Early this week, I went for my annual medical checkup, for the first time, at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. The checks were comprehensive, and I was impressed with the service and care the staff put into ensuring a thorough check. Surprised, this was the first time, i did an ultrasound; thought it was only for pregnant mothers. Kind of ticklish tough. The total cost was SGD 540.
As usual, when I went to pick up my report, and see the follow-up review doctor, i was just going over my head, what kind of added features I have developed in my body, over the last year. Nothing unusual though, the doctor advised me to take more exercise, eat more healthy and come back in a year’s time.
I think this is an interesting topic for everybody. Do you have some advice to share on annual medical checkups for over 45s?
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
The 45s need to undergo a thorough GP check-up to determine how the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer could still be reduced as the body aged. This is the age to gear up for the next 40 years to come.
50s to 60s is the fit and fabulous age i.e keep fit and active and eat well. Increase vigilance against common cancers, such as bowel, breast, prostrate and skin, by taking part in available formal screening programs and having regular checks with a GP.
If older men has erectile problems, it may be an early warning sign of heart or liver disease or diabetes.
For women with severe menopausal symptoms, do consult a GP to find how to deal with the problem.
Weight gain around the waist is a common problem and this increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, so regular physical activity could help with many problems faced by 50-year-olds. Low-impact and resistance-type activities like walking is good. Take lots of fruits and vegetables to pump in the antioxidants. Calcium intake should be higher too.
I have been going to my GP and Gynae for annual check-ups since 40s and follow up with necessary treatment and supplements.
Mary Lee (from Perth)
I too had my annual medical check up done at Bumrungrad last month. I had the full comprehensive test including x-ray, ultrasound, treadmill test among other things. It cost me THB 13,000 (about SGD 550). I think the equivalent in Singapore would be $2,000 to $2,500.
I been having my annual (actually I stretch it to about 18 months between check ups) done at Bumrungrad for a few years now. So far so good. Managed to lower my cholesterol level since the last check up.
I’ll maintain this regular check up regime as a preventive measure as despite plenty of exercise and a sensible diet, things will still go wrong and I think it’s important to find out early.
The last time I had a medical check was over 2 years ago before I retired, they ensure I left medically fit.
Wonder if anyone has done such a medical checkup nearby in JB or in Malacca. Heard many ladies including some from SHC have done theirs in Makhota medical center being much cheaper and reliable as well.
Like to hear how much it will cost in Malacca and how long will the full check up take and how many weeks ahead do you have to book the appts.
Hi Mary @1,
Can you give an idea what it costs to do a comprehensive annual medical checkup in Perth? I mean for the over 45s.
Hi Jeffrey @2, I believe we went for the same package. Do you know if there are ways to get the same package; but lower cost?
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
I think it is more expensive for foreigners to do their checkups in Perth but I will get a quote from my GP.
For me – GP, comprehensive annual medical checks, mammogram, pep-smear tests, hospitalisation with follow-up specialist treatment are free.
Mary Lee (from Perth)
Terence #4,
The comprehensive package was quoted at THB 18,000 but at the time I booked there was a special offer of THB 13,000. Their offers seem to be on all the time. Other than that I don’t know how to get it cheaper.
The topic on medical check-up appears appropriate in the light of apparently healthy (as confirmed from medical check-up and health screening) people suddenly dying and/or develop serious illnesses.
My observation is that illnesses and even death appear to have a “breakout” point at certain age of our lives. I have come to believe that our genetic make-up is programmed to function and regulate our bodily systems normally up to a certain number of years and thereafter it starts to malfunction or become less efficient. It is like the electrical appliance you buy which come with a 3 or 5 year guarantee, after which it starts to give problems. Some may call this “fate”. I believe this theory appear to support our knowledge of pple even living very unhealthy lifestyle and yet are free of serious illnesses and even have long lives! The opposite also holds true of pple adopting healthy lifestyle and develop serious illnesses which obviously come as a shock to us.
