The new Government Health Insurance - info for TV members in Chiang Mai

[Thailand]

This is potentially one of the biggest things to happen for Thai based expats for years,if not the biggest.

On a par with doing away with 90 day reporting or the advent of 5 or 10 year visas perhaps.

I wouldn't put 90 day reporting abolition quite so far up the list of "game changing events"

I'm so sorry.

Perhaps we could replace that with foreigners to be able to purchase land, or perhaps you would have something that you wish to add?

No forget it, this topic is too important to go off topic with pedanticism.

Edited October 18, 2013 by Thailand

[elektrified]

Do specialists and surgeons who do the rounds of hospitals within Chiangmai, also make visits to San Sai? Cheers

I can confirm that one well respected Chiang Mai Orthopedic Surgeon who normally does surgery at Lanna Hospital (his clinic is across the Super Highway from the hospital) does consult at Sansai Hospital about 2 mornings/afternoons per week. But my guess is that it being such a small facility that they do not have state of the art equipment, modern operating theatres, etc.

[worgeordie]

For the last 2 years I have been the only Farang on the day I attend at San Sai hospital,

now it sounds like there is going to be wall to wall Farangs,! Please respect the Nurses

and staff, as they are very nice and caring and i don't want to see that change,due to

people expecting and demanding too much,don't be impatient ,just go with the flow,

regards Worgeordie

[NancyL]

Yes, the nurse at Nakorn Ping said that other hospitals in the region outlaying A. Muang are accepting enrollments. She specifically mentioned San Sai, noting that many foreigners live near that hospital. But. we've not received reports of anyone enrolling in San Sai. I'll ask her when I return to Nakorn Ping on Tuesday to claim the new cards of the initial enrollees.

Please, everyone, handle this with grace and respect. It's a huge development for us older expats and we need to be cautious not to send a flood of rude, non-Thai speaking foreigners into small hospitals before the rules are set and documents are avaiable.

[Thailand]

For the last 2 years I have been the only Farang on the day I attend at San Sai hospital,

now it sounds like there is going to be wall to wall Farangs,! Please respect the Nurses

and staff, as they are very nice and caring and i don't want to see that change,due to

people expecting and demanding too much,don't be impatient ,just go with the flow,

regards Worgeordie

Having been here and having seen the antics and attitudes of some Farang I share your concerns.

[NancyL]

I have received a report from Nakorn Ping hospital that this past week there has been an increase in the number of foreign applicants and the hospital has been unable to cope with the demand, so they have developed a queue system, first-come, first-served and after they reach their cut-off point for the day they are giving applicants a queue number to return another day.

They are considering changes -- for example having morning screenings for elderly westerners and afternoon screenings for younger people and migrant workers. Perhaps they will order different screening tests for the different groups. But this change is just in the planning and discussion stage.

So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks, if possible. They will continue to accept applicants, though, but be aware that you may be asked to return another day and the screening tests you receive may be different than the ones ordered in the future. Their intent is to include all foreigners, migrant workers and resident expats alike. Please be polite and graceful, realizing that they are indeed "making up the rules as they go".

[harrry]

I have received a report from Nakorn Ping hospital that this past week there has been an increase in the number of foreign applicants and the hospital has been unable to cope with the demand, so they have developed a queue system, first-come, first-served and after they reach their cut-off point for the day they are giving applicants a queue number to return another day.

They are considering changes -- for example having morning screenings for elderly westerners and afternoon screenings for younger people and migrant workers. Perhaps they will order different screening tests for the different groups. But this change is just in the planning and discussion stage.

So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks, if possible. They will continue to accept applicants, though, but be aware that you may be asked to return another day and the screening tests you receive may be different than the ones ordered in the future. Their intent is to include all foreigners, migrant workers and resident expats alike. Please be polite and graceful, realizing that they are indeed "making up the rules as they go".

The tests on the initial examination are mainly to exclude the people not eligable...ie leprosy,syphalis TB. It is good they are tinking of adding extra tests to diagnose problems specifiec groups add. It just shows that the care is good. I am impressed by the care given my MIL in the local clinic in monitering and treating her bp and diabetes problems. They will try to make you healthy so do not be surprised if you get follow up appointments given.

