Health Insurance, How Much Do I Need?

[heybruce]

I am considering health insurance options and don't know how much I'll need to cover an emergency hospital stay. Does anyone know how much it costs per day in a typical Thai hospital? What does a high-end hospital cost? Thanks for your help.

[elektrified]

Sripat was about 1500/day but I believe they raised their rates around the beginning of this year. I think they may be as much as 2500 now. Chiang Mai Ram I assume is more.

[JimSiam]

Broke a finger

Nakornping in Chiang Mai 5,500 baht for General anesthetic to re break it and one night in ward.

2 weeks later

Vejathani in Bangkok, bone not set as plaster had slipped, re break again, general anesthetic again, put in wire, one night in hospital 62,000 baht.

First visit insurance excess was 400 baht, second in Bangkok 3,400 baht excess covered under Thaivisa's Silver plan, just on 15,000 for 12 months.

[heybruce]

Broke a finger

Nakornping in Chiang Mai 5,500 baht for General anesthetic to re break it and one night in ward.

2 weeks later

Vejathani in Bangkok, bone not set as plaster had slipped, re break again, general anesthetic again, put in wire, one night in hospital 62,000 baht.

First visit insurance excess was 400 baht, second in Bangkok 3,400 baht excess covered under Thaivisa's Silver plan, just on 15,000 for 12 months.

That is quite a lot more than I expected after talking to some Thai friends. Does Thailand have a two tier pricing system where foreigners pay much more?

[JimSiam]

Broke a finger

Nakornping in Chiang Mai 5,500 baht for General anesthetic to re break it and one night in ward.

2 weeks later

Vejathani in Bangkok, bone not set as plaster had slipped, re break again, general anesthetic again, put in wire, one night in hospital 62,000 baht.

First visit insurance excess was 400 baht, second in Bangkok 3,400 baht excess covered under Thaivisa's Silver plan, just on 15,000 for 12 months.

That is quite a lot more than I expected after talking to some Thai friends. Does Thailand have a two tier pricing system where foreigners pay much more?

The private hospitals charge same to both. The amount of foreigners i saw in Vejathani would no way make enough for them to build a fancy hospital like that.

Yes, some Thai's would say its not expensive to get treatment here, but in a general ward with no AC under the free health cover they have isn't really so good.

my health insurance cost me just on 15,000 baht, these two op's cost over 70,000 with follow up, and yes if you only have IPD and stay in hospital most follow up as OPD is covered too. I never got anything near this ratio back per year in my home country on the health insurance there.

[annabel]

Broke a finger

Nakornping in Chiang Mai 5,500 baht for General anesthetic to re break it and one night in ward.

2 weeks later

Vejathani in Bangkok, bone not set as plaster had slipped, re break again, general anesthetic again, put in wire, one night in hospital 62,000 baht.

First visit insurance excess was 400 baht, second in Bangkok 3,400 baht excess covered under Thaivisa's Silver plan, just on 15,000 for 12 months.

That is quite a lot more than I expected after talking to some Thai friends. Does Thailand have a two tier pricing system where foreigners pay much more?

The private hospitals charge same to both. The amount of foreigners i saw in Vejathani would no way make enough for them to build a fancy hospital like that.

Yes, some Thai's would say its not expensive to get treatment here, but in a general ward with no AC under the free health cover they have isn't really so good.

my health insurance cost me just on 15,000 baht, these two op's cost over 70,000 with follow up, and yes if you only have IPD and stay in hospital most follow up as OPD is covered too. I never got anything near this ratio back per year in my home country on the health insurance there.

I can't see on the premium rates for Bronze, Silver or Gold on their link. It only shows premiums for the "5 Million Baht Policy Details"

Where can I see or find out what the premiums are for Bronze, Silver or Gold...? The Premiums for the 5 Mil Baht Policy are very high

PREMIUMS (BAHT)

51-55

56-60

61-65

Maxi Care

63,000

71,500

88,500

Ultra Care

94,500

112,000

132,000

starting at 63,000 Baht ( 51 - 55 years old) for Maxi Care and up to 94,500 for Ultra Care ... ??

