Health Insurance for Thai wife.

[BaanOz]

Wife has been using her Australian passport for 30+ years to enter Thailand and she is about to get a new Thai passport after so long!

 

We are planning to spend 180 days in Thailand every year and she’ll enter on her Thai passport so don’t think can use our travel insurance and wondering what to do about health insurance.

 

In Australia she has had some health issues and wondering if we could avoid mentioning these to an insurer in Thailand? How could a Thai health insurance know of past issues in Australia?

 

Also, any recommendations of Thai health insurance please?

[Hummin]

14 minutes ago, BaanOz said:

Wife has been using her Australian passport for 30+ years to enter Thailand and she is about to get a new Thai passport after so long!

 

We are planning to spend 180 days in Thailand every year and she’ll enter on her Thai passport so don’t think can use our travel insurance and wondering what to do about health insurance.

 

In Australia she has had some health issues and wondering if we could avoid mentioning these to an insurer in Thailand? How could a Thai health insurance know of past issues in Australia?

 

Also, any recommendations of Thai health insurance please?

She had one Axa local branch who insured my Thai wife, but really not worth it, and will use travel insurance when she moves to Norway. She will have soicial security there from day one. 

 

She had one operation from before, and not really a preexisting condition, still the most reliable insurers would not insure her. 

 

180 days travel insures for Australian citizens exists?

[BaanOz]

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

180 days travel insures for Australian citizens exists?

Yes but her Thai passport has a different name and didn’t think if she enters on a Thai passport she could use travel insurance from Australia.

 

Maybe I’m wrong? If any health issues she could pull out the Australian passport (with travel insurance) but won’t have an entry stamp in it.

 

I suppose this is more to do with Thais with dual passports.

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

As a Thai citizen she has access to free health care in Thailand under the Universal (AKA 30 baht) system.

 

Thai private health insurance leaves a lot to be desired to put it mildly and few Thais bother with it.

 

The main snag to the universal cover is the need to use the hospital which covers the area where she is registered in a taban ban.  She'll be registered somewhere, but might be a childhood home in a province far fro mwhere you may be staying. Should look into getting that changed ti a place both more convenient and, hopefully, linked to a higher level hospital.

[BaanOz]

24 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

hopefully, linked to a higher level hospital.

 

Thanks Sheryl, yes she is registered at the taban ban where we are in Northern Phuket. Her ID was transferred here a few years ago so that is all good.

 

Just wondering what a higher level hospital is? Is it still a 30 baht one?

 

Also, how is a higher level hospital  linked please?

 

BTW she just got her new passport delivered this afternoon. Super fast!

[BaanOz]

BTW I think you might have helped me concerning a question about Creon in the past as she has had numerous operations in Australia to remove pancreatic stones.

 

OK now but just concerned for insurance in Thailand when we visit.

 

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

52 minutes ago, BaanOz said:

 

Thanks Sheryl, yes she is registered at the taban ban where we are in Northern Phuket. Her ID was transferred here a few years ago so that is all good.

 

Just wondering what a higher level hospital is? Is it still a 30 baht one?

 

Also, how is a higher level hospital  linked please?

 

BTW she just got her new passport delivered this afternoon. Super fast!

Government hospitals in Thailand have different levels ranging from community hospitals to provincial hospitals to regional hosputals and university hospitals. The 30 baht scheme covers all of them but one has to use the hospital which covers the district where you are registered in a tabian ban, and to use a higher level hospital undrr the scheme , your registered hospital has to refer you.  

 

In Phuket, Vachira Hospital was recently upgraded to regionsl status. But you'd gave to find out if she can register there under the 30 baht scheme or has to go through one of the community hospitals. If the latter, she can still use Vachira but only if referred. (to use it for free, thay is. She can slways use it on a self pay basis). 

[Lorry]

5 hours ago, BaanOz said:

didn’t think if she enters on a Thai passport she could use travel insurance from Australia.

I have never seen an Australian travel insurance policy,  but I can tell you that European travel insurances do cover trips into one's country of nationality.  It was not always like this,  iirc the law was changed after a law suit (i could be wrong here). It's definitely a good idea to look into it more closely. 

 

Pancreatic stones and operations in her medical history make most Thai insurances useless (if they would accept her at all). You cannot hide this,  the scars (inside, too) are too obvious and it will be mentioned in any medical report. 

