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

[Mapguy]

This thread is now averaging some 500 posts a day since it began. No surprise there!

More and more practical experience by early adapters is now showing up, but I hope that NancyL's advice to cool it for a while is taken. This is a new program that will take some time to get going and which is subject to some local interpretation and practice.

What NancyL happens to find out will indeed be limited in local impact and affected by local public health staff familiarity and adaptation to the general program over time, but there should be background being provided, one hopes, about the geographical array of a tiered hospital system; that is, who is eligible where and about the referral system to higher levels of care. For one thing, users are certainly limited geographically to their local primary care hospital. That is, you can not "cherry pick" a hospital.

Questions about the availability of private rooms --- and other such questions --- are certainly understandable but are not really timely. Perhaps comments about the quality of care provided and conditions within private hospitals can be posted on the "Implications... " thread running concurrently on this site.

This program is basically an extension of the basic catch-all "30-bhat" program used in Thailand for those Thais who do not have better insurance. It is fundamentally an add-on to a program that prepares Thailand in part for ASEAN integration. Be thankful for any help you can get!

Edited October 24, 2013 by Mapguy

[cheeryble]

I registered today at saraphi hospital, took 2 hours, mostly because the guy doing the blood tests was very busy. I alredy had access to the 30 baht plan because my wife registered me a year ago. The lady at the hospital told my wife that i was and am the only farang registered there, not sure why. My friends that registered at the sansai hospital said i needed to take 2 photos with me for the card but saraphi said no, does anyone know if the card features a photo?

I'm also Saraphi when my wife gets it sorted.

Grandma.....whose better health insurance just expired with the retirement of her son a government official.....is now also on the 30 baht scheme and at present in a private room at the rate of 700 baht. It is simple with a little TV and very basic bathroom and no view apart from a semi-open corridor, but I personally would be fine with staying there if I had good books (well ipad mini). A sofa for relatives to sleep (they are there tonight). As a matter of fact one time I went at night there was no doctor on duty I was told just the staff nurse......maybe that was an exception and just for a short time or doctor on call I don't know. Anyway they are attentive to grandma and she's way better will be out soon was watching the muay thai, her favourite, and complaining loudly about the low blows.

FYI Ramrod there's a photo shop can do your pics on the east side of the road coming from the south as you are getting into Saraphi town proper.......just past a little key kiosk.

[NancyL]

I am curious to know if any foreigner can walk into a government hospital, say Nakornping or Suan Dok, to get medical treatment and be charged the same as Thai. Same question for the long-stay expats who show a driver license. Some new comers to Thailand may also be interested in my question.

Another question. Does it mean that, with the said insurance, a foreigner may get medical treatments for free at the chosen (enrolled) government hospital?

At this time, when a foreigner without insurance walks in for treatment at NKP or SD they are charged the same fee as a Thai person who walks in without insurance coverage. No need to show a drivers license or even prove you're a long-stay expat.

With the insurance under discussion, you have to follow the same "rules" as the Thai UC (aka 30 baht) scheme. You first have to go to your "home" hospital to seek treatment. That treatment will be free for procedures ordered by a doctor, with certain exclusions -- the same exclusions as the Thai people. If that hospital does not provide the service needed then you will be referred to a higher level hospital.

Note that at this time it seems the only hospitals in the area participating are those operated by the Min. of Public Health -- Nakorn Ping, Sansai, Hang Dong, etc. Suan Dok is operated by Chiang Mai University and, thus, will never be anyone's "home" hospital under this scheme, although referral to SD is possible.

Please stay tuned. Meetings and conversations with the foreign consuls and local MOPH people continue. We hope to be able to release a simple summary of the program, in multiple languages, soon.

Nancy with Lanna Care Net

[sailaway2000]

Does anybody have experience/advise applying for this program in San Kampaeng?

Quite a few of us out this way as well.

Thanks

[muchogra]

I am curious to know if any foreigner can walk into a government hospital, say Nakornping or Suan Dok, to get medical treatment and be charged the same as Thai. Same question for the long-stay expats who show a driver license. Some new comers to Thailand may also be interested in my question.

Another question. Does it mean that, with the said insurance, a foreigner may get medical treatments for free at the chosen (enrolled) government hospital?

At this time, when a foreigner without insurance walks in for treatment at NKP or SD they are charged the same fee as a Thai person who walks in without insurance coverage. No need to show a drivers license or even prove you're a long-stay expat.

