Over 70s in Thailand

[mosan]

4 hours ago, nahkit said:

Has anybody on this thread asked for that?

 

I think that as someone who has been married to a Thai for over 30 years, has children and grandchildren living here, that I should have the right to lead a normal family life, with my family.

I would hope that the people looking over your documents would recognize the length of your marriage. Not sure they would be concerned as much with the rest of your family, but if you have resided here continuously for 30 years - trouble free - then maybe they'll take that into account when approving your extension.  If you're looking for more than that, I suggest you shouldn't be...we are not in the west. 

[Peter Denis]

51 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

57 minutes ago, Oldie said:

Perhaps it is a good idea to read reviews about WorldNomads first.

You speak in riddles. 

I used them several times already and very easy to subscribe to an on-the-fly insurance.

Never had to make a claim, if that's what you are alluding to.

@Oldie Thanks for the useful ????

[RocketDog]

I'm 70 and recently got a policy with Pacific Cross that more than satisfies immigration for OA insurance. With reasonable deductibles I paid ~$1,500 for one year. If you buy and maintain a policy before 75 they will guarantee coverage, at escalating annual premiums of course, up to age 90.

 

So coverage is available but not for a song. If you can't afford a couple of thousand per year for insurance then living in a foreign country is probably not an option. 

[Max69xl]

On 8/13/2020 at 11:37 AM, Tounge Thaied said:

I am 52 and have thought that I would enroll in this global emergency evacuation flight insurance program so that I could be flown back to my home country when I need a major health care emergency.

https://www.globalrescue.com/

If you're only 52 and living in Thailand long term, a health insurance is not expensive. If not officially living in Thailand, an insurance from home is the alternative.

[Speedo1968]

6 hours ago, possum1931 said:

Your state pension will not be cut as you will have living expenses like rent etc to pay, I do not know the situation if you are in prison, but even then you may still have rent etc to pay.

If classed as non-resident in the UK the only loss on my govt pension was the yearly increase, if any.

[bwpage3]

23 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

The question you posed is one I had to answer...reluctantly...now have government healthcare safety net in US which costs very little...Family doctor, specialists,  and pharmaceuticals are easy on the budget and the peace of mind worth considering. 

 

I may return for a visit...but returning and retiring there now is out of the question. 

I never thought about this much until I started getting older and planning out the future.

 

Same for me, returning and retiring completely out of the question.

 

 

[olfu]

Not discussing current Covid situation but my understanding is that short stays in Thailand like 3 months do not require medical insurance.

Second point is that some credit cards include travel insurance for at least a month.

Yes, its a game and we have to be inventive.

[khunPer]

4 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

Hi KhunPer,

I do not see the thai IO-approved health-insurance policies which are mandatory for Non O-A Visa holders when extending their annual permission to stay for reason of retirement, as a solution that can be recommended.

Thanks, but isn't that what I'm also saying, but I presume a bit more discrete. I however recall that the insurance option with 200,000 baht on the other hand was extremely affordable, according to the poster.

 

4 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

Self-insuring imo is only worth considering if you have at least 3 million THB that can be used for that purpose.  If you don't have that kind of money, you really need to consider your options and shop around to find your Perfect Insurance Solution, that will last till 'end of your days' because being kicked out by your insurer at age 70 or 75, will make finding an alternative (much) more difficult and surely much more expensive.

For some 3 million baht set aside for self-insurance is completely out of the question; and finding an affordable new health insurance when one is already 73 years old is also not that easy. So some might need to find an alternative, and that could be self-insurance with a lower amount than 3 million baht.

 

That's why I said: "There are various threads about self-insurance and reasonable amounts. Serious cases can cost several hundred thousand baht in public hospitals, and up to some millions in private hospitals. And as others have mentioned, compared to ongoing insurance, if you have one incident using the whole amount in your emergency account, what then?"

????

[bwpage3]

I wouldn't want to be on a medivac flight out of Thailand for any reason and trust it would go smoothly. 

