Posting here as I feel I'm more likely to get really good, considered responses. I read this board A LOT and have learnt so much from you all!
I'm a Brit working in Thailand for an international company. All expat staff receive medical insurance, as expected for the kind of contracts we have. Private medical care here is very good.
Maternity care is not included in our insurance, and I would like to change this. Not least because it is a huge expense (and of course, often not 'planned'), but also because abortion is all but illegal so if you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant you do not have the same rights and choices that most of us have in our home countries. I am particularly concerned that a younger member of staff on a lower salary could be financially wiped out by even an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Maternity leave is short and pay is poor.
Discussing this with a colleague, I also realised (can't believe it hadn't occurred to me before!) that many female medical needs are not covered. For example, smear tests, mammograms... the kind of things most of us would need at some point. This is because they are preventative. If a doc recommended them during another medical process, it would probably be covered, but anyone being proactive about their pyhsical health would have to pay, and it ain't cheap!
Likewise, children's vaccinations are not included as they are also preventative. In a country where there are a number of prevalent diseases beyond the 'usual' childhood ones, this can also add up.
I feel like women are therefore likely to incur significant extra costs simply to maintain a fairly basic level of medical care for themselves.
I was hoping you lovely people might be able to help me come up with a list of fairly 'standard' medical tests, procedures etc that women typically need but that would be considered preventative. I can then cost these up to show our organisation the financial implications which affect women.
If I'm missing something here and men also have various standard needs I am unaware of, please point this out too!
For the record, I know we are very lucky to have medical coverage but I feel an organisation like ours could and should do more rather than settle for a basic package. And again, we are covered for lots of things. I had several appointments and a small gynae surgery earlier this year and had to pay very little towards this, with great and very speedy service.
But if I can push for a better system (and one that does not mean women and parents are generally more out of pocket than men), then I think I should try!
Thanks in advance!