Buying health Insuurence thailand

[thongpoon]

You can get the Thai health insurance for 2,200 baht a year.

No its not as good as private but you can make it as good with a little largess here and there. I do not know why this info isn't on T.V but is on all other sites........but I am sure its nothing to do with the fact that so many insurance companies advertise for clients here.

E=mailed to me last week & verified.

Today I went to hospital and got my "Health card for Foreigner". You have to bring your passport (with copy) and yellow book (with copy), and if you married copy of your wife's bluebook and ID card. Your yellow book has to show where you live. If you married or not does not matter. The total cost is 2800 baht for the medical (600) and first years payment---2,200 after that, and the card is valid for one year. I do not know about renew details. I arrived at the hospital around 9 am and before lunch all tests and x-ray were done. After lunch went back and saw the doctor and I was out of the hospital around 2pm. Bring a Thai speaking person it helps a lot.

So if I get sick in the future I pay the same 30 baht as the Thais to visit hospital. I was surprised that it also cover HIV and Cancer treatment.

How does this works? You say I can get an Thai healt insurance, but on my question how to do that (see the last post) they say I cannot?

[robertson468]

Personally I have very deep reservations about Bangkok Hospital. Had a Russian Gentleman living in one of our houses and one morning he had a stroke. We got him to hospital post haste, via a local Doctor who had attended him in the house. He was in ICU, had X-rays and all the bells and whistles. He was advised that the anurism was blocking the blood flow into one of his kidneys and if he did not have an emergency op in Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok (apparently the only place where the op could be done) he would loose the use of that kidney. They booked an aeromed flight at something like 800,00 baht from Samui to Bangkok. He was in fact quite capable of sitting on a standard flight with a Nurse, but......... Anyway, his insurance said he was over the limit of his insurance once they included the treatment he had already received. Because of the time delay, he discovered that the kidney had shut down anyway and was quite happily living with the one good one. Come time for leaving the hospital they tried to hit him for the aeromed flight that he didn't take (in fact it did not even leave BKK), saying he had failed to cancel it. The Administration Manager then threatened not to give him his passport back, unless he paid. I was so disgusted and pointed out that the passport is the property of the Russian Government and she would be in serious trouble if she persisted. He got it back and I got a mouthfull of abuse.........and so did she, despicable little person. Will never, ever go there again.

[quiuvo]

I went to Lawton Asia in Bkk - a reputable shop, run by respectable people.

I bought health insurance packaged by Generali, which is one of the biggest global insurance companies. I paid about 30,000 a year and was around 38 or 39 so I got great coverage and bought in just before the 40's premium bump you see in all policies.

in 2009 at renewal time, Lawton contacted me and said Generali was pulling out of Thailand but that I was guaranteed the same coverage from another provider - for 60,000. I did not like this and pushed and pulled and complained. Nothing to do about it, says Lawton. I delayed longer than I should. Policy lapsed. I bought a new policy from another company and in the first 30 days (waiting period where coverage is not active), I suffered a huge health event. ICU, kind of stuff. Suddenly I had +300,000 in bills and climbing... including MRI and other expensive scans. The policy kicked me out.

My situation was unique and difficult to diagnose so and I had Thai Doctor friends who told me how to use Social Security and got my 'registered govt hospital' to send me to Chula where I was seen by some of Thailands best Doctors. The care was adequate, although not as nice as Paolo or Samitivej, etc. I paid nothing.

Social Security in Thailand is not that bad. If you are smart and get into a good hospital and play the games to get in front of good doctors, it covers everything and more that any private insurance policy would. This was not my case but just a 'for example' what if you fall off a motorcycle taxi and are not wearing a helmet or go scuba diving and have an accident. Would any private carrier cover that? I don't think so. But Social Security does.

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

I was told by Thai people it is only for Thais. How and where did you get the coverage?

[abrahamzvi]

Before entering a hospital you have to check if your insurance covers at their rates. Also many insurance companies won't cover certain treatments within the first 1 or 2 years of being insured.