 

That may also be the time you find out, there were strings attached and you never get medivaced for cost reasons or other.

 

Even if you managed to make it to your home country and hospital, what then if you didn't own a place to stay and you needed return visits to the hospital?

 

Another issue of concern in Thailand, is actually making it to a hospital in time, if you have an emergency.

 

I am sure there are many expats in Thailand that would have a trip to just to get to a hospital in time?

 

In the US, can call 911 as the ambulance station is less than 2 miles away.

 

I have some comfort knowing they can get me to the hospital and probably keep me alive.

 

When I really started to ask questions and understand what would happen as I got older in Thailand, I realized it just wasn't a good situation for ME personally.

 

You could really be banged up and trying to get to the hospital in Thailand and selfish Thai drivers won't even yield way.

 

Big, big concern just making it to a hospital on time.

 

In the US I still have company insurance, will have medicare and already use VA.

 

It is the best option in the golden years for me

 

I won't be forced to move to Thailand because of cost and I can afford to stay where I am

 

 

 

[simon43]

19 hours ago, Chainsaw said:

Wait till you reach 70 simon43. Your premiums will rocket. I was paying around 20,000 baht p.a. for years (no pre-existing conditions) on reaching 70 I got a nice letter from the Insurance company saying my premiums were now 100,000 baht p.a. World renowned company. Happens to everybody. Sorry to burst your bubble.

 

You haven't burst any bubble.  I'm fully aware that my premiums will increase by age bracket as I get older.  I'm also fully aware that my premiums will only increase for that reason, and that there will be no individual increase for me if I make a claim, and that my cover will be renewed until the day that I die - the insurance company cannot refuse renewal cover for me. 

 

I chose my insurance company and policy very carefully ????  I have budgeted for age bracket increases, 100,000 or even 500,000 baht per year is within my budget.

 

Update:

 

No matter how much it is advertised here T.V. in regards to insurance the coverage starts to drop with premium starting to rise.

 

My coverage remains the same, regardless of age and claim history and onset of medical conditions.

Edited August 14, 2020 by simon43

[EVENKEEL]

9 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

I wouldn't want to be on a medivac flight out of Thailand for any reason and trust it would go smoothly. 

 

That may also be the time you find out, there were strings attached and you never get medivaced for cost reasons or other.

 

Even if you managed to make it to your home country and hospital, what then if you didn't own a place to stay and you needed return visits to the hospital?

 

Another issue of concern in Thailand, is actually making it to a hospital in time, if you have an emergency.

 

I am sure there are many expats in Thailand that would have a trip to just to get to a hospital in time?

 

In the US, can call 911 as the ambulance station is less than 2 miles away.

 

I have some comfort knowing they can get me to the hospital and probably keep me alive.

 

When I really started to ask questions and understand what would happen as I got older in Thailand, I realized it just wasn't a good situation for ME personally.

 

You could really be banged up and trying to get to the hospital in Thailand and selfish Thai drivers won't even yield way.

 

Big, big concern just making it to a hospital on time.

 

In the US I still have company insurance, will have medicare and already use VA.

 

It is the best option in the golden years for me

 

I won't be forced to move to Thailand because of cost and I can afford to stay where I am

 

 

 

The hospitals will kick you out as soon as you're out of danger, you'll definitely need a place to stay to recuperate if you return to states for medical care.

[Raphael Hythlodaeus]

I am 74 and in the same position as the OP. I used to have BUPA (now AETNA) health insurance but the premiums became too expensive so I dropped it and now self insure by every year putting the money I would have paid for insurance (and some) into a separate savings account.

Everyone knows the situation and there are no easy answers, so how about taking personal responsibility and stop looking to gummints to provide a solution. If for some reason you cannot afford to live in Thailand then face that fact.

[Raphael Hythlodaeus]

17 hours ago, nahkit said:

Has anybody on this thread asked for that?

 

I think that as someone who has been married to a Thai for over 30 years, has children and grandchildren living here, that I should have the right to lead a normal family life, with my family.

