Hospital Costs In Bangkok

[tig28]

In January of this year I suffered a dissection of my Thoracic Aorta. This was diagnosed and stabilized in a leading Bangkok hospital ---- which has been my hospital of choice for several years.

During this event (as in prior much less serious matters) the treatment has been faultless --- I have happily recommended services and facilities to any who asked.

On this occasion the specialist in charge of my treatment in ICU was -- as expected -- extremely good. I have nothing but praise for the treatment.... but the cost was quite a surprise.

It was upon examination approximately twice the cost of the same treatment in the private hospital in Australia where I traveled for surgery ... and that is before any Medicare or private health insurance rebate.

My opinion of this high cost would pointless without some substance so I attach the statement of costs for my 4 day/night in ICU. 190,000.00 Bt.(left click to enlarge)

An example of high charges can be seen in the single item "Diagnostic Radiology-- Xray computer" ( a CAT scan )-- 34,550.00 Bt. (A$1,150.00)

Several CAT scans in the Private Australian hospital (before and after surgery) were carried out at a cost of A$550.00 each. My overall costs during recovery in ICU in this hospital were less than half the costs per day of those in Bangkok. My ICU treatment in Australia was considerably more intense and demanding as I was in recovery from a serious procedure.

As stated --- I was surprised --I did not expect this. I share this surprise for general knowledge.

[tig28]

Hopefully this shall make the bill more legible:

(left click to enlarge)

Edited August 5, 2010 by tig28

[jayinoz]

Yes I agree the private hospital charges in all of Thailand have gone absolutely insane in the last 3 years. Before this time it was all approx. 1 third of Aussie prices, now many charge more even before medicare rebates.... Dental is still well priced, as well as going to a general doctor and clinics. Yet forget private hospitals now if cost is an issue for you. Some still come for cosmetic surgery like a former partner had breast done awhile ago. Apparently they still approx 1 3rd price of Aussie plus you get a holiday.

Not sure i would be trust any clinic to put me to sleep for any operation- private hospitals- yes but far too expensive now. Yet what can you do if you live here and it an emergency- thus the prices are now OPPORTUNISTIC- IMO. I will not have private hospital services again in Thailand. Worth the trip home to Aussie now. Let the government pay for the majority.

Thailand was once a fine inexpensive option for medical care, yet now they are getting too greedy. Time to look at other inexpensive and trusted locations. As Aussie services still far too expensive, yet as an Aussie the benefits back are enormous. SO back to Aussie for any surgery in future.

[jayinoz]

Wow looking over the bill- those costs are insane.... I gather you could not dispute the bill and they took you straight to the cashier to pay up before leaving. I wonder if the price would have been the same if you requested the costs before hand and communicated that you would need to consult another hospital as your funds are limited if they too high. Even if your fund are not limited.

I find simply asking before hand can save me a fortune if they think they may lose your busieness. Yet I guess you would not have been thinking of that at the time- thus Opportunistic.

Wonder what they would do after you been treated and you stated the bill too high and you will not pay. Anyone ever tried this- I guess the police are called- who knows. Yet if you feel you been taken advantage of stand up for yourself. Who would not in their own homeland. Many a medical bill I queried in Aussie, then it reduced. Same probably happens here.

[tig28]

Hi jayinoz

"I gather you could not dispute the bill and they took you straight to the cashier to pay up before leaving"

Looking back it now seems quite funny. At that time the recommended procedure was immediate surgery. It was a very difficult decision to not be operated upon in Bangkok (immediately) --- but to fly back to Australia. The risk was extreme. Most judged about 50/50 .. with luck.

I was instructed not to lift anything over 1 Kg. Not to walk up stairs. To travel reclined. etc. etc. -- so my wife took my credit card downstairs and just paid...... whilst I waited to be transported to to the wheelchairs of Thai Airways.

There was no opportunity to inquire about anything prior to admittance -- and I was certainly in no state to do so at discharge. It was only after noticing the total daily ICU costs in Australia compared to those in BKK --- that I understood just how expensive it actually was.

After being here several years I genuinely expected Bangkok to be less expensive --- I never imagined it could be twice as expensive as Australia

[Sheryl]

Prices have indeed risen sharply, and -- speaking here of the top-end private hospitals -- can indeed be the same or even higher than back home.

I'm currently in the US -- high cost medical care capital of the world -- and opting to have some elective dermatology work done while here. It is not only costing me less than it would have in Thailand but the doctor is familiar with Caucasion skin issues, and happy to talk frankly and knowledgably about various treatment options.

Costs in Thai government hospitals are still an excellent bargain but these are very hard to navigate for non Thai speakers/visitors.

[Pacificperson]

I have been doing annual out-patient check-ups at St. Luke's in Manila for the past five or six years. Generally, I've been quite happy with them. I was in Bangkok last summer and we had the whole family do check-ups at a private hospital there. The clinic ambiance was much nicer, but the cost was about twice that of St. Luke's for a much less inclusive package. I don't have a preference for the doctors at either location as both seem competent.

[Robby nz]

Depends where you go.

just had a look at my latest CT scan bill at Phramongkutklao Hospital

Whole abdamon CT scan including all the medication and service charge total 11,456 b