After dealing with the hospitals in China for six years, it was a treat to step into “The Ram” and observe the great mixture of foreigners and locals along with all the bilingual signs. We’ve only been living in Thailand for a few months but have already had several opportunities to take advantage of the wonderful medical care here! We both had “issues” that needed to be dealt with as soon as we stepped off the plane. My wife, Nancy, broke out into a terrible, blistering unknown allergic reaction all over her hands and feet a couple of weeks before we arrived. She decided it would be a good idea to have a full medical examination. The day we left China to fly to our new home in Thailand, I woke up seeing black lines and spots roaming across my field of vision. It was very weird and very scary! However, I decided to tough it out until we arrived and then get it checked in Chiangmai.
As soon as we stepped into the main foyer of the hospital that first time, we were courteously greeted and shown to the main admissions desk. In spite of the fact that a couple of people were already filling in forms, we were attended to immediately and had our new hospital cards within minutes, along with a small card that quickly explained to everyone along the way who we were and where we were supposed to be. We were directed to another floor where many numbered specialist rooms were located. We gave our trusty little card to the main desk on the ward and they gave us a colored big card with a number on it. We matched it with the numbered colored cards outside the specialist doors and waited until it matched ours. That meant it was our turn! It was a great efficient system.
Now, several months later, we are still enjoying the same hospital. Ok, “enjoying” might be pushing it when it comes to talking about a hospital! But, as far as hospitals go, the Chiangmai Ram is a nice place to be treated. We both have ended up going several times over the last few months. It is always easy to see a doctor and we have rarely had to wait for more than an hour at any time. Even walking in the front door without an appointment usually results in a relatively short wait-time. And the cost? Well, we have yet to pay more than the equivalent of $40-50 CDN, including any drugs that are needed.
As I said above, it is an efficient system. As soon as you have checked-in, you are escorted to one of many waiting rooms where a nurse measures your weight, height, pulse and blood pressure. The doctor’s visits never seem rushed and you always have plenty of time to ask questions and get clear answers. Very soon after you return to the waiting room you are escorted to the pharmacy area on the main floor, where your prescription is already being put together. You just have to wait until you see that little magic card number on the screen and off you head to the appropriate window to pay and pick up whatever you need. We also purchased a VIP card for a small fee that gives us a 20% discount on any hospital expenses.
And as far as prescriptions go…forget it! Most of the drugstores here sell almost anything over the counter. Since we moved to Asia over six years ago, I think I have had to use an actual prescription once. The pharmacists basically act as front-line care workers. If you have a current box or bottle in tow, you can always get another one easily without a prescription. They are always quick to suggest generic replacements and are usually quite knowledgeable about any problems you are having. This, alone, saves so much time and energy. Every time you have a little problem that you know may require some serious medication, you don’t need to head to a doctor to get a prescription. It’s also probably why medications are so much more inexpensive than those in North America.
It is the same thing with dentistry. I recently ran into an American tourist who figured that the money he had saved on dental care while here had paid for his vacation. As we all know, he stated that the amount it cost now for basic healthcare and surgery in the states is out of hand. I realize that China and Thailand have big populations and low salaries. However, despite the economic differences, I am sure that our North American systems could learn a thing or two about how to provide less expensive, efficient healthcare by spending some time in Asia.
And as far as our problems we had when we first arrived? That first day, we both saw specialists that set us on paths to recovery. From Day 1, we have been scheduled for ongoing appointments every three months for check-ups. And the night before each appointment, we get a friendly phone call to remind us!
Insurance Costs
Last year, I enquired about health insurance costs for my wife and myself. I have uploaded the information I received below. Although the documents are not up-to-date, they should give you some idea of health insurance costs at various levels of coverage. They cover two age groups: 41-45 and 61-65. For further information, the contact info on the documents is a good start.
Oh Steve, you’re making me wish (again) I lived in Thailand… I have a week left on my innocuous synthroid and tried to make an appt with my dr. to have the prescription renewed. Can’t see her for two weeks, and she won’t phone the pharmacy to renew it quickly, easily, efficiently. How many times did you say “efficient”? Far more than I could. sheesh!
The really sad part is that I could walk down the street to our neighbourhood pharmacy, purchase what you need, send it off and you would receive it in less than two weeks for way less than you are going to pay! 🙂
I am writing a book entitled “cracked” exposing the “Canadian”,
system, judiciary, “errant queen” atricities and inequities. This is a perfect example of how we are manipulated in Canada. It is clear we are not “cared” for.
Hi Darwin! Yes, we have been impressed with the quality and ease of medical services throughout Asia, both while traveling around various different countries and staying put in our own cities. Whether it was the bustling city of Hong Kong or a small, rural village in Bali, we were always able to walk in the front door and see a doctor or dentist almost immediately. It boggles my mind that the medical system is so inefficient (yes, there’s that efficient word again!) in Canada when it is such a relatively wealthy nation and has such a tiny population to serve.