You are joking, right? As an "Alien" you have (like me in a similar position) no "rights" in Thailand or anywhere else. The only rights you have are what governments say you have and mean nothing, because they can be withdrawn at any time.

[meechai]

34 minutes ago, Raphael Hythlodaeus said:

I am 74 and in the same position as the OP. I used to have BUPA (now AETNA) health insurance but the premiums became too expensive so I dropped it and now self insure by every year putting the money I would have paid for insurance (and some) into a separate savings account.

 

Sadly that will likely not be nearly enough to cover anything major. At least not in the early years of building

your fund

 But yes better than nothing but again...when the major work comes they will put you on pause till

you show them you can pay.

 

Remember Graham? That guy was kind of the start of Thailand really realizing most retired foreigners were uninsured.

He had that heart work needed 500k+ baht in a govt hospital

Went go fund me ...did in fact get funded...had OP died.

 

That was a basic bypass of sorts .....there are much more expensive procedures that can crop up due to stroke etc. etc etc

 

I think most just don't realize or do & have no options left

But Thailand is noticing more & more & I am betting mandatory insurance for all foreigners is coming soon to all

visa extensions...especially on the back of the COVID 19

Edited August 15, 2020 by meechai

[Raphael Hythlodaeus]

7 minutes ago, meechai said:

Sadly that will not be nearly enough to cover anything major.

Obviously depends on how much you've saved over the years. I have > 2 million baht. If required I will go to a gov hospital. A friend recently had an operation and 5-day stay in a gov hospital and the total cost was < 14K baht. Yes, it takes perseverance to navigate the system with long waiting times but it works.

So for younger folks -- start saving now !! Governments are broke and unlikely to help you out.

Edited August 15, 2020 by Raphael Hythlodaeus

[KarenBravo]

12 hours ago, RocketDog said:

I'm 70 and recently got a policy with Pacific Cross that more than satisfies immigration for OA insurance. With reasonable deductibles I paid ~$1,500 for one year. If you buy and maintain a policy before 75 they will guarantee coverage, at escalating annual premiums of course, up to age 90.

 

So coverage is available but not for a song. If you can't afford a couple of thousand per year for insurance then living in a foreign country is probably not an option. 

I also use Pacific Cross and am insured for 50 million Baht per year. The premium (for me) does not go up annually, as I get a 15% to 20% no claims bonus each year.

This year, premium went up because I've just entered the 61 to 65 year old band. I will continue to get the no claims bonus. Next premium increase will be when I enter the 66 to 70 year old band (if I make it that far).

Coverage is for all countries including the USA.

[NoshowJones]

20 hours ago, possum1931 said:

The insurance companies are, and always will be the biggest crooks on this earth.

Bad for business?? What about public service? No one expects any company to operate on a loss, but they could cut their enormous profits a bit.

[trucking]

 

On 8/13/2020 at 10:43 PM, possum1931 said:

Like I said, insurance companies are the biggest crooks of all.

 

Which is  why I prefer the credit card method.  You pay when you get ill and not before.

[bkk6060]

8 minutes ago, trucking said:

 

 

Which is  why I prefer the credit card method.  You pay when you get ill and not before.

Yeah and hopefully it is not a 2 million baht heart surgery.

Better up your available credit to make sure.

[Saltire]

Some interesting comments about credit cards have come up.

 

I have two from one UK bank - I have had them for over 15 years, am 65 now.

 

I think it is important that you use them often to keep them 'active', as if they become dormant and unused (keeping for emergencies) they can be flagged and as someone posted, they can reduce your credit limit or even cancel them. It's good also to pay a little interest - If I pay for a flight for example, I will pay one month interest before I clear the card down. Same with my insurance premium and other major purchases.

 

I also use them for all my online shopping (Amazon, PaleoRobbie (but NOT Lazada!) etc) - I think it helps to keep them under the radar. I have one linked to PayPal which I use from time to time.

 

Between the two of them my limit today is around 600k Baht which at least for anything major medical should be enough to cover until I sort other funds out, or if the wife has to deal with the hospital if I am non compos mentis at the time. 