[Morden]

Thanks for the information, Sheryl.

I've been considering taking up this scheme for a few weeks. The care and treatment at government hospitals is inferior to that at private hospitals but the scheme would be useful for minor problems the costs for which fall below the voluntary deductible on my private health policy.

[tango]

^66 '...So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks,....'

Actually good advice but your earlier observation that "Meanwhile, one of the people enrolled yesterday will begin to pursue treatment at Nakorn Ping hospital under this insurance program

for a chronic, degenerative condition that requires surgery to correct."

Talk about IMMEDIATELY swamping the RESOURCES AND GOOD-WILL of the hospital AND possibly compromising the enrollment chances of others! Why not wait a bit...?

[Saan]

^66 '...So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks,....' Actually good advice but your earlier observation that "Meanwhile, one of the people enrolled yesterday will begin to pursue treatment at Nakorn Ping hospital under this insurance program for a chronic, degenerative condition that requires surgery to correct." Talk about IMMEDIATELY swamping the RESOURCES AND GOOD-WILL of the hospital AND possibly compromising the enrollment chances of others! Why not wait a bit...?

Perhaps he or she need surgery now.

[Thailand]

^66 '...So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks,....'Actually good advice but your earlier observation that "Meanwhile, one of the people enrolled yesterday will begin to pursue treatment at Nakorn Ping hospital under this insurance program for a chronic, degenerative condition that requires surgery to correct."Talk about IMMEDIATELY swamping the RESOURCES AND GOOD-WILL of the hospital AND possibly compromising the enrollment chances of others! Why not wait a bit...?

Perhaps it would be better for the doctors to make that decision?

[scorecard]

For the last 2 years I have been the only Farang on the day I attend at San Sai hospital,

now it sounds like there is going to be wall to wall Farangs,! Please respect the Nurses

and staff, as they are very nice and caring and i don't want to see that change,due to

people expecting and demanding too much,don't be impatient ,just go with the flow,

regards Worgeordie

I have received a report from Nakorn Ping hospital that this past week there has been an increase in the number of foreign applicants and the hospital has been unable to cope with the demand, so they have developed a queue system, first-come, first-served and after they reach their cut-off point for the day they are giving applicants a queue number to return another day.

They are considering changes -- for example having morning screenings for elderly westerners and afternoon screenings for younger people and migrant workers. Perhaps they will order different screening tests for the different groups. But this change is just in the planning and discussion stage.

So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks, if possible. They will continue to accept applicants, though, but be aware that you may be asked to return another day and the screening tests you receive may be different than the ones ordered in the future. Their intent is to include all foreigners, migrant workers and resident expats alike. Please be polite and graceful, realizing that they are indeed "making up the rules as they go".

Excellent points Nancy and I will wait a bit longer before trying to register.

I've tried to gather some macro level information in regard to what this scheme covers but to no avail.

I'm guessing that others would appreciate some big picture information. e.g outpatients coverage, inpatient coverage.

Are you able, please to give any macro level details on these questions, I'm sure it would be valuable to many.

Also, thanks for your efforts on this and your concern for others.

[techno]

Yes, the nurse at Nakorn Ping said that other hospitals in the region outlaying A. Muang are accepting enrollments. She specifically mentioned San Sai, noting that many foreigners live near that hospital. But. we've not received reports of anyone enrolling in San Sai. I'll ask her when I return to Nakorn Ping on Tuesday to claim the new cards of the initial enrollees.

Please, everyone, handle this with grace and respect. It's a huge development for us older expats and we need to be cautious not to send a flood of rude, non-Thai speaking foreigners into small hospitals before the rules are set and documents are avaiable.

Hi Nancy

I have enrolled at San Sai Hospital under the scheme as l was receiving treatment and medicines in the last year under the yellow book. I have diabetes and the treatment I received from them in the past 12 months was excellent and the Doctors and Nurses know me quite well. Until October this year all my treatment and medicines were free under my yellow book and l was quite happy to pay 2800 baht for the new 30 baht scheme and have had my examination/tests and have a id card for future use. I suspect that each hospital is keeping details of the cost of each foreign patient and may in the future charge each individual more depending on treatment and medicines required although still a lot cheaper than private hospitals.

