If you have chosen the Land of Smiles as your retirement destination, you certainly aren’t alone, as many American and European couples seek to escape the freezing winters, preferring to spend their golden years in a sunshine paradise. If you are in the planning stages of your retirement relocation to Thailand, here are a few things to try and avoid.
- Hospitalisation – Of course, no one can tell the future and by taking out a comprehensive policy with Pacific Cross health insurance, you can rest assured that, should a situation arise whereby you need surgery, your insurance covers all costs. They have a range of packages to suit every lifestyle and budget, so do make sure you are covered when you arrive. It is no surprise that medical costs are high in private Thai hospitals and should you receive a bill that you think is high, don’t be afraid to query.
- Excess drinking – Thailand is a holiday destination and it is oh so easy to drink more than you should, especially with so much free time on your hands. Keep an eye on the number of alcohol units you consume, which should give you a heads-up if you’re overdoing it. Social drinking can quickly become a daily habit and if you find yourself drinking alone, this is perhaps something to review.
- Too much Sun – We all know that sunlight can cause skin cancer, so you should always apply sunscreen before hitting the beach; this is especially important if you have fair skin and have just arrived in Thailand. When on a beach, there is usually a breeze, so you might not feel the sun burning your shoulders until it’s too late and the damage is done! Click here for ways to look younger.
- Locations with poor air quality – Certain parts of northern Thailand are known to have poor air quality, especially after the rice harvest, when farmers burn off the old crop, despite government guidelines stating this is not good for the environment. Some online research should reveal these regions and then you can plan accordingly.
- Stress –Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country and the people usually exude calmness, which is a great role model for us! Of course, living in a non-English speaking country can be stressful in itself, but whatever the issue, take a deep breath, count to ten and accept things the way they are.
- Dehydration – We are made up of a lot of things, with water being at least 65% and living in a country like Thailand with 100% humidity means drinking more water than you would at home. Keep the fridge full of bottled water and invest in a stainless-steel water bottle that you can carry wherever you go.
If you arrange an annual health check-up at the nearest private hospital, this will give you the peace of mind that comes with a thumbs-up from a comprehensive health check.