Insurance

[Javabear]

Does anyone have any recommendations on health insurance companies for Thailand?  My American mother is thinking of coming to live with us and her Medicare benefit won't pay outside the US.

[HampiK]

You should give more information about what you are looking for. You are happy with a 3 million baht insurance per year then I would say take FWD. If you want 30 Million baht per year or more then choose some international like Cigna, April, AXA PPP, Regency or ....

 

Also important how much you want pay for the insurance and if you are looking mainly for Inpatient only or In- and Out-patient.

[Sheryl]

If she is over 70  FWD will not issue a policy. Other Thailand-based insurers will not issue to anyone over 60/65.

 

Cigna Global is AFAIK the least expensive option among international insurers with expat policies that will enroll people over 70 and have direct billing arrangments with Thai hospitals. Feedback from people insured by them has been favorable. Note that this is NOT Cigna US, it is Cigna Global based in the UK. Premiums can be significantly reduced by accepting a deductible and/or copay. Costs of outpatient care in Thailand are low enough that outpatient cover is not usually worth the greatly added premium cost.

 

She should keep her Medicare Part B at least initially, in case she doesn't like it here and ends up going home again.  If she settles in happily and seems sure to remain for the rest of her life then you could consider dropping it to help defray the costs of the private insurance.

[Javabear]

Thank you so much for the input!  I have Cigna Global myself and it works great so I will ask for a quote from them as well as the others.