Best Health Care

[dumbnewbie]

What do you guys do for health care in Thailand? What are the best insurance companies, the best plans, best hospitals, clinics, doctors & dentists? How do you know?

Or do you go back to your home country for health care? Or to another country? Singapore? Malaysia? India?

If you're from a country with nationalized health care (i.e., not the U.S.), can you go back and get treated for free in your country even though you've been residing overseas?

And what do you Americans do for healthcare? Do you maintain insurance back home, or just in Thailand, or what?

I'm hoping this thread can shed light on the health care situation of expats in Thailand and be of some use to everyone here.

I'd contribute something, but at the moment I'm an American living in the U.S. with no healthcare whatsoever. Anyone have a suggestion for me? I'm too young to qualify for Medicare and unable to find work lately (most Americans get health insurance as a "benefit" from their employer). Private insurance here is ridiculous - it costs a fortune, then still has deductibles and co-pays, excludes pre-existing conditions, is full of loopholes so that if you need it the insurance company can easily drop you, or, etc.

I don't know about you guys, but I think this is such a critical topic that hardly ever gets discussed, and I think we could all benefit from sharing information.

Some things that really bother me about health/dental care in general:

1) How do you know who the good/caring/honest doctors & dentists are? If you want to buy a car or a cell phone, you can research Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and other ratings agencies. There's tons of info on quality, reliablity, customer satisfaction, etc.

But with doctors and dentists, absolutely critical to our life and well-being, it's mostly "ask a friend for a recommendation", as if our friends are in any way qualified to know who's good, honest, etc.

2) Inherent conflict of interest: just like auto mechanics, doctors and dentists have an incentive to find something wrong and then fix it. That's how they make money. Would it surprise you to know that many of them are very aggressive in diagnosing problems, often doing completely unnecessary surgery, just to make money? It happens - A LOT. The vast majority of patients are too trusting, so doctors and dentists usually get away with this.

3) On the other hand, insurance companies and HMO's (don't know if they exist outside the U.S. - they're basically insurance companies that employ their own doctors, whom you're restricted to, and run their own hospitals, clinics, etc.) - these bastards basically want to take your money but deny you care as much as possible.

You might hope that the self-interest of doctors competing with the self-interest of insurance companies would result in optimal care for the patient, but I'm not at all confident about that. My impression is that the whole industry is just a corrupt, inhumane mess. I read that something like ONE THIRD of the time doctors actually make patients worse rather than better. (Oh well, more stuff to treat and bill the insurance company for!) Maybe this is why health care providers are so slack about washing their hands, sterilizing equipment, removing all sponges and instruments before sewing you back up, etc.

4) One of the reasons healthcare is so expensive in the US is that we can sue doctors for malpractice, and punitive damages are often in the millions of dollars, resulting in higher costs for everyone. Theoretically this should be a good safeguard against malpractice. So do you worry that you're not allowed to sue doctors in most countries?

What do you guys think?

[Rionoir]

So bored talking about US healthcare system... LoL But in Thailand I go to Bumrungrad, no insurance, just pay when I go. My primary doctor there is as good or any doctor than I've had in the US, she even did most of her education in the US and studied at John Hopkins... she's great. (and cheap as hel_l compared to what she'd get in the US !)

[dumbnewbie]

Yes, I've heard Bumrungrad is probably the best hospital in Thailand, and one of the best in Asia. And it's nice to hear that you're very happy with your doc. May I ask a few follow-up questions?

1) How did you go about finding this doctor?

2) Did she ask you about insurance? What will you do if you need care beyond regular checkups - say, a major accident or illness?

3) I always wonder - all these doctors who get their training in Western countries and then return to Thailand, Mexico, etc. to practice - why don't they stay in the US, Europe, etc. and make a ton more money? I know, maybe family, culture, etc.... but still? Is that it?

[dudemeister]

I'd also like to know what are the healthcare/insurance packages any members can recommend?

I have read before that there are different rules for health insurance depending on what type of visa status indivduals are on.

[webfact]

Moved to Insurance in Thailand

[chiang mai]

Yes, I've heard Bumrungrad is probably the best hospital in Thailand, and one of the best in Asia. And it's nice to hear that you're very happy with your doc. May I ask a few follow-up questions?

1) How did you go about finding this doctor?

