38 minutes ago, Palatus said:

In a developed country

You're on a web board called ASEAN Now. :)

5 hours ago, wil iam not said:

Surely it depends on your disposable income. If, like me, you live comfortably on your pension, if Insurance Premiums are say Bht 50,000 a month more, then it is impossible.

Or I guess you could pay it on a Credit Card, and hope that they will write off the debt when you kick it.

50,000 a month????

Nobody has premiums that high.

7 hours ago, wil iam not said:

Surely it depends on your disposable income. If, like me, you live comfortably on your pension, if Insurance Premiums are say Bht 50,000 a month more, then it is impossible.

Or I guess you could pay it on a Credit Card, and hope that they will write off the debt when you kick it.

It's not about what I can afford.

But I pay every month around 300 Euro. Means not more than 12.000 Baht. Inpatient only. No deductibles.

Health insurance is absolutely pointless as long as you are in good health. A different thing it is, when you are diagnosed with a truly serious health issue, costing tons of money. (The older one gets, the liklyhood of serious health issues increases exponentially).

Remember the wild-fires in California. There were only 2 kinds of homeowners left: The ones with insurance and the ones without insurance.

So, insurance yes or no? Welcome at the Roulette table of life.

Plenty of cases, where Farangs in Thailand have lost everything, buried under hospital bills. A good number of them having taken pride in exclaiming "I am in perfect health, never felt better in my life".

Of course, this was before they found out that they were sitting on the wrong side of lifes Roulette table.

Im ready to retire in a few months time (67) I've been shopping around for health coverage seems around 400 euros per month is not unusual i was hoping people would give what it is costing them but it seems most are on self insured plus crossed fingers

I self-insure in Thailand. I have top level private health cover in Australia. In baht, about 60,000 a year. It paid for inguinal hernia surgery and chemotherapy two years ago.

At age 82 with multiple pre-existing conditions, I probably would be rejected by insurers here anyway. I manage my health with diet and exercise.

My other insurance is my Thai family. I am their primary source of income, if I have a stroke or are in a wheelchair, they will be there to "take care".

I have found government hospitals here are just as good as the private ones, as long as one can cope with the long waiting times.

They certainly don't muck around in emergency situations. IME the ED response time I got at Prachanukroh in Chiang Rai put Australian ED's to shame.

Mid-50s and I have never had health insurance. I lead a very healthy lifestyle, eat well, exercise daily and have no "health vices". I have the money to cover any necessary treatment that may arise. Blood tests are all excellent and I have zero health concerns. Some people would no doubt see my choosing not to have health insurance as highly irresponsible. How much have I saved by not paying health insurance premiums over the years? Quite a lot, I imagine.

19 hours ago, Hummin said:

Im still interested to know what you life is worth now compared to when you where 55 or 60?

In GBP or NOK?

5 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

In GBP or NOK?

Do you value your life as much now as you did back then ? Simple as that.

Meaning if you get seriously ill, and money can save you, would you now say F. It, Im old, and no need to waste money to keep me alive a few more years, or would your survival instinct kick in? And you value your life as much as anyone else at younger age, and especially your younger self?

I can say, I value my life now more closer to 60, than I ever have done in my life before, now doing less of the fun and exiting activities and work. Before I did everything that was exiting, both in stupid reckless activities and also in work, and I was willing to risk my life for the next adrenalin fix or project.

The last 10 years riding motorbikes in Thailand, could had ended my life anytime, or cripled me for rest of my life, and Im not willing to take those risks anymore. Im settled, happy, and want to preserve my life as it is as long as possible. Therefor Im willing to pay insurance so I can, if something happens, that can be fixed with money, and do not worry about spending all of my savings.

But if Im 75 - 77 - 80, maybe I would think, I had a great life, no need to spend 10 million to live a few years more or 10 who knows.

11 minutes ago, Hummin said:

But if Im 75 - 77 - 80, maybe I would think, I had a great life, no need to spend 10 million to live a few years more or 10 who knows.

I totally agree.

However, my life has not changed drastically in the past 15 years, since I was early 60s, all's good, health OK. So when I go upstairs, I can say I have had a good life.

On 1/27/2026 at 9:06 AM, Packer said:

For a product that can simply refuse to pay out when they need it to, in which case it was millions of THB wasted.

No, they can not simply refuse to pay out.
The insurance was there, so not millions of Baht wasted.

4 hours ago, Hummin said:

Do you value your life as much now as you did back then ? Simple as that.

Meaning if you get seriously ill, and money can save you, would you now say F. It, Im old, and no need to waste money to keep me alive a few more years, or would your survival instinct kick in? And you value your life as much as anyone else at younger age, and especially your younger self?

I can say, I value my life now more closer to 60, than I ever have done in my life before, now doing less of the fun and exiting activities and work. Before I did everything that was exiting, both in stupid reckless activities and also in work, and I was willing to risk my life for the next adrenalin fix or project.

