@Jody ******

I would go with the West too if I had a viable and economic choice as that is what I am familiar with and in my comfort zone. Mind you I have been a guest of hospitals in Udon and Hua Hin for back problems and find poisoning, and both times I had great and affordable treatment.

@Jody ******

Like anywhere I suppose. That's why in the west at least we have medical boards that can discipline doctors. I don't know for sure if they have that here, but I suspevt not. Anyone knows?

@Jody ******

No. Here. Many, many doctors and dentists here are trained in Australia and the US. If hospitals aren't properly funded you end up with something like the NHS mess on England.

@Boglárka *******

Agree totally. Stop cheaping out and blaming others!

@Jody ******

Not at all. You are paying for talent, trying, education and training as well as the hospital infrastructure and administration.

I had a bad motorcycle accident on the USA in 2006. I was ambulanced to Intensive Care with 6 fractured ribs, damaged legs and a concussion. I was there 3 nights and then ambulanced back to Canada. In Canada I was a week in Emergency and 3 months in Rehab (1 month of that at the facility and 2 months as an outpatient), and a year at a gymn and physio-with all that back to 99.44% pre-accident. My bill to my Canadian insurer for the US stay was just over $50,000 US. The insurer told me that they would negotiate it down. My Canadian doctors said that the care I received in the US was outstanding and they did everything that they could havevand should have (no expense spared!). The point is that yes, medical care is expensive and you are not just paying for the procedure, simple as it may be. You are paying for all the professionals' training and knowledge to get them there as well as the hospital and infrastructure. I read farangs complaining all the time about hospital costs here, but the costs in most cases are less than they would be in peoples' home countries. Not only that, but the service here is quick and efficient. Countries like mine (Canada) and England as well as others (perhaps the US or your country?) are struggling with an overloaded and under funded system with horrendous waiting times. I believe that anyone who travels should have medical insurance or the resources to pay the bills in case an emergency should arise. And if the emergency should arise and you have to pay, don't complain about being ripped off.

@John **********

Yes, but when you need it you need it!

If you were a non-resident of BC, Canada where I come from w/o insurance it would cost you a lot more than this at our hospitals!

@Peter **************

Yes Peter. I don't get it either. It is bullying mentality from the safety of their smartphones. No courage to do it face to face. People innocently ask questions, albeit some quite naively, and then get blindsided by someone hiding on a computer.

@Marty ********

Smart. My way of thinking too.