Edited May 31, 2010 by annabel

[xylophone]

Of course it depends upon the type of "emergency" stay in hospital. For example a mild heart attack or stroke is going to cost you in the hundreds of thousands of baht, whereas a few stitches in a cut finger, a lot less. The question is a bit like "how long is a piece of string"!!!

A friend was admitted to hospital with internal bleeding and was in the ICU for three days, then a private room for two days.......total cost with all medications was around 350k baht.

If you have cover from an overseas policy make sure that it DOES cover you if you are here, as many don't if you are out of the issuing country for more than a specified time.

[JoePai]

Broke a finger

Nakornping in Chiang Mai 5,500 baht for General anesthetic to re break it and one night in ward.

2 weeks later

Vejathani in Bangkok, bone not set as plaster had slipped, re break again, general anesthetic again, put in wire, one night in hospital 62,000 baht.

First visit insurance excess was 400 baht, second in Bangkok 3,400 baht excess covered under Thaivisa's Silver plan, just on 15,000 for 12 months.

That is quite a lot more than I expected after talking to some Thai friends. Does Thailand have a two tier pricing system where foreigners pay much more?

The private hospitals charge same to both. The amount of foreigners i saw in Vejathani would no way make enough for them to build a fancy hospital like that.

Yes, some Thai's would say its not expensive to get treatment here, but in a general ward with no AC under the free health cover they have isn't really so good.

my health insurance cost me just on 15,000 baht, these two op's cost over 70,000 with follow up, and yes if you only have IPD and stay in hospital most follow up as OPD is covered too. I never got anything near this ratio back per year in my home country on the health insurance there.

I can't see on the premium rates for Bronze, Silver or Gold on their link. It only shows premiums for the "5 Million Baht Policy Details"

Where can I see or find out what the premiums are for Bronze, Silver or Gold...? The Premiums for the 5 Mil Baht Policy are very high

PREMIUMS (BAHT)

51-55

56-60

61-65

Maxi Care

63,000

71,500

88,500

Ultra Care

94,500

112,000

132,000

starting at 63,000 Baht ( 51 - 55 years old) for Maxi Care and up to 94,500 for Ultra Care ... ??

http://insurance.thaivisa.com/medical-pack...plans-1--2.html

[heybruce]

Of course it depends upon the type of "emergency" stay in hospital. For example a mild heart attack or stroke is going to cost you in the hundreds of thousands of baht, whereas a few stitches in a cut finger, a lot less. The question is a bit like "how long is a piece of string"!!!

A friend was admitted to hospital with internal bleeding and was in the ICU for three days, then a private room for two days.......total cost with all medications was around 350k baht.

If you have cover from an overseas policy make sure that it DOES cover you if you are here, as many don't if you are out of the issuing country for more than a specified time.

Both in reviewing policy options and talking to Thai friends I got the impression that there is a flat rate per day for a standard hospital room and another flat rate for ICU's. These flat rates cover basic hospital room services, medication and visits by doctors or specialists cost extra. The policies I am considering offer different levels of maximum payment for standard and ICU hospital rooms, and different caps on the other expenses. I can't make an intelligent choice from the different plans without information on what a typical hospital charges for the hospital room only.

[bikerjoy]

GET YOURSELF A BUPA INSURANCE, OFFICE ON SUPERHIGHWAY NEXT TO CAR INSURANCE THAISRI!

[heybruce]

I'm surprised about the lack of response to the question: What is typical price for the base room rate for a hospital stay in Thailand? Surely there must be a few ThaiVisa members who have had overnight stays in hospital in this country and looked at the itemized bill. I'm just trying to decide what is an appropriate level of insurance to buy if I get in a motorbike accident; I don't want to pay 20000 baht if I can get adequate coverage for half that. If I'm diagnosed with cancer or something like that I'll go back to the U.S. and let the VA take care of me.