The last 10 years riding motorbikes in Thailand, could had ended my life anytime, or cripled me for rest of my life, and Im not willing to take those risks anymore. Im settled, happy, and want to preserve my life as it is as long as possible. Therefor Im willing to pay insurance so I can, if something happens, that can be fixed with money, and do not worry about spending all of my savings.

But if Im 75 - 77 - 80, maybe I would think, I had a great life, no need to spend 10 million to live a few years more or 10 who knows.

Especially at older ages, needed medical care often relates to quality of life more (or instead of) quantity.

Pain relief. Mobility. Eyesight. Etc.

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

No, they can not simply refuse to pay out.
The insurance was there, so not millions of Baht wasted.

They employee people to find ways not to pay out.

3 minutes ago, Packer said:

They employee people to find ways not to pay out.

This is really nonsense. Judging from what I've read about health insurance industry in the US, maybe there with certain companies. But in other parts of the world, no.

15 hours ago, Dave0206 said:

Im ready to retire in a few months time (67) I've been shopping around for health coverage seems around 400 euros per month is not unusual i was hoping people would give what it is costing them but it seems most are on self insured plus crossed fingers

400 euros a month is high for age 67. More like 250 would be normal provided you;

1. Look at internationally issued expat plans rather than Thai companies. These are more better regulated (assuming issued in a first world country) and at older ages rates usually less and cover higher.

2. Look at plans that cover only hospitalization ( including day procedures, chemo and dialysis). And if thrre is more thsn one tier of those analyze the difference.

3. Use a (Western based) broker specializing in expat policies.

4. Analyze various deductible options. Typically a lower end deductible will more than pay for itself.

5. Look at paying annually rather than monthly (often saves 10%).

15 hours ago, Dave0206 said:

Im ready to retire in a few months time (67) I've been shopping around for health coverage seems around 400 euros per month is not unusual i was hoping people would give what it is costing them but it seems most are on self insured plus crossed fingers

If you can afford 400 E per month that's great.The only caveat here is what can be considered "pre existing" conditions. At 67 there's a good possibility you may not be 100% defect free which will give the insurance co. an excuse to deny a claim. Is there a way to avoid the chance that you'll have paid hefty premiums only to have a claim denied. That would be my main concern. Have you never had one health issue in 67 years?

Anyone know if those of us who extend their visas in Thailand annually (retirement extension) can use the insurance that AXA, among others offer for those who have O-A, O-X and LTR visas?

I'm with PC now but find AXA cheaper. (however, that's online)

Thanks, Felt

I am 67 and pay about 10,000 a month , over the term of the insurance I have had 2 colonoscopy and had 2 operations for AF - Catheter ablation and a few other minor treatments .

For me definitely worth while and has saved me a lot of money and stress .

I considered reducing the payments this year but once you go to a lower cover they will not then let you go back , so decided to keep the current plan .

I have a few exclusions in relation to the heart but managed to get cover for the catheter ablation as it was diagnosed as atrial flutter rather than atrial fibrillation.

The catheter ablation was about 700,000 a shot and I don't think it would help if you were also worried about raising funds , maybe at short notice .

22 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

It's a gamble with health insurance and a gamble without, I've spent zero on health insurance, i have personal accident insurance where they can't deny the claim because it's an accident.

I'm ready to pony up with the money for treatment if i need to, in most cases for health conditions i should have time to review hospitals incl govt, even going abroad if need be.

Also try to keep healthy with diet and exercise.

I wouldn't want to be worrying about if a claim will be paid, imagine that, spend most of your money on premiums to get a claim denied.

and don't forget, premiums will keep going up until they become unaffordable when you need it the most

and don't forget, premiums will keep going up until they become unaffordable when you need it the most

That's NOT true. Fake facts

....

" Is there a way to avoid the chance that you'll have paid hefty premiums only to have a claim denied. That would be my main concern.".

Yes, there is. Get a policy based on "full medical underwriting" (as opposed to a moratorium policy), answer all questiond honestly and in full. You might end up with some exclusions buf if so, you will know in advance. Also, try to select an insurer with good payment record.

"Have you never had one health issue in 67 years?"

Having ever had a health issue does not automatically mean there is a pre-existing condition. A prior health issue that is now fully resolved and requiring no sort of ongoing treatment is not usually condidered a pre-existing condition.

In addition, insurers vary in how they handle pre-existing conditions that are stable/well controlled....e.g blood pressure thst is normal on daily medication or elevated lipids ditto. This is where services of a good broker can be very helpful.

29 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

select an insurer with good payment record.

Where to find these records?

AFAIK insurance companies don't publish the % of claims they deny or pay.

5 hours ago, D Peter said:

and don't forget, premiums will keep going up until they become unaffordable when you need it the most

That's NOT true. Fake facts

There has never been better facts than that, you will see

On 1/27/2026 at 9:06 AM, Packer said:

In your life time, how much have you spent on private health insurance? How much has private health insurance paid out for treatment you needed?

