"We skirted NHS waiting lists by flying 5,900 miles to Thailand for a dentist appointment"

A couple skirted NHS waiting lists by flying 5,900 miles to Thailand for a dental appointment.

Jamaica Kelly, 23, decided to tie in a dental appointment during her five-month backpacking stint with her boyfriend, Sam Austen, 23.

During the trip, the pair visited Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia before ending up in Thailand.

A few weeks before they were due to fly back to the UK, Jamaica and Sam decided to take advantage of cheap treatment and no waiting lists by going to the dentist in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand for a check-up.

After checking Google reviews, they booked Dental Box in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand, and secured a same-day appointment.

An hour later, both Jamaica and Sam had their teeth cleaned and she also had an x-ray which set them back just £58.50 between them.

Jamaica, a receptionist, from Watford, Hertfordshire, said: "Honestly, the savings was the biggest draw for me - I knew it would be cheaper.

"My dad, John, 69, was a flight attendant and he would go for medical trips whilst he was abroad.

"I am such a big fan of doing minor things like the dentist or eye doctor abroad.

"There is a global standard for these sorts of things and I am more than happy to get these things done in another country."

Jamaica and Sam set off backpacking around Asia in July 2023.

The globe-trotting couple visited Vietnam, South Korea and Malaysia before ending their trip in Thailand.

Before heading back to the UK, Jamaica and Sam wanted to go to the dentist as they knew they were due a visit but worried about the cost of treatment in the UK if they had to go privately.

Jamaica said: "I am originally from Australia but live in the UK for my studies.

"I have never been to the dentist in the UK, but I heard how expensive it can be which is what persuaded me to get it done in Thailand.

"Even in Australia, I would have to pay double, if not triple, what I paid in Thailand."

Jamaica Googled English-speaking dentists and came across Dental Box in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand.

Jamaica checked the reviews online and booked their appointment on November 30, 2023.

Jamaica said: "We just walked in at around 5pm - they had an appointment for 6pm on the same day.

"We went back to the hotel, brushed our teeth and went back an hour later."

Jamaica and Sam both got their teeth cleaned and Jamaica had an x-ray on their mouth.

Teeth cleaning set them back £22.48 each (1000 baht) and Jamaica's x-ray cost £13.49 (600 baht) - in total the pair spent £58.50.

According to the NHS website, band one dental treatment costs £25.80, band two treatment costs £70.70 and band three will set you back £306.80.

Jamaica said: "Incidentally, my friend's mum went to the dentist in the UK on the same day we did and she paid £60 for a check-up and clean.

"They were shocked at how cheap mine was.

"I was quite chuffed with myself, I thought it was a great saving.

"I thought 'wow go me, what a great saving'.

"My partner and I think we've saved approximately £150 together."

Jamaica said that getting your teeth checked or eyes checked is a no-brainer if you're abroad.

She said: "I think it is something you should consider if you're going on holiday to Thailand.

"Especially if the healthcare is a reasonable price compared to home."