Phuket Opinion: Health insurance for tourists at 7-Eleven

[hellodolly]

There was 7,400,000 tourist in Phukett last year (2012) and Bt 1.4 billion generated from those tourists. From an earlier thread local hospitals in Phukett where on the hook for Bt 5 million of unpaid hospital bills.

That is 67 Satang per tourist. Get over it!!!!

Are you suggesting that the tourist industry pays the medical bills for them. What would you charge each 7/11 would they have double pricing in 7/11 one for tourists and one for Thai's. If an ex pat would they have to produce proof of insurance to get the Thai price?

Get real

[hellodolly]

I agree that people should make a provision for the possibility of urgent medical treatment whilst away, paying for medical insurance before you travel is sensible as long as you have a choice of who to insure with and it is not dictated to you.

I think that this should also apply for Thai people that visit my country, England. They should also have to have full medical insurance before entering the UK because at present it is free which of course it shouldn't be.

Thanks for reminding me I need a hip replacement. It would be cheaper to go to the UK and have it done for free than pay the cost here in Thailand. I am not a Thai.

edit

I had to add that I am not a Thai bit because England would admit me as a tourist with no qualifications. A Thai it would not be that easy. The Brit can get into Thailand much easier than the Thai can get into the UK.

If people want to make statements like a Thai can get it free here make sure you are talking about a country a Thai can just get off the plane get a visa and with in two hours find themselves in a hospital for free. No money asked for.

Edited August 20, 2013 by hellodolly

[dcutman]

There was 7,400,000 tourist in Phukett last year (2012) and Bt 1.4 billion generated from those tourists. From an earlier thread local hospitals in Phukett where on the hook for Bt 5 million of unpaid hospital bills.

That is 67 Satang per tourist. Get over it!!!!

Are you suggesting that the tourist industry pays the medical bills for them. What would you charge each 7/11 would they have double pricing in 7/11 one for tourists and one for Thai's. If an ex pat would they have to produce proof of insurance to get the Thai price?

Get real

I just noticed my numbers are not right. Phukett actually generated Bt114 billion in revenue from these tourists in 2012.

To answer your question. That is exactly what I am suggesting. Or do you not think Bt5 million could easily be absorbed in this Bt114 billion in revenue.

Or would you suggest it better to lose hundreds, possibly thousands of tourist that just dont want to be forced to buy travel insurance. Just the loss of 10 tourist on a 10 day trip would easily equal that Bt 5 million.

But I will try and get real.

[Kered]

It is very reasonable for tourists to have to prove that they have insurance and it should be compulsory for all on Visas as it is in Europe. If someone arrives without insurance then they should be able to buy it at the airport before going through immigration this would not delay immigration.

[CIHUAHUA]

This guy, a p-i$$ doctor, can't even keep his tie straight in a photo. Who is he kissing up to? Stop complaining Thailand and take the bitter with the sweet.

[Chao Lao Beach]

So this would be a requirement to ENTER Thailand, but sold inside Thailand in 711, maybe they will put CP Insurance in a 711 in the immigration hall.

[deecee10]

Looks as is the unpaid health bills shortfall is miniscule compared with the amount of revenue generated by tourism.

Tourism is a big enough 'cash cow' as it is. So, the government could cover this shortfall.

[stevenl]

I wouldn't be surprised if CP Allianz would get that deal to sell health insurance to foreigners at all 7/11 stores.

I would be, because there is a huge anti selection problem there. So unless the premiums are really, really high this would be a loss generating opportunity.

[Davedub]

As somebody who has recently tried to claim on my fully comprehensive medical insurance, I can certainly confirm that even if you have expensive cover, there is no guarantee that the company will pay out - even if you have read the entire policy, and are certain that you are eligible for treatment I have found that being bombarded with forms that are next to impossible to fill out is the standard tactic for, at least, my insurance company's avoiding paying up.