[NancyL]

Yes, the nurse at Nakorn Ping said that other hospitals in the region outlaying A. Muang are accepting enrollments. She specifically mentioned San Sai, noting that many foreigners live near that hospital. But. we've not received reports of anyone enrolling in San Sai. I'll ask her when I return to Nakorn Ping on Tuesday to claim the new cards of the initial enrollees.

Please, everyone, handle this with grace and respect. It's a huge development for us older expats and we need to be cautious not to send a flood of rude, non-Thai speaking foreigners into small hospitals before the rules are set and documents are avaiable.

Hi Nancy

I have enrolled at San Sai Hospital under the scheme as l was receiving treatment and medicines in the last year under the yellow book. I have diabetes and the treatment I received from them in the past 12 months was excellent and the Doctors and Nurses know me quite well. Until October this year all my treatment and medicines were free under my yellow book and l was quite happy to pay 2800 baht for the new 30 baht scheme and have had my examination/tests and have a id card for future use. I suspect that each hospital is keeping details of the cost of each foreign patient and may in the future charge each individual more depending on treatment and medicines required although still a lot cheaper than private hospitals.

In the past foreigners had not be able to participate in the UC (i.e. 30 baht) program simply because they are in a yellow book. But, local hospitals did enroll some people (like techno) in error. The problem would have been discovered if it was necessary to refer to a higher level hospital, like Suan Dok. I've seen some tragic cases where people with very serious conditions were denied treatment at Suan Dok when they'd been referred by the local hospital that had given them the UC card.

Now, by participating in the scheme and paying the 2800 baht fee, there will be no problem in obtaining care at Suan Dok if/when the local doctors refer a foreign patient.

[NancyL]

For the last 2 years I have been the only Farang on the day I attend at San Sai hospital,

now it sounds like there is going to be wall to wall Farangs,! Please respect the Nurses

and staff, as they are very nice and caring and i don't want to see that change,due to

people expecting and demanding too much,don't be impatient ,just go with the flow,

regards Worgeordie

I have received a report from Nakorn Ping hospital that this past week there has been an increase in the number of foreign applicants and the hospital has been unable to cope with the demand, so they have developed a queue system, first-come, first-served and after they reach their cut-off point for the day they are giving applicants a queue number to return another day.

They are considering changes -- for example having morning screenings for elderly westerners and afternoon screenings for younger people and migrant workers. Perhaps they will order different screening tests for the different groups. But this change is just in the planning and discussion stage.

So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks, if possible. They will continue to accept applicants, though, but be aware that you may be asked to return another day and the screening tests you receive may be different than the ones ordered in the future. Their intent is to include all foreigners, migrant workers and resident expats alike. Please be polite and graceful, realizing that they are indeed "making up the rules as they go".

Excellent points Nancy and I will wait a bit longer before trying to register.

I've tried to gather some macro level information in regard to what this scheme covers but to no avail.

I'm guessing that others would appreciate some big picture information. e.g outpatients coverage, inpatient coverage.

Are you able, please to give any macro level details on these questions, I'm sure it would be valuable to many.

Also, thanks for your efforts on this and your concern for others.

Yes, macro level information, included covered and excluded treatments, will (hopefully) be part of the simple document being drafted by Ben Svasti, the chairman of LCN. I've seen an initial draft and there is such a list. But, he has to obtain OK from appropriate Thai gov't agencies before this document is ready to circulate within the expat community. Stay tuned.

[NancyL]

^66 '...So,the situation is very fluid and we encourage applicants to wait a couple weeks,....' Actually good advice but your earlier observation that "Meanwhile, one of the people enrolled yesterday will begin to pursue treatment at Nakorn Ping hospital under this insurance program for a chronic, degenerative condition that requires surgery to correct." Talk about IMMEDIATELY swamping the RESOURCES AND GOOD-WILL of the hospital AND possibly compromising the enrollment chances of others! Why not wait a bit...?

