
It is a common worry of people travelling abroad on holiday about what happens if they have a medical emergency while they are on holiday. Many people heading to Thailand worry about this, and without knowing a country, it is hard to understand how they treat medical emergencies and what you should do if you find yourself in one. If you are going on holiday in Thailand soon and are worried about what to do if you have a medical problem while there, below are some tips to help you deal with the situation and put you at ease so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
Make Sure You Have Medical Insurance
It is vital that when you go on holiday, you have insurance that will cover you in case of a medical emergency, and Thailand is no exception. You will need to ensure that you have a suitable insurance policy, and you will want to read it in full, so you know what it covers, what the restrictions are, and how much coverage you have. Some people find that their insurance policy is nullified when they do certain activities, and they only find out when they have had an accident and need to make a claim. Make sure you do your research before you go and show around for the most comprehensive insurance that you can afford, which will give you peace of mind when you are travelling in the land of smiles.
Getting Help When You Need It
When you find yourself in need of medical assistance in Thailand, you may find that you need to call an ambulance. When you require an ambulance, Thailand has two numbers that foreigners can call to get the help you need. If you are in Bangkok, you will need to call 1646, and outside of Bangkok, you can call 1669, and they can give you advice on what you need to do. If you need an ambulance, you will want to call 1554, and you will get an ambulance sent to you from the nearest hospital.
What Happens If You Do Not Have Insurance?
If you are unlucky enough to have an accident requiring medical assistance and do not have insurance, the ambulance will usually take you to the nearest government hospital. These hospitals are cheaper than the private ones that most foreigners go to, but you will have to pay for the treatment you receive. You may need to call friends and family to help you get the money, and you can find you have your passport confiscated until the bill has been settled.