Health Care Is More Than Just Treatment Costs: Planning Expenses from Prevention to End of Life—How Much Should You Prepare?

Thailand has entered an aging society, with over 14 million people aged 60 and above, accounting for 22.5% of the population. As age increases, health expenses also rise. Therefore, to live smoothly until the end of life, how should one begin planning?

Life planning must include strategies for managing illness smoothly.

Professor Dr. Yuwaretmakat Sithichanbancha, Senior Palliative Care Specialist, explains that the elderly may require more care than other age groups. Additionally, over 200,000 chronic patients annually need palliative care, a group requiring special attention to maintain good quality of life.

Thus, the first step is to regularly review and check the health of oneself and elderly family members to receive appropriate treatment, design lifestyle or body care precisely, and plan ahead before serious illness occurs.

This is because end-of-life care involves complex medical and legal matters, such as financial transactions and death certificate issuance. If the patient is under hospital care, these processes tend to be smoother.

The care needs vary distinctly by age group: those aged 60–69 mostly receive general treatment; those 70–79 tend to become homebound; and those 80 and above often require close care, with some bedridden, implying expenses that must be prepared for early on.

Health expenses range from prevention through to end-of-life care.

Akkrapol Uearak, Chief Executive Officer of Wanwela International Hospital, emphasizes the concept that "prevention costs less than treatment." Investing in health care today may cost less than treatment expenses during illness.

Currently, people aged 30–45 show increased interest in health care, leading to specialized services like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which promotes faster wound healing and suits diabetic patients or those recovering post-surgery. Preventive services such as IV Vitamin Drip are popular among those over 40, offering formulas for brain health, sleep improvement, and skin care. However, all such services require prior medical evaluation.

Regarding long-term care for patients, several cost components must be considered in financial planning, including:

• Room charges start at 4,900 baht per night at the hospital, with basic care (without complex treatments) costing around 6,000 baht per day. Long-term stays often have special packages that are more economical.
• Physical therapy (Rehab) costs range from 1,000 to 2,000 baht per session, including bedside therapy for patients with limited mobility.
• Nursing care fees,
• Medical service charges,
• Additional medication costs.

With rising ongoing health expenses, how should one plan?

Health care has gained increasing attention, as shown by a 6% growth in hospital-related spending via KTC credit cards in 2025 compared to the previous year. Notably, members aged 50 and above account for nearly 60% of all hospital spending. As aging entails higher costs, how should planning be approached?

• Check all welfare benefits, health insurance, and existing assets.
• Calculate monthly post-retirement expenses and plan for potential additional health costs sufficient to cover possible risks.

With complete data, devise a savings plan—possibly monthly contributions—or, if current medical benefits are insufficient, consider purchasing additional health insurance, while being mindful that premiums may rise significantly in retirement.

Finally, beyond financial planning, Thai society should pay attention to caregiver burnout, a critical cost families must address collaboratively. Clear planning is needed, just as with health expense planning.

Read personal finance news and financial planning with Thairath Money to help you achieve "good finances, good life."https://www.thairath.co.th/money/personal_finance 

Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this linkhttps://www.facebook.com/ThairathMoney