With the insurance under discussion, you have to follow the same "rules" as the Thai UC (aka 30 baht) scheme. You first have to go to your "home" hospital to seek treatment. That treatment will be free for procedures ordered by a doctor, with certain exclusions -- the same exclusions as the Thai people. If that hospital does not provide the service needed then you will be referred to a higher level hospital.

Note that at this time it seems the only hospitals in the area participating are those operated by the Min. of Public Health -- Nakorn Ping, Sansai, Hang Dong, etc. Suan Dok is operated by Chiang Mai University and, thus, will never be anyone's "home" hospital under this scheme, although referral to SD is possible.

Please stay tuned. Meetings and conversations with the foreign consuls and local MOPH people continue. We hope to be able to release a simple summary of the program, in multiple languages, soon.

Nancy with Lanna Care Net

Thanks NancyL. Your posts are always clear.

[ramrod711]

I registered today at saraphi hospital, took 2 hours, mostly because the guy doing the blood tests was very busy. I alredy had access to the 30 baht plan because my wife registered me a year ago. The lady at the hospital told my wife that i was and am the only farang registered there, not sure why. My friends that registered at the sansai hospital said i needed to take 2 photos with me for the card but saraphi said no, does anyone know if the card features a photo?

I'm also Saraphi when my wife gets it sorted.

Grandma.....whose better health insurance just expired with the retirement of her son a government official.....is now also on the 30 baht scheme and at present in a private room at the rate of 700 baht. It is simple with a little TV and very basic bathroom and no view apart from a semi-open corridor, but I personally would be fine with staying there if I had good books (well ipad mini). A sofa for relatives to sleep (they are there tonight). As a matter of fact one time I went at night there was no doctor on duty I was told just the staff nurse......maybe that was an exception and just for a short time or doctor on call I don't know. Anyway they are attentive to grandma and she's way better will be out soon was watching the muay thai, her favourite, and complaining loudly about the low blows.

FYI Ramrod there's a photo shop can do your pics on the east side of the road coming from the south as you are getting into Saraphi town proper.......just past a little key kiosk.

Thanks for the information, i had 2 photos with me but they refused them, to the best of my knowledge nobody took a photo of me while i was at the hospital.

[Sheryl]

Be warned that Udon Hospital, which was one of the first to issue these cards, has now stopped doing so for reasons unclear.

No reports of that happening in CM yet, but it does point to the uncertainty of the situation. I would still advise anyone how has no other means of insurance to go ahead and get the card, but would absolutely discourage anyone from dropping or foregoing private insurance if they can get it.

2,800 baht absolutely cannot work for unemployed resident expats, as a group they are just too old and will have much higher rates of utilization. Something can be worked out for them, but it will cost more than 2,800.

[harrry]

Be warned that Udon Hospital, which was one of the first to issue these cards, has now stopped doing so for reasons unclear.

No reports of that happening in CM yet, but it does point to the uncertainty of the situation. I would still advise anyone how has no other means of insurance to go ahead and get the card, but would absolutely discourage anyone from dropping or foregoing private insurance if they can get it.

2,800 baht absolutely cannot work for unemployed resident expats, as a group they are just too old and will have much higher rates of utilization. Something can be worked out for them, but it will cost more than 2,800.

On what are you basing the fact the group is old? If we look at the figures on the page on Thai Visa giving details of the demographics of it's users it is not that skewed to the older people and we all know that TV is allways accurate

Edited October 27, 2013 by harrry

[Thailand]

Worth keeping in touch with the thread in Health, Body and Medicine

This relates to the company that is actually providing the insurance:

"The insurance company is the HIGTHAI - www.higthai.org. We have requested clarification from the company about for whom the insurance is intended. We were told that the insurance was designed for foreigners, regardless of their nationality, thus also for farangs!

Furthermore, we asked whether hospitals would have a quota, which would limit the intake of insured. They told us that there were no limits as to numbers.

Our contact has allowed us to publish their phone number in this article. If applicants are rejected at the hospital, then they could ask the hospital staff to ring this number; 025 901 580, and clarify with HIGTHAI that they should be entitled to apply.«

If any TV-members have some experience with this, it may be advisable to post it."

The plot thickens.

[sustento]

A friend of mine got his card from NakornPing hospital last week without any problem.

[worgeordie]

Worth keeping in touch with the thread in Health, Body and Medicine

This relates to the company that is actually providing the insurance:

"The insurance company is the HIGTHAI - www.higthai.org. We have requested clarification from the company about for whom the insurance is intended. We were told that the insurance was designed for foreigners, regardless of their nationality, thus also for farangs!

