Health Insurance Query.

[starship]

Hi.

I am interested in finding out rough costs for affordable private healthcare in Bangkok. A recent health scare of my Thai partner has made me want to consider this.

What are the approximate monthly premiums for basic to mid range plans? How do these work? Do you get a full payment if you should have an illness after a few months or do you have to build up a 'pot' out of which the bills are paid and thus you only receive payment depending upon how much has been built up?

Also i would be more interested in finding out about plans where the bill is paid automatically by the insurer, rather than where you have to pay yourself and then reclaim expenses. From reading the forums i gather it is Bupa that offers this. Is this correct? Are there any others including Thai insurers that are more affordable and offer this facility?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Lite Beer]

These will give you some idea.

http://www.thaihealt...th/info_eng.php

http://www.bupa.co.th/en/individuals.aspx

http://www.axa.co.th/94/en/health-insurance/personal-health/home

[thepanom]

Check with AA Insurance Brokers, special the office in Hua Hin is very professional

[JoePai]

Agreed AA very good - www.aainsure.net

[tonydabbs]

What are the approximate monthly premiums for basic to mid range plans?

Health insurance in Thailand is annual pay, in most cases. The premiums are determined by your age.

Also i would be more interested in finding out about plans where the bill is paid automatically by the insurer,

All Thai-based health insurance plans will pay directly to private hospitals in Thailand. If you use a government hospital, you have to pay yourself and then get reimbursed by your insurer. Also, if you are treated at a hospital outside of Thailand you have to pay the hospital and then file a claim to get reimbursed.

Are there any others including Thai insurers that are more affordable and offer this facility?

I recommend going with Thai-based health insurance. It tends to be much cheaper than International health insurance. But, it lacks many of the "bells & whistles" that some International plans provide. Keep in mind, though, that you pay for those "bells & whistles."

Thai-based health insurance is tightly regulated by the Thai government under the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC). When in doubt (the facts support both sides) the OIC tends to lean towards the insured rather than the insurance company.

Do you get a full payment if you should have an illness after a few months

There is no "pot of gold" build up required. Keep in mind, though, that most insurers don't cover medical problems that existed at the time application (pre-existing conditions). Insurers have up to 2 years to find and exclude coverage for any conditions that you didn't mention in your application. So they will most likely be very suspicious of any illness that you get hospitalized for shortly after getting the insurance. You will be fully covered for accidents, of course, as soon as you start the coverage.

If you do have a medical problem that you want covered, then you need to look for an International health insurance plan that will cover it. It will be costly, though. Otherwise, just take a Thai-based plan and accept the treatment exclusion they give you.

Edited December 23, 2012 by tonydabbs

[starship]

Hi.

Some good advice, clearly explained. Thanks for the links and recommendations - i will check them out.

Thanks.