Because the case is still open (and about to get very litigious) I cannot go into details, but as a warning to others, be prepared to answer questions like:

"Please list every doctor you have seen. Include the doctor's name, address, phone number, their specialisation, date visited, reason visited, details of any / all prescriptions"

I would advise anyone purchasing medical insurance that they ask to see the following forms before parting with any money:

Pre-approval form (this is the evil one)
Notification of treatment form
Claim for reimbursement form

What I have learnt over the last month is that having insurance is no guarantee of actually getting the treatment you need and have paid for. Perhaps this is limited to 'rip off Britain', but my understanding is that the health insurance industry in the US is equally underhand when it comes to keeping up their side of the bargain.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Davedub

[MobileContent]

Why is it that travel insurance always pops up once in a while. Thai's need insurance when they visit the Eu on a Schengen visa so let the Thai's ask tourists for insurance.

[fxe1200]

"In 2011, 15,000 tourists were treated at Patong Hospital. In 2012, the number increased to 17,000, and this year it is expected to hit the 20,000 mark. Only 400 to 500 of these tourists each year hold health insurance. The rest of them pay the medical fees out of pocket if they can. If they can’t, we are left holding the bill."

I really do not believe these figures. My guess is that most of them have insurance but in view of the relatively low amounts involved (Patong Hospital is no good for major cases) tourists either don't bother with their insurance or they put in a claim with their insurers after they have paid the bills.

It is commonplace with private travel insurances in Europe, that you ask for a letter, that "doctors help was needed". Then you turn in this letter plus the already paid invoices. The travel insurance will reimburse completely. If the hospital bills are to high, that you cannot pay them, you tell the hospital to send a fax to the insurance company and ask for a cover note, which can be resend by fax. Job done. That is the regular procedure.

If you are supposed to purchase a insurance at the 7-11, a tourist will probably wait until he/she gets sick, and then buy the insurance. I think the best way for Thailand is just to forget about the unpaid bills, or ask, to present a valid international insurance upon entry. When you enter the U.S. you must produce a valid travel insurance, though I was never asked, If I had one.

[marell]

When you travel you have to budget for transportation, lodging, food etc etc. None of it is free. Shouldn't people who travel factor the possibility of medical care into their tourism planning? Even if the numbers presented are subject to debate...why should the host country have to absorb any of these costs? If someone exceeds their lodging budget should it be the TAT or the hotel's responsibility to make up the difference? Some foreigners may have government subsidized health care in their home countries, but this is not their home country. If you're going to travel you should be prepared to pay your way.

Edited August 20, 2013 by marell

[kiwiinasia]

Who cares?

Its a Thai problem, let them handle it.

[Ulic]

There was 7,400,000 tourist in Phukett last year (2012) and Bt 1.4 billion generated from those tourists. From an earlier thread local hospitals in Phukett where on the hook for Bt 5 million of unpaid hospital bills.

That is 67 Satang per tourist. Get over it!!!!

That money you're talking about goes to resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, tour guides, jet ski operators, hookers, etc. None of it goes to hospitals.

Think about it.

Last I heard, tourism in Thailand accounted for 14% of GDP.

Think about it.

But how much of that goes to hospitals?

A great deal. Were do you think the money comes from to fund the hospitals. Rice farmers? The vast majority of the Thai population pays no

income tax.That said I have been to the hospitals on numerous occasions, usually for blood work, cholesterol levels and such. Once I fell of

my scooter and required scrape debridement, 26 stitches and x-rays. The costs have always been so low I would not waste my time filling in

paperwork to claim an insurance reimbursement. So I am one of the many who have made use of the system but always pay. One of the

issues which is not understood by people buying insurance is they are not actually insured. Of course they do not realize this until they try to

make a claim. From preexisting condition exclusions to requirements to get all treatments authorized before treatment starts unless the

patient in unconscious to numerous other exclusions the devil is in the details buried in the fine print, only to be discovered when you get

home. Having put the cost on your visa card you get home to find your claim DENIED.I would welcome an inexpensive, real accident

insurance, available at 7 11 (you pay your electric bill, cell phone credit there why not insurance) Not for cancer treatment or services you

can go home for but heart attack, stroke, vehicle accidents etc. Just my opinion.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Ulic

