What's the best play for me to get good health insurance that has direct billing and won't be difficult in an emergency and accept tourist visas?

 

I looked at things like STV180 from Pacific Cross, but they seem to have a ton of exclusions and difficult to figure out whats going on. I just want something like BUPA Thailand had back in the day. I had some kind of health insurance back in 2013 on tourist visas, so I figure possible still? If you have an address in Thailand registered?

 

I'm posting in this subforum because the Insurance subform seems to be pure spam now.

Better to get travel insurance whilst on a tourist visa although direct billing is unlikely. 

 

Even with health insurance I often hear the hospital wanting a big deposit first, the other day someone mentioned 400k baht

I don't know of any insurer who asks about visa type. But misrepresenting where you actually live can be an issue. 

 

Some travel policies will do direct payment for inpatient care.

 

How much of the year are you usually in Thailand for? 

 

Are there specific hospitals you are likely to use? (Direct payment arrangements are hodpital specific) 

6 hours ago, ericdk said:

Pacific Cross, but they seem to have a ton of exclusions

The most terrible one by far.

Buy a travel insurance locally.

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

I don't know of any insurer who asks about visa type. But misrepresenting where you actually live can be an issue. 

 

Some travel policies will do direct payment for inpatient care.

 

How much of the year are you usually in Thailand for? 

 

Are there specific hospitals you are likely to use? (Direct payment arrangements are hodpital specific) 

 

Hello Sheryl,

 

I am going to be in Thailand for 1 year probably and not travel much. 

 

As for hospitals, I'll be honest to say, in case of serious illness or accident, I'd not want anyone other Bumrungrad and Samitivej. Most of the plans I've looked at, the cheaper ones, are too low in Room and Board to pay for Bumrungrad for a solo room. Samitivej is a bit cheaper. Also important that the plans can pay for ICU room rates at Bumrungrad and Samitivej.

If you will maintain a permanent residence in your home country and plan to be in Thailand just a year, and if you are OK with only being covered for emergencies, then a travel policy would suit, and cost far less than regular health insurance. Some will cover for up to a year.

What is your country of residence?

9 hours ago, ericdk said:

get good health insurance

 

Good health insurance is one that actually pays.

 

Have you researched which companies are well known for paying up when needed, in Thailand?

33 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

If you will maintain a permanent residence in your home country and plan to be in Thailand just a year, and if you are OK with only being covered for emergencies, then a travel policy would suit, and cost far less than regular health insurance. Some will cover for up to a year.

What is your country of residence?

 

I intend to sublet my apartment so I won't have my address there probably.

 

I am a citizen of Denmark and live there.

26 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

Good health insurance is one that actually pays.

 

Have you researched which companies are well known for paying up when needed, in Thailand?

 

This is a typical expat response. Most of the big insurance companies pay out if you meet the criteria. A lot of people think they can bull<deleted> their way around terms or don't read them. I had LMG last time and they paid in full upfront, but were a bit slow to talk to the hospital (3-4 hours). 

16 minutes ago, ericdk said:

Most of the big insurance companies pay out if you meet the criteria

 

That's nice of most of them. 🙂

On 8/1/2025 at 10:11 PM, ericdk said:

 

Hello Sheryl,

 

I am going to be in Thailand for 1 year probably and not travel much. 

 

As for hospitals, I'll be honest to say, in case of serious illness or accident, I'd not want anyone other Bumrungrad and Samitivej. Most of the plans I've looked at, the cheaper ones, are too low in Room and Board to pay for Bumrungrad for a solo room. Samitivej is a bit cheaper. Also important that the plans can pay for ICU room rates at Bumrungrad and Samitivej.

 

 

Have you thought of talking to someone at these hospitals to get them to recommend a company to you tht pays their rates?

 

Because you are so selective, that is probably your best route and expect to pay a premium for the rate.

19 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Have you thought of talking to someone at these hospitals to get them to recommend a company to you tht pays their rates?

 

They will recommend whichever company will give them the biggest commission. 

43 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

They will recommend whichever company will give them the biggest commission. 

 

Probably , but they will give more than 1 recommendation. At least it is a start in the right direction instead of trying to figure it out on his own.  As he said, most providers are geared to mid-level hospitals, not the HISO hospitals  It will also make it easier to ensure the payments on done right

 

If you are going hiso hospital you are going to pay that is a fact.

4 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

 

 

 

If you are going hiso hospital you are going to pay that is a fact.

Not if you have good insurance, as I found out

It's not selective to prefer Bumrungrad, Samitivej or Bangkok Hospital for emergencies, that used to be the minimum.

For small stuff I'll be happy to visit Camillean or some other cheap private hospital.