Wifey put me in the tabien baan at the local hospital so we are covered for basic care. I have used this for dentistry and the costs were very low. We are also covered by some health insurance that the village headman arranged for each house in the village. we are also covered by by the Kasikorn debit card insurance that covers up to 5000 baht. On top of this we also arrange travel insurance for our stays in Thailand; we live in the UK normally. Thus if you are offered a good deal on health insurance in Thailand you should consider taking it.

 

Observing health care in rural Thailand its pretty ok. However you are unlikely to get expensive treatment for free. Wifes grandmother gets pretty good treatment for not much money. Government hospitals are overcrowded, especially if you are referred to the provincial capital hospital which offers more specialist treatment. Wards are overcrowded and people are put up in hallways and wherever there is space.

13 hours ago, JayBeeee said:

What of the many foreign residents who aren't rich; just getting by on their earnings, like Thais? Paying taxes, like Thais? putting what they earn back into the country's economy, like Thais? have family who are Thai citizens? have a home and a life here?

Shouldn't all residents be entitled to equal opportunity and access to services?

 

I know that anyone who is resident in the UK qualifies for free access to the National Health System services; and I think that comes only six weeks after entering the country.

 

Any foreigner working in Thailand is likely to be paying more tax than the average Thai person; why should they not qualify for equal benefits?

Same applies in Australia. Although we had Private Health Care, my wife and our adopted daughter were eligible for MEDICARE if required, as soon as they arrived.