[JoePai]

I'm surprised about the lack of response to the question: What is typical price for the base room rate for a hospital stay in Thailand? Surely there must be a few ThaiVisa members who have had overnight stays in hospital in this country and looked at the itemized bill. I'm just trying to decide what is an appropriate level of insurance to buy if I get in a motorbike accident; I don't want to pay 20000 baht if I can get adequate coverage for half that. If I'm diagnosed with cancer or something like that I'll go back to the U.S. and let the VA take care of me.

Talk to a good Broker - Thai Visa Insurance Broker has always helped us

[kamalabob2]

I've had Health Insurance for my family initially two years from "Thai Health Insurance" and for almost three years with BUPA. I selected the Health Insurace through a licensed Native English speaking Broker in Phuket named Eric Dohlon. A few years back in just an eight hour in-patient stay at Bumrungrad Hospital for my wife to have some tests that were covered while she rested in a SHARED room the bill was just under 50,000 baht. No operation. It more than covered the cost of two years of her policy in just one incident.

Forward a few years and one day in Bangkok I had sudden pains and had a short notice elective in patient surgery with one night at a less expensive Private Hospital. I was impressed with the service and facilities of Bangkok Christian Hospital for this minor surgery.

BUPA covered 100% of all my costs with DIRECT PAY TO THE HOSPITAL, and even though I have only IN-PATIENT coverage it did in fact do a a"pay hospital first, you mail us the 2 pieces of paper, we mail you back a check for the full amount of the follow up procedure", all done in one week.

Eric Dohlon advised me on this process, there were no snags, no unpleasant surprises.

The O.P. has only seen part of the "hospital prices" in my opinion and he is wise to request some answers here prior to contacting a couple of Independent Insurance Brokers.

In my MINOR operation the costs were:

6,200 baht for a VIP private room. They have much less expensive at that hospital, but my BUPA plan easily had this room in the coverage.

25,746 for "Hospital Charges" This was a long list, but REALLY the "room charge" is just the start of costs in ANY hospital.

16,500 for "Surgical fee" which is whatever the Doctor wants to charge. I've been told the Insurance company would challenge an out of line fee. but this was not challenged.

Total 48,446 for one night in a moderate priced hospital for a minor operation. Far more than a policy cost for two years.

I hope this helps the O.P.

[heybruce]

I've had Health Insurance for my family initially two years from "Thai Health Insurance" and for almost three years with BUPA. I selected the Health Insurace through a licensed Native English speaking Broker in Phuket named Eric Dohlon. A few years back in just an eight hour in-patient stay at Bumrungrad Hospital for my wife to have some tests that were covered while she rested in a SHARED room the bill was just under 50,000 baht. No operation. It more than covered the cost of two years of her policy in just one incident.

Forward a few years and one day in Bangkok I had sudden pains and had a short notice elective in patient surgery with one night at a less expensive Private Hospital. I was impressed with the service and facilities of Bangkok Christian Hospital for this minor surgery.

BUPA covered 100% of all my costs with DIRECT PAY TO THE HOSPITAL, and even though I have only IN-PATIENT coverage it did in fact do a a"pay hospital first, you mail us the 2 pieces of paper, we mail you back a check for the full amount of the follow up procedure", all done in one week.

Eric Dohlon advised me on this process, there were no snags, no unpleasant surprises.

The O.P. has only seen part of the "hospital prices" in my opinion and he is wise to request some answers here prior to contacting a couple of Independent Insurance Brokers.

In my MINOR operation the costs were:

6,200 baht for a VIP private room. They have much less expensive at that hospital, but my BUPA plan easily had this room in the coverage.

25,746 for "Hospital Charges" This was a long list, but REALLY the "room charge" is just the start of costs in ANY hospital.

16,500 for "Surgical fee" which is whatever the Doctor wants to charge. I've been told the Insurance company would challenge an out of line fee. but this was not challenged.

Total 48,446 for one night in a moderate priced hospital for a minor operation. Far more than a policy cost for two years.

I hope this helps the O.P.

Thanks for the details. I still can't help but think that there is a two tier pricing system. I had a Thai friend who had knee surgery in a private hospital in Chiang Mai, with three days in a shared room to recover. I don't remember the exact cost, but it was under 30k baht. But if farangs and possibly their Thai spouses, are charged more I better look at some of the higher end plans.

