna currently offers a permanent, lifetime 10% discount on their plans for world-class coverage. Get a free quote today!

 

Due to rising costs, managing healthcare costs in Thailand requires a strategic approach. Combine Cigna’s comprehensive insurance with public healthcare services when appropriate. Use preventive care, pharmacy services, and telemedicine to reduce expenses. Watch for promotional offers and discounts at medical facilities. These strategies help ensure access to quality healthcare while keeping costs manageable.

 

 

Original article by The Thaiger

[Classic Ray]

Marry a Government employee like police or teacher and then all healthcare is virtually free at Government hospitals, 50 baht per visit and free medication. 

[edwardflory]

Register ( <== FREE ID Card ) at a THAI MILITARY HOSPITAL.  You pay the same cost as Thai civilians using the military hospital. Have been using 11 years.

 

UPSIDE: many MILITARY doctors are US or UK trained - English is good, service is excellent.

 

DOWNSIDE: ...SLIGHTLY... more expensive than civilian hospitals, WAY WAY way less than private hospitals.

[Muhendis]

Public or government hospitals tend to be quite chaotic in terms of waiting to see your doctor/specialist. 

In Buriram hospital and maybe others also, there is a system of semi-private consultation which is in the late afternoon/evening.

These consultations are relatively hassle free and as good a service as ever. 

Attending these surgeries is great because, if you need a specific test or scan etc. it will be done immediately.

The downside is that they cost a bit more but still way less costly than a private hospital. 

[Bday Prang]

1 hour ago, Muhendis said:

Public or government hospitals tend to be quite chaotic in terms of waiting to see your doctor/specialist. 

In Buriram hospital and maybe others also, there is a system of semi-private consultation which is in the late afternoon/evening.

These consultations are relatively hassle free and as good a service as ever. 

Attending these surgeries is great because, if you need a specific test or scan etc. it will be done immediately.

The downside is that they cost a bit more but still way less costly than a private hospital. 

Surin charges 250 baht for out of hours consultations    well worth it