Is direct billing necessary? What is your experience with guarantee of payment letter?

[global expat]

I got a UK inpatient only Insurance policy from western based broker. He told me that direct billing is not necessary as guarantee of payment letter can be provided. I talk to some hospitals and they mention the insurance company is not part of their direct billing list.  Is direct billing necessary? What is your experience with guarantee of payment letter? 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

Whether a letter of guarantee will be accepted by the hospital will depend upon the hospital's credit control policy, previous experience with the insurer and other factors specific to the hospital.

[global expat]

@Etaoin Shrdlu one of the hospitals  told me the person will stay at the hospital until they receive payment from the insurance company or the person. 

 

The broker told me the insurance company has a good track record of paying it. It is a huge upgrade of my previous one which is a thai policy. 

 

I am planning to send my insurance card to multiple hospitals in bangkok. 

 

Thanks mate 

[jerrymahoney]

Bumrungrad lists their direct pay insurers here: https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/insurance

Your insurer should be able to tell you which hospitals in Thailand with whom they do have direct pay agreements.

[jerrymahoney]

I had CIGNA Global for about 5 years. Then I moved to Ubon Ratchathani where they had no direct pay with any of the 3 private hospitals. They said, even if I had a large procedure, I would have to pay first and then be reimbursed but MAYBE they could work something out.

I said forget it and changed insurer.

[global expat]

@jerrymahoney I realize direct billing is important. Thanks mate