[kamalabob2]

I am not sure if there is a "two tier" pricing system, but that would be real effort on the part of the hospital. Maybe you can check the web site in both Thai and English versions to see if the ROOM charges list prices different or if the "check up programs" list a different price in Thai than English.

http://www.bkkchristianhosp.th.com/main_service.asp?lang=E

I found my actual Hospital bill from December 2009: A room with a list price of 4700 baht has mandatory extras to make it 6000. That was up front on the "photo book of rooms" they showed me upon admission. This was the most expensive room at this hospital, when my wife stayed at the same hospital she stayed in a private room that cost 3,500 baht with the mandatory extra fees.

A licensed Independent Insurance Broker might be able to explain this better in person or via e-mails to you, but this actual bill for a MINOR procedure gives you a real clue of the fees at a "medium priced" Private NOT FOR PROFIT hospital.

[madmitch]

Heybruce, where in Thailand are you?

As far as I am aware there is not a two tier pricing system in Thai hospitals, it is just that Westerners are more likely to use the more expensive hospitals and therefore require a higher level of insurance than most Thais. You need to take this into account. Bumungrad, Bangkok Hospital and it's various offshoots are very expensive and should therefore be avoided if you choose the lower end of cover. At the same time you don't want to go to the local 30 baht hospital either.

The room cost is potentially one of the least important parts of the policy. If you have a 3,000 baht room with a 2,000 baht limit you can just pay the difference. Look at the rest of the policy to ensure you have adequate limits for surgery in the event of a serious illness. You'll also find the cost of medication extortionate as this is where the hospitals make a large proportion of their profit.

There are many options available and a good broker should offer you a number of products and recommend the best for your particular requirements. Discounts are often available for outpatient exclusions, geographical limitations and if you are prepared to carry a deductible/excess.

LMG and BUPA have the better lower end products.

[FarangCravings]

Heybruce, where in Thailand are you?

As far as I am aware there is not a two tier pricing system in Thai hospitals, it is just that Westerners are more likely to use the more expensive hospitals and therefore require a higher level of insurance than most Thais. You need to take this into account. Bumungrad, Bangkok Hospital and it's various offshoots are very expensive and should therefore be avoided if you choose the lower end of cover. At the same time you don't want to go to the local 30 baht hospital either.

The room cost is potentially one of the least important parts of the policy. If you have a 3,000 baht room with a 2,000 baht limit you can just pay the difference. Look at the rest of the policy to ensure you have adequate limits for surgery in the event of a serious illness. You'll also find the cost of medication extortionate as this is where the hospitals make a large proportion of their profit.

There are many options available and a good broker should offer you a number of products and recommend the best for your particular requirements. Discounts are often available for outpatient exclusions, geographical limitations and if you are prepared to carry a deductible/excess.

LMG and BUPA have the better lower end products.

i think that is arse about face

My bill at CM Ram after a motorcycle accident was 385,000 baht and only 80,000 of that was for the surgery most of it was for the hospital costs room was 2900 baht a night (3 week stay) I had an 8 hour operation with 2 surgeons and an aenetisiologist i was amazed that they got so little for the surgery.

I wish I had had insurance LOL anything less than a 385,000 baht policy I would be ahead of the game

Edited July 21, 2010 by FarangCravings

[HampiK]

... anything less than a 385,000 baht policy I would be ahead of the game

I always was thinking an insurance with only 500'000 Baht is too less.. Till now i always was thinking for an insurance of 1 or 2 million Baht.

But with an insurance for only 500'000 Baht you could safe a lot of money.

For example Swissinsurance with will be around 500$ per year (35'000 Baht)

[FarangCravings]

... anything less than a 385,000 baht policy I would be ahead of the game

I always was thinking an insurance with only 500'000 Baht is too less.. Till now i always was thinking for an insurance of 1 or 2 million Baht.

But with an insurance for only 500'000 Baht you could safe a lot of money.