2) Did she ask you about insurance? What will you do if you need care beyond regular checkups - say, a major accident or illness?

3) I always wonder - all these doctors who get their training in Western countries and then return to Thailand, Mexico, etc. to practice - why don't they stay in the US, Europe, etc. and make a ton more money? I know, maybe family, culture, etc.... but still? Is that it?

Their web site answers many questions.

http://www.bumrungrad.com/

[ThaivisaInsurance]

I'd also like to know what are the healthcare/insurance packages any members can recommend?

I have read before that there are different rules for health insurance depending on what type of visa status indivduals are on.

As a Thai Visa member you can avail yourself with the full range of insurances by sending your requirements to Here

[webfact]

On request of the OP this post moved to "General"

[RPETER65]

Yes, I've heard Bumrungrad is probably the best hospital in Thailand, and one of the best in Asia. And it's nice to hear that you're very happy with your doc. May I ask a few follow-up questions?

1) How did you go about finding this doctor?

2) Did she ask you about insurance? What will you do if you need care beyond regular checkups - say, a major accident or illness?

3) I always wonder - all these doctors who get their training in Western countries and then return to Thailand, Mexico, etc. to practice - why don't they stay in the US, Europe, etc. and make a ton more money? I know, maybe family, culture, etc.... but still? Is that it?

For some people money is not everything, and the amount of money one makes is relevent to ones cost of living. as far as living standeard goes.

I have had the same doctor for the three years I have lived in Thailand, she also was edjucated and practiced medicine for 12 years in the U.S., got tired of the stress and constant worry of phony malpractice suits, and returned home. While visiting Thailand,my sister, who was scheduled for gallbladder surgery when she returned to the U.S., became quite ill I took her to my doctor, after a ultra sound of her gallbladder, she found it was in great shape she was givin medicine for an enflamed stomach, she has been fine, three years now. Cost $40 dollars american.

My wife and I do carry medical, life, and income replacement, but only for major problems, as everyday medical very cheap. I am 62 and our insurance costs about $100 american a month.

[dudemeister]

I'd also like to know what are the healthcare/insurance packages any members can recommend?

I have read before that there are different rules for health insurance depending on what type of visa status indivduals are on.

As a Thai Visa member you can avail yourself with the full range of insurances by sending your requirements to Here

Tried the link - did not work.

Last time i was chasing health insurance information on thaivisa ended up going round in circles. To this day still not received any suitable recommendations for my particular circumstances - which are, in case some readers are interested and are in the same boat:

i visit Thailand regularly, (approx. every 2 or 3 months)

i enter each time on 30 day tourist visas

i therefore need 30 day cover for each stay

and here's the stickler - i am UK citizen, but i work abroad, and not resident UK, which is a stumbling block when trying to obtain travel and/or health insurance from a UK company. I cant get Thai insurance because not on any qualifying Thai visa.

[Soutpeel]

i visit Thailand regularly, (approx. every 2 or 3 months)

i enter each time on 30 day tourist visas

i therefore need 30 day cover for each stay

and here's the stickler - i am UK citizen, but i work abroad, and not resident UK, which is a stumbling block when trying to obtain travel and/or health insurance from a UK company. I cant get Thai insurance because not on any qualifying Thai visa.

Think you are misunderstanding something, I have a very good medical scheme with a UK company and I am non-resident in the UK, so suspect you are looking in the wrong place, The only exclusion I have is getting medical treatment in the US, which seeing I have no plans to go to the US, no issue for me, otherwise I am covered worldwide

Also never heard of a visa requirement to be issued with medical insurance from a Thai company ??

I think you issue revolves around what you are looking for ie 30 days cover every 3 months, wouldnt have thought any medical scheme would touch you under those conditions, generally you need to sign up for 12 months at a time

[jasreeve17]

So bored talking about US healthcare system... LoL But in Thailand I go to Bumrungrad, no insurance, just pay when I go. My primary doctor there is as good or any doctor than I've had in the US, she even did most of her education in the US and studied at John Hopkins... she's great. (and cheap as hel_l compared to what she'd get in the US !)

Agreed.

[dudemeister]

Think you are misunderstanding something, I have a very good medical scheme with a UK company and I am non-resident in the UK, so suspect you are looking in the wrong place, The only exclusion I have is getting medical treatment in the US, which seeing I have no plans to go to the US, no issue for me, otherwise I am covered worldwide

Also never heard of a visa requirement to be issued with medical insurance from a Thai company ??

