Replacing a 16-year-old bovine tissue aortic valve due to stenosis and regurgitation.  Will probably get another similar valve to avoid 'blood thinners,'  and then get a TAVI replacement far in the future.

 

My insurance will likely pay for this one, but does not have a provider list.  It's up to me to find hospitals and get quotes to submit.

 

Anyone know what western expat insurance considers a "reasonable and customary" fee schedule for aortic valve replacement?  I've asked them, still waiting on a response.

 

Bumrumgrad is quoting 1,4M baht ($43K) and BKK is quoting 1.6 ($49K).

 

Any other recommendations for hospitals? 

 

I had my last valve job done in India at Apollo for $12K, which included flights and seaside recovery resort.

What your insurer will accept is not normally based on a total amount; rather the hospital submits a detailed cost estimate broken down by all the different cost elements and the insurer reviews this, line by line. Your policy may have some specific limits on things like room charge, for example, and other applicable limits on various cost elements.

 

 After the hospital submits a detailed cost estimate,  typically some back and forth  and negotiation then occurs between hospital and insurer. 

 

I suggest you also try MedPark Hospital,  specifically Prof. Chartaroon there. https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/doctors/asst-prof-dr-chartaroon-rimsukcharoenchai

 

Since you already have a valve in place you obviously have history of aortic valve disease. This would make it a pre-existing condition in the eyes of most insurers. Ard you sure they will cover this?

 

AFAIK TAVI can be done using biological valve.  Valve type is not in itself reason to opt for conventionsl surgery over TAVI. Of course many factors influence choice of surgical technique so need to discuss your specific situation with  the surgeon.

Thanks, I'll look into Medpark, and of course review my insurance documentation.

 

I've got a $500K cover with a $2K per event deductible.  Policy was issued shortly after surgery with a 5-year moratorium on cardiac issues.  Moratorium expired 10 years ago.

11 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

Thanks, I'll look into Medpark, and of course review my insurance documentation.

 

I've got a $500K cover with a $2K per event deductible.  Policy was issued shortly after surgery with a 5-year moratorium on cardiac issues.  Moratorium expired 10 years ago.

Good luck and a speedy recovery!❤️‍🩹 

Going through pre-authorization with claims department now.  They haven't immediately declined, so that's a good sign, I think.

 

Reviewed policy documentation, they cover all in-patient up to the annual policy amount, with no breakdown of limits by event or type of service, plus up to $5K expenses for accompanying person travel.

 

At this stage, if we can get approval, would likely go with Bumrungrad International.

I had a TAVI at Bumrungrad last year. The estimate was 2.7 million baht. I'm almost 80 so there were complications and the final bill was 4 million. It was not cheap, but the doctors and staff were excellent. Today I can run and play.

12 minutes ago, lou norman said:

I had a TAVI at Bumrungrad last year. The estimate was 2.7 million baht. I'm almost 80 so there were complications and the final bill was 4 million. It was not cheap, but the doctors and staff were excellent. Today I can run and play.

 

My original beefsteak valve was most excellent.  Was walking a kilometer on the beach within a week, 10km hikes within a month, then on the bicycle doing centuries in the hills at two months.  At six months biked from China to Chiang Mai, at one year ran the marathon.

 

I don't expect I'll get the same results this time, though!

Medpark is a tad more expensive.

 

75K preliminary testing, plus 2.9M baht for the SAVR.

When I had Cigna and later BCBS, Bumrungrad was on the preferred list, and never had an issue with claims. That said, I never got preapproved. 

I am a retired USAF Lifer on Tricare. The Bumrungrad medical assistance center coordinated directly with SOS for approval and billing. Their team insured that Tricare covered all charges.

Go to a Health Deliver clinic who will compare rates at different hospitals for you and can deal direct with some insurers too.