Affordable health insurance.

[DonaldBattles]

I believe that the government hospital rules up country are like the laws up country. They are whatever they decide they are for the day. Don't count on a farang getting treated free unless it is a serious matter and he has no money or insurance.

Until the quoted new program of 2200 Baht per year is tested in several hospitals in the country then it is simply here say. Would anyone in the hospital write this down and sign it for you?

[MickGC]

It is possible to get a private room (hong piset) at a government hospital and the charges are quite reasonable. AFAIK you can do this even if covered by SS or the UC scheme though you'd of course have to pay the room charge out of pocket.

The big disadvantage isn't the room. It's not being able to choose your doctor, not being able to directly access a specialist, needing to get letter of referral to access a higher level of care (not so easily obtained, sometimes) etc. It is for these reasons only that I'll keep shelling out ~USD 2,000 a year to BUPA for my coverage.

The private rooms up here in the N/E cost around Bt.3500 per day. A very reasonable price. I agree you cannot choose your own doctor but there is very little choice in that matter here anyway.

[harrry]

I had hoped that this thread would stick to reports about the experiencing of members in getting this new scheme. It seems that it has widened and covers old schemes.no shemes and the usual Thai Health does not give you the right to your own doctor type of posts.

Sheryl I am sure most of us would continue Bupa if they could. Pre-existing condition rules stop that for many people here.

THis scheme....which is new and not one that has been in existance for 5 years may at least ensure a level of care when it is really needed and resources have been exausted using the private system. As such it will be of value to me and I am sure others. Those fortunate to have BUPA or even those having continued to pay social security may not need it. Please do not think that your needs or wants are those of others.

I for one have resources sufficient for my health care...but if I use them my family will have a lot less when they need it. I care about them and am happy to reduce my comfort if needed to repay them in part for the care love and support they have given me. A month in a private hospital would certainly not leave them a lot. A month in a public hospital may leave them something.

[Mike45]

It is possible to get a private room (hong piset) at a government hospital and the charges are quite reasonable. AFAIK you can do this even if covered by SS or the UC scheme though you'd of course have to pay the room charge out of pocket.

The big disadvantage isn't the room. It's not being able to choose your doctor, not being able to directly access a specialist, needing to get letter of referral to access a higher level of care (not so easily obtained, sometimes) etc. It is for these reasons only that I'll keep shelling out ~USD 2,000 a year to BUPA for my coverage.

Private rooms are not always available.

When my father in law was sick he was sent to the Sappasit Prasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani. It's a very large hospital, I think it's a regional hospital.

When we asked if a private room was available we were told nothing was available. I also got the feeling that the only way to get a private room was to see a doctor at his clinic and have him book it for you when he does your surgery......but I might be mistaken.

The hospital and treatment made him well. He got good care.

The hospital has everything but is in the need of some serious money to expand. It's extremely over crowded.

[rosst]

This bodes well for the future, even increased charges makes it affordable and the more who are in it, the greater the chance it will be self funding, well done Thailand and thanks Harry, good work.

[NoshowJones]

This indeed is good news, but it needs to be confirmed by someone else having the same success as Harry. Also, some key points aren't clear:

1. upper age limit for enrollment

2. unmarried foreigners covered or just those married to Thai nationals?

3. renters covered?

4. list of the five diseases that disqualify an applicant

This is where you have to be careful, just supposing the age limit is 65. Will it mean that if you are insured already and you reach the age of 66, The insurance will be stopped? Or, will the premiums increase as you get older?

[Sheryl]

I had hoped that this thread would stick to reports about the experiencing of members in getting this new scheme. It seems that it has widened and covers old schemes.no shemes and the usual Thai Health does not give you the right to your own doctor type of posts.

Sheryl I am sure most of us would continue Bupa if they could. Pre-existing condition rules stop that for many people here.

THis scheme....which is new and not one that has been in existance for 5 years may at least ensure a level of care when it is really needed and resources have been exausted using the private system. As such it will be of value to me and I am sure others. Those fortunate to have BUPA or even those having continued to pay social security may not need it. Please do not think that your needs or wants are those of others.

I for one have resources sufficient for my health care...but if I use them my family will have a lot less when they need it. I care about them and am happy to reduce my comfort if needed to repay them in part for the care love and support they have given me. A month in a private hospital would certainly not leave them a lot. A month in a public hospital may leave them something.

I was responding to prior posts that discussed discontinuing private insurance by people who had been able to obtain it.

If you will read post #11, you will see that I am well aware of, and have discussed, the situation of persons such as yourself.

