Koh Phangan hospital backtracks after pregnant English tourist is unable to pay medical bill

[jasonsamui55]

22 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

Taking the passport or not is irrelevant.  Try leaving a hotel with any amount due whether true or not, and watch how fast the old security guard tries to stop you and if you resist some cops show up pretty quickly.  You won't make it down the street or to the airport. 

Why ever bother to check out if a hotel? They've swiped the credit card on the way in at check in. Just leave the key in the room or drop the key card in the box in the lobby on the way out and go. I've done that literally hundreds of times back during my days of weekly business travel.

[thailand49]

Young no matter where you come from in general doing the right thing is the last thing on your mind.  Sure she should at least purchase being pregnant some type of insurance.

Why the hospital retracted, it hit the media!   The share amount for the service was just blackmail and a perfect example of overcharging in this country which is why they were happy to accept 20,000.  Welcome to the Land of Smile!

[KhonKaenKowboy]

4 hours ago, Thaidream said:

All industrialised countries have  national healthcare except the USA. These are all Socialistic in that they are controlled by the Government and funded through various payroll deductions or taxes. The main area of corruption in these systems is low when compared to the corruption in the American system of insure/ Big Pharma and Hospital/Provider intermingling. The American

Medicare system is funded by a percentage taken out of one's salary and one becomes eligible for it when Age 65 or is disabled. Medicare will only pay a certain amount for provision of service and drugs. The corruption part comes in when unscrupulous providers use fake documentation and get reimbursed for services never provided. However,having the government control healthcare reduces the cost and forces providers and pharma to provide the services reasonably or they won't get the business. Ameerica could solve its healthcare problem overnight if it simply expanded Medicare to everyone.

Thailand also has a plan called the 30 Baht scheme in which those below a certain levbel of income can get services at a government hospital for 30 Baht and others are covered under the Thai Social Security Act. Of course, part of the budget is subject to misappropriation just like in the West.

The only people in Thailand not covered are those who are retired expats who cannot get affordable insurance and their passport countries do not allow overseas coverage (although we have already paid into the scheme) and visit tourists who may or may not have travelers insurance with its many exclusions.

The solution is simple by tacking on a 20 Baht fee to an airline ticket to Thailand and designating for the foreign healthcare fund. There are more than 20 million tourists per year- do the math. As far as the expats are concerned -instead of 1900 baht for an extension of stay raise it to 2000 baht. Everyone gets a medical card good for free medical treatment paid out of the foreign health fund. The first year the fund  should generate about 500 Million Baht and grow continually thereafter dependent upon usage.

 

But then Thailand would become a magnet for people with existing conditions or like the tramp, existing pregnancy with no responsible father, and fail miserably.  Try redoing your math...you are showing you have watched a lot of Michael Moore, but have zero understanding of reality.

[burger1]

Coming as a tourist to any country, it's your damn responsibility to be properly insured. Being pregnant is (generally) not an accident happening, so it's something you have to consider and ensure is covered.
The hospital has the right to ensure that to pay what you owe and to make sure you dont leave the country before setling your bills. The alternative to withhelding your passport (which in most countries is the property of the country, not of you) may be being locked up (as with payment for overstay). I'd go for withholding the passport as the most lenient way of dealing with the problem.

 

[SiSePuede419]

"Following the full moon party..."

 

So, a young British woman:

 

1) Has unprotected sex.

2) Misses a couple of "moons".  Ooops.  What could that mean?  Drinking for two?  Par-tay!

3) Goes to FMP looking for her missing "moon".

 

Yup.  Makes sense to me ?

[harrry]

15 hours ago, KhonKaenKowboy said:

You're Asian. why would you have respect for intellectual property?  Thailand also cheated on the statin drugs.  Probably had a purple polyester suited unveiling complete with 12 honored speakers and other high ranking officials.

 

1) Can you name one short term medical insurance company that covers pregnancy?  Let alone one that issues travel medical coverage?

 

2)  Can you name one place where a private hospital would NOT cost more than its government counterpart?

 

3)  What came first...hospitals overbilling insurance companies or insurance companies refusing full reimbursement?  That, I don't know...and that is even more reason to look at your policy and do a little research before you hit the ground.

https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/

 

if you read the conditions for UK residents....

Pregnancy

As is consistent with the treatment of all pre-existing medical conditions under the policy, the policy does not intend to cover the normal costs or losses otherwise associated with pregnancy (including multiple pregnancy) or childbirth. This includes, but is not limited to, delivery by caesarean section or any other medically or surgically assisted delivery which does not cause medical complications. The policy does, however, cover you should complications arise with your pregnancy due to accidental bodily injury or unexpected illness which occurs while on your trip excluding costs incurred during the period between 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after the estimated date of delivery.