Bangkok hospital is a total rip-off and they are overcharging in a way that they are banned by many European insurers too.

I've asked them for a quote on some minor surgery that I need to get done and their "at least, but likely more" quote was more than flying to the UK and have it done in a private clinic there, including tickets and hotel!!!

And remember for all insurances; everything can be insured but a risk...

I am more than surprised. I have been a patient of the Bangkok hospital for years and have had some major treatments for what my European (German) insurance company found very reasonable charges. I have met quite a few Europeans and Americans (as well as a lot of Arabs) in the hospital, who all told me that trey get the best treatment for about a 1/3 to 1/2 of what they would pay in their own country.

As far as your last remark about Insurance, I think one ought to ignore such an invalid (to use an elegant word!) advice!!!

[tinhead]

Yes, I think the issue is not buying health insurance in Thailand but the need to be careful to only buy from a reputable company.

Reputable company in Thailand? Hmm...

[PoorSucker]

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

I was told by Thai people it is only for Thais. How and where did you get the coverage?

Through the employer.

[Minnehaha]

I went to Lawton Asia in Bkk - a reputable shop, run by respectable people.

I bought health insurance packaged by Generali, which is one of the biggest global insurance companies. I paid about 30,000 a year and was around 38 or 39 so I got great coverage and bought in just before the 40's premium bump you see in all policies.

in 2009 at renewal time, Lawton contacted me and said Generali was pulling out of Thailand but that I was guaranteed the same coverage from another provider - for 60,000. I did not like this and pushed and pulled and complained. Nothing to do about it, says Lawton. I delayed longer than I should. Policy lapsed. I bought a new policy from another company and in the first 30 days (waiting period where coverage is not active), I suffered a huge health event. ICU, kind of stuff. Suddenly I had +300,000 in bills and climbing... including MRI and other expensive scans. The policy kicked me out.

My situation was unique and difficult to diagnose so and I had Thai Doctor friends who told me how to use Social Security and got my 'registered govt hospital' to send me to Chula where I was seen by some of Thailands best Doctors. The care was adequate, although not as nice as Paolo or Samitivej, etc. I paid nothing.

Social Security in Thailand is not that bad. If you are smart and get into a good hospital and play the games to get in front of good doctors, it covers everything and more that any private insurance policy would. This was not my case but just a 'for example' what if you fall off a motorcycle taxi and are not wearing a helmet or go scuba diving and have an accident. Would any private carrier cover that? I don't think so. But Social Security does.

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

I was told by Thai people it is only for Thais. How and where did you get the coverage?

within 6 months of leaving employment take your employment details and old SS data, passport etc to the SS office in your district. fill out a form. also bring your bank account details if you want to make it simple and use automatic withdrawal. select a hospital and done. it is good idea to look around your area for govt hospitals to see which is closest etc.

However, if you need to see your doc regularly, you will get put into their SS queue which seems to be Saturday and you may find yourself waiting hours to see a specialist. I see this in downtown Bkk. But if you have an emergency, you go into the hospital like everyone else.

SS care is separated as much as possible within the hospital and when you show up with a cold or whatever, you may find yourself in front of a Doc who is young and inexperienced. But when you are done, you pick up your meds and walk past the cashier.

[cocopops]

When we joined Bupa we were told that during the first 2 years we would have to first pay any account and then claim it back. I think this is what has happened here.

Sounds very likely to me too.

I think non-native English speakers come unstuck in these sort of situations more easily than others. I may very well be wrong, but I suspect the OP would have a fair bit of trouble understanding an English language insurance contract. So it may be that the only information he has is that provided by the broker or salesperson - through at least one language barrier. Many opportunities for confusion or misunderstandings there...

[harrry]

Hi,

Can somebody explain to me how to get an health insurance card for foreigners like mentioned in this forum before? This because I have had a bypass operation a few years ago and no insurance companie accept me (66 years old). Some companies accept me but the costs are just as high as my income! I hope somebody can explain me how that works with that thai insurance at 2600 Baht.