Part of the reason for enrolling someone in need of treatment was to "test" the program to see how it performs in delivering services. Only one person in our test group will seek immediate care. The others are healthy, and indeed will continue to obtain care at their regular in-town hospital on a fee-paid basis. They'll keep the 2800 baht card for use if a need for expensive care develops.

[NancyL]

The tests on the initial examination are mainly to exclude the people not eligable...ie leprosy,syphalis TB. It is good they are tinking of adding extra tests to diagnose problems specifiec groups add. It just shows that the care is good. I am impressed by the care given my MIL in the local clinic in monitering and treating her bp and diabetes problems. They will try to make you healthy so do not be surprised if you get follow up appointments given.

Actually, people aren't denied participation if they have leprosy, TB, etc. The purpose of the screening is to identify and treat those conditions before they become public health issues.

The same philosophy would apply in screening the elderly for diabetes, liver and kidney function and blood lipids. Those conditions can create serious complications that would burden the health care system -- diabetic amputations, stroke treatment -- without early detection and treatment.

[harrry]

Actually, people aren't denied participation if they have leprosy, TB, etc. The purpose of the screening is to identify and treat those conditions before they become public health issues.

The same philosophy would apply in screening the elderly for diabetes, liver and kidney function and blood lipids. Those conditions can create serious complications that would burden the health care system -- diabetic amputations, stroke treatment -- without early detection and treatment.

Sorry nancy. read the Ministerial directive. They are not eligle for this scheme if they have any of these conditions. They may recieve treatment ouside this scheme by either paying for it or by the generousity of the hospital but they are not eligible for this scheme.

[NancyL]

We're working to translate the directive into English. I wouldn't rely on an article in an English language newspaper as a definitive translation of the restrictions.

Fortunately, the conditions listed are also the same conditions listed on the same medical exam form used in obtaining an O-A retirement visa. Of course, not everyone who is here on a retirement extension entered with an O-A visa, but the reality is that few, if any, westerners are going to have any of those public health problems -- except maybe for drug addition.

[harrry]

We're working to translate the directive into English. I wouldn't rely on an article in an English language newspaper as a definitive translation of the restrictions.

Fortunately, the conditions listed are also the same conditions listed on the same medical exam form used in obtaining an O-A retirement visa. Of course, not everyone who is here on a retirement extension entered with an O-A visa, but the reality is that few, if any, westerners are going to have any of those public health problems -- except maybe for drug addition.

Yes some may...but your statement was not correct. It would be nice if it was but facts are facts.

[happyme]

ADMIN could this topic please be pinned as this affects many expats

[techno]

Yes, the nurse at Nakorn Ping said that other hospitals in the region outlaying A. Muang are accepting enrollments. She specifically mentioned San Sai, noting that many foreigners live near that hospital. But. we've not received reports of anyone enrolling in San Sai. I'll ask her when I return to Nakorn Ping on Tuesday to claim the new cards of the initial enrollees.

Please, everyone, handle this with grace and respect. It's a huge development for us older expats and we need to be cautious not to send a flood of rude, non-Thai speaking foreigners into small hospitals before the rules are set and documents are avaiable.

Hi Nancy

I have enrolled at San Sai Hospital under the scheme as l was receiving treatment and medicines in the last year under the yellow book. I have diabetes and the treatment I received from them in the past 12 months was excellent and the Doctors and Nurses know me quite well. Until October this year all my treatment and medicines were free under my yellow book and l was quite happy to pay 2800 baht for the new 30 baht scheme and have had my examination/tests and have a id card for future use. I suspect that each hospital is keeping details of the cost of each foreign patient and may in the future charge each individual more depending on treatment and medicines required although still a lot cheaper than private hospitals.

In the past foreigners had not be able to participate in the UC (i.e. 30 baht) program simply because they are in a yellow book. But, local hospitals did enroll some people (like techno) in error. The problem would have been discovered if it was necessary to refer to a higher level hospital, like Suan Dok. I've seen some tragic cases where people with very serious conditions were denied treatment at Suan Dok when they'd been referred by the local hospital that had given them the UC card.

Now, by participating in the scheme and paying the 2800 baht fee, there will be no problem in obtaining care at Suan Dok if/when the local doctors refer a foreign patient.

