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Health check-ups and medical insurance in Thailand
We have all experienced different levels of discomfort from time to time, be it a migraine, a constant elbow pain, or sore eyes. More likely than not, we would choose to ignore these warning signals from our body and think that they will disappear soon. Our body might work like a well-oiled machine in the prime of our life, but unavoidably it has wear and tear as we age. In fact, regardless of our age, gender and health history, it is crucial for us to get to the bottom of the real causes of these symptoms. And the best way to do it is via regular health check-ups.
In this article by Pacific Prime Thailand, we will take a look at why health check-ups are important, what tests are usually included, how to get prepared and interpret the body check-ups results.
Why are regular health check-ups recommended?
“An ounce of prevention is still worth more than a pound of cure.” – as cliche as it may sound, annual physical examinations are indeed the best ways to find out your body’s weak spots, identify risk factors for chronic disease, and detect illnesses that have little apparent symptoms. This is especially true if you smoke, drink, or have hereditary health conditions. Early detection of a medical issue gives you the upper hand so you can apply the right remedy ahead of time and get successful treatments before your health conditions deteriorate. Plus, health check-ups also give you and your family the peace of mind, no matter if you are diagnosed with any disease or not.
What kind of tests does a health check-up usually include?
Thailand is home to a broad spectrum of private and public hospitals, hence there are also countless health check-up packages on the market, each with different prices and scope of benefits.
As varied as they might be, some common health tests include assessment of your blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, weight and body mass index (BMI), complete blood count, kidney function, liver function, urinalysis, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram.
Women can opt to include Pap smears, mammograms, and bone density tests while men can choose rectal exams.
Apart from gender factors, you may also add other tests according to your needs, such as eye checks, hearing tests, abdominal ultrasound, etc. Naturally, the more tests you choose to undertake and the older you are, the pricer the packages are gonna be.
How should I prepare for the health check-up?
After you have scheduled your health examination, you should get ready for the check-ups by taking the measures as follows:
- Get plenty of sleep to avoid affecting the test results in body temperature, blood pressure, and heartbeat.
- Do not eat or drink eight to ten hours prior to the check-up.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to upper arms for the blood pressure tests.
- Do not consume alcohol within twenty-four hours before your checkup.
- Continue your medications in hypertension as prescribed by the doctor.
- For women, do not schedule a checkup seven days before or after your menstrual period.
- Inform the nurses if you are pregnant so they can cancel the x-ray exams.
How to interpret my body check results?
After your body check, the doctor will meet with you to decode the lab test results and assess your health risks. He or she will also ask you a set of questions to understand more of your past medical history and your living habits. The medical practitioner will then examine whether these habits correlate with your body check-up results and advise you on how to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
For example, body checks usually include the cholesterol test, which is comprised of three categories: total, low-density cholesterol (LDL), and high-density cholesterol (HDL). If you are high in LDL, which is considered bad cholesterol, your physician may recommend that you do more exercise, avoid certain foods high in cholesterol, or take additional lab tests.
Why do people decide for a health check-up in Thailand?
Despite the ever-rising medical costs each year, Thailand remains a hotspot for medical tourism. The reasons for this are twofold.
- Low price
Health checkups in Thailand are one of the cheapest in the world. The package price has already included basic tests such as the blood work, cholesterol checks, and BMI, etc.
- Convenience
It is very easy for patients to find hospitals online and make an appointment. Waiting time is comparably short and tests are usually completed in a few hours. Most medical staff speaks English and you can enjoy premium medical facilities.
Get support from Pacific Prime Thailand
Although you can easily make an appointment for a health check-up in Thailand, you still need to spend extra time and efforts on comparing prices and coverages of different packages. Moreover, health check-ups are just a part of long term health protection. Apart from regular examinations, you ought to secure a long term health insurance plan to provide sustainable financial protection against potential medical expenses. This is when you should engage the service of an independent insurance broker like Pacific Prime.
Pacific Prime Thailand has over 18 years of experience and nine offices around the world. We are specialized in matching clients with health insurance policies that match their requirements and budget. Contact us today to find answers to any insurance related questions, get a free quote or a plan comparison!
When he’s not working, he’s usually on the hunt for great restaurants, playing badminton, and writing screenplays.
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