Regards, Thongpoon.

You can not get that health insurance card.

Wrong he can see the forum in the health topic. Copy the ministrerial letters on the page and show them to the hospital and insist. If they refuse telephone the Ministry on the number shown on the forum.

Edited October 11, 2013 by harrry

[harrry]

I went to Lawton Asia in Bkk - a reputable shop, run by respectable people.

I bought health insurance packaged by Generali, which is one of the biggest global insurance companies. I paid about 30,000 a year and was around 38 or 39 so I got great coverage and bought in just before the 40's premium bump you see in all policies.

in 2009 at renewal time, Lawton contacted me and said Generali was pulling out of Thailand but that I was guaranteed the same coverage from another provider - for 60,000. I did not like this and pushed and pulled and complained. Nothing to do about it, says Lawton. I delayed longer than I should. Policy lapsed. I bought a new policy from another company and in the first 30 days (waiting period where coverage is not active), I suffered a huge health event. ICU, kind of stuff. Suddenly I had +300,000 in bills and climbing... including MRI and other expensive scans. The policy kicked me out.

My situation was unique and difficult to diagnose so and I had Thai Doctor friends who told me how to use Social Security and got my 'registered govt hospital' to send me to Chula where I was seen by some of Thailands best Doctors. The care was adequate, although not as nice as Paolo or Samitivej, etc. I paid nothing.

Social Security in Thailand is not that bad. If you are smart and get into a good hospital and play the games to get in front of good doctors, it covers everything and more that any private insurance policy would. This was not my case but just a 'for example' what if you fall off a motorcycle taxi and are not wearing a helmet or go scuba diving and have an accident. Would any private carrier cover that? I don't think so. But Social Security does.

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

I was told by Thai people it is only for Thais. How and where did you get the coverage?

My noodle seller gives me wrong information too. Contact the Social Security Department or read their website.

[Minnehaha]

When we joined Bupa we were told that during the first 2 years we would have to first pay any account and then claim it back. I think this is what has happened here.

Sounds very likely to me too.

I think non-native English speakers come unstuck in these sort of situations more easily than others. I may very well be wrong, but I suspect the OP would have a fair bit of trouble understanding an English language insurance contract. So it may be that the only information he has is that provided by the broker or salesperson - through at least one language barrier. Many opportunities for confusion or misunderstandings there...

Well said. Insurance contracts are very complicated.

My wife wants to get private health coverage and her broker (also a trusted friend of hers and a professor at Uni) wants to sell her coverage with a bit of life insurance bundled in. I have not seen the contract but instructed her to bring me to the meeting to read it all with her and the broker before she signs anything. I cannot imagine how bundling life insurance will reduce the premium for health insurance and have never heard of such a product. Until I read it, I have nothing but curiosity.

Has anyone heard of this before?

[stevenl]

Hi,

Can somebody explain to me how to get an health insurance card for foreigners like mentioned in this forum before? This because I have had a bypass operation a few years ago and no insurance companie accept me (66 years old). Some companies accept me but the costs are just as high as my income! I hope somebody can explain me how that works with that thai insurance at 2600 Baht.

Regards, Thongpoon.

You can not get that health insurance card.

Wrong he can see the forum in the health topic. Copy the ministrerial letters on the page and show them to the hospital and insist. If they refuse telephone the Ministry on the number shown on the forum.

Just had a look at the thread, looks good but still lots of uncertainty about this scheme, with people being denied as well.

Somebody who seems to really know the ins and outs mentioned this:

citizen33, on 01 Oct 2013 - 21:57, said:

Unfortunately we get a lot of misinformation about public healthcare coverage on Thai Visa..

Sheryl is perfectly correct when she says that neither a house registration document nor PR status make one eligible for the universal coverage scheme. The National Health Security Act 2002 limits eligibility for the UCS to Thai citizens.

