Healthcare Insurance

[Patong2021]

On 1/8/2025 at 5:39 AM, richard_smith237 said:

 

That seems to be the case...  Ever had a headache ?...   anything head 'related' is excluded !!

 

I've had a lot of sports injuries over the years...  Pacific Cross are excluding anything that might ever go wrong.. 

I understand that its business - nevertheless, I'm moving from 'company insurance' which covers 100% of everything (IPD OPD) no questions asked, to paying myself and facing a load of exclusions from past injuries !

Not exactly. Read the definition of a pre-existing condition. If the condition meets the satbility definition 6-12 months, no issues, no changes in medication, no visits to physician to  address related issues, then it is difficult to deny unrelated injuries. If you already have a damaged body part, it will not be insured, since it can be expected to sustain further injury. If you have an unrelated injury such as  poking your eye, dog bite, being run over, falling down the stairs because you slipped, those injuries' claims  cannot be denied.

[bradiston]

I'm insured with, wait for it, WRLife, the pet hate insurers of many on this forum. I have, and have had for about 10 years,  Afib which I declared, and which is treated with 3 meds. They set a 2 year moratorium which has now expired, so in theory, same as any company, I'm covered for it and any associated problems. I've just been hospitalised for 9 days with cellulitis in BPH. Total cost 250,000 THB. They paid. And for 3, maybe 4, follow up appointments after discharge. I had 3 days in hospital last year with the same condition, also covered. I pay 10,734 THB pm. I just turned 75. My claims triggered a 500 THB pm rise in premiums. But, as ever, YMMV. I'm not making a recommendation. Just reporting back my experience to date.

 

Just noticed they advertise on this forum, down below. They have a much improved customer service centre if in Thailand, on

 

+66 2 821 6776

[brewsterbudgen]

35 minutes ago, bradiston said:

I'm insured with, wait for it, WRLife, the pet hate insurers of many on this forum. I have, and have had for about 10 years,  Afib which I declared, and which is treated with 3 meds. They set a 2 year moratorium which has now expired, so in theory, same as any company, I'm covered for it and any associated problems. I've just been hospitalised for 9 days with cellulitis in BPH. Total cost 250,000 THB. They paid. And for 3, maybe 4, follow up appointments after discharge. I had 3 days in hospital last year with the same condition, also covered. I pay 10,734 THB pm. I just turned 75. My claims triggered a 500 THB pm rise in premiums. But, as ever, YMMV. I'm not making a recommendation. Just reporting back my experience to date.

 

Just noticed they advertise on this forum, down below. They have a much improved customer service centre if in Thailand, on

 

+66 2 821 6776

I've also been with WRLife, for around 3 years, my wife and child too, but (fortunately) haven't had to make a claim! 

 

Interesting if they're advertising on this Forum as it's usually Cigna.

[richard_smith237]

56 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

On 1/8/2025 at 1:39 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

That seems to be the case...  Ever had a headache ?...   anything head 'related' is excluded !!

 

I've had a lot of sports injuries over the years...  Pacific Cross are excluding anything that might ever go wrong.. 

I understand that its business - nevertheless, I'm moving from 'company insurance' which covers 100% of everything (IPD OPD) no questions asked, to paying myself and facing a load of exclusions from past injuries !

Expand  

Not exactly. Read the definition of a pre-existing condition. If the condition meets the satbility definition 6-12 months, no issues, no changes in medication, no visits to physician to  address related issues, then it is difficult to deny unrelated injuries. If you already have a damaged body part, it will not be insured, since it can be expected to sustain further injury. If you have an unrelated injury such as  poking your eye, dog bite, being run over, falling down the stairs because you slipped, those injuries' claims  cannot be denied.

 

I've received enough information from the insurance companies to prove my comments: Pacific Cross excluding everything and anything they can. 

 

Another poster has also suggested - If Pacific Cross find one mistake on the application form - they can use that to avoid further unrelated claims (thats not first hand information from me, just what I've been told on this forum).

 

I've contacted a handful of insurers over the past few weeks and had numerous replies.

I'm still awaiting a response for international Cover. 

 

Pacific Cross have excluded everything related to any injury I have ever had.

- Meniscus tear - Arthroscopic repair (both knees - sporting injuries)

- Ruptured Ligaments & Tendon - Surgical repair (one ankle - Sports injury)

They have excluded both ankles when it was 'just the one' which was damaged !!!!

 

Other Insurance companies: Such as NOW and AXA recognise that these injuries are non-symptomatic and I have fully recovered (as per medical certification) and as such have not counted any Ankle or Knee issues as pre-existing conditions.

 

This is enough information for me to completely avoid Pacific Cross.

 

AXA Thailand seem the most reasonable at the moment - both on Premium and Level of Cover

Add in OPD and its an extra 20,000 baht per year (which I don't think I'll need) - so 43,000 baht all in which I find quite reasonable. 