 

Agree - Insurance companies are all crooks, in business to not pay out. I have a good policy from the UK but I know with several pre-existing conditions that I have a 50/50 chance of a successful claim.

 

[superal]

18 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

You keep saying $100k premiums, no insurance is remotely that much. I think you mean 100K baht??

Hi Sheryl , We know that as the medical contact on this forum you will be up to date with most health associated matters but I have to say that when surfing the web for a health ins; quote there are plenty who will give you a quote under their terms i.e. no in patient cover and on line quotes have not even delved into current personal health issues which I think would increase the costs , below is a copy of a recent quote which would cover most situations including repatriation . The annual premium well exceeds the questionable $100k. You will notice that there is no cost share shown which can reduce the premiums of course. 

Platinum

Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full. See all benefits

•  Annual benefit limit: Unlimited
•  Private room
•  Full cancer care
•  Inpatient Maternity
•  Mental Health care paid in full
•  Access to our Safe Travel app

   

$ 932.68

indicative per month

Worldwide (Excl USA)

[sandyf]

16 hours ago, twocatsmac said:

Possibly on retirement your income dropped and this was considered regarding your credit limits.

Of course it had dropped, it had dropped 4 years previous when I retired but credit card companies take it that everyone will have a reduced income on reaching state retirement age.

The original point of trying to increase your credit limit prior to retirement just doesn't hold water.

[izod10]

11 minutes ago, superal said:

Hi Sheryl , We know that as the medical contact on this forum you will be up to date with most health associated matters but I have to say that when surfing the web for a health ins; quote there are plenty who will give you a quote under their terms i.e. no in patient cover and on line quotes have not even delved into current personal health issues which I think would increase the costs , below is a copy of a recent quote which would cover most situations including repatriation . The annual premium well exceeds the questionable $100k. You will notice that there is no cost share shown which can reduce the premiums of course. 

Platinum

Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full. See all benefits

•  Annual benefit limit: Unlimited
•  Private room
•  Full cancer care
•  Inpatient Maternity
•  Mental Health care paid in full
•  Access to our Safe Travel app

   

$ 932.68

indicative per month

Worldwide (Excl USA)

That is what a punter did couple of years ago,paid 100gbp week at 60 plus years old,5 thousand a year,not enough unfortunately for cancer aftercare,back 'ome

[Saltire]

1 hour ago, superal said:

Hi Sheryl , We know that as the medical contact on this forum you will be up to date with most health associated matters but I have to say that when surfing the web for a health ins; quote there are plenty who will give you a quote under their terms i.e. no in patient cover and on line quotes have not even delved into current personal health issues which I think would increase the costs , below is a copy of a recent quote which would cover most situations including repatriation . The annual premium well exceeds the questionable $100k. You will notice that there is no cost share shown which can reduce the premiums of course. 

Platinum

Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full. See all benefits

•  Annual benefit limit: Unlimited
•  Private room
•  Full cancer care
•  Inpatient Maternity
•  Mental Health care paid in full
•  Access to our Safe Travel app

   

$ 932.68

indicative per month

Worldwide (Excl USA)

12 months at 932 USD per month is just over $11k per annum.

[Kenchamp]

20 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

Did you consider subscribing to 'on the fly' travel-insurance? 
My 240 Euro annual premium regular travel-insurance (with unlimited coverage of accidents/illnesses and repatriation at no cost) only covers me for 6-month trips, after which I need to be for 2 weeks in my home-country to be covered again for my next trip.  As I normally visit my home-country once/twice a year that's of course the perfect solution for me. 

And when staying longer than 6 months in Thailand, I subscribe to on-the-fly travel insurance to cover the intermediate periods (which I obviously do now as returning  to my home-country is easy, but I won't be able to come back - so, no thank you).

May i ask what type of visa/ extension you are staying in Thailand with? I am assuming you are staying on some kind of tourist visa to enable you to use that sort of travel insurance policy.