The only real changes that have occurred recently are (a) provision of free health care for stateless persons within Thailand (intended mainly to cover certain ethnic minority groups) and (b ) a new scheme for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, which is linked to a recent initiative on cross border health care.

http://www.burmalibr...o_21-ocr-en.pdf

http://en.vietnamplu...39/39293.vnplus

I work in this field and get my information from people at a senior level. Lower level hospital administrators sometimes give out incorrect information. If a mistake occurs and you manage to get registered under the migrant worker healthcare scheme, do not be surprised if you are denied care when the error is discovered.

[harrry]

Hi,

Can somebody explain to me how to get an health insurance card for foreigners like mentioned in this forum before? This because I have had a bypass operation a few years ago and no insurance companie accept me (66 years old). Some companies accept me but the costs are just as high as my income! I hope somebody can explain me how that works with that thai insurance at 2600 Baht.

Regards, Thongpoon.

You can not get that health insurance card.

Wrong he can see the forum in the health topic. Copy the ministrerial letters on the page and show them to the hospital and insist. If they refuse telephone the Ministry on the number shown on the forum.

Just had a look at the thread, looks good but still lots of uncertainty about this scheme, with people being denied as well.

Somebody who seems to really know the ins and outs mentioned this:

citizen33, on 01 Oct 2013 - 21:57, said:

Unfortunately we get a lot of misinformation about public healthcare coverage on Thai Visa..

Sheryl is perfectly correct when she says that neither a house registration document nor PR status make one eligible for the universal coverage scheme. The National Health Security Act 2002 limits eligibility for the UCS to Thai citizens.

The only real changes that have occurred recently are (a) provision of free health care for stateless persons within Thailand (intended mainly to cover certain ethnic minority groups) and (b ) a new scheme for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, which is linked to a recent initiative on cross border health care.

http://www.burmalibr...o_21-ocr-en.pdf

http://en.vietnamplu...39/39293.vnplus

I work in this field and get my information from people at a senior level. Lower level hospital administrators sometimes give out incorrect information. If a mistake occurs and you manage to get registered under the migrant worker healthcare scheme, do not be surprised if you are denied care when the error is discovered.

Read the whole thread. Many people have the card from many hospitals and there has b een direct contact with the ministry confirming it. It has nothing to to with the National Health Scheme so get your facts straight before posting dangerous misinformation.

[Satcommlee]

For some reason I can't post the opening post in this response.

I sympathise with the OPs predicament but I am not surprised, anyone who thinks they have family Health insurance for 50K THB a year is mistaken.

I pay around 300K THB a year for a BUPA international policy covering myself, wife and child. It is around that figure you should expect to be paying for REAL health insurance.

Most of these insurance policies offered here are just glorified accident policies, and many of these cheap policies will dump you at the first sign of ill health, leaving you uninsurable for any company.

[stevenl]

You can not get that health insurance card.

Wrong he can see the forum in the health topic. Copy the ministrerial letters on the page and show them to the hospital and insist. If they refuse telephone the Ministry on the number shown on the forum.

Just had a look at the thread, looks good but still lots of uncertainty about this scheme, with people being denied as well.

Somebody who seems to really know the ins and outs mentioned this:

citizen33, on 01 Oct 2013 - 21:57, said:

Unfortunately we get a lot of misinformation about public healthcare coverage on Thai Visa..

Sheryl is perfectly correct when she says that neither a house registration document nor PR status make one eligible for the universal coverage scheme. The National Health Security Act 2002 limits eligibility for the UCS to Thai citizens.

The only real changes that have occurred recently are (a) provision of free health care for stateless persons within Thailand (intended mainly to cover certain ethnic minority groups) and (b ) a new scheme for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, which is linked to a recent initiative on cross border health care.

http://www.burmalibr...o_21-ocr-en.pdf

http://en.vietnamplu...39/39293.vnplus

I work in this field and get my information from people at a senior level. Lower level hospital administrators sometimes give out incorrect information. If a mistake occurs and you manage to get registered under the migrant worker healthcare scheme, do not be surprised if you are denied care when the error is discovered.