Bout Bt. 500 a month.

On 1/27/2026 at 5:59 PM, Sheryl said:

50,000 a month????

Nobody has premiums that high.

This chart, from another thread, shows $103,000 annual, for a 65 year old. That is $8583 per month = Bht 267,500.

43 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

And where is that chart from? For what type of cover in what country(ies)?

Even in the US nobody pays that much.

Please do not post extracts without source. .

Usual cost for a 65 year old in Thailand (hospitaluzation cover) averages 2,000 - 4,000 USD annually depending on policy, deductible option etc.

I have excellent cover and at age 73 am paying a bit over 5k annually.

On topic ... thankfully healthcare insurance & coverage isn't silly like in USA. Though if on the minimum income for visa requirements, and not use an agent to skirt them, not cheap on the fixed income.

Only concern would be, not a 'reimburse' policy, as you would need to have the funds anywy, and the other concern, IF they don't deny the claim. Not to trusting in the latter.

Off topic, for you pleasure ....

... With this discussion, researching and healthcare is even more off the charts cost than I thought in USA, until you are eligible for Medicare after 65-66-67, now 67, I think. Which if on fixed income only, isn't cheap either, as big chunk of the income.

I used male, 50, non smoker as filter. Rates dropping after on Medicare, as only subsidizes that coverage.

AI pointing out, average decent plan, is $800+ month premium, and doesn't cover the first $9200, of say, a $100k surgery, which is easily racked up. My back surgery cost $250+k, almost 30 yrs ago (employer ins covered). 20% deductible after that for care & med.

That $9200 out of pocket is per year, not per incident, so if long term care is needed, that costs $9600 in yearly premiums + $9200 = $18,800, before and added 20% for actually treatment & meds.

If of course, they don't drop you, as they did a friend, when mistakenly diagnosed with cancer, after years of premiums 🙄

Good news ... That will bankrupt you to the point, you'll now qualify for Medicaid

Mind boggling, that it cost $9600 a year for coverage, and if using it, cost $18,800, before it actually covers anything.

That scenario would be for people self employed, and don't have employer provided healthcare insurance, which for me, was half my earning years, and part of the reason, at 32 yrs old, and went back to a salaried job.

Yep, saved, or would have saved a small fortune, not have healthcare ins in USA, especially after ACA, as cost skyrocketed after that was passed. I was out of the work place at that point, of ACA mandated for everyone.

Think I'll stay in TH, as I really can't get that sick at govt hospital here. Stent placement (2) cost $6500, less that yearly premiums in USA.

On 1/27/2026 at 10:55 AM, newbee2022 said:

That's the wrong question:

Most people come here in their retirement age and looking for Health Insurance.

So it doesn't matter how many millions (😂) you spent before.

And you are also wrong to claim there is not an affordable insurance when getting older. It seems just to be an excuse not to have any.

I had a OA retirement visa, switched to marriage extension to avoid health insurance requirement. Applied for insurance at 66 gave me medical. Because of a stent the price was crazy, 100000 excess for year before any cover. 10 years later I have spent 12000 baht on hospital visits. Money in bank will cover anything serious and pay for the final bbq. Never thought about health insurance in Australia, medicare was cheap.

Best move I ever made for getting health insurance here for myself and the family. My son and I have had more back in claims than the premium every year! Just last year alone my claims were in excess of 600kTHB for cancer treatment. The year previous also had some big claims especially after spending 11 days in hospital on one occasion!

My son had also had a couple of stays in hospital for illnesses.

Only my wife has been the fully healthy one! 🙂

8 minutes ago, Bruce Aussie said:

I had a OA retirement visa, switched to marriage extension to avoid health insurance requirement. Applied for insurance at 66 gave me medical. Because of a stent the price was crazy, 100000 excess for year before any cover. 10 years later I have spent 12000 baht on hospital visits. Money in bank will cover anything serious and pay for the final bbq. Never thought about health insurance in Australia, medicare was cheap.

I' not sure what you want to tell me....? A. It's not necessary to buy a Health Insurance when living in Thailand? B. Pay by yourself, because it might be cheaper? C. You didn't find the proper Health Insurance? D. I don't know? Your pick?

I have had health insurance most of my life, and it always paid for itself. Here, I can say that I have probably not claimed as much, but it is still important to have. All you need is one accident or issue, and you see how important it is.

In Canada, I had military hospitals, but my spouse had to pay, and having the medical coverage was huge. Whyen I retired it was evenmore important and a great saviour.

If you get diabetes, HBP, or something similar, you get the reimbursement. Yes, I have a medical backpack, but it is nice when I dip into it to know I will replenish it a bit.

As an example, you may have car insurance all your life and each year pay for it on a basis that is probablyhigher than Health insurance. You may never have an accident, but then you have your cr written off by a drunk Thai. How does the insurance look now?