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Health care in Pattaya and the surrounding areas is generally excellent and relatively inexpensive. And perhaps the best way to provide you with the information that you need is to detail the various options open to you. 

One word of caution – wherever you are treated (pharmacy, clinic, hospital etc.) there seems to be a general tendency to over prescribe prescription drugs. Often a simple sore throat or fever will result in you taking home four or five different medications, so use common sense in limiting the variety of prescriptions. Find out exactly what each medication is for, before you start taking it.

Pharmacies or Drug Stores: 

There are many excellent pharmacies in Pattaya, two of them open 24 hours, but our recommendation is to use one of the Boots the Chemist branches – there is one in the Royal Garden Mall and another on Walking Street.

Here there is always a pharmacist on duty and you can probably rely upon the quality of the drugs prescribed. There are sometimes accounts in the newspaper about fake drugs on sale (such as look alike versions of Viagra) so it is prudent to purchase your drugs and prescriptions at a large, well known company.

Remember that many of the drugs and medications available in your home country may not be available in Thailand. For instance, Lotrel is a medication for hypertension that is widely prescribed in the United States, but is just not sold in Thailand. However, there are equivalent drugs (in this case two tablets to replace one capsule), so you need an experienced pharmacist or doctor to recommend the available drugs. At www.webmd.com, and at other similar sites, you can find information about your particular medication, and its equivalent if necessary. 

Clinics or Doctor’s Offices: 

There are literally hundreds of these health care Clinics in Pattaya, many of them specializing in a particular field (urology, dermatology etc) but often claiming expertise in everything from sexual dysfunction to plastic surgery!

Many of these Clinics are well run but the licensing regulations appear to be quite lax, so unless you have a specific recommendation from someone you trust, be careful about risking your health care at these Clinics – even though they are so convenient and are open sometimes round the clock.

Our recommendation for a General Practitioner is Dr. Oliver who has an excellent office in Soi Day Night, close by to the Pattaya People newspaper office. I have no connection with Dr. Oliver (other than as an occasional patient) but all of the expats I know, who have used his services, recommend him highly. He was trained in Switzerland and then took the exams all over again in Thailand, when he married a Thai wife and moved to Thailand. Here you will get the best of care at a reasonable price, and with very little waiting.

One other tip – if you are paying for your Thai partner to attend one of the many Clinics in Pattaya, do not go with them when they seek treatment. The cost probably will be inflated if a rich “Farang” is about to pay the bill. 

Hospitals: 

There are four or five hospitals in the Pattaya area, all providing excellent care but at widely varying prices. However, compared to the United States the cost at all of them is minimal (even if you have no insurance) and the convenience (access to specialists, little waiting time) sure beats service in the United Kingdom. 

Two hospitals go out of their way to provide health care services to foreigners with up scale facilities, packaged health care options and no language barriers with the nurses and doctors. There is the Pattaya International Hospital and the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, and this second one has the lower prices. 

My recommendation is to use the Bangkok Pattaya hospital and to consider purchasing one of their health care packages. For 2,000 to 3,000 baht (US$45 to US$70) you get a thorough physical, plus good discounts on any future visits to the Emergency Room and treatment as an in patient at the hospital. Check out the available packages soon after you arrive in Pattaya, rather than waiting until you need their services. 

Health Insurance: 

There are a variety of health insurance plans available, from several different companies, but the Buyer should beware. Even though you may have purchased a comprehensive policy on paper, the real test is the amount of the bill that is actually covered and the speed with which your claims are settled.

Generally speaking, it is not possible to buy medical health insurance if you are over 65. Some companies will allow you to continue after this age if you have had the policy for a while before you reach age 65.

Our Club has up to date information on several insurance plans (expect to pay between 30,000 to 70,000 baht per year depending upon your age), but you may also want to check at the Bangkok Pattaya hospital to find out their experience with the various companies.  

Pre existing conditions will not be covered, at least for a period of time, and you need to check if your policy can be renewed as you get older. There have been cases of policies being cancelled after a claim has been paid, so check with other expats before you purchase your health insurance. The Pattaya Expat Club  is a great place to get advice on this and all other aspects of living in Pattaya. 

If you have an address in the United Kingdom then Boots the Chemist has an extremely attractive policy for overseas travelers – it is called Gap Insurance and can cover you up to one year, and similar policies may be available in the USA and other Countries.   

What about dental care and eye care? High quality services are available throughout the city but, particularly for dental care, choose a doctor affiliated with the Bangkok Pattaya hospital or rely upon the recommendation of a trusted friend. For instance, there is a very good dentist on the opposite side of the road to the Friendship Supermarket in South Pattaya. Many of the eye care clinics are very up to date but just use care in finding out the cost and what it covers, before you commit yourself.