david_je

Anyone found lotion (not pills) available in Bangkok that does not contain ingredients like propylene glycol that cause itching or irritation? Thanks.

Good point, thanks.

Yes, that's probably what she meant. I neglected to clarify. Thanks.

High dose also at Chula Hosp and Saovabha Institute at Thai Red Cross, both about 1,500b though Chula will add doctor's fee. However, at Saovabha last week, doctor said that since I got the northern strain vaccine last October, I did not need the southern strain vaccine for now because three of the four strains are the same. She said I could get now if I really wanted to, but suggested waiting till October. Does this sound reasonable?

I am 67 and starting few months ago have been having problems reading print books newspapers, etc., in evenings, at night in dim light -- blurring, ghosting, etc., that gives me eyestrain and headaches. Brighter light makes words clearer but still difficult to focus and headachy. No problems in natural light during the day. Anyone else experienced this? Can you recommend eye doctor for this, in Bangkok? Thanks.

Sheryl, recalled you said earlier that regular booster not indicated if have had multiple prior shots and actual infection. You getting this one because it is new? Also see that new vaccines will be available in US this fall.

Thank you for all that, important to consider. It was just a broker I chatted with for only a minute on sidelines of something else. We did not discuss my particulars, so he may not give same advice if he knew.

April Thailand is "community-rated," which means they must treat all clients equally in raising premiums, regardless of claims history, right? And we have seen April France totally unexpectedly raising Thailand one zone up and imposing huge premium increases, so we don't seem to have advantage with them in this regard. The broker said the switch (which I took to mean simple transfer within the same company) from April France to April Thailand does not require new medical questionnaire. I assumed it meant just moving from April France Essential policy to April Thailand Essential, under same underwriting conditions as when i first joined April France (no exclusions). I have not yet clarified all this. You mean it could be a moratorium policy that I'd get into? It's only been six months since ablation. Maybe I need to wait a few years before finding new policy.

I had afib but recent ablation so far has restored rhythm, so am unsure if underwriter for any new policy would consider this a pre-existing condition and if so, cover only afib or CV issues more widely. That complicates any switch away from April next year. I recall you have somewhat similar situation. A broker in Bangkok said I could avoid the anticipated huge premium increases from April France in coming years by switching to April Thailand -- it does not require new medical questionnaire. But that comes with minuses also, I recall? Thanks.

Age 67. Finally received reply from April re zone. They said zones depend on date of first subscription, which in my case was 2022, so 2024 conditions did not apply. But that is also your case, correct? Yet you are in zone 2? They did not link to date of issuance of new premium as you surmised. I have not yet asked if I would remain in zone 3 next year and get apparently corresponding lower premium. Anyway, I renewed as have no time to research alternatives. Any good alternatives for us next year if more big April increases come? Thanks.

April quotes $3591 for Basic $500 deductible. That would be about $500 less than my Essential renewal this year. One problem is that old AA had told me that if you switch down (Essential to Basic), and for some reason next year (who knows what changes may come to your situation or from April) want to switch back up to Essential, April will require a new medical statement. That would seem to open the door for them to add pre-existing conditions, or not allow switch, etc.

Yes, pls do post any update re hospital network. On raising deductible, I also have Essential hospital only, $500 deductible, and premium for renewal this month is $4157. April quotes me $3907 if $1000 deductible. Hard to decide. What would you do? Thanks.

On your premium notice, does it state Zone of Cover 2? Mine, due this month, still says 3. Or do you have other documentation from April that your renewal is indeed for 2?

Just found out also available at Chula Hospital, about 1500 not incl doc fee.

Sheryl, do you know name of the high dose given in Bangkok?

Very helpful, thank you.

Last October I had the northern strain vaccine in HK. Should I now get the vaccine in Thailand, which I assume would be southern strain? And where in Bangkok might we be able to get it free?

Yes, thanks. Broker says same.

Thanks very much. I now see the General Conditions 2024 and that section remains the same. I do have online customer access but for some reason that document is not in there. Broker has just told me it is 30 days, but this document says 60.

Could not find in policy doc, and still have not received reply from April, so asking here in case anyone has experience with this. Thanks.

Is it correct that I have 30 days after the annual renewal date (expiry of previous year's coverage) to pay the premium for renewal? I have April (France) policy. Asking because would like more time to consider any changes in policy. Thanks.

Unfortunately April premiums gone way up also. The French broker is AOC, and I have switched to them, and so far they are good to deal with.

My reason for switch is the same. Which broker are you switching to, and how did you decide on that? You have had good experience with Passport Card/Allianz re coverage, annual (and increasing) premiums, claims, etc.? Thanks.

I have April (France) health insurance policy and considering switch to AOC. Has anyone else done this, for what reason, and what has been your experience with AOC, esp. in helping with claims, etc.? Thanks.

I plan to also switch from AA World to AOC. Did you originally receive a premium notice with AA World listed as broker, then switch to AOC, then had April send new invoice with AOC listed as broker before you paid? Any need to notify AA World of switch? When I asked April about my premium increase, they only sent a short doc called "Understanding how your health insurance is changing" about general trends that could influence increases. Is that the same doc you got from broker? Maybe insurance cos. do not as a rule discuss individual increases. Thanks.