Furthermore, we asked whether hospitals would have a quota, which would limit the intake of insured. They told us that there were no limits as to numbers.

Our contact has allowed us to publish their phone number in this article. If applicants are rejected at the hospital, then they could ask the hospital staff to ring this number; 025 901 580, and clarify with HIGTHAI that they should be entitled to apply.«

If any TV-members have some experience with this, it may be advisable to post it."

The plot thickens.

I thought the Government was providing the cover, but if its a Company thats a big worry, I hope they whole thing does not turn into a big scam,

is the company HIGTHAI financially secure,and have experience in health insurance, hope its not been set up just to handle this new scheme ,

by someone in or near to the Government, will go and check website now

regards Worgeordie

[Mapguy]

Harry, I hope you'll give Sheryl a break on this one. Perhaps you can put your concerns on the accompanying "Implications" thread for the new progra, and leave this one free of news and substantive information.

I wonder, like Sheryl and others, about the actuarial wisdom as well as other social factors, such as higher expectations of public health facilities and services among foreigners than are realistic or may create significant nervousness and concern among Thai hospital staff unused to dealing with a different sort of patient than they commonly serve, especially in the lower tier of Thai health care.

It would be very sad if a scrum develops at Thai regional public health facilities that gets everyone upset because of over-optimistic or demanding concern for immediate care and attention.

No need for a conversational scrum here!

[harrry]

Worth keeping in touch with the thread in Health, Body and Medicine

This relates to the company that is actually providing the insurance:

"The insurance company is the HIGTHAI - www.higthai.org. We have requested clarification from the company about for whom the insurance is intended. We were told that the insurance was designed for foreigners, regardless of their nationality, thus also for farangs!

Furthermore, we asked whether hospitals would have a quota, which would limit the intake of insured. They told us that there were no limits as to numbers.

Our contact has allowed us to publish their phone number in this article. If applicants are rejected at the hospital, then they could ask the hospital staff to ring this number; 025 901 580, and clarify with HIGTHAI that they should be entitled to apply.«

If any TV-members have some experience with this, it may be advisable to post it."

The plot thickens.

I thought the Government was providing the cover, but if its a Company thats a big worry, I hope they whole thing does not turn into a big scam,

is the company HIGTHAI financially secure,and have experience in health insurance, hope its not been set up just to handle this new scheme ,

by someone in or near to the Government, will go and check website now

regards Worgeordie

The company is the operating unit of the project in the MOPH....check the email addresses they are all moph ones.

[Thailand]

Worth keeping in touch with the thread in Health, Body and Medicine

This relates to the company that is actually providing the insurance:

"The insurance company is the HIGTHAI - www.higthai.org. We have requested clarification from the company about for whom the insurance is intended. We were told that the insurance was designed for foreigners, regardless of their nationality, thus also for farangs!

Furthermore, we asked whether hospitals would have a quota, which would limit the intake of insured. They told us that there were no limits as to numbers.

Our contact has allowed us to publish their phone number in this article. If applicants are rejected at the hospital, then they could ask the hospital staff to ring this number; 025 901 580, and clarify with HIGTHAI that they should be entitled to apply.«

If any TV-members have some experience with this, it may be advisable to post it."

The plot thickens.

I thought the Government was providing the cover, but if its a Company thats a big worry, I hope they whole thing does not turn into a big scam,

is the company HIGTHAI financially secure,and have experience in health insurance, hope its not been set up just to handle this new scheme ,

by someone in or near to the Government, will go and check website now

regards Worgeordie

I think it is still part of the government looking at one of the contact emails that is @health.moph.co.th on the website.

That said the website is a quickly,badly, cobbled together Wordpress site.

[purushanti]

So what would be the recommended hospital to register at---for people aroun Kad Suan Kaew? Suan Dok is the nearest, but someone on the forum has already inferred that it is too upper-level a hospital for this work.

[elektrified]

So what would be the recommended hospital to register at---for people aroun Kad Suan Kaew? Suan Dok is the nearest, but someone on the forum has already inferred that it is too upper-level a hospital for this work.

Nakhornping Hospital.

[MadMac]

Nakornping or Sansai in the North. Nakornping is a huge place, pretty overrun with everybody for everything. But staff is friendly and helpful. Been there and had an appointment for last Thursday to do the checkup but went to Hang Dong hospital instead. It's nearby and a small one with only 25 beds, so the website says. Not that crowded, and eventhough they may not have the specialist, chances are they refer you to the next level earlier than one of the bigger places.

