Important Information re COVID coverage for Expats Already in Thailand

[topt]

11 hours ago, Sheryl said:

My broker (AA) has confirmed that the KWG policy will cover Field Hospitals.

So that is 2 that will:

Krungthai Panich Insurance

KWG

 

And we still don't know re Dhipaya.

I had email confirmation from AA Insure Pattaya office that Dhipaya cover asymptomatic cases in a field hospital or hospitel - but it took me a lot of emails and eventually a phone call with an expat manager to get it confirmed. I took the policy out end of last week.

If anybody hears differently direct from Dhipaya I hope they post here....... 

 

I can also confirm that David Shield/Passport Card International health insurance do not cover you for this - at least not if you have in-patient only as most would.

[Felt 35]

Anyone who know how the policy to Pacific Cross handle this subject?

Thanks 

Felt

[khunjeff]

12 hours ago, Sheryl said:

My broker (AA) has confirmed that the KWG policy will cover Field Hospitals.

So that is 2 that will:

Krungthai Panich Insurance

KWG

 

And we still don't know re Dhipaya.

 

And will these cover foreign retirees without work permits? The advertisements I've seen all say that you must have a work permit to be eligible, though I have no idea whether that's really what the policies say, since a huge number of Thai companies seem to assume that there are only two categories of foreigners in Thailand: those with WPs, and tourists.

[ThailandRyan]

18 minutes ago, Felt 35 said:

Anyone who know how the policy to Pacific Cross handle this subject?

Thanks 

Felt

Have made an inquiry and I am waiting to hear back.  Originally, the policies covered covid for you, if you tested positive and were put in a hospital. Not sure if there is a new rider attached saying only hospitals and not field hospitals.

Edited April 28, 2021 by ThailandRyan

[Felt 35]

1 minute ago, ThailandRyan said:

Have made an inquiry and I am waiting to hear back.  Originally, the policies covered covid one if they had Covid, not sure if there is a new rider attached saying only hospitals and not field hospitals.

 

Thanks

Felt.

[newnative]

Thank you for this good information.  I also have April.  

[pontious]

12 hours ago, Sheryl said:

My broker (AA) has confirmed that the KWG policy will cover Field Hospitals.

And hospitels as well Sheryl?

[theoldgit]

17 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Please post here what you find out. Thanks!

 

Dhipaya COVID policy has been bought by many foreigners without work permit,. I wonder if they thought you meant something else? Or else person on the phone did not know what they were talking about.

 

This, or maybe a similar policy with Dhipaya is being marketed to True Customers, in their terms and conditions, it says:
"While registering for for Coronavirus Insurance Protection (Coronavirus (2019-9CoV)) The insured must reside in Thailand (In the case of foreigners must have Passport and Work Permit or must have resided in Thailand for more than six months)"

https://privilege.trueid.net/en/privileges/VWZKRLJYpG47?merchantId=z0nplvl43358

 

Like many others I purchased Dhipaya policies for my wife and I, via Roojai, the application process  was simple, in English, and only required passport details, no mention of a work permit, on the face of it I am qualified as I've lived in Thailand for in excess of six months, though I don't recall the question being asked.

 

The hard copies of the policies were only in Thai 

 

[berrec]

A lot of speculation here and various opinions.

 

The bottom line is expats are always going to pay through the nose for any COVID related services in Thailand.

 

Thais will never let an opportunity or crises go by to rip off Farangs.

 

insurance companies will in many cases find a way not to payout for COVID related services.

 

Any other Farang equity outcomes in Thailand are just pipe dreams.

[jackdd]

21 minutes ago, theoldgit said:

I am qualified as I've lived in Thailand for in excess of six months

That's only for certain if you have permanent residency status.

If you hold a temporary visa or extension, for example based on a non-immigrant visa, according to Thai law you are "visiting" Thailand, not "living" in Thailand.

Before signing up for such a policy somebody should confirm that they also pay if you are holding a temporary permit to stay, because with the wording that they use they could just refuse to pay because you are not living/residing in Thailand, but just visiting, according to Thai law.

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by jackdd

[Fairynuff]

17 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

Hi @Sheryl,

Thanks for info on insurance companies .  I just signed up for Covid coverage thru Roojai, the broker for  Krungthai Panich Insurance, based on the fact that it seems to be the only policy confirmed to cover admission to a Field Hospital or hospitelle to date, even though my own policy has covid coverage...just in case field hospitals are not covered (too hard to get a straight answer on that from my provider at this time).