So, does it mean medical check-up is all a waste of $$$ or simply giving us some comfort that all is well (at least at the moment). Where there is already an existing condition, I believe medical check-up can be beneficial for some illnesses so that the person can start appropriate lifestyle change or medical treatment. For other illnesses, I think medical check-up serves to prepare us for the inevitable event to come, some sooner some later if given appropriate medical intervention/treatment and how the person respond to it. A person without any existing illness or have normal medical check-up, it just indicate that the the programmed ‘breakout’ time is not yet due for manifestation resulting in negative test results.
The above is just my personal opinion of how diseases develop or not, and medical check-up helps to catch the ‘breakout’ time.
Hi guys!!
There are many categories of check-ups and you cannot just compare the prices. A simple medical would be the cheapest and the most comprehensive would include blood tests, running treadmills and even colonoscopy!
That said, I would say that costs would be about half in Malaysia and up to a quarter in Thailand compared to Singapore. There are around a dozen top hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai respectively. So the next trip that you, plan an extra day to get the medical that you need.
Hi Folks,
We need to break out from the “toad in the well mentality” that only Singapore provides the best medical services without the balancing view of the relative costs. Ken put it quite succinctly with the general comparative of Malaysia and Thailand vis-a-vis Singapore, and even Mary’s from Perth. Singapore has the only cash flow advantage to pay the medical bill out of our CPF Medisave that we cannot will it to be paid say in Perth. Usually, we seek medical care at the eleventh hour and that leaves us with very little choice. The other is our ignorance of what are on offers elsewhere of comparable standards.
At we age with need to “check out our plumbing system” more regularly. A combination of medical tourism is perhaps the way forward, and a happy one too. Cost effective medical supplies will follow too!
Can the well travelled throw up some reputable hospitals that we can visit during our holidays?
:>)
Do any one of you have contact informations for facilities in Chiangmai and Bkk. I am looking for hospital names and contact information to book direct. Any recommendations on specific hospitals will be appreciated.
Hi Tian Soo,
Many Bangkok hospitals along Sukhumvit Road, Sathon Road and Silom Road cater to foreigners. The doctors speak English, and the staff are capable of handling your needs.
Many foreigners pick Bamrungrad Hospital because it is convenient, central and competitive with hospitals in the region. I shall forward you the website and contact tel via email.
Chiangmai, I am not too familiar, b-t maybe our Chiangmai expert, Kenneth Tan can give some suggestions.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
Are there any good dental clinics in Bangkok? My hubby still going back to his Hougang dentist in Singapore for annual checks – costs around $120. I visit a young pretty gentle Malaysian dentist in Perth city – about 20% more than Singapore. As shown on TV, more Australians going to Bangkok for dental treatment as it costs less than 50%.
Mary Lee (from Perth)
Hahaha!!
As we become more and more senior (in years), there is a growing demand for medical and dental services, even within our travel and tour itinenaries.
Of course there are many good, even outstanding, medical and dental facilities in Thailand, most of which are in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I can only name some as I have little experience with their services.
It would be best that you plan a few days to check out their facilities personally. Talk to the doctors, feel personally confident with them, and determine fees before committing yourself.
One disadvantage of going to a foreign country for treatment is that you may not have medical insurance cover. In Singapore, the CPF MediShield will not cover you unless it is an accident claim (similarly for travel insurance). Check out your private health plans to see if they would cover you.
One area of treatment which can be viable is cosmetic (Bangkok is famous for sex-change operations). I mean, of course, for the average person, personal cosmetic enhancement and the dental makeovers. Here, you can enjoy the latest procedure/treatment at a much lower cost.
As I said, I don’t have any personal experience but if you want some names to check out, let me know personally.
Henry @ #7
“… My observation is that illnesses and even death appear to have a “breakout” point at certain age of our lives. I have come to believe that our genetic make-up is programmed to function and regulate our bodily systems normally up to a certain number of years and thereafter it starts to malfunction or become less efficient. It is like the electrical appliance you buy which come with a 3 or 5 year guarantee, after which it starts to give problems. Some may call this fate. I believe this theory appear to support our knowledge of pple even living very unhealthy lifestyle and yet are free of serious illnesses and even have long lives! The opposite also holds true of pple adopting healthy lifestyle and develop serious illnesses which obviously come as a shock to us….”