[Suradit69]

Permanent residency does not entitle you to coverage, nor does being in a tabien baan etc. (However you would be eligible ofr a special pay-in scheme for foireigners if this is in fact up and running).

Over the years, here and there a few foreigners have mistakenly been issued UC cards by local hospitals. It gets caught out if and when they need to be referred to a higher level of care.

Considering that there are some unknowns & uncertainties involved, present and future, keep in mind that if you drop your private medical insurance, you may not be allowed to reapply for coverage with them later if you exceed their age limits. I recall that BUPA rather vaguely guaranteed to continue coverage for those over a certain age (55? 60? 65?) only as long as they started before the cut-off age and renewed each year without any lapses.

If it turns out that you are not really eligible for this program or if the program is terminated at some point, you may find yourself with no insurance and no way to buy your back into whatever coverage you had before.

Edited September 30, 2013 by Suradit69

[LoZth]

Last November I went to Burapha hospital Bang Saen to have a medical for a driving licence, I had to register before I could see the doctor. I was issued with a card with my name and a number on it.

BuriramRes, would this be the same sort of card you are saying you have?

Edited September 30, 2013 by LoZth

[canman46]

This a very good policy put in place for the families who come to be with their husbands who are allowed to work in Thailand,form Burma,cambodia.This is all funded by the goverment which gets a budget directly from the P.M.s office.(the ministry of health is desperately trying to get control this huge budget) as long as the universal health care and coverage(NHSO) is in control there is monies to cover even us and at a very good rate B 2200 a drop in the bucket for us so we are riding on the coat tails of migrant families.NHSO one of the best run and top professional organizations in Thailand wants everyone to be covered, as they believe this is a universal right..........should the ministry of health take over watch out we will be the first group to be cut.A silent war is being staged, so for all of us expats lets keep our fingers crossed that the status quo prevails.

[harrry]

Last November I went to Burapha hospital Bang Saen to have a medical for a driving licence, I had to register before I could see the doctor. I was issued with a card with my name and a number on it.

BuriramRes, would this be the same sort of card you are saying you have?

This will be the standard card you get when you first go to any hospital. It is merely a link to your records. Using it does not give you any advantages other than not having to waste time giving all your details.

The scheme I am refering to is not this.

[geezer2]

For whatever it is worth, I have had eye lens implants on both eyes due to cataracts in the government hospital. I did not have a private room but was in with 2 other men. I was asked to show my documents including the tabien baan, Residence Permit and Passport. I was not charged for anything. I feel very fortunate. I was told that as an inpatient I would not be charged unless I had a private room. I was also told that I was allowed free medication and treatment 2 times per year.

nice one Donald..like it

[Mike45]

Another poster said that there was a new scheme for health at public hospitals for foreigners.

Today we contacted Chiaqngrai hospital and were informed that they have been instructed that the scheme introduced for mainly Burmese people has been extended to cover foreigners so we are eligible.

It costs a medical examination. 600 baht which aparently includes an gastro xray and blood tests for such things as syphallis and I presume though do not know HIV.

After that you pay 2200 baht a year and are eligible for a card which covers you in the same way as the GOld Care scheme for 30 baht a visit.

To apply we need

copy of passport

copy of tabian bahn

in my case copy of wife's ID

it aparently takes a couple of days.

Please do not polute this thread with comments about the quality of thai health care or that farangs that cannot afford proper health care should go home.

I will post more as I progress through the system but I suggest you contact the main public hospital in your district...if they seem confused ask to see the person who handles thhe heath care for burmese..these will know and aparently have just received an instruction regarding this.

Harrry

If you get an opportunity take a photo of the scheme's form before you complete it. It might help others request it at their local hospital.

Also thanks for posting the info!

[gamini]

Permanent resident have blue tambein baan

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[thongsuknork]

i made an policail in India which costs around 23$ us dollars for 60 days which covers mediclaim upto 2,50,000 us dollars in Thailand no checks and doctor name and address in Thailand mabe it seems good deal and covers accidents also and in case of death also to nominees around 1,00,000 $

[gamini]

PR are entitled to bt30 health care

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I'd also like to thank the OP for posting his experience, but I'd also advise some caution here.

What occurs in one individual's case may or may not be reflective of some real policy change on the part of the Thai government regarding farang residents.

If Harry's experience can be replicated by others of us over different locations and periods of time, then I might begin to have some belief. But until then, I'll remain hopeful...but skeptical.

As others have noted, getting a Thai government hospital ID card in no way equals to automatic free or low cost government-sponsored medical care. And likewise, for those who already have private insurance, I'd be very leary of doing anything to let it lapse at this point. Because once you're uninsured as an older person, it can be very difficult to get insured again.

