| Many from North America and Western Europe | | | | for treatment of emergencies. Emergency |
| have chosen to immigrate to Asia. These | | | | ambulances cannot be seen in the country and |
| immigrants have become enamored not only with | | | | instead volunteer organizations provide the rescue |
| the people and culture, but also the way of life in | | | | services. This is due to the congested traffic |
| the country. Foremost among the Asian countries | | | | situation in the country’s streets. |
| that have become a favored destination is | | | | For proper health care in Thailand, you need to |
| Thailand. While there are many positive benefits in | | | | have one of two things, either money or |
| moving to the country, one of the most prickly | | | | insurance coverage. Many foreigners have the |
| issues was healthcare in Thailand. | | | | obligatory medical insurance but it would not hurt |
| The country is officially called the Kingdom of | | | | to have cash or credit on hand for medical |
| Thailand and is located right in Southeast Asia. The | | | | emergencies. It is an unwritten rule in the country |
| country is nestled on the Gulf of Thailand and is | | | | that you need to put money up front for any |
| bordered to the east by Malaysia, Cambodia and | | | | medical assistance that you need. In other |
| Laos. To the west is found Myanmar and the | | | | countries, because of medical insurance, many |
| Andaman Sea. The country’s capital is | | | | hospitals admit emergency cases and provide |
| Bangkok and is a constitutional monarchy. | | | | medical care. This is not the case in Thailand, as |
| One of the problems about healthcare in Thailand | | | | the system of health care in the country still is in |
| is that there is no primary health care system. | | | | its infancy and very much scattered. |
| Most of the doctors in the country are specialists | | | | In general, living in Thailand is very pleasant |
| and there is a dearth of general practitioners in | | | | experience. It is called the land of smiles with a |
| the country. This makes minor health care a | | | | beautiful landscape and favorable climate for rest |
| problem in the country. These specialists also do | | | | and recreation. One issue that is of great concern |
| not work full time as they are consultants for | | | | for many tourists and expats is the system of |
| other hospitals. These specialists also have private | | | | health care in Thailand. As advised in the Expat |
| clinics, thus making post treatment medical care a | | | | Forum, “see to it that you already have |
| problem. | | | | applied for an international health care system |
| Another problem is the lack of an established | | | | insurer. That way, you will not have to worry |
| medical insurance system in the country. Many of | | | | about anything, especially in medical |
| the transactions concerning medical services in the | | | | emergencies.” Once properly covered and |
| country are done on a cash basis. While there are | | | | with a piggy bank for emergencies, your stay in |
| some medical insurance companies that have | | | | Thailand would be devoid of medical issues and |
| made inroads in the country, the premiums | | | | health care problems. |
| though are quite high, some even worth double | | | | This article has been provided by Jose Marc |
| the normal premiums for the same services. | | | | Castro, the online editor at the Expat Forum.com- |
| Another major problem is emergency transport | | | | the primary online community for expats. The site |
| facilities in the country. Many of the hospitals in | | | | also provides information and advice on matters |
| Thailand have mobile intensive care units allowing | | | | such as healthcare in Thailand. |