 

Just a note to anyone looking to get the policy through Roojai; their online booking page seems to be having some temporary issues (not providing an option for the 200k coverage /  850 baht plan in the sign-up process).

 

I ended up doing it by phone by calling 02 582 8855.   Customer service by phone is excellent,  I was connected to a English speaking rep in less than a minute who confirmed the online issue does seem to be at their end.  She was very helpful in booking the policy for me by phone, which only took a few minutes.  Nice people IMO ????

 

Did you by any chance ask about the field/hospital coverage issue?

[theoldgit]

16 minutes ago, jackdd said:

That's only for certain if you have permanent residency status.

If you hold a temporary visa or extension, for example based on a non-immigrant visa, according to Thai law you are "visiting" Thailand, not "living" in Thailand.

Before signing up for such a policy somebody should confirm that they also pay if you are holding a temporary permit to stay, because with the wording that they use they could just refuse to pay because you are not living/residing in Thailand, but just visiting, according to Thai law.

 

 

Thanks for that, maybe you could provide the actual reference to Thai Law and the insurance companies take on it. 

I do note that you only say "they could just refuse to pay because you are not living/residing in Thailand, but just visiting, according to Thai law" and don't claim it to be a definitive answer.

[Bkk Brian]

10 hours ago, ukrules said:

 

Interesting, please post an update when they let you know. I'd also be interested in the circumstances where they were released from the field hospital.

 

For example, do you need to PCR test negative for all traces of the virus, I heard that could take as long as a month in some cases......

Ok just got some news, however it will not solve all the questions as its particular to these people and their circumstances.

 

So to confirm, it was a total of 5 people, 1 teacher, 1 parent and 3 students (all non Thai) all from the same year group at an International School. They were all officially classified as PUI and had to pay for the initial test, the subsequent tests were free. They each received a total of 4 PCR tests. One to discover the virus, another to confirm on entering the government hospital and 2 further while in the field hospital, the final one being on the morning they were being released, which was late evening.

 

None had to pay for the government hospital or the field hospital. This could be because both the adults, teacher and parent work full time and pay Thai social security. 

 

The so called field hospital was in a local University, there was a main large hall where beds were but then also some student dormitories in the floor above, this is where they were placed with own rooms, so it was not like they were in a mass hall with others.

[soalbundy]

I will just stay in my backwater Isan village and wait until everyone else is vaccinated and the panic dies down.

[Dart12]

14 hours ago, Sheryl said:

And my primary provider did answer, in the negative, for Field Hospital so I am in process of getting the KWG policy.

I was going to ask which was your preferred, but I guess this answers that.

Sheryl, may I ask you you recommend as a primary health insurance company as well?

 

[Freeduhdum]

22 hours ago, Sheryl said:

As most people are aware, in Thailand there is mandatory "hospitlaization" for anyone who tests COVID positive even if totally asymptomatic and for foreigners it is not free.

I just exited Thailand and obtained my exit covid test at Bumrungrad Hospital. I specifically asked the question what happens if I come up positive on the test. I explained that it was my understanding that you will be sent to the hospital even if you have no symptoms. The doc informed me that if I were to test positive that I would be referred to a "specialist" to discuss my options. I pressed further as to what my options would be if I were asymptomatic. She stated that it would be possible that I would not need to go to a hospital that an alternate quarantine could be considered. She seemed to be a young junior doctor, but that is what she told me. 

[phetphet]

This might interest those looking for COVID insurance.

I noticed on the  www.tipinsure.com website (came there from Dhipaya insurance website) that they have another plan above the 850 baht one.

It's called Plan IS and costs 1950 baht. See screenshot below. Couldn't copy the whole plan.

 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by phetphet

[Surasak]

Was just refused by Roojai. No reason given.

[skorts]

27 minutes ago, theoldgit said:

 

Thanks for that, maybe you could provide the actual reference to Thai Law and the insurance companies take on it. 

I do note that you only say "they could just refuse to pay because you are not living/residing in Thailand, but just visiting, according to Thai law" and don't claim it to be a definitive answer.

I have taken out the Dhipaya Policy for my wife and I too via Roojai. Agree the application process is very simple.
The six month reside clause is common in the insurance industry. The U.K. has this (they use 183 days) on many insurance policies e.g. Nationwide placed this restriction on their Flex Plus account travel insurance policies. 
We have both been classed by HMRC in the U.K. as a non-U.K. resident for tax purposes for several years and our place of residence is Thailand. 
We have resided in Thailand for more than 6 months and not left Thailand for 2 years. 