 

I'm awaiting a response for quotes from an oversea broker regarding 'overseas cover' which as I understand it from Sheryl's input has stronger regulation.

 

I've had a previous poor experience with April (who Sheryl recommends) when they rejected a 130,000 baht claim based on very spurious reasoning a number of years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

[rwill]

Pacific Cross was advertising a new, more expensive, policy that would provide coverage for pre existing conditions.  I don't know if they still offer it.  However I had taken a look at it and pre existing condition had a 2 year waiting period PLUS they were only covered up to 300,000 baht.

[bradiston]

3 minutes ago, rwill said:

Pacific Cross was advertising a new, more expensive, policy that would provide coverage for pre existing conditions.  I don't know if they still offer it.  However I had taken a look at it and pre existing condition had a 2 year waiting period PLUS they were only covered up to 300,000 baht.

Wrlife cover me for $400,000.

[newbee2022]

On 1/7/2025 at 10:57 AM, Sheryl said:

AA Brokers nowadays will only offer Thai issued policies. Few Thai insurers will enroll at age 70+ and none will cover pre-existing conditions.

 

There are international expat policies that will enroll at age>70 but these also will not cover pre-existing conditions.

 

@jnp73 2 questions:

(1) what exactly are your pre-existing conditions?

(2) Do you live year round in Thailand? As if not, a travel policy might be better, some of them will cover "acute exacerbations" of pre-existing conditions.

That's not quite right. WRLIFE will take you even older than 70 and will cover pre-existing conditions.

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, bradiston said:

I'm insured with, wait for it, WRLife, the pet hate insurers of many on this forum. I have, and have had for about 10 years,  Afib which I declared, and which is treated with 3 meds. They set a 2 year moratorium which has now expired, so in theory, same as any company, I'm covered for it and any associated problems. I've just been hospitalised for 9 days with cellulitis in BPH. Total cost 250,000 THB. They paid. And for 3, maybe 4, follow up appointments after discharge. I had 3 days in hospital last year with the same condition, also covered. I pay 10,734 THB pm. I just turned 75. My claims triggered a 500 THB pm rise in premiums. But, as ever, YMMV. I'm not making a recommendation. Just reporting back my experience to date.

 

Just noticed they advertise on this forum, down below. They have a much improved customer service centre if in Thailand, on

 

+66 2 821 6776

Thank you for giving us your experience. As I told here, I spoke the the CEO of WRlife personally. He explained his business and made me to sign. Complaints by former customers were related to wrong procedures in case of claims or by hiding preconditions.

 

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

That seems a bit high, do you have any deductible?

 

At 71, with an excellent international policy, my premium was 4,800. That is with a $500 deductible, and inpatient only (but including day surgeries and outpatient cancer care/dialysis).

At 77, with an excellent international policy, my premium is 295 Euro/month.  Without any deductibles. No exclusions. All covered. Cancer, transplants aso 

 

[newbee2022]

On 1/7/2025 at 12:05 PM, jnp73 said:

@SherylI have COPD and heart failure. I live in Thailand all year round. 

So WRlife will be an option. They'll take you even with your preconditions However, there will be a moratorium of 2 years if I remember right. After this period you got full cover.

[Sheryl]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

So WRlife will be an option. They'll take you even with your preconditions However, there will be a moratorium of 2 years if I remember right. After this period you got full cover.

There are, however, considerable concerns about the viability of their business model.

 

There have been many prior threads on this matter, suggest you read these

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1268153-wrlife-medical-insurance-experiences/page/6/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1312262-wrlife-still-ok/

 

The Dr. Boon Vanasin mentioned has since left the country and is under investigation for financial issues, google that. I have no idea what if any consequence that will have for WRLife.

 

[newbee2022]

23 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

There are, however, considerable concerns about the viability of their business model.

 

There have been many prior threads on this matter, suggest you read these

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1268153-wrlife-medical-insurance-experiences/page/6/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1312262-wrlife-still-ok/

 

The Dr. Boon Vanasin mentioned has since left the country and is under investigation for financial issues, google that. I have no idea what if any consequence that will have for WRLife.

 

what if any consequence that will have for WRLife.

NONE.

The Thai fugitive is in no connection to WRlife.

As I told already problems with not paid claims resulted of wrong procedures in claiming or simply in hidden preconditions. Not disclosed precondition will not be paid by any other insurance too.

The once entry premium is fixed and will not rise unless you will use your insurance. 

[phetphet]

On 1/10/2025 at 11:17 AM, Sheryl said:

That seems a bit high, do you have any deductible?

 

At 71, with an excellent international policy, my premium was 4,800. That is with a $500 deductible, and inpatient only (but including day surgeries and outpatient cancer care/dialysis).

I have in-patient only, but no deductibles, a couple of pre-existing injury exclusions, with ACS.

