New government health insurance for foreigners available at Banglamung Hospital

[Sheryl]

The Thai government has initiated a new system which allows foreigners living in Thailand to enroll in the UC (AKA “30 baht”) scheme on a fee basis. The directive issued thus far, which involves a premium of only 2,200 baht a year plus another 600 for initial medical screening, was aimed at migrant workers, but the directive failed to specify this clearly, rather stating only “foreigner”. As a result many up-country hospitals are issuing the cards to resident expats. We have confirmed that this was not the original intent of the MoPH, and that they plan on introducing something for resident expats subsequently which would have a different premium, as yet to be established (it will be based on analyses of age, expected utilization etc). It will surely be more than 2,000 baht a year but also almost certainly still be much less than private insurance. Meanwhile, many resident expats are getting the cards at the 2,000 baht rate. So far there are no reports of any hospital in the Bangkok area doing this, but up-country it seems more common than not.

In the Pattaya area, to date we have had reports of cards being issued by Banglamung Hospital and Sanam Chai Khet hospital in Chachengsao. The "Kilometre 10" hospital in Sattahip has indicated they are aware of the system and will start it soon. No reports either way as yet from Sri Racha or Chonburi. Queen Sirikit does not issue the cards as it is a military hospital.

Given the uncertainties of the situation just described (with some risk that cards issued might later be revoked, or people run into difficulties if they have to be referred up to a higher level of care, especially in Bangkok), we do not recommend discontinuing private insurance coverage if you have it. However, those who are unable to get private insurance have nothing to lose by enrolling in the system and will certainly be better off with it than remaining uninsured. Self-insured people would also benefit from it as a means of minimizing the need to dip into their savings. The system does not exclude pre-existing conditions nor have an age limit, and the required medical exam focuses on a few infectious diseases of Public Health importance only (TB, leprosy, syphilis etc – again, aimed at migrant worker issues). People with significant known chronic diseases have been issued cards.

The terms of use are identical to those for Thais covered under the UC (AKA “30 baht” scheme) – you cannot chose the hospital but must register at the government hospital responsible for the area where you live (if in doubt ask a Thai neighbor), and can only get free care at that hospital, or at a higher level facility that the hospital you are registered at refers you to. Care will be that Thais get in government hospitals, i.e. long waits, cannot chose your doctor, but usually consistent with accepted standards of care. In-patient care would be in a ward, though you might be able to pay extra out of pocket for a semi-private or private room, if available. Military hospitals are not included, though you can certainly continue to use them (or private hospitals) on a fee basis if and when you like. Similarly, private after hours arrangements at government hospitals (e.g. Suan Dok, Chula, Ramatibhodi) will not be covered, only use of the regular public channel, but again nothing to stop you from availing from it on a fee basis if desired. The coverage includes some provision for dental care as well as a pretty comprehensive range of medical services.

To register you will need to show your passport and most (but not all) hospitals are requesting some type of proof of residence, i.e. yellow tabieen baan or rental agreement. Some TV members have managed with just their wife’s tabien baan even though they are not listed in it, but with the wife going along to attest that he lives there. As is common with new government initiatives there is a lack of consistency in how requirements are interpreted in different locations. This thread in the Health Forum details experiences people have had at various hospitals http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/671391-affordable-health-insurance/

Edited October 15, 2013 by Sheryl
corrected amount - 2,200 not 2,000 baht

[KittenKong]

I was expecting this thread to attract a lot more attention than it has so far.

Interesting information. As a self-insurer I would indeed be inclined to sign up to this scheme, "just in case", though I expect the final price for retired farang expats to be much higher than the 2200B mentioned.

[ThaiBob]

This is major news for many expats here in Pattaya. I realize this is posted by a global moderator but can we please have the source of this report? What directive, issued by whom, from what department or minister?

[harrry]

This is major news for many expats here in Pattaya. I realize this is posted by a global moderator but can we please have the source of this report? What directive, issued by whom, from what department or minister?

http://www.thaivisa....alth-insurance/

Contains a lot of information about this including the source documents. I suggest posting success or otherwise there would help more people as it is a national issue.

[ThaiBob]

This is major news for many expats here in Pattaya. I realize this is posted by a global moderator but can we please have the source of this report? What directive, issued by whom, from what department or minister?

http://www.thaivisa....alth-insurance/

Contains a lot of information about this including the source documents. I suggest posting success or otherwise there would help more people as it is a national issue.

Yes, I originally read the link but for me it shows promise but also so many unanswered questions. I'm missing an official government notification or some statement from a spokesperson. Maybe overlooked it. Has any expat out there registered at Banglamung Hospital for this program and paid the premium?

