Medication

[blue1878]

In a few months time I am planning on living in Thailand. One worry I have is that back in 2005 I had a heart attack and I have to take various tablets. I don't want to buy my tablets in Thailand because it could prove expensive plus it would be an added expence from my budget. So I was wondering how I can still get them from the NHS in the UK.

[jrtmedic]

If you believe that somehow you can continue to obtain medical supplies from the NHS whilst living in Thailand you should think again. There is no way this will happen.

The most you will obtain from your GP (if your very lucky) would be a three month supply. However do not be surprised if you are limited to a months supply.

If you are concerned about the cost of medication in Thailand how are you intending to meet any future medical care needs?

There is no NHS in Thailand and all medical care has to be paid for (credit card or cash) unless you have private medical insurance.

Even if you are able to obtain insurance pre existing conditions are unlikely to be covered.

It sounds as though you need to give more thought to the potential problems of living in Thailand.

Edited July 20, 2013 by jrtmedic

[Sheryl]

The medication is the least of your problems. Depending on what they are, you may be able to buy local generic equivaelents that aren't that costly.

Your big problem will be paying for health care, especially if you should need hospitalization which, with a history of heart disease, is likely to occur sooner or later.

Foreigners are not eligible for free health care in Thailand and even in a government hospital (where you will encounter red tape and language barriers) costs can easily run into the 6 figures for a catastrophic illness or accident.

Your prior heart attack will make it difficult to impossible to get local insurance as may your age.

And, you will loose eligibility under the NHS back home after living abroad for a certain period of time. I don't know the exact details on that but if you do a search in this forum under "NHS" you should find threads discussing it.

Unless you are able to self-insure by putting aside the equivalent of at least US $150-200,000 for use in a medical emergency I would not recommend this move.

[Deserted]

I would have a serious rethink if I were you. An additional factor to consider is the change in lifestyle that will occur. You don't want to start partying if you have issues with your heart, if that's what you have in mind. Even if its not, so many people go that way anyway. Which part of the country were you thinking of moving to?

[blue1878]

I would have a serious rethink if I were you. An additional factor to consider is the change in lifestyle that will occur. You don't want to start partying if you have issues with your heart, if that's what you have in mind. Even if its not, so many people go that way anyway. Which part of the country were you thinking of moving to?

I am planning on living in Pattaya. And I am lucky in that I have a good thai gf who will make sure I eat properly and not drink to much alcohol

[Sheryl]

Still need to consider how you will pay for healthcare.

[jrtmedic]

blue1878 has had a number of responses which were highly relevant to his initial query.

Presumably his mind is made up!

At least he has the information which has led to an informed decision.

Edited July 21, 2013 by jrtmedic