For example Swissinsurance with will be around 500$ per year (35'000 Baht)

I think 1 Million is min needed, I had a friend admitted into hospital a few days after my bike accident he had a bike accident too he was in an induced coma for 3 weeks in ICU his bill after coming out after 5-6 weeks was 1.1 Million so it depends but I think 1 Million should cover most bad accidents.

[harrry]

My bill at the semi public Maharaj (SuanDork) after a motor bike accident was 15000 baht and compulsory insurance paid 14500. This was 3 days stay and excellent medical and nursing care and a one hour op.

Edited July 23, 2010 by harrry

[thaiericsweden]

Health insurance has to be within your budget. Buy as much as you can reasonably afford. Health insurance is only a back-up solution. You should do your best to live a healthy life-style and avoid situations that can get you hurt. Driving or riding a motorcycle is most definitely not a prudent way to get around. Make no mistake about it, motorcycles are dangerous. Serious motorcycle accidents can require millions of Baht of medical care. Putting a cap on the insurance at a few hundred thousand Baht can be disastrous in certain situations.

For some persons, 100,000 Baht is enough; for some, a million Baht is enough; for some, a million USD is not enough. I have seen all sorts of requests for insurance. The sky is the limit and surprisingly, the most expensive health insurance is not always the best.

Why???

Not all insurance companies are equal.

Anyone can compare policy benefits and premiums because they are readily accessible.

What about the features that you cannot see and investigate before you buy a policy?

Below are a few reasons that gave rise to problems with my customers:

1. Initial low premiums followed by very high premium increases after customer has claims.

2. Unprofessional staff, slow claims processing services.

3. Staff incapable of communicating in English.

4. Documentation only available in Thai language.

5. Lack of development of the products to match changing market demands.

6. Higher-than-average premiums compared to the benefits offered.

7. Overly restrictive exclusion wording to the disadvantage of customers.

8. Additional medical exclusions and deductibles added to policies on renewals.

9. Unusually low premiums compared to the policy benefits (how can some companies offer more and charge less?).

Buying insurance through a broker normally gives you the best protection...........if you use a knowledgeable and reputable broker.

Not all brokers are equally knowledgeable of all areas of insurance.

Brokers will not charge any extra for their services, the premium is the same as if you purchased the insurance direct from the insurance company.

Take your time and compare information before you make a final choice.

Choosing health insurance is a bit like getting married. Choose the right one and it is a pleasureable experience; choose the wrong one and it is a nightmare.

[Awk]

Health insurance has to be within your budget. Buy as much as you can reasonably afford. Health insurance is only a back-up solution. You should do your best to live a healthy life-style and avoid situations that can get you hurt. Driving or riding a motorcycle is most definitely not a prudent way to get around. Make no mistake about it, motorcycles are dangerous. Serious motorcycle accidents can require millions of Baht of medical care. Putting a cap on the insurance at a few hundred thousand Baht can be disastrous in certain situations.

For some persons, 100,000 Baht is enough; for some, a million Baht is enough; for some, a million USD is not enough. I have seen all sorts of requests for insurance. The sky is the limit and surprisingly, the most expensive health insurance is not always the best.

I wonder if you, or others have experience with cases where the patient has, at least in theory, unlimited

coverage in their home country, but no coverage in Thailand, and thus would like to treated

in his home country?

E.g., this would be the case for the country mentioned in your username I suspect.

For a person staying in Thailand for longer periods, perhaps most of the year, perhaps it would

make sense to have a local policy with a reasonable amount of coverage in Thailand. E.g., it

could be that a 1M Baht coverage could be "reasonably afforded", put perhaps 1M USD could not.

It seems to me that it could however be very beneficial in cases like this if the

local policy also included coverage for transportation back to the home country if

some conditions were met. E.g. if you have 1M Baht coverage, and that

is about to run out, or it is likely from the start that it will not

be enough to cover your treatment, I'm sure some us would prefer to be relocated

to our home country and continue our treatment there, if our coverage there is "unlimited".

To use a concrete example, imagine some accident ends up with the person in a

long-lasting coma, unable to make the journey back to your home country without

expensive help.

Are policies that cover cases like this generally available? Or do they

not make as much sense as I think?

Edited August 20, 2010 by Awk