A few additional points worth keeping in mind: The annual or per event maximum does not mean bills will be covered up to that amount, contrary to what people often assume. There are usually other caps on individual cost categories (e.g. surgeries, doctor consultations in hospital, and often room charge) and these also apply, and usually result in cover for a specific event being limited to well below the policy maximum. Indeed, it is extremely rare for anyone to get covered to the maximum policy amount, which is one reason why insurers offer things like USD $1million cover -- because they know that in actuality there is little difference, in terms of benefits paid out, between a $250-500,000 policy and a $1,000,000 policy, it just sounds better to customers. (Also why there is nto that as much relationship between policy maximum and premiums as one might expect). The only situation in which someone might approach these amounts would be if the caps were per year rather than per event and they had a really unlucky year with multiple events. So read the full schedule of benefits closely. Premiums rise with time due to both inflation and aging. Age related increases often come in 5 year bands and the jump can be very large indeed, especially for seniors. While all policies will increase premiums with age, some do so to a much greater extent so be sure to compare what current premiums look like at different age bands. If you are planning to live here for the rest of your life (as most retirement age folk are) make sure the policy guarantees lifetime renewal. Some locally issued policies will drop you at a certain age. Even with guaranteed lifetime renewal you can end up completely, and suddenly, priced out if the policy is one which adjusts rates based on prior claims. This is allowed under Thai insurance law (not allowed in most Western countries) up to I think a 25% premium increase per year on top of age related and inflationary increases. Which means that you can find yourself completely priced out at exactly the point (old, chronic illness) when you can't get other insurance and most need to be insured. You want a policy which is "community rated"/ "pooled" Points #3 and 4 are critical for those intending to live here for the duration. Less important for younger people here temporarily, and/or people with a fall back plan for returning to their home country if/when their health fails or they reach a certain age.
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