 

 

This would be covered under this section and most if not all UK policies are the same.  ie Miscarriages are covered.

[johnnybegood2]

a picture's worth:

1) Free tutorial on how to be pregnant

2) Free hate speech towards brits, full moon goers, and everyone who looks at my gf funny.

3) a thousand words?

 

[TheFishman1]

I like to go to hospital and get Free Medical care also

[sugarcane24]

Charging someone admitted for observation 100,000 Baht sounds like an attempted get-rich-quick scheme/scam to me. 

[khundon]

On 13/12/2016 at 0:54 AM, Straight8 said:

3 months - would have missed at least 2 if not 3 period cycles, in all of that having unprotected sex during that time. Wouldn't be concerned?? Was she really that clueless or just didn't give a toss?

 

If she had given a TOSS she wouldn't have been pregnant.

[metisdead]

A post containing defamatory content has been removed as well as the replies:

 

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Other off topic posts and replies have been removed as well. 

 

 

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[Wazza1]

On 13/12/2016 at 11:32 AM, elgenon said:

 

so you are saying a hospital in the States will let you die?

 

 

Yes, they will let you die in the U.S, try getting treatment for cancer in n the U.S if you don't have insurance.

[FrankThai]

This women is in the wrong.   Full moon party, drinking while pregnant, comes to a foreign country without money, doesn't check her insurance policy to see if it covers her.  

 

What a terrible mom and I am surprised at the number of people here trying to defend her.

 

What about the hospital and their jobs?  I know lots of Thai nurses; they don't make much money.  Who will pay their bills?

[Patsycat]

Firstly, this Forum is so against Western women it is sometimes horrible to read.  And extremely amusing!!  Raped women who asked for it. and now this!!  You should all pat yourselves on the back!!

 

How do you know she knew she was pregnant?  I remember missing a period whilst on holiday in Thailand.  The change of climate, food etc. can add to a woman missing her period  for several months.

 

How do you know she was drinking?  Did you see her?

 

It is not the 1950's where women took to their beds the minute the were diagnosed.  And stayed there for the duration.   They go out, travel, go to parties, participate in the Olympics.

 

It is not a disease.

 

As for the hospital bill, i don't know.  But glad that she is OK.

[Strange]

15 minutes ago, Patsycat said:

Firstly, this Forum is so against Western women it is sometimes horrible to read.  And extremely amusing!!  Raped women who asked for it. and now this!!  You should all pat yourselves on the back!!

 

How do you know she knew she was pregnant?  I remember missing a period whilst on holiday in Thailand.  The change of climate, food etc. can add to a woman missing her period  for several months.

 

How do you know she was drinking?  Did you see her?

 

It is not the 1950's where women took to their beds the minute the were diagnosed.  And stayed there for the duration.   They go out, travel, go to parties, participate in the Olympics.

 

It is not a disease.

 

As for the hospital bill, i don't know.  But glad that she is OK.

 

I agree with your post, and I been kinda looking out for a woman to post in here so I can ask:

 

She was 3 months pregnant. I don't have kids, neither does my wife, but 3 months? I mean I understand missing periods due to stresses & stuff but how likely do you think that is? I have never known a woman that did not know they were pregnant for 3 entire months. Just asking cause you guys got some weird pipework that I dunno about. 

 

My main issues in the OP were #1 the hospital gouging her for 100K then stealing her passport. #2 Being pregnant and not having enough cash to care for the baby she is carrying around. I just don't see how she would not know she was pregnant. 

 

I agree a pregnant woman isn't diseased and can still holiday & stuff but has to consider what she's carrying around. Nothing wrong with shoe-string budgets when your only responsibility is yourself. 

[fakser]

On 12/12/2016 at 9:49 PM, Strange said:

 

Never, EVER, give up that passport. 

 

Single most important thing to a foreigner here in Thailand, second is bug-out cash and credit cards. They get you by the balls (or uterus).

 

Also its a real chickenshit maneuver/probably illegal to take someones only travel document and hold it hostage. Let alone its wasn't even an official person, just hospital people. Pretty pathetic on the hospital and infuriating just reading it. 

 

As for the rest of the topic, well, Full Moon Party, 3 months pregnant, no money..... 

 

And what personal responsibilty? Proper medical insurance? Appreciate the hospital treat you without condition? Would you expect an American hospital even talk you without full money guarantee?

[Rhys]

This is the regulation abiding residents get a residual wrath of the Thai Govt.