 

How would it work if for instance you were here on a retirement extension and could that give an insurance company a "get out" if you needed to make a claim?

[Sheryl]

7 hours ago, superal said:

Hi Sheryl , We know that as the medical contact on this forum you will be up to date with most health associated matters but I have to say that when surfing the web for a health ins; quote there are plenty who will give you a quote under their terms i.e. no in patient cover and on line quotes have not even delved into current personal health issues which I think would increase the costs , below is a copy of a recent quote which would cover most situations including repatriation . The annual premium well exceeds the questionable $100k. You will notice that there is no cost share shown which can reduce the premiums of course. 

Platinum

Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full. See all benefits

•  Annual benefit limit: Unlimited
•  Private room
•  Full cancer care
•  Inpatient Maternity
•  Mental Health care paid in full
•  Access to our Safe Travel app

   

$ 932.68

indicative per month

Worldwide (Excl USA)

No, $932.68 a month works out to just a little over $10,000  a year not $100,000. You're off by a factor of 10.

 

And this (10k) is way more than necessary. At age 65-70 you can get good cover for about $3-4,000 a year. Rises to $4-5,000 once past 70.

 

The quote you list is inclusive of maternity. Hardly what an older person needs. Nor do you need unlimited benefits; for Thailand a 500,000 - 1,000,000 cap is plenty. I am not sure which company this is but they will surely have less costly plans.

 

Contact a good broker specializing in ecpat insurance in Thailand like AA  www.aainsure.net

[Peter Denis]

10 minutes ago, Kenchamp said:

May i ask what type of visa/ extension you are staying in Thailand with? I am assuming you are staying on some kind of tourist visa to enable you to use that sort of travel insurance policy.

 

How would it work if for instance you were here on a retirement extension and could that give an insurance company a "get out" if you needed to make a claim?

I am staying in Thailand on a Non Imm O-A Visa, but my residence is in my home-country (Belgium), and it is - because of the covid-situation - already +1 year that I was last in my home-country.  I specifically enquired at my travel insurance company and they responded in writing that I am fully covered for any trips up to 6 months, even when staying semi-permanently in Thailand.  They even offered me the opportunity to expand that 6 month stay at a per-month extension, but as that was an expensive and inflexible option I am now subscribing to 'on-the-fly' travel-insurance with WorldNomads when making trips in Thailand.  I reckon that staying at my thai home has little risk of accident/illness and so I am non-insured when staying home and just subscribe to that on-the-fly insurance for the specific periods that I am making trips in Thailand.

[Kenchamp]

7 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

I am staying in Thailand on a Non Imm O-A Visa, but my residence is in my home-country (Belgium), and it is - because of the covid-situation - already +1 year that I was last in my home-country.  I specifically enquired at my travel insurance company and they responded in writing that I am fully covered for any trips up to 6 months, even when staying semi-permanently in Thailand.  They even offered me the opportunity to expand that 6 month stay at a per-month extension, but as that was an expensive and inflexible option I am now subscribing to 'on-the-fly' travel-insurance with WorldNomads when making trips in Thailand.  I reckon that staying at my thai home has little risk of accident/illness and so I am non-insured when staying home and just subscribe to that on-the-fly insurance for the specific periods that I am making trips in Thailand.

Interesting. For some time i have been thinking of using the travel insurance method and a yearly trip back to the UK wouldn't be such a bad idea. 

[nahkit]

4 hours ago, Raphael Hythlodaeus said:

You are joking, right? As an "Alien" you have (like me in a similar position) no "rights" in Thailand or anywhere else. The only rights you have are what governments say you have and mean nothing, because they can be withdrawn at any time.

Why do you think that having the right to live a normal life with my family, the same as hundreds of millions of people throughout the world, is a joke?

[luckyluke]

12 minutes ago, nahkit said:

Why do you think that having the right to live a normal life with my family, the same as hundreds of millions of people throughout the world, is a joke?

I am convinced that the greatest majority of these millions, respect and comply to the local laws and regulations.