I think you issue revolves around what you are looking for ie 30 days cover every 3 months, wouldnt have thought any medical scheme would touch you under those conditions, generally you need to sign up for 12 months at a time

If you dont mind me asking, can you point me in the direction of the UK company you use please? Or PM me details?

This is typical what i am finding in the various company small print:

MEANING OF WORDS

Insured Person or You/Your: Each person named on the Certificate and for whom the appropriate premium has been paid, resident in the UK Area, registered with a local doctor for the last 6 months, and at the date of application being not more than 66 years of age.

No good - i am UK non-resident

Think it was AXA medical policy that stated:

Eligibility: Thai Citizen, Permanent Resident of Thai, Employment Pass holder, Dependent Pass holder

No good - none of those

[ThaivisaInsurance]

I'd also like to know what are the healthcare/insurance packages any members can recommend?

I have read before that there are different rules for health insurance depending on what type of visa status indivduals are on.

As a Thai Visa member you can avail yourself with the full range of insurances by sending your requirements to Here

Tried the link - did not work.

Last time i was chasing health insurance information on thaivisa ended up going round in circles. To this day still not received any suitable recommendations for my particular circumstances - which are, in case some readers are interested and are in the same boat:

i visit Thailand regularly, (approx. every 2 or 3 months)

i enter each time on 30 day tourist visas

i therefore need 30 day cover for each stay

and here's the stickler - i am UK citizen, but i work abroad, and not resident UK, which is a stumbling block when trying to obtain travel and/or health insurance from a UK company. I cant get Thai insurance because not on any qualifying Thai visa.

We are sorry the link did not work Please go to the Thai Visa 'Insurance' site and request a quotation.

[Soutpeel]

Think you are misunderstanding something, I have a very good medical scheme with a UK company and I am non-resident in the UK, so suspect you are looking in the wrong place, The only exclusion I have is getting medical treatment in the US, which seeing I have no plans to go to the US, no issue for me, otherwise I am covered worldwide

Also never heard of a visa requirement to be issued with medical insurance from a Thai company ??

I think you issue revolves around what you are looking for ie 30 days cover every 3 months, wouldnt have thought any medical scheme would touch you under those conditions, generally you need to sign up for 12 months at a time

If you dont mind me asking, can you point me in the direction of the UK company you use please? Or PM me details?

This is typical what i am finding in the various company small print:

MEANING OF WORDS

Insured Person or You/Your: Each person named on the Certificate and for whom the appropriate premium has been paid, resident in the UK Area, registered with a local doctor for the last 6 months, and at the date of application being not more than 66 years of age.

No good - i am UK non-resident

Think it was AXA medical policy that stated:

Eligibility: Thai Citizen, Permanent Resident of Thai, Employment Pass holder, Dependent Pass holder

No good - none of those

As I thought, it looks like you are looking at the wrong policy type, this appears to be a policy for UK only,

Will send you a PM with the company I am with, your other Option is BUPA, You will find that a restricted policy for 1 geographic area ie UK/EU is cheaper than international coverage.

I have checked with a friend of mine who lives in Thailand and works in another country and technically would not qualify under the Thailand terms you have specified above, and he has a Thai medical scheme strangley enough through AXA..

As mentioned above, your sticking point will be your requirement for 30 days coverage every 2-3 months in Thailand, most companies will not go for it...

[PeaceBlondie]

Bumrungrad must be nice. I chose Samitivej, where two US-trained specialists were worthless. Went to CMU Medical school hospital and was cured by US-trained orthopedic surgeon. I go only to the medical school clinic for everything. To see professor of neurology, 300 baht - US$9. Cheap, fresh effective drugs.

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

If I was anywhere in the world and got sick, my choice would be to go to Bumrungrad for the best care. And a bonus is the low cost.

[webfact]

Bumrungrad or BNH - the best hospitals Bangkok can offer.

http://www.bumrungrad.com/

http://www.bnhhospital.com

Edited October 1, 2009 by webfact

[dudemeister]

Soutpeel

Thanks PM info.

Other posters

thanks, looking (again) at the links you provided.

[astral]

I am insured with GoodHealth in London.

No need to be UK resident.

They have forked out $60,000 this year for cancer treatment for me.

Can I say more.