Read the whole thread. Many people have the card from many hospitals and there has b een direct contact with the ministry confirming it. It has nothing to to with the National Health Scheme so get your facts straight before posting dangerous misinformation.

I read the whole thread and am not posting dangerous misinformation. I think you're the one posting dangerous misinformation here, there are too many uncertainties about this.

I do conclude that you think the system is here to stay, others disagree and so far the only people accepted live in 'the boonies' plus Chiang Mai (plus Chjang Rai, depending on how to classify that).

For example this quote: "His personal view is that the voluntary scheme may not survive, and that it would be better if the NHSO oversaw all the HI schemes."

All people that are now 'buying in' to this scheme may end up with nothing.

Edited October 11, 2013 by stevenl

[harrry]

Read the whole thread. Many people have the card from many hospitals and there has b een direct contact with the ministry confirming it. It has nothing to to with the National Health Scheme so get your facts straight before posting dangerous misinformation.

The only real changes that have occurred recently are (a) provision of free health care for stateless persons within Thailand (intended mainly to cover certain ethnic minority groups) and (b ) a new scheme for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, which is linked to a recent initiative on cross border health care.

http://www.burmalibr...o_21-ocr-en.pdf

http://en.vietnamplu...39/39293.vnplus

I work in this field and get my information from people at a senior level. Lower level hospital administrators sometimes give out incorrect information. If a mistake occurs and you manage to get registered under the migrant worker healthcare scheme, do not be surprised if you are denied care when the error is discovered.

I read the whole thread and am not posting dangerous misinformation. I think you're the one posting dangerous misinformation here, there are too many uncertainties about this.

I do conclude that you think the system is here to stay, others disagree and so far the only people accepted live in 'the boonies' plus Chiang Mai (plus Chjang Rai, depending on how to classify that).

For example this quote: "His personal view is that the voluntary scheme may not survive, and that it would be better if the NHSO oversaw all the HI schemes."

All people that are now 'buying in' to this scheme may end up with nothing.

Receipt of cards confirmed from:

Udon Thani Hospital

Pakchong Nana Hospital in Pakchong and Maharat Hospital in Korat

Chiang Rai Hospital register at Chiangrai 2 hospital (Sar glang gow))

Sanam Chai Khet hospital in Chachengsao

Nakornping hospital in Chiang Mai

Kuchinarai, Crown Prince Hospital in Kalasin

Banglamung in Pattaya

Kanthawichia Hospital (ampur) MahaSarakam Province.

And possibly another location not yet specified (TB+V member worgeordie)

Refused to issue card, said only for migrants:

Nang Rong Hospital, Buriram

It seems that these are not in the Boonies.

It also is quite likely because of language etc people are asking the wrong people.

Please contact:

You can obtain more first hand knowledge by calling 02 590 1580 or sending an email to [email protected]

andd then post again.

Whether the system is here to stay is not relevent at the moment. What is relevent is that it is here now and many people have enrolled with the fullo knowledge of the Ministry.

Edited October 11, 2013 by harrry

[stevenl]

Harry, I understand you enrolled and like the system, hell, I also like the system, and am hoping it will be applied to everybody.

But at the moment the information is really sketchy, so telling people they can enroll is simply not true (neither is telling people that they can't enroll), there are too many uncertainties about enrollment at present, let alone in the future.

[HUAHIN62]

I went to Lawton Asia in Bkk - a reputable shop, run by respectable people.

