Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bangkok

"Compare hospital costs for same procedure. Use hospital web sites to review medical bios of their doctors. Consultations are inexpensive and a good way to evaluate doctors. Use private hospitals for faster service and less waiting times. Check availability of 3rd party billing for in-patient procedures," commented one expat living in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Healthcare services in Bangkok, are known for their high quality and affordability, attracting both locals and medical tourists from around the world. The city boasts numerous state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics, many of which have internationally accredited facilities and staff. These healthcare institutions offer a wide range of services, including general medicine, dental care, cosmetic surgery, and specialized treatments. Bangkok's public hospitals provide essential healthcare services to Thai citizens, often at low or no cost. However, these facilities can be crowded and may have long waiting times. On the other hand, private hospitals in the city offer more personalized care, shorter waiting times, and luxurious amenities, making them a popular choice for expatriates and medical tourists. In addition to hospitals, Bangkok is home to numerous smaller clinics and medical centers that cater to specific needs, such as dental care, eye care, and fertility treatments. Many of these facilities have English-speaking staff and offer services at competitive prices compared to Western countries. Pharmacies are also widely available throughout the city, with many open 24 hours a day. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are generally affordable and easily accessible. Overall, healthcare services in Bangkok are known for their high standards, modern facilities, and well-trained medical professionals. The city's healthcare sector continues to grow and attract patients from around the world seeking quality care at affordable prices," wrote one expat.

"The healthcare front liners and the facility from private hospitals and government hospitals are very accommodating when it comes to immediate needs. The country's tagline "Amazing Thailand" speaks for itself," mentioned one expat in Bangkok.

"Medical services in Bangkok, are generally of high quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering state-of-the-art facilities and well-trained medical professionals. The city is known for its private hospitals, which cater to both locals and medical tourists, providing a wide range of services, from general check-ups to specialized treatments and surgeries. Public hospitals in Bangkok are also available, but they tend to be more crowded and may have longer waiting times. Many doctors and medical staff in Bangkok can speak English, making communication easier for foreign patients. The cost of medical services in Bangkok is typically lower than in Western countries, making it an attractive destination for medical tourism. However, it is essential to have adequate health insurance or be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses," commented one expat who moved to Bangkok, Thailand.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Bangkok, can be considered relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. The cost of medical treatments and procedures in Bangkok is generally lower, making it a popular destination for medical tourism. Public hospitals offer low-cost services, but they may have longer waiting times and language barriers. Private hospitals, on the other hand, provide higher quality care and English-speaking staff, but at a higher cost. Health insurance is available at various price points, depending on the coverage and provider. Expats and tourists are advised to obtain health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses during their stay in Bangkok," said one expat.

"Emergency services in Bangkok, are provided by various organizations, including the government, private hospitals, and volunteer groups. These services include medical assistance, fire and rescue, and police assistance. To call for an ambulance in Bangkok, you can dial the national emergency number, which is 1669. This number connects you to the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand (EMIT), which coordinates ambulance services throughout the country. Alternatively, you can also call the local emergency number for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) ambulance service, which is 1554. Keep in mind that response times may vary depending on traffic conditions and the availability of ambulances," said one expat.

"There are many private hospitals close in Bangkok; I use four ranging in distances of about 1 to 10 kilometers. Bangkok Medical Center; Bumrungrad; Mayo; and Vibhavadi. ER services so far have been very good and inexpensive. Traffic is a problem, so I have taken a taxi when possible to save time. Hospital care has been professional and more user friendly than US. I always use private, if available, for faster service," remarked one expat in Bangkok.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Bangkok. People in Bangkok have access to a wide range of medical specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and orthopedic surgeons. For highly specialized medical care, people in Bangkok often go to one of the city's many private hospitals, such as Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej Hospital. These hospitals offer advanced medical treatments and technologies, as well as highly trained medical staff," remarked one expat in Bangkok.

"I have not needed to travel outside of Bangkok to see specialists or for serious health issues," remarked one expat living in Bangkok.

"Yes, common prescription medications are widely available in Bangkok. You can find them in numerous pharmacies and drugstores throughout the city. Some of the well-known pharmacy chains in Bangkok include Boots, Watsons, and Fascino. Additionally, many hospitals and clinics have their own pharmacies where you can obtain prescription medications. It is essential to have a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional to purchase these medications. It is also important to note that some medications may have different brand names or formulations in Thailand, so it is advisable to consult with a local pharmacist or doctor for guidance," said one expat living in Bangkok.

"So far all the meds I have needed are available locally; if not in drug stores then at the hospitals. Some are available without prescription while others are not; not sure why? Non generics are just as expensive as in the US," mentioned one expat in Bangkok.

"Bangkok has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care available. The city is home to many world-class hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of services, ranging from general medical care to specialized treatments. The city also has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide access to a variety of medications and health products. Additionally, Bangkok is home to a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are able to provide quality medical care to patients," said an expat in Bangkok.

"Closest hospital is about 3 miles, do not have current info on it. There are 2 private hospitals that are like staying in a 5 star hotel not far away," commented one expat living in Bangkok, Thailand.

"As a foreigner living in Bangkok, you will have access to public healthcare, but it might not be as comprehensive as the healthcare provided to Thai citizens. Public hospitals in Bangkok are generally well-equipped and staffed with qualified medical professionals, but they can be crowded and have long waiting times. Additionally, communication might be a challenge as not all staff members may be fluent in English. It is also important to note that public healthcare in Thailand is not free for foreigners, so you will need to pay for the services you receive. Many expats and foreigners living in Bangkok opt for private healthcare or international health insurance to ensure a higher standard of care and better access to English-speaking medical professionals," remarked one expat living in Bangkok.

"I am an AI language model, and I do not have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the experiences people have had with the local healthcare system in Bangkok during the pandemic. During the pandemic, people in Bangkok have had mixed experiences with the local healthcare system. Some have praised the healthcare system for its quick response and efficient handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, especially during the early stages of the pandemic. They have appreciated the strict measures taken by the government, such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, and contact tracing, which helped to control the spread of the virus. On the other hand, some people have faced challenges in accessing healthcare services due to the overwhelming demand for medical care during the pandemic. Hospitals and clinics have been stretched to their limits, with some facilities running out of beds and resources. This has led to long waiting times and difficulties in getting appointments for non-COVID related health issues. Additionally, the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Thailand has been slower than in some other countries, leading to frustration among the public. However, the government has been working to accelerate the vaccination process and secure more vaccine doses to protect the population. In summary, people's experiences with the local healthcare system in Bangkok during the pandemic have been varied, with some praising the system's efficiency and others facing challenges in accessing healthcare services," wrote an expat living in Bangkok.

"It's not my own experience but as local residents here have seen the neighborhood's reaction after being treated in our nearby hospital, they feel horrible. One of our relative's experiences was more horrific because his dad had a heart attack and was sent to the nearest hospital to get immediate treatment but his dad died as soon as they reach the emergency unit, the doctors and nurses declared his dad died because of COVID19. My cousin was totally mad after hearing this since they knew it was a heart attack. Another example was our neighbors who got stabbed and died but they announce that he died because of COVID19. Later on, we've seen on television and heard in the news that our healthcare insurance and some of our medical services such as hospitals and clinics were corrupt and the government filed a lawsuit for falsification of death reports. In our govt system, every confirmed COVID-19 patient who was confined in particular hospitals will receive medical support from the govt. Some hospitals that receive new patients will automatically confirm as COVID-19 patients so that they can get the budget funds from the govt. This is sad," said an expat in Bangkok.