[Ulic]

"In 2011, 15,000 tourists were treated at Patong Hospital. In 2012, the number increased to 17,000, and this year it is expected to hit the 20,000 mark. Only 400 to 500 of these tourists each year hold health insurance. The rest of them pay the medical fees out of pocket if they can. If they can’t, we are left holding the bill."

I really do not believe these figures. My guess is that most of them have insurance but in view of the relatively low amounts involved (Patong Hospital is no good for major cases) tourists either don't bother with their insurance or they put in a claim with their insurers after they have paid the bills.

It is commonplace with private travel insurances in Europe, that you ask for a letter, that "doctors help was needed". Then you turn in this letter plus the already paid invoices. The travel insurance will reimburse completely. If the hospital bills are to high, that you cannot pay them, you tell the hospital to send a fax to the insurance company and ask for a cover note, which can be resend by fax. Job done. That is the regular procedure.

If you are supposed to purchase a insurance at the 7-11, a tourist will probably wait until he/she gets sick, and then buy the insurance. I think the best way for Thailand is just to forget about the unpaid bills, or ask, to present a valid international insurance upon entry. When you enter the U.S. you must produce a valid travel insurance, though I was never asked, If I had one.

Is this your personal experience or is this what you have been led to believe. Because that is not the case in the USA/Canada were insurance

companies are in business to make sales and collect money. Not to give money back to customers or hospitals. One of the reasons hospitals

insist on collecting from you not the insurance company.

[fxe1200]

"In 2011, 15,000 tourists were treated at Patong Hospital. In 2012, the number increased to 17,000, and this year it is expected to hit the 20,000 mark. Only 400 to 500 of these tourists each year hold health insurance. The rest of them pay the medical fees out of pocket if they can. If they can’t, we are left holding the bill."

I really do not believe these figures. My guess is that most of them have insurance but in view of the relatively low amounts involved (Patong Hospital is no good for major cases) tourists either don't bother with their insurance or they put in a claim with their insurers after they have paid the bills.

It is commonplace with private travel insurances in Europe, that you ask for a letter, that "doctors help was needed". Then you turn in this letter plus the already paid invoices. The travel insurance will reimburse completely. If the hospital bills are to high, that you cannot pay them, you tell the hospital to send a fax to the insurance company and ask for a cover note, which can be resend by fax. Job done. That is the regular procedure.

If you are supposed to purchase a insurance at the 7-11, a tourist will probably wait until he/she gets sick, and then buy the insurance. I think the best way for Thailand is just to forget about the unpaid bills, or ask, to present a valid international insurance upon entry. When you enter the U.S. you must produce a valid travel insurance, though I was never asked, If I had one.

Is this your personal experience or is this what you have been led to believe. Because that is not the case in the USA/Canada were insurance

companies are in business to make sales and collect money. Not to give money back to customers or hospitals. One of the reasons hospitals

insist on collecting from you not the insurance company.

How to proceed is always written within the fine print of the insurance companies - at least German ones -, and I have not heard about a case, where the insurance company sends a cover note, and then does not pay the outstanding bills. The insurance company though can decide, whether the treatment can be completed in your home country. Then they supply you with a flight. In some cases this might be the less costly solution for the international travel insurance, especially when the tourist holds a health insurance, which is valid in Germany.

Travel insurance is mandatory only for students traveling the U.S. or studying there. If you enter the States though, you must show sufficient funds, that you can cover yourself, or carry a credit card. My previous remark within the last post therefore is not completely correct.