[harrry]

This is major news for many expats here in Pattaya. I realize this is posted by a global moderator but can we please have the source of this report? What directive, issued by whom, from what department or minister?

http://www.thaivisa....alth-insurance/

Contains a lot of information about this including the source documents. I suggest posting success or otherwise there would help more people as it is a national issue.

Yes, I originally read the link but for me it shows promise but also so many unanswered questions. I'm missing an official government notification or some statement from a spokesperson. Maybe overlooked it. Has any expat out there registered at Banglamung Hospital for this program and paid the premium?

Reports there seem to have been that one was told no such scheme and one enrolled and got the card. You must ask the right questions apparently.

[gamini]

sounds good. (I do have the free Bt 30 facility). But my experience of using this scheme is not so good especially if you have to register at a small hospital. The list of medicines that are available are very limited and can be got very cheaply at wholesale pharmacies. I had to make three separate trips to the hospital to get treatment because the Doctor had just left when I arrived. I waited 4 hours the second time and two hours the third time to get my medicine because they had run out of stock. , The hospital is an hour from where I live. That meant six hours driving and about Bt1000 petrol. The specialist I needed to see was not available and they have to refer me to a large hospital another two hours away! The savings at the large hospital is Bt200 (Dr Fee) and the special medicine I need is not on the "Free" list so I had to pay for it. You get free medical tests but there are plenty of private labs who do a CBC for Bt70 and so on. So I prefer to go to a large well equipped hospital like Hua Hin or Sriraj and pay.

what is needed usually Bt200 for a specialist and reasonable costs for medicine.

Once this scheme takes off it will be interesting to have other TV members comments

[avander]

Being a recent arrival with my Thai wife in the last 4 weeks and also 'self insured' I am very interested in this as I have pre existing conditions which make it impossible to get 'private' insurance covering these conditions.

1. Is this cover generally available now (albiet a mistake in the initial fineprint..lol) and how and where does one apply?

2. I have applied for and now waiting on my 'yellow book' but wont apply for my non-immi O marriage extension for another 3 weeks. I arrived with a 3 month visa. Is the 'yellow book' sufficient to apply for the cover or do I have to wait until my marriage extension is granted?

3. Lastly, my wife tells me that public hospitals can offer private level consulting and services after normal 'hours'. One of the hospitals she mentioned is the 'kings' hospital (can't recall a name as such) in Bangkok where they also apparently have the very latest cardiac medical facilities (my main issues) equivalent to most in the 'western world'. Can anyone shed any light on these claims as I know I can get good cardiac care here at a number of private establishments but wasn't aware the 'public' system had the same level of doctors or facilities?

[jbrain]

was aimed at migrant workers, but the directive failed to specify this clearly, rather stating only “foreigner”. As a result many up-country hospitals are issuing the cards to resident expats. We have confirmed that this was not the original intent of the MoPH, and that they plan on introducing something for resident expats subsequently which would have a different premium, as yet to be established (it will be based on analyses of age, expected utilization etc). It will surely be more than 2,000 baht a year

That could also mean that however you have the card issued now, that when the time comes that you need emergency medical attention you get the surprise, can not sir ?

[Sheryl]

was aimed at migrant workers, but the directive failed to specify this clearly, rather stating only “foreigner”. As a result many up-country hospitals are issuing the cards to resident expats. We have confirmed that this was not the original intent of the MoPH, and that they plan on introducing something for resident expats subsequently which would have a different premium, as yet to be established (it will be based on analyses of age, expected utilization etc). It will surely be more than 2,000 baht a year

That could also mean that however you have the card issued now, that when the time comes that you need emergency medical attention you get the surprise, can not sir ?

Just an educated guess, but I think that those using the card at the hospital that issued it will not encounter this, though they may get hit with a "sorry we under-charged you, the real rate for the card is X" once the hospitals and MoPH wake up to the fact that this system, designed to help them avoid losing money, is actually making them lose more of it. Or they might onbly get that at renewal time. The 2,200 premium was calculated based on the expected utilization of migrant workers, a younger and healthier group than otherwise uninsured farangs tend to be.

You might encounter "cannot it if referred up to a higher level of care e.g. a Bangkok Hospital though. That is one of several reasons why I would not advise anyone who has private insurance to give it up. For that matter I would still advise anyone who doesn't have it but could get it (private insurance) to do so.

But for the not inconsiderable number of people who can't get insurance due to age and/or pre-existing conditions, this new scheme is the best option.

[stoli]

Great post. Thank you.

[Soutpeel]

was aimed at migrant workers, but the directive failed to specify this clearly, rather stating only “foreigner”. As a result many up-country hospitals are issuing the cards to resident expats. We have confirmed that this was not the original intent of the MoPH, and that they plan on introducing something for resident expats subsequently which would have a different premium, as yet to be established (it will be based on analyses of age, expected utilization etc). It will surely be more than 2,000 baht a year

That could also mean that however you have the card issued now, that when the time comes that you need emergency medical attention you get the surprise, can not sir ?

exactly....I wouldnt be giving up up any private insruance you currently have, there maybe a clarification which comes out which invalidates any cards issued to resident farangs in the near future, as has been stated on the other threads this scheme in its current form was not intended for residents farangs for foreign migrant workers ie from Cambodia, Lao's, Burma etc...

