wwest5829

Serious road accident covered by existing car and accident insurance (covers any accident, falling down the steps, for example) already. Medicare if I can return to the USA. In the case of heart arrack as happened in 2015, current US policy (BC/BS) will cover 165,000 baht and I pay for the excess. So, at age 74, pre-existing conditions … retired on $2400.00 baht a month, I could use an affordable major medical policy covering in excess of 500,000 baht for critical care in Thailand only. Travel elsewhere? Travel medical insurance is purchased for the length of the trip.

I would not be adverse to the 11,400 baht cost required policy (O-A Visa, 200,000 deductible) if it would cover all over, say 500,000 baht (so, a basic, major medical policy). The way this is appearing to be going … too old, pre-existing conditions at age 74 … I am being told to leave. Devil take the hind post as to “unintended consequences” for Thailand. It really is sad … Thailand positioned to offer world class medical care for foreigners at a quite reasonable cost with recovery at a resort on the beach (especially Americans due to their incomprehensible support for their current healthcare system … or lack thereof). Add to the Thai cultural attributes of care that would also provide an excellent “elder care” retirement setting for working middle class westerners no longer being able to afford retirement in their home country. This is the niche market that Thailand should develop. Yes, great to want the rich and famous but then, Thailand you are competing with the glamour capitols of the globe. Not your primary advantage Market.

“Knock on wood”, all appears well. at 74, having had 5 by-passes in 2005, plus the 2015 heart attack addressed in the post there is no way I can qualify for affordable insurance covering me. The required current insurance (O-A Visa) is just an added useless cost. Figure the cost of insurance over my decade here and … I think I am better off carrying on until I can switch to an “O” Visa.

While my week at RAM, stent, plus 2 angioplasties and a “mini stroke” racked up a 411,000 baht bill. About half covered by a US policy and the test, out of my invested funds in the US. No way I am going to park 800,000 baht here when I count on my investments.

I favor all entering Tourists be required to have travel medical insurance on the same basis as those entering Europe on a Schengen Visa. At age 74, with pre-existing conditions, I oppose my currently being required to pay 11,400 baht for a 200K deductible policy which will exclude my greatest health risk. Problem is the cookie cutter approach not taking into consideration any comprehensive "accident insurance", and the fact that, if I can get on a plane I am covered under medicare in the US for serious issues like cancer (don't get me started on pointing out full retired military get global health coverage while non-military are denied their Medicare coverage outside the US). Taken into account should also be any insurance I have that will provide some coverage. I have a healthcare retirement policy that will pay up to $5000.000 USD annually. This policy and my paying the remaining bill covered the total cost of my 2015 heart attack in Chiang Mai. I would favor a fair cost Thailand government long term stay visa holder (retirees) social program insurance that would prevent the citizens of Thailand absorbing foreigner medical costs ... and I think that should be the sole driving fair idea behind requiring health insurance.

Not been to China or Japan? Masks have been de rigueur for a long time before Covid.

I don't drink beer either (think I must have used up my lifetime allotment in college). But i do usually stock up on the house box wine 4-6 boxes. No problem for me to visit three local stores to do the same.

That may be. My second of the face shield suggestion was for her saying she could not wear a mask. I agree that, at least currently, I would not advise travel if a person can not wear a face mask in Thailand. Actually, perhaps all of Asia as utilizing a face mask has been used (thinking here of Japan and China) even before Covid. One of the considerations as to why I am a long way from flying anywhere … sorry if a person cannot wear a mask but …

I second Richard’s suggestion of the use of a face shield. They are readily available here and we do see them being utilized, at least in Chiang Mai.

Also on an O-A Retirement. Watching for being able to leave, return Visa Exempt and the apply for the O Visa for Retirement.

My monthly transfer arrived as scheduled today without any issues. BB messenger of receipt reads, “xxx transferred from abroad into acct. xxx”

Nana was my first visit experience in 2009. I will always respect and cherish the memories of delving into the warmth of Thai girls. Now happily retired with Thai wife and Stepdaughter.

I have observed the, "over the top" and the "total disregard". To each their own but if you are not wearing a mask here in Chiang Mai ... stay the hell away from me. What has worked for us to date is staying fairly close to home but ... we usually are out of the house every other day. We go food shopping at Rimping or Tops, visit country cafes. Usual activity curtailed only our going out for an occasional evening for music and avoiding Sunday outings around others. Everywhere has the temperature scanners, we always wear masks outside where there are other folks (not in our car or on motorbike). Coming home, I take a quick shower, as much for sweat but serves the purpose of getting rid of road spray if on the motorbike (usual transport). Me = 2 shots of Pfizer. Stepdaughter has had her 1st shot of Pfizer. Wife = awaiting access to Moderna. Oh, no, I don't usually do the repeated hand spraying ...

Wow! 30,000 on the first day of reopening November 1, 2021. I wish the Kingdom of Thailand well but, it would seem to me that making such a forecast, if 30,000 do not arrive at Swampy, the statement might be construed as embarrassing to the Kingdom.

I have gone through the same thing with Bangkok Bank. Went to the PEA Office … very helpful setting it up. Stopped working. Went to a mall payment kiosk … very helpful setting it up. Stopped working. So, I go to Promenada and Central Festival Malls regularly and just make my payments there at the PEA kiosk. Not worth my time …

Anticipating retirement in 2011, I made two monthlong trips to Thailand in 2009;@and again the 2010. What a great experience. First retiring in July 2011, I “played” the first 8 months but concluded I really preferred having one … traditionally raised Thai girl. First love … 4 1/2 years but she then had family obligations, not what I signed up for. My now wife, 4 1/2 years and I could not be happier. To each their own but this is what I want in the winter of my life. Met via Baidu and have been together ever since the first month.

Not questioning your decision to apply for an O-A Visa but curious. I have been here over a decade on an O-A and looking to change to an "O Visa" ASAP.

I pay 11,400 baht a year footprint the required insurance at age 74. 200K deductible and pre- existing conditions so that this equates to an additional cost without benefit.

It has been some time ago but when I applied for my O-A Visa for reason of retirement in the USA. I had to submit a financial statement demonstrating I had the financial ability to retire and not become a burden on the Kingdom of Thailand. I do not recall a specific amount being mentioned but my retirement funds were more than sufficient to demonstrate financial support. These funds have remained in the US as I use the 65K baht monthly income method for my O-A Visa Extension of Stay. I would not recommend coming in with an O-A Visa. Enter Visa Exempt, apply for the "O" Visa in Thailand.

I certainly could not recommend anyone to apply for an O-A Visa for reason of retirement through the Royal Thai Embassy in their own country.

All developed countries have a national healthcare program, excepting the USA. So, this reasoning could be applied to all from these assorted countries.

When I arrived over a decade ago I was told Expats here were either, "Mercenaries, missionaries or misfits". I don't think I make that particular cut.

Agreed. In my case, I was retiring to Thailand and so got both a car license and motorbike license here which I have now held for a decade. My Kentucky license expired since they required I be physically present to renew.

Yes, agree, it is often erred to as an International Driver’s Licence but it is not a license at all. Sorry for repeating the misnomer.

Getting the International License can help but it will show what you are licensed to drive in your home state. I came with a Kentucky Driver’s License but for a car so AAA could not endorse for a motorcycle (motorbike).