@Michael ************
The potential payment for something serious, while far less expensive than the U.S., is the problem. Our credit cards don't cover something too expensive, serious surgery such as open heart, while less than $40,000 compared to $175,000 to $400,000 in the U.S., could be an issue(?). My wife said that a Thai hospital might not allow me to leave without full payment, however that is only from her reading. She never had an issue growing up in Bangkok, as she was covered by very inexpensive regular Thai government insurance. Yes, I may be completely out of line worrying about this stuff! Your comments do make me feel better.