wwest5829

Well, perhaps stuck with as long as you can afford the rising premiums?

First observation I would make is that there are a substantial number from western countries working middle class who cannot afford to retire in their home confíes or who can certainly be better able to have a working middle class retirement in a lower cost country. As to not having medical insurance, the “one size fits all approach” naturally catches various alternative scenarios out in the cold. Oh, I certainly do not think a host country should be picking up unpaid medical bills but … how about all incoming tourists be required to have medical insurance (similar to Schengen Visa requirement?). And a Thai government Expat medical insurance covering reasonable Thai hospital medical costs (should return a healthy balance but not be excessive). There are more things to consider, of course. Thailand does have an advantage of developing medical tourism and its elder care facilities attracting many westerners from the working middle class (many more people than the rich and famous who can afford to travel anywhere in the world.

Agree. One of the major considerations when retiring was that I could not live a working middle class life style in my own country. So, looked around for a comfortable cost of living country with world class medical availability (heart issues), accommodating culture, etc. and made monthlong visits before retiring to Thailand. Hindsight ... would not have requested an O-A Visa. The insurance issue is causing consternation due to age and pre-existing conditions. of course TIT and there are possible "work arounds". Currently, paying 11,400 baht for useless insurance to meet the requirement. Figure I am paying for those skipping out on bills.

Sure would help the comprehension of reality if creditable statistical studies had been done and made public as rot the breakdown of the foreigner unpaid medical bills. Will I am wishing the study should breakdown the various subgroups ... foreign workers, short time tourist motorbike accidents, old foggies skipping out on medical bills. Of course, it is all solvable but ... TIT.

Personally, I have used the monthly income method for the past decade. Which does not limit my expressing my view on a requirement which would affect others and is shortsighted. as a policy.

I did establish my financial ability for the original O-A by submitting documents of my retirement account in the US. There is no way I am withdrawing my invested retirement funds to park them in a Thai bank. Non starter …

Currently, still alternatives. Marriage Visa ?

My crystal ball is blurry but … it would be consistent with Thai thinking. Fewer customers? OK, raise the price …

As stated previously, the USA donations were received and distributed throughout Thailand. My two Pfizer shots were received here in Chiang Mai in September but others had gotten their shots before I was scheduled.

Even higher if using American Express. Up to the individual business, some do not penalize credit card usage.

My theme song, half a lifetime ago … damn, over half a life time ago!

Correct. Moderna vaccines have been ordered and were not part of the USA donations addressed in the post I replied to. The USA has been and is continuing to make donations around the globe. My wife has signed up for and paid for the Moderna vaccines we are awaiting ... I received my two doses of Pfizer vaccine from the US donation. My Stepdaughter has received her first Pfizer shot with her public school classmates.

I don't recall a Moderna pledge but I and other foreign Expats have already received our two does of the USA donated Pfizer donations.

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.