Health Check up in Thailand
One of the perks of choosing to get a health check-up in Thailand is that the country has JCI-accredited hospitals that offer discounts on various packages, which can result in 50% savings overall.
Hospitals in Thailand offer a variety of packages for medical tourists including tests for specific issues such as heart, brain, general health check-up, etc.
JCI hospitals also typically offer four levels of general health check-ups that cost between $200-800 roughly depending on the number and type of tests that are included in each tier.
The number of packages available in Thailand allows locals and tourists to select tests that are specific to their health conditions.
For example, If you need to get your cardiovascular health checked, then you can choose a package that provides tests specific to the condition of your heart, and not pay for any other tests that are irrelevant.
What is a Health Checkup?
Health issues, if any, will have a better chance for treatment and recovery because the problem will be detected at an early stage. It is a step towards a better, healthier and longer life. With the fast lifestyle people live today, in addition to global warming and pollution, it is natural for people to get sick or be diagnosed with a disease.
It is advisable to go for an annual health check-up or a regular check-up to keep an eye on your health problems. Along with these tests, the doctor will discuss your family history, regular activities, and eating habits. Sugar, blood pressure, and sodium potassium are some of the important tests. The patient's age, weight, and height are examined. There are special tests to diagnose cancer, AIDS/HIV, and hepatitis.
When Should I Start Getting a Health Checkup?
To be cautious, you should start getting a yearly health checkup when you’re in your twenties and thirties.
Although, at a young age you may feel like there’s no necessity to get one at this age, especially if you feel great, however, some preventive care can go a long way.
If you're in your 40s, your work and family life may distract you from getting a health checkup. But you can take control of your health. It is important to have regular health checks during this time to check the development of chronic diseases.
How Often should I get the Health Check up done?
An annual comprehensive health checkup is a routine annual visit. It is important to expect more serious health problems.
Depending on the age -
For those aged 20 and over, a check-up every two or three years should be sufficient.
For those in their 30s, you should have your eyes checked every year or three.
For people aged 40 and older, you should get checked every year.
The physician may recommend for you to come in more often if the case -
- you have drinking and smoking habits
- if you have Hereditary health conditions
- or possess any other risk factors
In case you possess a chronic condition, you may need to customize a schedule with your physician for a personal checkup schedule.
Many insurance providers, including Luma, give you a free health checkup every year. Getting it can be a good way to protect your body.
With regular health check-ups, your primary care physician can assess your condition and diagnose any potential issues that might be in their starting stages.
Any disease diagnosed at early stages has a better chance of a full recovery.
A few illnesses can be mild in nature and may not give their indications or side effects until they arrive at a serious level. This is why it is always good to see your doctor, especially if you live a life that can put you at such risk.
What are the things to do before getting Health Checkup?
When you go for a health checkup, here are some things you should do to prepare for the examination the next day:
- Get eight hours of sleep. Sometimes, not getting enough sleep can affect test results. Like temperature, blood pressu,re and heart rate.
- Wear comfortable clothing so the nurses and doctors can access your arm for blood pressure testing.
- Do not eat or drink for eight to ten hours before your test. You can drink water from time to time as it rains.
- Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your test. This can lead to negative results on your kidney ammonia test.
- Continue your medication as directed by your doctor. For women, do not schedule a checkup seven days before or after your period.
- If you really want to test during your period, ask the nurse to cancel the urine test. You should also avoid digital mammograms if you are on your period, as breast swelling and tenderness are common at this time.
- Tell the nurse or doctor if you are pregnant so they can cancel the x-ray.
- Tell your doctor if you have a chronic illness or any other health problems.
- It helps your doctor if you can provide past test results or medical history.
- It helps the doctor if you can bring previous test results or medical reports.
Which Tests are Included in the Packages?
Many reputed Hospitals in Thailand offer different packages and some great deals for Health checkups. The cost and the required number of tests depend on the hospital or clinic. The number of tests varies in different packages. Here are the basics of which tests should be there, in a full-body check-up for men and women.
The most common tests included in health checkup packages are:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol
- glucose levels
- body mass index
- complete blood count
- kidney function
- liver function
- urinalysis
- chest x-ray
- electrocardiogram
The number and type of tests may vary depending on the needs of the patients.
Depending on the age, other tests may be added such as:
- eye checks
- cervical cancer screening
- prostate checks
- hearing tests
- abdominal ultrasound
- lumbar hip tests
- carotid Doppler
- bone density scans
Regardless of your age, with important information about your health, you and your doctor can find the right steps to prevent future health problems.
How much does Health Checkup Cost in Thailand?
Prices for tests included in the package range from 200.93 US $ to 26593.19 US $ depending on the type of health checkup you need. Prices can increase for older patients.
Top Hospitals for Health Checkup in Thailand
Some of the top hospitals for health checkup in Thailand are:
Bangkok Hospital
Established in 1972, the Bangkok Hospital is one of the first private hospitals in Thailand; it has now established its reputation as a tertiary care hospital.
It offers several Health Packages on Fertility, Plastic Surgery, Lasik Eye Surgery, Hip & Knee Surgery, Obesity, Vascular Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery and many more.
Samitivej Hospital
Established in 1979, Samitivej Hospital is one of the leading private hospital groups in Thailand and SEA and is accredited by JCI.
It is the first Hospital outside Japan to be accredited with the Japan Council for Quality Health Care (JCQHC) award.
Vejthani Hospital
Vejthani Hospital, established in 1994, is one of the leading private international hospitals in Thailand that provides JCI-accredited quaternary health care services.
Cutting-edge medical technologies, internationally trained specialists, world-class healthcare standards, and authentic Thai hospitality are their key competencies.
Conclusion
Although medical tourism in Thailand will bring many benefits, the key is to find a good, reputable, and reliable hospital for your medical examination. This is where research will help you a lot. Use an online search to find a hospital that fits your travel plans. You can also ask for references from previous patients who will rely on their advice and personal experience.