I bought health insurance packaged by Generali, which is one of the biggest global insurance companies. I paid about 30,000 a year and was around 38 or 39 so I got great coverage and bought in just before the 40's premium bump you see in all policies.

in 2009 at renewal time, Lawton contacted me and said Generali was pulling out of Thailand but that I was guaranteed the same coverage from another provider - for 60,000. I did not like this and pushed and pulled and complained. Nothing to do about it, says Lawton. I delayed longer than I should. Policy lapsed. I bought a new policy from another company and in the first 30 days (waiting period where coverage is not active), I suffered a huge health event. ICU, kind of stuff. Suddenly I had +300,000 in bills and climbing... including MRI and other expensive scans. The policy kicked me out.

My situation was unique and difficult to diagnose so and I had Thai Doctor friends who told me how to use Social Security and got my 'registered govt hospital' to send me to Chula where I was seen by some of Thailands best Doctors. The care was adequate, although not as nice as Paolo or Samitivej, etc. I paid nothing.

Social Security in Thailand is not that bad. If you are smart and get into a good hospital and play the games to get in front of good doctors, it covers everything and more that any private insurance policy would. This was not my case but just a 'for example' what if you fall off a motorcycle taxi and are not wearing a helmet or go scuba diving and have an accident. Would any private carrier cover that? I don't think so. But Social Security does.

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

I was told by Thai people it is only for Thais. How and where did you get the coverage?

No if you have a work permit and you are employed the company you work for must put you on SS. I am on Bupa but also have SS as it very cheap. If it ever should happen that I cant afford Bupa anymore I can continue with SS. Also my Bupa plan only covers B 2 mil per treatment and can use SS if the cost is higher than the limit.

[pistachios]

I went to Lawton Asia in Bkk - a reputable shop, run by respectable people.

I bought health insurance packaged by Generali, which is one of the biggest global insurance companies. I paid about 30,000 a year and was around 38 or 39 so I got great coverage and bought in just before the 40's premium bump you see in all policies.

in 2009 at renewal time, Lawton contacted me and said Generali was pulling out of Thailand but that I was guaranteed the same coverage from another provider - for 60,000. I did not like this and pushed and pulled and complained. Nothing to do about it, says Lawton. I delayed longer than I should. Policy lapsed. I bought a new policy from another company and in the first 30 days (waiting period where coverage is not active), I suffered a huge health event. ICU, kind of stuff. Suddenly I had +300,000 in bills and climbing... including MRI and other expensive scans. The policy kicked me out.

My situation was unique and difficult to diagnose so and I had Thai Doctor friends who told me how to use Social Security and got my 'registered govt hospital' to send me to Chula where I was seen by some of Thailands best Doctors. The care was adequate, although not as nice as Paolo or Samitivej, etc. I paid nothing.

Social Security in Thailand is not that bad. If you are smart and get into a good hospital and play the games to get in front of good doctors, it covers everything and more that any private insurance policy would. This was not my case but just a 'for example' what if you fall off a motorcycle taxi and are not wearing a helmet or go scuba diving and have an accident. Would any private carrier cover that? I don't think so. But Social Security does.

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

My girlfriend is afflicted by a condition that requires expensive medicine and frequent monitoring, blood tests, ct scan, etc. Thai social security covers nothing at all.

[oxo1947]

Harry, I understand you enrolled and like the system, hell, I also like the system, and am hoping it will be applied to everybody.

But at the moment the information is really sketchy, so telling people they can enroll is simply not true (neither is telling people that they can't enroll), there are too many uncertainties about enrollment at present, let alone in the future.

I do not know why people are posting (thinking) there are uncertainties in this scheme ---there isn't I got my card today in Udon Thani and was told that this region is one of the last to come in line with the cards....

Its now country wide.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Since mid-August, foreigners who live in Udon Thani Muang district have the opportunity to join the Thai national health insurance scheme. The decisive criterion is fixed residence, which must be demonstrated by the production of a yellow house book.

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

[harrry]

I think the big problem with people getting this is communications. They go in and ask if they can join the gold card scheme and get told no. Or they ask the wrong person. Sometimes it is hard to get to someonme that knows. I notice that in pattaya there were two reports...on that they definitely could not get it and another one where someone did.