 

If she can get into Vachira through the 30B- scheme, that would be good enough.  Bangkok Phuket Hospital isn't necessarily so much better,  especially when it comes to pancreatic surgery. 

[rwill]

You can get insurance to just cover accidental injuries.  Thai banks have debit cards that provide accident insurance.   The cards cost around 1.5K/year.  They pay about 20K per incidence.  There is an age limit to coverage though, I think 70 for Thais.

They also have accident insurance through Chubb which will cover the same things but with higher limits(like around 80K).  I think it was around 6K/year when I was doing it for my wife.

 

It is also possible to get policies just for cancer too.

 

Thai insurance companies will want her to go to a hospital and get an examination and blood tests done before issuing the final policy.  Their goal is to find as many preexisting conditions as possible.  To limit what they cover.  Also when you do have a claim they will ask for permission to check your records.  Then if the doctor had asked your wife about previous problems and she gave information to the doctor the insurance company will add more exclusions or cancel the policy.   They also ask you what medications you are taking and will do exclusions based on that.  Like if you take any cholesterol or blood pressure medications they will exclude anything to do with heart attacks and strokes.

[spidermike007]

I have a 300,000 baht per incident accident policy for mine. Between that and the universal care, it feels like a good system. 

[newbee2022]

Well, cheating is very common for Thais.

However, if you hide informations concerning your health history and it will be evident with the next medical exam, then the insurer is free. No payment at all. Telling the truth might be the best for your wallet.🙏

[oxo1947]

15 hours ago, BaanOz said:

In Australia she has had some health issues and wondering if we could avoid mentioning these to an insurer in Thailand? How could a Thai health insurance know of past issues in Australia?

Does your wife have a Medi care card BaanOz ?.... my daughter 50+ came over for a visited and travel around Asia took out insurance with AMH   - (Australian Health Management)  This owned by Medibank--her insurance was about $Aus300 for a year.

You must have a Medicare card to access that price, because if anything bad happens to you---then its just stabilizing and returning you to Oz.   

Get a quote   https://ahm.com.au/

[BaanOz]

12 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

in Phuket, Vachira Hospital was recently upgraded to regionsl status. But you'd gave to find out if she can register there under the 30 baht scheme or has to go through one of the community hospitals. If the latter, she can still use Vachira but only if referred. (to use it for free, thay is. She can slways use it on a self pay basis). 

 

Thanks Sheryl, we have never needed to know about this until now since she'll be coming on her Thai passport. Thinking for emergencies as she will continue with her specialist in Sydney for her existing issue. This seems the way to go thank you!

[BaanOz]

  

10 hours ago, Lorry said:

If she can get into Vachira through the 30B- scheme, that would be good enough.  Bangkok Phuket Hospital isn't necessarily so much better,  especially when it comes to pancreatic surgery. 

Thanks, good to know. Hopefully no more surgery.

 

Quote

I have never seen an Australian travel insurance policy,  but I can tell you that European travel insurances do cover trips into one's country of nationality.  It was not always like this,  iirc the law was changed after a law suit (i could be wrong here). It's definitely a good idea to look into it more closely. 

I've been using our credit card insurance (has up to 12 months cover) and have just checked the pds and can't find anything NOT covering trips into ones own country of nationality.

Happy to continue to use that but her Thai passport name is different to her Australian passport and not sure if that matters to the insurance company.

 

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Well, cheating is very common for Thais.

However, if you hide informations concerning your health history and it will be evident with the next medical exam, then the insurer is free. No payment at all. Telling the truth might be the best for your wallet.🙏

I would add that not only can insurer not pay in such an instance, they can (and often will) void your entire policy. They can also come after you for any prior claim payments. 

 

Very bad idea to lie or conceal anything on a health insurance application. 

 

Not relevant now to OP as OP has already decided his wife will rely on the universal (aka 30 baht) government system, as most Thais do. 

[BaanOz]

2 hours ago, oxo1947 said:

Does your wife have a Medi care card BaanOz ?.... my daughter 50+ came over for a visited and travel around Asia took out insurance with AMH   - (Australian Health Management)  This owned by Medibank--her insurance was about $Aus300 for a year.

