Pre-existing conditions coverage, changing policies within Aetna

[tuvia]

I have an expensive (for me, anyway) international insurance policy from Aetna, via an insurance broker in Beijing. I was told by a Pattaya expat that Aetna has bought out BUPA Thailand, and that Aetna's Thailand-based insurance is much more affordable than what I am paying now (which is approx. 240k baht as a 57 year old).

 

Dunno if the above info is accurate re. Aetna and costs, but my question is does anyone know whether or not pre-existing conditions would be covered if I switched from one Aetna International policy to the Aetna-Thailand offerings? Also, does anyone know of a brokerage in Pattaya that handles Aetna so that I could pop in get some info in person?

 

Thanks much.

[Sheryl]

No. It would be a new policy and pre-existing conditions not covered.

 

There are a lot of differences between International companies and their Thai "affiliates", not least because of a looser regulatory climate in Thailand.  Ind3eed the differences can be huge, so much so that there is little resemblance between the Thai company of that name and the  international one.  Different rules, different level of cover, very different policies etc etc

 

Common issues are:

 

- not insuring past age 60

- in some cases dropping coverage after people turn a certain age (not saying Aetna Thailand does this, but some do)

 - Raising rates on an individual basis based on claim history

 

etc etc

 

That said,. 240k a year is about  3 times what a good international expat policy should cost someone your age.  Is this both inpatient and outpatient cover? I think it must be at that cost. Outpt cover is not necessary in Thailand (assuming hospitalization only policy covers day surgeries and outpt cancer treatment/dialysis, which most do). So if you are certain of staying in Thailand permanently you might look at downgrading your existing policy to inpt only. But be forewarned - while they may guarantee lifetime renewal that does not extend to upgrading cover so should you later want to revert to including outpatient cover no guarantee you'd be able to.

 

 

AA Insurance Brokers has an office in Pattaya and is recommended

 

[FracturedRabbit]

Aetna has an office close to Bangkok Pattaya hospital.


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