I'm retired US civil service under the CSRS system. I currently have Pacific Care under united health company. My plan covers emergencies here in Thailand, but not regular preventive medical benefits. I was wondering if someone under CSRS has found a plan under open season that covers all here in Thailand. I currently pay around $280 per month for family coverage. Tried Thai coverage, but since I'm 70, no luck.

Blue Corss/Blue Shield if that is among your options

http://www.fepblue.org/faqs/overseas.jsp

ESD

I can't get the OPM www site to open right now but there's a lot of hits for a Google search for:

opm health insurance 2013

In particular check for info on last year's Open Season and the guides for various plans. You could then email the plans that look interesting to see what they cover overseas.

In earlier years, I've had pretty good service with these two:

http://www.mhbp.com/

http://www.geha.com/

Mac

I second the recommendation for fepblue - and they now have direct payment of in-hospital stays at a number of Bangkok hospitals. Coverage is about 80+ (85%percent less a bit for fixed fees) for most everything with full hospital payment after deduction. Payment can be made directly to US bank account and claims can be done on-line or by fax and no translations are required (unlike other plans). Only time a claim was questioned due my fax date being before service date (due time zone) and them not being too aware of the world time - quickly paid after explained.

This is the OPM page to start selection of overseas plans - find plan by location and click on overseas.

http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/

Thanks to all for the advice. Really appreciate it.

The FEPBlue service plan brochure doesn't show anything on Medicare and overseas benefits. Is the Basic plan practical over here? Are deductions and co-payments waived the same way as in the U.S.?

I have GEHA (standard) and they are good in the U.S. I saw a chiropractor in Bangkok and I scanned the bill to them. it took 3 weeks for processing, which seemed like a long time. They don't use ACH for payment. It's about $1100.00 a year less than the Blues (standard) though.

Medicare is not available overseas (and overseas charge are unlikely to exceed if that is the question). If you pay for extra medicare plans you can receive treatment under that in US but not overseas. I have used at least 3 or 4 plans over the years but find fepblue standard the best for me but it is more expensive than some. As for speed expect all about the same 3-4 weeks unless direct payment available. I do find the ACH payment to my US bank account a big help as cuts several weeks from total time.

I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. $500 deductible, then Then they pick up 80% I pay 20% . They also supply a list of preferred Thailand hospitals and providers. That is their least expensive plan. You can get less expensive deductible and copay, with a higher monthly premium.

Poster is talking about a CSRS group plan rather than buying an individual plan as that seems to be - for Blue Cross coverage the provider is fepblue.org

Poster is talking about a CSRS group plan rather than buying an individual plan as that seems to be - for Blue Cross coverage the provider is fepblue.org

Yes, mine is a group plan. I was a Public employee. I know they have open enrollment once a year. I also don't know if my group plan is available in all states.

Or overseas? From my quick check it was only available in about half the states or less and not overseas as individual but not sure of your plan limitations - but have never seen it listed as an overseas option for CSRS..

Hi, For persons (over 65) enrolled in Medicare A-B, most US federal govt. plans that I know of WAIVE the deductible and coinsurance in the US.

GEHA ,which I have, does this also for overseas medical care.

What I want to know is, if Blue Cross/Shield( FEPBLUE)-standard waives the deductible and coinsurance for Thailand medical care.