[hellodolly]

Wondering if I could transfer to hospital across from the holliday inn if I agreed to pick up part of the cost.

[MAJIC]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

[Thailand]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

Or we could assume that Higthai.org have done their homework before we negotiate the premiums upwards?

[BB1955]

Went last week hey took my blood took and xray . Gave them two phots and a copy of my passport . I was told to come back on the 30th for the results and card . But if in the mean time anything happened I was covered to just come and bring my papers ....

[elektrified]

...and even though they may not have the specialist, chances are they refer you to the next level earlier than one of the bigger places.

Unfortunately that is not how the system works here. You could wait a few days to be transferred to Nakhornping or Suan Dok, etc. from a small hospital that you registered with. It really is best to register with Nakhornping.

[elektrified]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

[fcgprg]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

At 69 you would be paying around 12,000 baht a month with about 20% deductible from each claim made. Not covering any pre existing conditions.

[MadMac]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

Sure, you can certainly pay for some private insurance. The big issue with these is the very low limit all of them have. Consider yourself lucky if you get a 1mTHB (lifetime) coverage for your 20k fee. In my opinion useless if you have any serious case. I don't need health insurance for outpatient treatment but for emergencies.

[elektrified]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

At 69 you would be paying around 12,000 baht a month with about 20% deductible from each claim made. Not covering any pre existing conditions.

Actually I was wrong - a little. But you can peruse the websites of the major companies in Thailand to see the rates. They all have an English language option; i.e. AXA, Thai Health, Allianz. Well apparently with AXA you have to sign up by age 59, 65 with Thai Health. Sure, there is a broad range of coverage as indicated by the different plans. We have used all 3 and never a problem paying claims.

I'm not knocking the government plan. I do see it as a positive thing but people need to remember...basic medical care.

Edited October 28, 2013 by elektrified

[elektrified]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

Sure, you can certainly pay for some private insurance. The big issue with these is the very low limit all of them have. Consider yourself lucky if you get a 1mTHB (lifetime) coverage for your 20k fee. In my opinion useless if you have any serious case. I don't need health insurance for outpatient treatment but for emergencies.

And you think the government plan will take care of all of your problems? Not a chance.

[MadMac]

And you think the government plan will take care of all of your problems? Not a chance.

What this has to do with the government? I say any private insurance in Thailand has a rather low limit compared to their cousins in the western world. So if you want real protection you should perhaps consider to carry on your private insurance from your home country.

[Sheryl]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

Sure, you can certainly pay for some private insurance. The big issue with these is the very low limit all of them have. Consider yourself lucky if you get a 1mTHB (lifetime) coverage for your 20k fee. In my opinion useless if you have any serious case. I don't need health insurance for outpatient treatment but for emergencies.

BUPA Platinum offers 2 and 5 million per illness caps. Of course, it costs more than 20K a year -- how much more, depends on your age. And BUPA will cover you for life if you enrol before a certain age.

IMO no-one should get insurance which does not offer at least 2 million baht per illness episode coverage and lifetime cover. I mention BUPA as it is the one I know best but there are others who meet these criteria as well.

[Lizard2010]

Thank you for starting this Thread Cheryl,this is certainly a step in the right direction for lot's of Ex pats ( not all of course) especially for those with preconditions.

But let's get real 2200 Bahts a year will cover very little Medical care,20,000 plus may be more realistic,as a start for negotiation. At this stage we all must approach this in a optomistic fashion,and hope something good will come out of it,beneficial to all concerned. Fingers crossed!

They are offering the most basic coverage at a government hospital, the cheapest and lowest quality drugs, many of the doctors you will be seeing may only be 6 months out of medical school. Get real. It's a basic coverage plan. For 20K plus as you say you can buy private insurance up to age 69.

Sure, you can certainly pay for some private insurance. The big issue with these is the very low limit all of them have. Consider yourself lucky if you get a 1mTHB (lifetime) coverage for your 20k fee. In my opinion useless if you have any serious case. I don't need health insurance for outpatient treatment but for emergencies.

BUPA Platinum offers 2 and 5 million per illness caps. Of course, it costs more than 20K a year -- how much more, depends on your age. And BUPA will cover you for life if you enrol before a certain age.

IMO no-one should get insurance which does not offer at least 2 million baht per illness episode coverage and lifetime cover. I mention BUPA as it is the one I know best but there are others who meet these criteria as well.

After much research, i found that unless you are locked into a medical Fund by you 65 birthday.

You will not get any medical fund to cover you after 65.

Unless someone can tell me different.