You must have a Medicare card to access that price, because if anything bad happens to you---then its just stabilizing and returning you to Oz.   

Get a quote   https://ahm.com.au/

 

Yes she Medicare and and has health insurance in Australia with HCF. Actually, used to have AHM too 

We have been using credit card insurance that uses "Cover More" and is. free for 12 months except if we pay extra for her pre-existing condition which we have done.

I think I'll have to contact them to see if she would be covered if entering on her new Thai passport (which has different details to her Australian). Otherwise we might use the Thai universal.

 

 

 

[newbee2022]

6 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I would add that not only can insurer not pay in such an instance, they can (and often will) void your entire policy. They can also come after you for any prior claim payments. 

 

Very bad idea to lie or conceal anything on a health insurance application. 

 

Not relevant now to OP as OP has already decided his wife will rely on the universal (aka 30 baht) government system, as most Thais do. 

As always a competent reply 🙏

[theblether]

15 hours ago, Sheryl said:

As a Thai citizen she has access to free health care in Thailand under the Universal (AKA 30 baht) system.

 

Thai private health insurance leaves a lot to be desired to put it mildly and few Thais bother with it.

 

The main snag to the universal cover is the need to use the hospital which covers the area where she is registered in a taban ban.  She'll be registered somewhere, but might be a childhood home in a province far fro mwhere you may be staying. Should look into getting that changed ti a place both more convenient and, hopefully, linked to a higher level hospital.

 

I'm astounded by this comment: 

 

"Thai private health insurance leaves a lot to be desired to put it mildly and few Thais bother with it."

 

This is the polar opposite of my experience. I know not a single Thai of moderate and above income who doesn't have private health insurance. 

 

In fact, over 25% of Thais purchase private cover. To possess a private policy and to access private hospitals is a fundamental drive within Thai society. 

[Sheryl]

30 minutes ago, BaanOz said:

  

Thanks, good to know. Hopefully no more surgery.

 

I've been using our credit card insurance (has up to 12 months cover) and have just checked the pds and can't find anything NOT covering trips into ones own country of nationality.

Happy to continue to use that but her Thai passport name is different to her Australian passport and not sure if that matters to the insurance company.

 

 

 

 

It will certainly matter if her insurance policy is in one name and her passport (and I assume Thsi ID card)  another.

 

You could look for a travel policy that covers temporary trips to country of nationality. Prior to becoming eligible for US Medicare I used to do this for my annual trips to US. Took some searching but I did find one. To be eligible, I had to confirm that altho I was a US citizen, my usual place of residence was outside US.

 

But I am not sure in your wife's case that there is much point.  Most  doctors in Phuket are  at Vachira even if they also work in one of the few private hospitals.  And one can get a "special" private room at Vachira for a reasonable extra fee. You'd have to pay the difference between ward room snd private room out of pocket but the rest would still be free.

 

Do find out which her primary hospital under the  scheme is. Suggest she register for a patient number at Vachira (good to do in advance anyhow)  and ask at that time. It might be Thalang hospital. In which case she must go there first and, if necessary, get written referral from them to Vachira. That referral letter is essential for getting care under the universal system. 

 

 

 

[BaanOz]

7 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Do find out which her primary hospital under the  scheme is. Suggest she register for a patient number at Vachira (good to do in advance anyhow)  and ask at that time. It might be Thalang hospital. In which case she must go there first and, if necessary, get written referral from them to Vachira. That referral letter is essential for getting care under the universal system. 

Thanks Sheryl, will do. From what you have said, it probably would be Thalang.
 

 

10 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

It will certainly matter if her insurance policy is in one name and her passport (and I assume Thsi ID card)  another.

Yes both Thai passport and ID are different to Aussie. Have just sent a message to see what the Australian travel insurance company say about this.

We want to travel to surrounding countries so I guess exit with Thai passport and enter them on Australian passport so we can use our credit card travel insurance in those countries.

Just to save on Thai visa fees for her! 

 

[tosha420]

This thread is usless so far

8 hours ago, theblether said:

I know not a single Thai of moderate and above income who doesn't have private health insurance. 

Could you please share, what exactly are preffered Insurance companies?

What are the options to be considered for Thai citizen?

[BaanOz]

12 hours ago, tosha420 said:

This thread is usless so far

It took a different direction as I had no idea what would be appropriate, not knowing anything about the Thai hospital situation but I found it very useful!

