both Expat clubs in pattaya offer members a health insurance plan, i think a few possible choices. does anyone know which plan is the best value for a foreigner living here? also do either offer a plan that covers health problems when outside of thailand?

i heard one covers the rest of the world except the U.S. of A.

so which plan from which pattaya expat club is the best? thank you !

The group policy offered by the Pattaya Expats Club was recommended to me.

When I asked a few questions I found that it only covers up to 65 years old – after that the insurance company will offer an individual policy, based upon claim history.

Now, I’m a few years away from that at present but it worries me that no-one can say what premiums I might have to pay.

With an individual policy with (for example) BUPA, provided you have been with them for a period of (I think) 5 years, they guarantee to renew cover up to 75 years of age at published premiums (obviously the premiums will change over the years, but at least you can see how they compare, and they will not be based on claim history - so I am told).

Another thing I found was the Expat Club premiums have increased by over 20% over the past 2-3 years. I’m not sure that the cost of health care has increased that much – in any case the maximum cover (1,000,000 baht) has not been raised.

I believe the policy provides cover outside the Kingdom. However, a 1,000,000 baht policy would not be sufficient in most European countries or the US.

I don’t know anything about the Pattaya City Expats Club policy, but would be interested to hear from anyone who does.

Same, Same, not different.

i see this topic which i started isn't getting the replies of some of the more importnat topics, like wondering if viagra is legal. i guess the consensus of the two people that replied is there is no difference between the two clubs' health plans? in other words, its not like one plan is valid in the us.a and the other isn't, or some other big difference?

maybe the reason for the low # of replies is because everyone here is so healthy; could that be it?

Maybe Thai Visa Insurance can help here.

Please look at the following link for the same medical coverage under Thai Visa Insurance group medical plans :

Policy Benefits - Plans 1 & 2

If you speak to AA insurance who is the Agent for this group plan that he markets to both Expat clubs you will find out that it is the same identical "group"plan offered. The coverages are the same as I believe that the insurance company in the end makes the rates possible by grouping all of these folks into one big group.

The offer is made to sound special for each club but if you check them out they are both the same plan as far as I can see.

This is a good plan for the person under 65. I enrolled for 2 years and now have other insurance but I continue to use AA for other insurance needs

If you speak to AA insurance who is the Agent for this group plan that he markets to both Expat clubs you will find out that it is the same identical "group"plan offered. The coverages are the same as I believe that the insurance company in the end makes the rates possible by grouping all of these folks into one big group.

The offer is made to sound special for each club but if you check them out they are both the same plan as far as I can see.

This is a good plan for the person under 65. I enrolled for 2 years and now have other insurance but I continue to use AA for other insurance needs

I just had a look at the plans for the expat club - http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/ExpatsGroupMedical.doc

The Thaivisa one seems the same exactly but is around 1,200 baht cheaper on Plan 1 and around 2,000 baht cheaper on plan 2 - http://insurance.thaivisa.com/medical-pack...plans-1--2.html

Their are only two insurance companies in Thailand that will cover you after age 65. Bupa and LMG. I have had Bupa for five yrs, two million Baht worth of insurance and they will cover me for life. I am 64 yrs old and I pay 55,000 Baht per yr.

Barry

I have been with BUPA for over a decade. I am happy with their service. I remain with them because they cover you for life provided you have been with them continuously since before turning 60 years of age. Many other insurance companies drop you once you turn 65, probably just when you will need health insurance the most.