I would also be very interested to see the reference to Thai law and the Insurance companies take on it. 
if I am not classed as residing in Thailand then I would love to know where the Insurance Companies think I reside!
 

 

[Dart12]

I see this 6 month rule being talked about above...Will they accept foreigners here on Covid extensions?

 

[Kiujunn]

28 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

I will just stay in my backwater Isan village and wait until everyone else is vaccinated and the panic dies down.

The virus will arrive at your village by autumn,  probably less than 6 months. Compare the spread from NYC (spring 2020) to North Dakota (autumn 2020). B.117 spreads faster. 

 

Vaccination will ride to the rescue in form of Bioscience, anything faster cannot be allowed. It will arrive at your village not much after the virus has rampaged through it.

 

Re-read my post 1 year from now.  

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by Kiujunn

[theoldgit]

7 minutes ago, Surasak said:

Was just refused by Roojai. No reason given.

 

Refused what, the purchase of a policy or a claim?

[internationalism]

45 minutes ago, phetphet said:

This might interest those looking for COVID insurance.

I noticed on the  www.tipinsure.com website (came there from Dhipaya insurance website) that they have another plan above the 850 baht one.

It's called Plan IS and costs 1950 baht. See screenshot below. Couldn't copy the whole plan.

 

 

they have 9 covid plans. For the 1950b you have to scroll down

https://www.tipinsure.com/Ph/step_2

 

they have 2 different plans for the same premium, one covering medical expenses, the other one income while sick

Edited April 28, 2021 by internationalism

[moogradod]

My Wife and my Stepdaughter have both a Covid Insurance from Roojai for THB 850.-- which I concluded online for them.

 

I did not buy one because there were questions about preconditions of which I have plenty. I must in fact assume that I would not survive any Covid infection if you believe the press. However no one knows for sure and the question is for me and as well for others: Is there any Covid-only insurance that would accept one with preconditions ?

 

I think it is a bit odd that exactly the most in need would be excluded, but I would not be much surprized. Fortunately, personally I could cope with any costs without such an insurance but I am not alone and this could not be the case for anyone.

[soalbundy]

38 minutes ago, Kiujunn said:

The virus will arrive at your village by autumn,  probably less than 6 months. Compare the spread from NYC (spring 2020) to North Dakota (autumn 2020). B.117 spreads faster. 

 

Vaccination will ride to the rescue in form of Bioscience, anything faster cannot be allowed. It will arrive at your village not much after the virus has rampaged through it.

 

Re-read my post 1 year from now.  

 

It won't be allowed in the village, our headman is very strict ????

[Neeranam]

2 hours ago, berrec said:

Thais will never let an opportunity or crises go by to rip off Farangs.

Totally untrue and uncalled for. Do you really think that the Thai government should pay foreign tourists' medical bills?

They should have proper insurance before coming. 

Btw, I am a farang expat, but not a foreinger. 

[Neeranam]

1 hour ago, Surasak said:

Was just refused by Roojai. No reason given.

Are you over 70?

[NE1]

22 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

Are you over 70?

This is from the Roojai.com Corona virus insurance page. So age is not a problem. The only other reasons can be the " smoking or visited covid hotspots in the last 2 weeks " or the poster could have already had Covid.

Edited April 28, 2021 by NE1

[Neeranam]

My daughter just called from Bangkok asking if I could buy her Covid insurance. I guess she doesn't want to risk going to the field hospital, but wants Bamrungrad, the ripoff hospital where she was born. . 

[Sheryl]

4 hours ago, topt said:

I had email confirmation from AA Insure Pattaya office that Dhipaya cover asymptomatic cases in a field hospital or hospitel - but it took me a lot of emails and eventually a phone call with an expat manager to get it confirmed. I took the policy out end of last week.

If anybody hears differently direct from Dhipaya I hope they post here....... 

 

I can also confirm that David Shield/Passport Card International health insurance do not cover you for this - at least not if you have in-patient only as most would.

 

Thank you for this.

So all 3 policies: Dhipaya, Krungthai and KWG, will cover Field Hospital/Hospitel, as expected.

 

i very much doubt any foreign insurer would cover being in  a Field Hospital/hospitel, these are basically quarantine facilities not hospitals.  Some might also balk at asymptomatic admission to a regular hospital but (1) the way most insurance forms are structured they might  not know if the person was symptomatic (especially if the hospital knows how to fill out the forms to best ensure payment) and (2) it is anyway a moot point for now since asymptomatic cases are no longer being admitted to regular hospitals. (This could change later as cases decline)