Healthcare, Safety, and Insurance Tips Before Moving to Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats and travellers for many reasons such as warm weather, stunning beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, friendly locals, and affordability.
However, before moving to the Land of Smiles, you should become aware of the numerous health risks, which can lead to substantial expenses if not adequately covered by insurance.
In this article by Pacific Prime Thailand, we will explore healthcare, safety, and health insurance tips for those moving to the Land of Smiles.
Health and Safety Tips When Travelling in Thailand
Going on company getaways to the beaches of Phuket or the hills of Chiang Mai is one of the luxuries you may experience with your colleagues here in Thailand. However, travelling to more remote places come with various health risks associated with rural tropical areas such as dengue fever, zika, and malaria.
For instance, dengue fever can be a real health risk, especially during the rainy season where mosquitoes are known to invade households as they escape from the monsoon rain. In the past five months, the infection reached its highest level in three years, with almost 20,000 reported cases and causing 15 deaths.
Locals, expats and travellers alike are strongly advised to be extra careful during the rainy season from June to August, as the infection rate is expected to increase. The best way to prepare for these health risks while travelling in the country is through vaccination.
Most private hospitals in Bangkok and other major cities in the country offer vaccination for dengue fever and other diseases common in Thailand. Through vaccinations, the severity of diseases such as dengue fever can be reduced by 93 percent, with each vaccine costing around THB ฿2,000.
Choosing the Best Healthcare Option in Thailand
The best type of healthcare will ultimately depend on your individual needs. For expats, a good place to start looking would be private hospitals in the country. Private hospitals in Thailand are internationally known for the quality of their treatment and English-speaking staff.
Despite being more expensive than their state-run counterparts, patients will benefit more from the streamlined services available in private facilities, such as shorter queues and flexible doctor choices.
Furthermore, leading private hospitals in the country such as Bumrungrad, Samitivej, and Bangkok Hospital Group are equipped with the latest medical technology and are driving the growth of Thailand’s medical tourism industry.
Emergency Health Services in Thailand
An important aspect of health and safety which is often overlooked when moving into a new country is the array of emergency services that are available. In Thailand, the standard emergency contact is 191. However, this number will not connect you directly with ambulance and rescue services.
However, the Royal Thai Police correspondents don’t always understand English, and we recommend contacting the Tourist Police in this scenario. You can contact the Tourist Police at 1155.
In the event of a health emergency in Thailand, simply dial 1669 for assistance. This number connects you to a public ambulance service. If you are located in an urban area, help will arrive within 10 to 15 minutes. For those in rural areas, the response time may increase to approximately 30 minutes.
Private hospitals in Thailand will have their own fleet of ambulances that are ready to assist you whenever you need it. To get their assistance, contact the call centres of nearby private hospitals or use their designated emergency hotlines.
Insuring Your Family’s Health
Family insurance plans in Thailand come in many different forms, including maternity insurance, as well as insurance packages for newborns and kids.
Giving birth in Thailand’s private hospitals can be costly without a proper insurance plan. To give birth at top private hospitals such as Bumrungrad International Hospital, you may have to spend up to THB ฿139,000 from your own pocket.
This makes maternity insurance absolutely necessary for expats looking to start a family in the country. Maternity insurance in Thailand is secured as an “add-on” that comes with health insurance coverage. They cover costs related to giving birth, and may also provide cover for birth defects and complications.
Meanwhile, it is always a good idea to purchase health insurance for your newborn as soon as possible. Luckily, health insurance products in Thailand are also catered for newborns. These products include whole life, critical illness, and personal accident plans.
Learn About Health Risks
Before moving to the Land of Smiles, it’s important that you are aware of the health risks so you know what to do when a situation arises.
Among these risks are mosquito-related illnesses like dengue fever and malaria. It’s a significant concern, especially in rural areas in Thailand or during the rainy season. Therefore, it is crucial to employ protective measures such as applying insect repellent
If you haven’t been to Thailand or any country in Southeast Asia, then we advise you to keep hydrated. It’s important that you don’t consume water straight from the tap, and it’s recommended to always drink bottled water or from a purifier machine installed at your house or apartment.
Thailand is hot all year round, and the sun can get very strong between March and May. To protect yourself from the blazing sun, be sure to shield your skin with sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and use accessories that guard against the sun’s rays.
Carry Important Documents
When moving to Thailand, it’s crucial to carry important documents related to your health. By keeping copies of your medical records, prescriptions, and any relevant health documents with you, you can ensure continuity of care and provide healthcare professionals with vital information about your medical history.
Having copies of your medical records allows doctors and nurses to have a good understanding of your health background. They can review your pre-existing conditions, allergies, past treatments, and medications.
This allows them to make informed decisions, provide appropriate care, and avoid unnecessary repetitive tests or procedures. It also helps them streamline the diagnosis and treatment process.
Seek Advice From Other Expats
Seeking advice from fellow expats can be beneficial, especially when it comes to navigating the healthcare system. Connecting with expat communities, online forums, and social media groups is one way to dive into the experiences of others who have gone through a similar process.
Remember to sprinkle a grain of salt when approaching these sources and have an open mind. While the experiences shared may be subjective, they can still offer valuable guidance and help you navigate the healthcare landscape in Thailand more confidently.
Contact Pacific Prime Today
There are a wide variety of health insurance options in Thailand. Hence, it is important to carefully consider all health insurance options available.
Since expats are most likely to use medical services from private hospitals, private health insurance is naturally more suitable for expats than government-run insurance programs.
For expats, travelling back and forth between different countries is the norm, making international health insurance essential as it covers medical fees both from within Thailand and abroad.
On the other hand, if you are looking for more affordable options and you normally spend most of your time in Thailand, then you may opt for local health insurance.
To get the best insurance deals, you can start by getting a free quote or directly contacting our expert team at Pacific Prime Thailand today.
He’s a third culture kid who left Thailand when he was 5 before returning at 17. He attended an American school in New Delhi, India before moving to a private school in London, England. Pete has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Bangkok University International College. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching movies and watching football. He also writes movie reviews on his personal blog.
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