Only 3 months ago the Doctors at San Sai gave me a letter to take to Suan Dok so l could have a cataract operation. The only cost was for a private room for 2 days and use of the medical equipment. The total cost was 5000 baht all done under my yellow book scheme. After the operation l also had 2 OPD appointments with the Surgeon which were also free.

[jingjoke]

^ Techno # 82: Good for you and possibly others too, really...

What may I ask are the first few digits of your yellow book?

I ask simply to clarify, to shed more light on, another thread which claims only certain Tabien Bahn (Yellow Book-Farang) numbers are entitled to gratis medical care -

to wit: Specifically # 26 at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/660249-list-of-yellow-book-benefits/page-2

[ Posted 2013-08-13 14:56:46

Hospital. There are a series of numbers in your yellow book top of the first page. four numbers, dash, six numbers, if the six numbers begin with 5 or 6 you are in luck, if it is 0, you are stuffed. ]

[Thailand]

Friend has just signed up at Hangdong hospital, Chiangmai.

They required copy of Tabien Baan, Copy of passport and 2 photos 1x1 inch.

Go to room 10 preferably mornings not holidays.

[citizen33]

The codes for nationality/residence status in the first digit of the 13-digit ID number are discussed in the Affordable Health Insurance thread.

My theory is that some farang yellow tabian baan holders who have been incorrectly registered for one of the public health insurance schemes have been allowed to slip through because their starting digit coincides with a category that is eligible for a scheme. For example, 5 = Thai citizen and indicates a person who might be eligible for the universal coverage scheme, and 6 can indicate a stateless person who would be eligible for the MoPH scheme for stateless persons (similar to the UCS). You can find a full list of codes (perhaps with a few mistakes) in the thread.

By the way, there are some interesting posts on the Udonmap website indicating that registrations there for farangs wanting the 'con dtaang daao' card have ended, and uncertainty about the situation of those who have already signed up.

^ Techno # 82: Good for you and possibly others too, really...

What may I ask are the first few digits of your yellow book?

I ask simply to clarify, to shed more light on, another thread which claims only certain Tabien Bahn (Yellow Book-Farang) numbers are entitled to gratis medical care -

to wit: Specifically # 26 at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/660249-list-of-yellow-book-benefits/page-2

[ Posted 2013-08-13 14:56:46

Hospital. There are a series of numbers in your yellow book top of the first page. four numbers, dash, six numbers, if the six numbers begin with 5 or 6 you are in luck, if it is 0, you are stuffed. ]

Edited October 22, 2013 by citizen33

[FiftyTwo]

I previously slated San Sai hospital .... I was wrong.

Went there today, with a small child, it did take 3 hours but they seemed very efficient, and a very reasonable price.

50bht to see the doctor.

77bht for two types of skin cream and two types of anti-biotics.

(It wasn't the hospital the child was registered at)

Car parking was much easier than NakornPing, lots of nice places to sit outside, 7-11 just across the road.

[taotoo]

People lucky enough to be born in first-world countries using-up resources meant for poor people in third-world countries. Am I missing something?

[Thailand]

Am I missing something?

Affordable medical insurance?

[citizen33]

People lucky enough to be born in first-world countries using-up resources meant for poor people in third-world countries. Am I missing something?

Possibly you are missing that Thailand became an upper middle income country in 2011.

I'm against westerners being incorrectly registered on public health insurance schemes not intended for them, although whether this applies to the 'con dtaang daao' card scheme isn't clear yet (my information is that the policy intention was that it should cover migrant workers only).

What I do think would be quite reasonable is a voluntary card scheme for (especially older) expats at an appropriate premium, and/or low-cost reciprocal healthcare agreements with certain other countries. Times are moving on and Thailand is obligated to make arrangements for reciprocal care with its ASEAN neighbours, so this might be an appropriate time to address the long stay resident issue as well.

[Mapguy]

People lucky enough to be born in first-world countries using-up resources meant for poor people in third-world countries. Am I missing something?

I think you have made a very, very thoughtful point here, the importance of which is being lost in a crush of personal long-stay farang concern (albeit as valid as that concern may be.)

As well, I have not seen any consideration yet of the long-range implications of this remarkable generosity. But that, perhaps, will come later.