There is a scheme. It is for us...we do count as ethnic minorities too even if some people seem to think white people cannot be an ethnic minority. I do not know how long the scheme will last but I think everyone should join whether they have other insurance or not. It is a valuable backup for them.

[stevenl]

Harry, I understand you enrolled and like the system, hell, I also like the system, and am hoping it will be applied to everybody.

But at the moment the information is really sketchy, so telling people they can enroll is simply not true (neither is telling people that they can't enroll), there are too many uncertainties about enrollment at present, let alone in the future.

I do not know why people are posting (thinking) there are uncertainties in this scheme ---there isn't I got my card today in Udon Thani and was told that this region is one of the last to come in line with the cards....

Because they are reading and listening.

[oxo1947]

Harry, I understand you enrolled and like the system, hell, I also like the system, and am hoping it will be applied to everybody.

But at the moment the information is really sketchy, so telling people they can enroll is simply not true (neither is telling people that they can't enroll), there are too many uncertainties about enrollment at present, let alone in the future.

I do not know why people are posting (thinking) there are uncertainties in this scheme ---there isn't I got my card today in Udon Thani and was told that this region is one of the last to come in line with the cards....

Because they are reading and listening.

Since mid-August, foreigners who live in Udon Thani Muang district have the opportunity to join the Thai national health insurance scheme. The decisive criterion is fixed residence, which must be demonstrated by the production of a yellow house book.

http://udon-news.com... ... foreigners

Edited October 12, 2013 by PoorSucker
removed non standard font

[quiuvo]

I went to Lawton Asia in Bkk - a reputable shop, run by respectable people.

I bought health insurance packaged by Generali, which is one of the biggest global insurance companies. I paid about 30,000 a year and was around 38 or 39 so I got great coverage and bought in just before the 40's premium bump you see in all policies.

in 2009 at renewal time, Lawton contacted me and said Generali was pulling out of Thailand but that I was guaranteed the same coverage from another provider - for 60,000. I did not like this and pushed and pulled and complained. Nothing to do about it, says Lawton. I delayed longer than I should. Policy lapsed. I bought a new policy from another company and in the first 30 days (waiting period where coverage is not active), I suffered a huge health event. ICU, kind of stuff. Suddenly I had +300,000 in bills and climbing... including MRI and other expensive scans. The policy kicked me out.

My situation was unique and difficult to diagnose so and I had Thai Doctor friends who told me how to use Social Security and got my 'registered govt hospital' to send me to Chula where I was seen by some of Thailands best Doctors. The care was adequate, although not as nice as Paolo or Samitivej, etc. I paid nothing.

Social Security in Thailand is not that bad. If you are smart and get into a good hospital and play the games to get in front of good doctors, it covers everything and more that any private insurance policy would. This was not my case but just a 'for example' what if you fall off a motorcycle taxi and are not wearing a helmet or go scuba diving and have an accident. Would any private carrier cover that? I don't think so. But Social Security does.

Interestingly... did you know that after you leave a job in Thailand, you have the option to go to SS and pay the premium yourself to get continued coverage. Good option if you have a chronic condition and are buying meds and costs are 1500 a month or more. Social Security costs 350 Baht a month. That's cheap.

I was told by Thai people it is only for Thais. How and where did you get the coverage?

within 6 months of leaving employment take your employment details and old SS data, passport etc to the SS office in your district. fill out a form. also bring your bank account details if you want to make it simple and use automatic withdrawal. select a hospital and done. it is good idea to look around your area for govt hospitals to see which is closest etc.

However, if you need to see your doc regularly, you will get put into their SS queue which seems to be Saturday and you may find yourself waiting hours to see a specialist. I see this in downtown Bkk. But if you have an emergency, you go into the hospital like everyone else.

SS care is separated as much as possible within the hospital and when you show up with a cold or whatever, you may find yourself in front of a Doc who is young and inexperienced. But when you are done, you pick up your meds and walk past the cashier.

I came to Thailand on a retirement visa. How can I get Sicily security here?

