Health Insurance

[Mister Fixit]

Hi

I'm arriving in Thailand from the UK in early November for a long stay, certainly 6 months, maybe for ever.

However, having been used to the National Health Serrvice in the UK to tend me, I realise now I'll have to pay for health insurance when over there.

I'd be grateful if any knowledgable person could suggest a decent company to use.

Is it better to use a UK company or a Thai one? Any suggestions? Would it be better to get repatriation cover in case of something serious

And what about cost? I've heard £500 a year is an average figure.

Any suggestions/recommendations most welcome!

[Harry Palmer]

http://www.bupathailand.com/

[Mister Fixit]

Thanks. Looks OK so far, but are there alternatives?

My brother lives in Spain and has changed from BUPA to a Spanish company as he says BUPA are now too expenseive.

Are there any Thai companies that are OK, or what about UK varieties?

BTW, why the Michael Caine theme?

[Artist]

I dont know about UK but in Australia if you pay for your air fare with a Gold Visa Card you get 3 months free travel insurance including Health Insurance. I have used this service and found it to be very good but I guess it varies from bank to bank. All travel agents in Australia are only too happy to sell you health insurance for your trip for a lot less than 500 pounds.

[withnail]

Roughly how much will bupa cover cost me also is there a medical required when you sign up?

[Sulaphat]

A number of Thai insurance companies as well as the Thai offices of foreign insurance companies offer medical insurance. Cost compares quite favorably with what is offered by insurance companies outside of Thailand.

Coverage is perhaps not quite as broad as you would find in the US, the UK or Australia, (no cover for elective surgery, treatment of STD's and some other exclusions not always found in more sophisticated insurance markets). Limits are lower, too, reflecting the relatively lower cost of medical care in Thailand. Because of the relatively low cost, some people find that they can absorb the cost of out-patient care and therefore purchase in-patient only coverage. This avoids "trading baht" with the insurance company for minor things.

Pre-existing conditions will be excluded. So if you have something for which you have had prior treatment, it will not be covered. Most insurers do not require a medical examination, but you will have to fill out a questionnaire which will ask you to list any existing conditions or treatments. Don't try to fudge this. Insurers can void a policy and deny a claim if relevant medical history was not revealed. If you have existing health issues, insurers may limit coverage so as to exclude those conditions, or decline to cover you.

Bupa is represented locally and is one of the better insurers to use for medical insurance. But there are others and you should look around and find a plan that is right for your needs. Cost will depend on what level of benefit you choose and your age. Repatriation cover is available from most insurers. For 500 pounds annually you are probably looking at in-patient only cover with some deductibles.

[nogutsnoapplepie]

http://www.bupathailand.com/personal.asp#

All the benefits and prices are listed here.

[CSM Ltd]

Hi Mr Fixit - CSM Ltd offer a range of medical insurance plans from a number of product providers.Please take a look at the benefits and costs and feel free to revert with any questions or queries.

[sprq]

http://th.aviva-asia.com/personal/health.htm

BUPA is a poor deal, Aviva is much better, and also British by origin.

[chaladmak]

funny! never had any insurance - and still alive somehow.... although been in quite few countries in Asia so far

[NiceFarang]

in my opinion Bupa Thailand is awful.

The prospectus seems fine and even the docs re submitting.

Wait until you get your full policy docs and you will find out you are covered for squat diddly.

If sold like this in UK or the west they would be prosecuted big time.

They could not sell policies in this way in the West now

Bupa Thailand- YUK!

I think you would be better off getting a long term travel insurance policy from your home country- Much better off for cover and also for cost.