[FrankThai]

On 12/13/2016 at 8:07 AM, louse1953 said:

I rekon the low lifes are the cheap charlie tourists that have left the hospital and Thai taxpayers poorer.Will she send the money when they get back to UK?

 

Totally agree with you. 

[FrankThai]

On 12/18/2016 at 9:09 PM, Patsycat said:

Firstly, this Forum is so against Western women it is sometimes horrible to read.  And extremely amusing!!  Raped women who asked for it. and now this!!  You should all pat yourselves on the back!!

 

How do you know she knew she was pregnant?  I remember missing a period whilst on holiday in Thailand.  The change of climate, food etc. can add to a woman missing her period  for several months.

 

How do you know she was drinking?  Did you see her?

 

It is not the 1950's where women took to their beds the minute the were diagnosed.  And stayed there for the duration.   They go out, travel, go to parties, participate in the Olympics.

 

It is not a disease.

 

As for the hospital bill, i don't know.  But glad that she is OK.

 

It is not a disease, but she has a responsibility for someone besides herself.  She is selfish and not considerate of a young child inside of her.  Full moon party when pregnant  .. without money ... without insurance .. only a crazy feminist would condone this activity. 

 

 

[boooker]

On 13/12/2016 at 8:27 AM, louse1953 said:

55,you do know where you are don't you.When blood is pouring out of you one day and they wont admit you without handing over your passport,what will you do.Will you ask them to drive you to the next hospital 50 klms away or meekly break your countries law and hand your passport over.I would suggest the latter.Reality over rules International law any day.

True aswell the system runs that way...and then it makes a turn

[lostinisaan]

On 12/13/2016 at 0:43 PM, smedly said:

 

she didn't run up any bill the hospital did when they thought it would be an insurance claim

 

lets ponder this for a moment

 

She had a 1 night stay in a room - how much ? well I'd guess maybe 2000baht

She had an untrasound - my guess would be 3000 baht

Doctor fee - 1000 x2 ....2000baht

nursing fee - we'll call it 2000baht

 

various medication food etc - 3000baht

 

= a grand total of 12k baht so lets round it up to 20k

 

100k baht seriously

 

 

It seems that they gave her the "Thainess discount."

[Rhys]

ops forgot the pharmacy bill...

[Usual Suspect]

Just one more example where this lady will return to her home country, & report how she was treated here in Thailand.

 So yet agin we see malpractise on these islands, then when Western tourism numbers plummet the islanders will maybe start to wonder why..?

  (As a footnote I bet this lady will read the small print of her next travel policy with more scrutiny than she did this one).

[alt]

On 12/12/2016 at 6:45 PM, ParadiseLost said:

Most likely the hospital saw an insurance document, thought they hit the pot of gold, so gouged the hell out of her expecting an easy payday. Standard practice in the medical industry, no?

 

Once they realised the victim/patient had no cash and started making a noise they obviously decided better to make it go away. No point getting bad publicity.

 

One of the good things about social media.

Something similar happened me on Lipe back in Dec.

 

I had to get 3 stitches on my ankle as a result of rescuing a lady from being swept away in a current (who couldn't swim)... but that's not important.

 

Arrived at the medical centre and told them i'd pay cash. Got a quote of about 2000 baht - I was happy to just pay it and be done with it. Then I thought "why don't I just use my insurance" so told them that.

 

Before I knew it, the quote was now 7,500 baht. 

 

Given that my insurance excess would have been about 4,000 baht (good thing I checked before going down the insurance route), I decided to just pay the 2,000 baht cash. But christ, was it a nightmare to try and reverse the quote!

[samuijimmy]

Off topic, non Thai related post removed...

[localczar]

seems like 100,000 baht in fees is EXCESSIVE, for only 2 or 3 days total hospital stay, even a private one.

 

4 nights in BKK-Pattaya hospital for a c-section = 50,000 baht.

 

these profit based hospitals in Thailand sure know how to gouge foreigners.

[Xaos]

expensive hospital tho, my gf gave birth in bangkok pattaya hospital, stayed in private room like 3 nights and we paid 50k, and that was c-section

[jerome2]

I went to f... Norway 20 years ago .arived at night by train no change went to youth hostel nearby . No rooms go 2nd youth hostel .take the bus ... i have no sweedish money . We dont change. You dont change i dont go take a bus
She call the police
A guy tell me at night no control . I go speak with the bus driver ... no control
Take the bus
2nd youth hostel no change .give me your passport
Next day no change walking 2km .a marocan gave me a breakfast ....to the bank
Change ...show me your passport ... its in the youthhostel
No passport no change
......back to square 1
And then i fout an ATM machine ... kissed her told her how i loved her .that she didnt ask me anything and how she was so much caring than theses f... norway poeples

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