We’ve all seen the headlines popping up on our news feeds: another ‘falang’ has gone on holiday, gotten drunk, had a motorbike accident, and ended up in the emergency room without any health insurance. The question then arises: how do they manage to pay a bill that can easily reach $10,000 or more? Most often, there seem to be only two options. One is to send money home to their families or friends for financial help, and the other is to start a GoFundMe campaign, hoping that fellow expats and strangers will find it in their hearts to donate. This situation raises an important question: isn’t this a bit irresponsible? Shouldn’t travelers be prepared for these situations, especially when taking such risks?
I recently read a story about a man who needed a triple heart bypass surgery, costing around one million baht. He had no insurance and couldn’t pay the bill. Was this simply a matter of ‘tough luck,’ or should someone step in to help? These stories make us wonder about our responsibilities to others—whether it’s an obligation to aid someone in need or just an unfortunate circumstance. The interesting part is, does it make a difference if you know the person? I’ve personally been moved to help close friends and family when they faced health crises, and it’s something I’d do without hesitation. On the other hand, when it’s a stranger, it’s easier to be judgmental or indifferent.
The importance of health insurance hit home for me recently when my baby daughter was hospitalized for four nights with a virus. I initially hesitated because I thought health insurance for a family might be expensive, but I was shocked to find out that four nights in Bangkok Hospital cost around 85,000 baht. Thankfully, I had coverage through Aetna Health Insurance. With just a swipe of my card, all costs were covered, and the staff at the hospital were outstanding in providing care. That experience made me realize how priceless peace of mind can be. No one wants to face such emergencies unprotected, yet many do, and when that happens, the financial burden can be overwhelming for both the individual and their family. Having proper health insurance isn’t just about saving money; it’s about safeguarding your well-being and avoiding unnecessary stress. It’s a lesson I believe everyone living abroad should take seriously, ensuring they are prepared for the unexpected, no matter how unlikely or improbable it might seem.
My Thai wife used to sell insurance and because of my age and risk factors she suggested not bothering..
Christmas Day some clown in a gravel truck dropped the hook for no apparent reason, I hit the back of him on my cycle, it was a mess to say the least, after 5 surgeries plus one more I need, the bill is around 2 million.. this is being treated at Sriphat in Chiang Maix, with really top shelf surgeons
Yeah, it’s a lot of money plus the 12 days in a private room and ongoing physio.. Still cheap compare to Oz, I doubt Medibank would have coughed up on half the costs, so I reckon I broke even…
This is my experience. Im 71 year’s Old no insurance, i had a bacterial infection in my right leg. Could Not stand the pain was too much. I was due to fly abroard at the end of Two weeks. So my Doctor Said if i went in to Hospital she could fix me up so i could traval. In Hospital for 7 nights in a private room three meals a day all medication great english talking nurse’s, on a drip for 7days with blood test every day, cost for everything 12,000 baht in my Local goverment Hospital . Nong Bua Lamphu.
Never mind asking for money from where ever, without my I insurance I would have been dead 3 times by now. Dead like in gone for good, cheap but to me it’s not worth NOT having an insurance!!
Ok…. stop the jokes about being dead 3 times that’s not the point!