[stevenl]

Harry, I understand you enrolled and like the system, hell, I also like the system, and am hoping it will be applied to everybody.

But at the moment the information is really sketchy, so telling people they can enroll is simply not true (neither is telling people that they can't enroll), there are too many uncertainties about enrollment at present, let alone in the future.

I do not know why people are posting (thinking) there are uncertainties in this scheme ---there isn't I got my card today in Udon Thani and was told that this region is one of the last to come in line with the cards....

Because they are reading and listening.

Since mid-August, foreigners who live in Udon Thani Muang district have the opportunity to join the Thai national health insurance scheme. The decisive criterion is fixed residence, which must be demonstrated by the production of a yellow house book.

http://udon-news.com... ... foreigners

I've read it all, and I'm sorry, your own experience and the news as described in your quality paper does not mean this is nationwide possible. No matter how much I'd love it to be that way.

And I do resent you implicating I work for an insurance company and have some kind of beef here. I don't, I'm simply sceptic with regards to this.

Edited October 12, 2013 by PoorSucker

[madmitch]

OP

BUPA offer a number of products.

If you have purchased a policy from BUPA International and your claim is not excluded, then you should have no problem in claiming on your insurance, but as someone quite rightly pointed out, it is BUPA's policy during the first two years of the policy to reimburse the insured person (you) after the person has paid the claim. I would suggest you get the hospital to confirm that your claim is covered (or do it yourself) The hospital has a department that deals with insurance.

However, if you have a BUPA Thailand policy, you will need to look at the sub-limits and the terms and conditions. They have one policy, for example, that excludes treatment at any of the Bangkok Hospital branches and they often have very low limits for room and board as these policies are not really aimed at foreigners.

It does sound as though you have no option other than to pay the hospital at this stage, unfortunately.

[PoorSucker]

Some personal comments removed, keep it civil.

[broon97]

Recently I saw a link to a French Insurance company for Expat health insurance.

I have looked everywher but can.t find it.

I seem to remember they had schemes for French nationals in France and also for Expats of all nationalities.

Rates were reasonable, especially over 65's.

Can anyone put me back on their track?

[broon97]

Recently I saw a link to a French Insurance company for Expat health insurance.

I have looked everywher but can.t find it.

I seem to remember they had schemes for French nationals in France and also for Expats of all nationalities.

Rates were reasonable, especially over 65's.

Can anyone put me back on their track?

I have since found the site:

http://en.april-international.com/global/offers/saudi-arabia/united-kingdom/moving-abroad/more-than-12-months/thailand

Hope it could be useful to others also.

[BigC]

For some reason I can't post the opening post in this response.

I sympathise with the OPs predicament but I am not surprised, anyone who thinks they have family Health insurance for 50K THB a year is mistaken.

I pay around 300K THB a year for a BUPA international policy covering myself, wife and child. It is around that figure you should expect to be paying for REAL health insurance.

Most of these insurance policies offered here are just glorified accident policies, and many of these cheap policies will dump you at the first sign of ill health, leaving you uninsurable for any company.

So what u r saying is that if it is cheep then I am wrong

I should have asked them to charge me 300 k then everything would have been alright

The fact is that I asked them many questions before I paid

So I am a fool for trusting an international bupa company and I am a fool for thinking that I should pay more for Insuurence

It only covers me for 1 million baht

Which is not the same as other policy's but covers me for broken bones health issues and a million baht clears anything such as broken bones extra

What I ask is if I paid 300 k does that make it 100 per cent full proof that all the small writing and all the hidden Clauses that they won't leave me out to dry when I need it the most

Wasn't expecting Insuurence for cancer or any long term related illness just enough to cover the basics

Does that me me stupid

Put it this way if I had no Insuurence I saved my 300 k then I would have paid my hospital bill with change and that is only 1 year so within the past 2 years with no hospital claims I would have been 600 k up

If the Insuurence is too expensive then it prices itself out of the market