There's considerable history here, and some of it mentioned by other posters above, about farangs in different places being TOLD they would be covered, and even being covered for some things, and then next time, being told no, it was all a mistake, and they weren't really covered at all.

By all means, go and check with your local government hospital and see what they say and what they're willing to do. And then we'll begin to flesh out just what, if anything, is afoot with this.

Edited September 30, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[falang07]

well, but I suppose for the 30 baht you get what you pay for, i.e. paracetamol for most problems

[gamini]

This is good news but I already have a card at the hospital in Chiang Rai due to my Residence Permit. I am not sure if I have to pay the 2200 and take an exam as I have been examined there before. When someone completes their application and pays the 2200 Baht and gets a gold card please inform us.

If you are a permanent you will have your own blue tambein baan which entitles you to free (bt30) health care. Gold cards are no longer isssued. Thais just produce thier ID's now

[gamini]

Permanent residency does not entitle you to coverage, nor does being in a tabien baan etc. (However you would be eligible ofr a special pay-in scheme for foireigners if this is in fact up and running).

Over the years, here and there a few foreigners have mistakenly been issued UC cards by local hospitals. It gets caught out if and when they need to be referred to a higher level of care.

You are wrong. As a permanent resident (Iam one) you get your own Blue Tambien Baan, (you do not get put in one), You takie your tambien baan to the hospital in the area you live and register there for free (30bt) healthcare. But as you wrote in a post here it is not that useful. I have to take 9 different .medications for Diabetes, Heart failure, COPD but only one of these medications are approved by the scheme. And the pills cost less than Bt1 each, I have to pay all the others myself, I save a few baht on tests and doctors fees. I sometimes wait 4 hours to see a doctor and the hospital is an hours drive away. If you are lucky to live near a first class government hopital you may have to wait two months to get an appointment.So to all thoese who have shown interest in this new possible Bt2200 scheme I would not get too excited about. There are a lot of good small clinics in Thailand that charge very little, whixh may be a good alternative

[dustybooky]

Harry,

Thank you much, I'm in CNX and have used Suan Dok a number of times.

I'm gonna look into this asap.

I have nothing against a state / university hospital like SD.

When I need good medical care I don't need a private room nor do I need TV or pastel colored walls

I never watch TV at home and frankly doing so in the hospital I know I'd feel worse.

The nurses can be and are (I'm sure) as beautiful as at any private and my bill will range about 25 to 33% of a private.

Now...if I only get them to up the morphine dosage I'd be all set

DB

[DonaldBattles]

I am a lot more impressed with the quality of in patient treatment at the Chiang Rai Government Hospital than I am at the two private hospitals here. I hear repeated stories of big problems caused by the two private hospitals. I do know that at Sriburin there are a couple of good doctors there for office calls. The government hospital que for out patient treatment is 3 hours plus so bring a good book and a portable stool to sit on.

[Eneukman]

The cover

Over the years, here and there a few foreigners have mistakenly been issued UC cards by local hospitals. It gets caught out if and when they need to be referred to a higher level of care.

You are wrong. As a permanent resident (Iam one) you get your own Blue Tambien Baan, (you do not get put in one), You takie your tambien baan to the hospital in the area you live and register there for free (30bt) healthcare. But as you wrote in a post here it is not that useful. I have to take 9 different .medications for Diabetes, Heart failure, COPD but only one of these medications are approved by the scheme. And the pills cost less than Bt1 each, I have to pay all the others myself, I save a few baht on tests and doctors fees. I sometimes wait 4 hours to see a doctor and the hospital is an hours drive away. If you are lucky to live near a first class government hopital you may have to wait two months to get an appointment.So to all thoese who have shown interest in this new possible Bt2200 scheme I would not get too excited about. There are a lot of good small clinics in Thailand that charge very little, whixh may be a good alternative

That was my girlfriend's experience when she went to Banglamung Hospital last month.

I'm thinking about going down the self-insure route next year due to some pre-existing conditions which aren't covered. I may take out accident insurance though. The policy may mentioned by the OP may be worth considering.

Alan

[LoZth]

Ok, thanks for answering my question Harry.

[Sheryl]

The cover

Over the years, here and there a few foreigners have mistakenly been issued UC cards by local hospitals. It gets caught out if and when they need to be referred to a higher level of care.