OK so maybe the title should be Thai Health Insurance vs Falang Travel Insurance vs 30 Baht.

[digbeth]

For the universal 30 baht scheme
It's not gonna be easy to change your 'primary care' hospital according to tabien ban (blue book) would mean needing to find a destination near the ideal hospital to move to, and a willing housemaster ie. landlord that will let you 'move in' to the tabien ban, which ideally they have to but in practice not always

or find a friend that's willing to have you be on their housebook 

 

Another complication is that the big provincial hospitals won't even let you use the 30 baht rights unless you got a referral from the Amphur hospitals or the 'Health Center' which will be the closest to your registered address first 

 

[EVENKEEL]

On 6/7/2024 at 8:35 AM, Sheryl said:

Government hospitals in Thailand have different levels ranging from community hospitals to provincial hospitals to regional hosputals and university hospitals. The 30 baht scheme covers all of them but one has to use the hospital which covers the district where you are registered in a tabian ban, and to use a higher level hospital undrr the scheme , your registered hospital has to refer you.  

 

In Phuket, Vachira Hospital was recently upgraded to regionsl status. But you'd gave to find out if she can register there under the 30 baht scheme or has to go through one of the community hospitals. If the latter, she can still use Vachira but only if referred. (to use it for free, thay is. She can slways use it on a self pay basis). 

Just got Health Insurance for the lady AIA, cost is almost 40K/yr  5 Mil coverage, good for BPH. I'd rather her not go the Gov hospital route.

[BaanOz]

On 6/8/2024 at 12:18 PM, BaanOz said:

Yes both Thai passport and ID are different to Aussie. Have just sent a message to see what the Australian travel insurance company say about this.

Just a follow up, I asked our Australian travel insurance company while being a dual citizen, if she enters Thailand on her Thai passport (with different details), will she be covered?

Reply:
Kindly be advised that you are eligible for our international travel insurance plan under the condition that your departure and return are to the same residence within Australia.

That seems strange why the residence matters but definitely back to the same address.

I've followed up with another question: If the worst happened and needed to visit a hospital in Thailand, which passport would she need as ID? Australian or the Thai passport that she entered with.

 

[Hummin]

13 minutes ago, BaanOz said:

Just a follow up, I asked our Australian travel insurance company while being a dual citizen, if she enters Thailand on her Thai passport (with different details), will she be covered?

Reply:
Kindly be advised that you are eligible for our international travel insurance plan under the condition that your departure and return are to the same residence within Australia.

That seems strange why the residence matters but definitely back to the same address.

I've followed up with another question: If the worst happened and needed to visit a hospital in Thailand, which passport would she need as ID? Australian or the Thai passport that she entered with.

 

As long she have legal residency in AU, it doesnt matter which travel doc she use. Id card?

[BaanOz]

On 6/8/2024 at 11:43 AM, Sheryl said:

OP has already decided his wife will rely on the universal (aka 30 baht) government system, as most Thais do. 

A Thai relative here has recently had a motorbike accident. A pedestrian ran across a road and the relative hit them and they crashed the motorbike, breaking bones in their shoulder.

I'm getting this 2nd or 3rd hand but he needs to pay for the surgery 30,000 baht. Questioning this, it seems the universal 30 baht system only covers the hospital bed and not the operation. This is the government hospital in Phuket Town.

(no haven't been asked to pay or help haha!)

Is this correct? Could this surgery be subsidised and the 30,000 baht is a minimum fee?


 

[Sheryl]

No, this is not correct.

 

The "30baht" covers surgeries, medications etc. 

 

However motor vehicle accidents are different and medical costs are paid gor by the compulsory 3rd party insurance. Which I believe pays up to 30,000 baht in medical costs. 

 

 

[BaanOz]

10 hours ago, Sheryl said:

No, this is not correct.

 

The "30baht" covers surgeries, medications etc. 

 

However motor vehicle accidents are different and medical costs are paid gor by the compulsory 3rd party insurance. Which I believe pays up to 30,000 baht in medical costs. 

 

Thank you Sheryl,  great it covers all but know why now he has to pay.

Not sure if the motorbike he was riding was registered but doesn't have a drivers licence so that would void any insurance.