I like to extend these ideas. IMO, this time clock is not fix.
It has a genetic component. We hear storie of an old lady who smoked in a single room flat to a hearty death at 80+.
But I believe that it has an environmental component. Cells has a genetic disposition but may also depend on external triggers to tell them to wind down.
To understand this one needs to get down to quantum physics for possible answers. Research is on-going. Even fundamental particles are found to “communicate” or affect each across time and space. The unlocking of such quantum entanglement may hold the key to communication up to the cellular level.
If we know the secrets of cellular communication, we can potentially tell the time clock to stop and even reverse itself. Conventional medicine which depends on cutting and dicing is almost mediaval and babaric by comparison.
So human immortality could only be a quantum step away.
I want do this. Not to live forever. But to see CPF turn color when they have to cough up my annuity for eternity.
Hi KT
After a long period of time not hearing from you, are you in HIBERNATION? Came across “OVERSEAS SINGAPOREAN” website, that you are in far, far of land, settled in VANCOUVER.
RonLai
Ron @ #15
I busier now in retirement than when I was working. We planned a five countries roll-out. But Oz has just joined the train. Every nite all our girl fans want to talk to me until midnight. How?
Vancouver? Nah. Too tame.
I may return to Vegas. And live off the 6 star casino hotels for free. Let me play around with the IR’s here for the next 5 years. Then I’ll see.
Plenty of time. I am bullish on immortality. Hee-hee.
Singapore is considering allowing Medisave to be use for overseas treatment. I was interviewed yesterday by our papers on this issue, before our cycling event at the East Coast. If you like to read the interview, it’s on Page 2 (home) in today’s Sunday Times.
Terence Seah
Yes Terence. Read that article and guessed the Terence must be you.
Probably will do the checks in Bangkok if the Medisave thing is approved.
Caroline
Hi Terence,
Which countries are being considered? Also what are the considerations and medical services that are to be included.
Anyone has online subscription and dont mind emailing to me this news, to bswi@yhaoo.com? Thanks, Cheers
Hi RonaldW,
I am not sure about online subscription, but have a look at http://www.bumrungrad.com/. If you are in Bangkok, give me a buzz.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence and all,
Jeff Lim – about your annual medical checkup in BKK, ultrasound ? Is it for your heart, if so how comprehensive is this ?
As compared to Jeff Lim’s medical checkup Terence checkup does not cover the threadmill and ultrasound of the heart I presume?
I just met an old golfer friend after he was missing for some time. He just related to me he just had heart surgery for a leaky valve and while doing the prescan ultrasound operation ,the surgeon discovered a block artery too. He was fit as another single handicap can be now and he never knew he could have such a heart problem till he fainted on the course while playing.
He was very luckly he did not suffer a stroke and did not lose any of fitness in most areas, as far as i can noticed.
So this brings to mind, are we taking our aging health, heart and other vital organs for granted as the above case has shown sometimes there are no symptoms to warn us of more serious underlying problems.
So let us find more avenues for heatlth screenings, and exchanges of health tips to know more about the condition or state of our health. If anyone knows of better avenues for health screenings, please feel free to share with us.
So far Jeff’s annual medical check up in BKK seems quite comprehensive and sounds reasonally good, it it does include the heart scan.
“Heart 2 Heart talk”
Are we listening to our heart enough? Are we take note if our heart is working harder?
The good think about the case above is that his heart was working extra hard, to compensate the leaky valve and block artery. He never noticed anything at all and felt he was strong as I think too. Hymm better not be too confident right, maybe I do feel a little tired sometimes, heart or just getting older, that is why we need the medical check-up, I guess ??
Cheers
Hi Ronald #21,
I took the same health screen package as Jeff. The same screenings apply.
And, for everybody else, if you are in Bangkok on a Sat or Sun, check if I am in, I can escort you to Bumrungrad hospital. You can make your appointment online.
Terence Seah