[TheWizardofRnR]

From experience I can tell you that what Phuket-Bkk Hospital charges is so much higher then every other Hospital

on Phuket , and the number of Tourists and ex-pats who spend money in it . They should give the poor Govt. Hospitals some of their overcharging profits. If you make compulsory Medical Insurance on arrival a Visa requirement ,you will likely see a big drop in tourist arrivals and Thailand's neighbors picking up a large number of these travelers , skiping the LoS +++ for other destinations. I remember being on Langkawi many years ago and our friend got ill , he went to the hospital and was charged some ridiculous amount , like 1 Ringit.

If the powers that be want to see their tourism profits take a downturn , as if business isn't slow enough already ,

go ahead and put another Stake in the Heart of Tourism business!

Edited August 20, 2013 by TheWizardofRnR

[pookiki]

Why doesn't Thailand just ban tourists from going to Phuket? Problem solved! And no one has answered my question from another post on this issue. What country requires medical insurance as a requirement to obtain a visa?

Russia for instance , European Shengen states also. If you want to go to France as Thai , you need an insurance which will cover your entire trip.

I checked on the Russian tourist visa for US citizens and it appears to be discretionary. As for the Shengen States, the minimum amount of medical insurance required is 30,000 euros for emergency medical treatment and repatriation. In a somewhat related issue, when I went for prostate surgery last year at Bangkok Hospital, I had to pay the estimated cost of the surgery up front when I was admitted to the hospital. It is hard for me to believe in this day and age that there is any tourist coming from the EU, USA, etc. that doesn't have a credit card. Unless the person is unconscious when they are admitted to the hospital, how difficult would it be to ask for some proof of financial responsibility? Another option would be to impose a lodging tax that would used to fund an insurance pool for tourists visiting Thailand. I am sure there are other sane options as well.

[pomchop]

Holy Crap...this guy is whining about Phuket hospitals losing a measly ONE MILLION BAHT a year out of the billions of baht tourist spend in Patong? How many baht do Thai hospitals take IN every year from tourists? My guess is bumrungrad in Bangkok takes in several times that amount in ONE DAY.

Hell a good Tuk Tuk THUG in Patong makes more money than that in six months...hell a few of the tuk tuk drivers probably even send a few tourists TO THE HOSPITAL after they have beaten them to a bloody pulp.

Suck it up to the COST OF HAVING MILLIONS OF TOURISTS dropping big baht in Thailand. Call it "good will".

[pomchop]

It is very reasonable for tourists to have to prove that they have insurance and it should be compulsory for all on Visas as it is in Europe. If someone arrives without insurance then they should be able to buy it at the airport before going through immigration this would not delay immigration.

Yeah I can just see the immigration guys looking at hundreds of different insurance cards from millions of tourists written in dozens of languages and trying to check to see if it is valid and meets the requirements...it wouldn't delay immigration..it would bring it to a screeching HALT.

If Thailand proceeds with this INSANE IDIOTIC IDEA the ONLY way is to put yet another tax on every incoming air ticket to cover the shortfall. But even that wouldn't cover people arriving by land. Do they plan to require all the Laos and Cambodian and Vietnamese who arrive via bus to show a card?

HORRIBLE IDEA ALL AROUND. Suck it up Thailand and fund any shortfall out of the BILLIONS in tourism taxes that you collect every year.

[asupeartea]

As discussed before: the amount uninsured tourists cost the Thai medical system is miniscule compared to the profits both the Thai medical system (med tourism) and the Kingdom as a whole make. The issue is one more made up piece of fluff designed to get people excited over nothing so that they will overlook more important issues and allow politicians to be seen to be doing something (taming those Bad Farang).

By all means, encourage 7s to sell insurance, but don't believe that this is an important issue. As for the hospitals holding the bag? How about some small percentage of that visa money being used to plug the gap?

It's Apples and Oranges. The hospitals and their owners eat the unpaid bills while the money spent in the country is in the pockets of the tourist industry and government. Just because they are both Thais doesn't mean the money is going/coming to/from the same folks.

Edited August 21, 2013 by asupeartea