I did have my first claim last year after a motorbike accident

[RSD1]

Pacific Prime is a leading insurance broker with a branch in Thailand and offices throughout the region. They provide access to coverage from all major international health insurance companies offering expat health insurance in Thailand.

 

For more information, visit their website:

 

https://www.pacificprime.co.th/

 

Additionally, a few months ago, CIGNA ran an ad I saw which was stating that they offer coverage for individuals over 60 without denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. You can reach out to Pacific Prime for assistance with this or similar options.

[oxo1947]

There is a court case being brought by a member against WRlife which will be in Udon Thani  early March, about non payment of injury.

[KannikaP]

On 1/7/2025 at 12:20 PM, Sheryl said:

Unfortunately then you will not be able to get insurance from any company, Thai or foreign.

 

Best option is to self-insure by putting aside money for that purpose. Not less than 1 million baht if using only government hospitals, 3-5 million if using private. And have some plan for how you will replenish these amounts after use.

Best option in my opinion is to let nature take its course, give the money you were saving to family or a good charity.

[KannikaP]

On 1/10/2025 at 3:23 PM, newbee2022 said:

So WRlife will be an option. They'll take you even with your preconditions However, there will be a moratorium of 2 years if I remember right. After this period you got full cover.

If you survive the two years.

[newbee2022]

3 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

If you survive the two years.

No, emergency is 100% covered

[scubascuba3]

15 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

No, emergency is 100% covered

Very unlikely

[newbee2022]

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Very unlikely

But true

[KannikaP]

On 1/10/2025 at 3:11 PM, newbee2022 said:

That's not quite right. WRLIFE will take you even older than 70 and will cover pre-existing conditions.

Yes, after 2 years moratorium. A bargepole springs to mind.

[newbee2022]

5 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Yes, after 2 years moratorium. A bargepole springs to mind.

Emergencies are always covered of course.🤗

[jerrymahoney]

23 hours ago, oxo1947 said:

There is a court case being brought by a member against WRlife which will be in Udon Thani  early March, about non payment of injury.

Well if that is true, so much for all the informed opinions on here that, if you want to sue WrLife, you have to travel to or be represented in Nevis & St. Kitts.

[scubascuba3]

34 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

Well if that is true, so much for all the informed opinions on here that, if you want to sue WrLife, you have to travel to or be represented in Nevis & St. Kitts.

Hopefully we'll hear how it goes, but it seems they denied a legit claim

[jerrymahoney]

I won't speculate but the key word is 'injury'.

[oxo1947]

17 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Hopefully we'll hear how it goes, but it seems they denied a legit claim

 

Yer---have you heard about the case?..... I guess the court will decide if legit claim or not, but Thai laws make it hard to discuss somethings-- you know the mad one = "Even if what you are saying is completely true and it harms their Business--- then you are guilty of slander". Little wonder there is little to none investigating journalism in Thailand.

[couchpotato]

On 1/31/2025 at 7:51 AM, oxo1947 said:

There is a court case being brought by a member against WRlife which will be in Udon Thani  early March, about non payment of injury.

This is not a believable post, as WRLife are NOT a Thai company, and only have a representative in Bangkok, so to supposedly have a Court case against them in Thailand, and especially in a local Udon Thani Court..come on!

[scubascuba3]

43 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

This is not a believable post, as WRLife are NOT a Thai company, and only have a representative in Bangkok, so to supposedly have a Court case against them in Thailand, and especially in a local Udon Thani Court..come on!

Maybe it's against the broker, they aren't allowed to sell non thai health insurance 

[oxo1947]

32 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

This is not a believable post,

I understand what you are saying couchpotato -- but before you start to call a person a liar--- lets try to sort it out. I know that it is court scheduled for first week March. How about on Monday I send the phone number of the law firm that is involved--they speak good English (its mainly why the person chose them) They are an Udon Thani firm--You phone them, and ask if they are proceeding with a court case in march re WRlife --you may suggest that there might be more business coming their way if they are.

 

Then you can post on here the result.... I wont be calling you unbelievable whatever you report.

 

You may be correct about the legality of suing a representative---maybe this will fall over on the very first day in court, when this is pointed out to them. Or a few other things may happen-- they may make an offer before or while it starts. 

But one thing I promise you will have the phone number of the firm when opens by Monday----If you don't then you can come back to ASEAN and tell everyone that oxo1947 is .....Unbelievable ....

[nofarang]

My insurance company is MUANG THAI LIFE INSURANCE, they offer health insurance combined with life insurance. (life insurance is just a small amount, I think it is due to company regulations). I entered at 71, two years ago, inpatient premium is 135.000 Baht, i have no preexisting issues. Premium is modestly increased every five years.

 

The company was founded in 1951 and "was the first life insurance company to be appointed under the royal patronage of King Bhumibol Adulyadej", Wikipedia. Where I live, the insurance company has a very helpful English-speaking representative. Anyone interested may send me a board mail.