You are wrong. As a permanent resident (Iam one) you get your own Blue Tambien Baan, (you do not get put in one), You takie your tambien baan to the hospital in the area you live and register there for free (30bt) healthcare. But as you wrote in a post here it is not that useful. I have to take 9 different .medications for Diabetes, Heart failure, COPD but only one of these medications are approved by the scheme. And the pills cost less than Bt1 each, I have to pay all the others myself, I save a few baht on tests and doctors fees. I sometimes wait 4 hours to see a doctor and the hospital is an hours drive away. If you are lucky to live near a first class government hopital you may have to wait two months to get an appointment.So to all thoese who have shown interest in this new possible Bt2200 scheme I would not get too excited about. There are a lot of good small clinics in Thailand that charge very little, whixh may be a good alternative

That was my girlfriend's experience when she went to Banglamung Hospital last month.

I'm thinking about going down the self-insure route next year due to some pre-existing conditions which aren't covered. I may take out accident insurance though. The policy may mentioned by the OP may be worth considering.

Alan

Sorry but this is just not correct. Being in a tabien ban has nothing to do with eligibility. Hospitals that have till now registered foreigners (permanent residents or otherwise -- PR status does not confer this benefit) for UC based on tabien baan have been in error in doing so. There have been several threads on this in the past. Since you do not believe me, I suggest you call the NHSO. http://www.nhso.go.th/eng/

Now the scheme described by the OP is something new and different, and if it is indeed in place then there is now a pathway to getting this cover, but not for free (though at a very reasonable cost). Free coverage is limited to Thai nationals.

[indyuk]

Thank you for sharing this information. I am 73 years with no Health Insurance.

I have used Thai government hospitals for several years. I am registered with Banglamung Hospital 10-143-55-0, The Navy Hospital at Sattahip 01-067-45 -17, and Chon Buri General Hospital 954360.

In each case at original registration I was asked for my Passport and my Thai Driving License and my address. I do have a

Tambien Baan but no hospital has asked to see it.

The ID each hospital asks me for when I attend for treatment are my Hospital Registration Card and my Thai Driving License. Each hospital charges me per visit at 200 Baht Doctor Fee and the cost of provided medication.

[maingmoom]

Thanks for this information Harry. I went straight to my local hospital to see if could get cover and although I am 72years old the answer was yes. I have an appointment in two days time. I am to take 3 copies of passport, 3 copies of tambien baan, 3 copies of wifes identity card and 3 copies of 1 inch photographs. The total fee of 2800 baht including a medical and one years subscription

.

Although I am in good health, it's been a worry in the back of my mind, what would happen if I suddenly needed treatment. I know it would not be first class treatment but it sure is better than nothing. Thanks again

[harrry]

Thanks for this information Harry. I went straight to my local hospital to see if could get cover and although I am 72years old the answer was yes. I have an appointment in two days time. I am to take 3 copies of passport, 3 copies of tambien baan, 3 copies of wifes identity card and 3 copies of 1 inch photographs. The total fee of 2800 baht including a medical and one years subscription

.

Although I am in good health, it's been a worry in the back of my mind, what would happen if I suddenly needed treatment. I know it would not be first class treatment but it sure is better than nothing. Thanks again

Thanks for the confirmation...if possible could you give the district...some of the ease of getting what you are supposed to varies by district sometimes.

[maingmoom]

Thanks for this information Harry. I went straight to my local hospital to see if could get cover and although I am 72years old the answer was yes. I have an appointment in two days time. I am to take 3 copies of passport, 3 copies of tambien baan, 3 copies of wifes identity card and 3 copies of 1 inch photographs. The total fee of 2800 baht including a medical and one years subscription

.

Although I am in good health, it's been a worry in the back of my mind, what would happen if I suddenly needed treatment. I know it would not be first class treatment but it sure is better than nothing. Thanks again

Thanks for the confirmation...if possible could you give the district...some of the ease of getting what you are supposed to varies by district sometimes.

I live in the Province of Chachoengsou and the town with the hospital is Sanam Chai Khet

[cooked]

This is good news but I already have a card at the hospital in Chiang Rai due to my Residence Permit. I am not sure if I have to pay the 2200 and take an exam as I have been examined there before. When someone completes their application and pays the 2200 Baht and gets a gold card please inform us.

If you are a permanent you will have your own blue tambein baan which entitles you to free (bt30) health care. Gold cards are no longer isssued. Thais just produce thier ID's now

I can't be bothered to find the original reference again but last year it was stated by the Ministry responsible that you need to present a Thai ID card to get treatment. Big full stop. No doubt many people are still getting away with it, especially out in the sticks where you won't see one Farang in a waiting room of hundreds (yes, hundreds, one reason why I am not interested anyway). In our local hospital you can get a private room for ฿600.- a night. Anyway, I hope I am not off limits when I give a link to another site, very interesting stuff.

http://udon-news.com/en/law/health-insurance-for-foreigners 

Edited October 1, 2013 by cooked