Mae Hong Son is the province of mountains and a thousand curves — beauty that comes with the fact that travelling between districts, or into town, takes several times longer than on the plains. Here, planning for health in advance is not merely prudent; it is genuinely necessary.
Main hospitals in Mae Hong Son
Srisangwal Hospital — public
- Address: 11 Pang Lo Nikhom Rd, Chong Kham, Mueang Mae Hong Son 58000
- Phone: 053-611-378
- Map: Open in Google Maps
Remote areas mean preparing further ahead
- Don't wait until symptoms are severe before travelling. Given the distances and the mountain roads, consulting or being examined while symptoms are still mild is far safer than waiting until an emergency journey at night is unavoidable.
- Keep more of your regular medication in reserve than usual. Anyone with an ongoing condition should have spare medication for periods when collecting it is difficult — the rainy season, when some stretches of road become problematic — and always write down the names of the medicines.
- Always call first — which departments are open, appointment dates and times, and what documents are needed. Driving for hours each way only to find something is missing carries a very high cost here.
- Know 1669. The emergency medical system covers the whole country, remote areas included, and can be called 24 hours a day. In a critical emergency you may go to the nearest hospital under the UCEP policy.
Notes for policyholders
- Call to check, or notify your insurer and arrange a fax claim, before travelling whenever it can be planned, so the paperwork on the day is as short as possible.
- Public hospitals generally accept universal coverage and social security entitlements under each scheme's conditions. Holders of private health insurance should ask their company in advance about claiming in the area, because in remote places you often have to pay first and claim afterwards. Always keep original receipts and the medical certificate in full.
- Visitors should check their own accident cover before the trip, particularly anyone driving or riding a motorcycle on mountain routes.
Note: addresses and phone numbers can change. Please call the hospital to confirm before travelling, and contact them by phone or through their Facebook page directly, as public hospitals often do not reply by email.
In short
In Mae Hong Son, distance is always a factor to think about. Prepare the medication, the numbers and the entitlements in advance, and the mountains stay simply beautiful rather than becoming an obstacle to looking after your health.