[i claudius]

I SIGNED ON at the new hospital in soi Berkow ,and asked about this ,they said "later" when they are set up properly.

[wineman]

Ditto.

I was expecting this thread to attract a lot more attention than it has so far.

Interesting information. As a self-insurer I would indeed be inclined to sign up to this scheme, "just in case", though I expect the final price for retired farang expats to be much higher than the 2200B mentioned.

[Sheryl]

Being a recent arrival with my Thai wife in the last 4 weeks and also 'self insured' I am very interested in this as I have pre existing conditions which make it impossible to get 'private' insurance covering these conditions.

1. Is this cover generally available now (albiet a mistake in the initial fineprint..lol) and how and where does one apply?

2. I have applied for and now waiting on my 'yellow book' but wont apply for my non-immi O marriage extension for another 3 weeks. I arrived with a 3 month visa. Is the 'yellow book' sufficient to apply for the cover or do I have to wait until my marriage extension is granted?

3. Lastly, my wife tells me that public hospitals can offer private level consulting and services after normal 'hours'. One of the hospitals she mentioned is the 'kings' hospital (can't recall a name as such) in Bangkok where they also apparently have the very latest cardiac medical facilities (my main issues) equivalent to most in the 'western world'. Can anyone shed any light on these claims as I know I can get good cardiac care here at a number of private establishments but wasn't aware the 'public' system had the same level of doctors or facilities?

The cover is available now at those hospitals which have interpreted it as such, which moist have, but some are saying only for migrants.

My information is that Banglamung is issuing it to farang, TV members have gotten it there.

Hospitals vary in the documentation they require, suggest you go to the main thread in the health forum and read the report from member who got the card at Banglamung. Some places look at your visa extension, some do not.

[jbrain]

Being a recent arrival with my Thai wife in the last 4 weeks and also 'self insured' I am very interested in this as I have pre existing conditions which make it impossible to get 'private' insurance covering these conditions.

1. Is this cover generally available now (albiet a mistake in the initial fineprint..lol) and how and where does one apply?

2. I have applied for and now waiting on my 'yellow book' but wont apply for my non-immi O marriage extension for another 3 weeks. I arrived with a 3 month visa. Is the 'yellow book' sufficient to apply for the cover or do I have to wait until my marriage extension is granted?

3. Lastly, my wife tells me that public hospitals can offer private level consulting and services after normal 'hours'. One of the hospitals she mentioned is the 'kings' hospital (can't recall a name as such) in Bangkok where they also apparently have the very latest cardiac medical facilities (my main issues) equivalent to most in the 'western world'. Can anyone shed any light on these claims as I know I can get good cardiac care here at a number of private establishments but wasn't aware the 'public' system had the same level of doctors or facilities?

The cover is available now at those hospitals which have interpreted it as such, which moist have, but some are saying only for migrants.

My information is that Banglamung is issuing it to farang, TV members have gotten it there.

Hospitals vary in the documentation they require, suggest you go to the main thread in the health forum and read the report from member who got the card at Banglamung. Some places look at your visa extension, some do not.

Does one need to register at the government hospital of your district or is there free choice?

[cooked]

Being a recent arrival with my Thai wife in the last 4 weeks and also 'self insured' I am very interested in this as I have pre existing conditions which make it impossible to get 'private' insurance covering these conditions.

1. Is this cover generally available now (albiet a mistake in the initial fineprint..lol) and how and where does one apply?

2. I have applied for and now waiting on my 'yellow book' but wont apply for my non-immi O marriage extension for another 3 weeks. I arrived with a 3 month visa. Is the 'yellow book' sufficient to apply for the cover or do I have to wait until my marriage extension is granted?

3. Lastly, my wife tells me that public hospitals can offer private level consulting and services after normal 'hours'. One of the hospitals she mentioned is the 'kings' hospital (can't recall a name as such) in Bangkok where they also apparently have the very latest cardiac medical facilities (my main issues) equivalent to most in the 'western world'. Can anyone shed any light on these claims as I know I can get good cardiac care here at a number of private establishments but wasn't aware the 'public' system had the same level of doctors or facilities?

The cover is available now at those hospitals which have interpreted it as such, which moist have, but some are saying only for migrants.

My information is that Banglamung is issuing it to farang, TV members have gotten it there.

Hospitals vary in the documentation they require, suggest you go to the main thread in the health forum and read the report from member who got the card at Banglamung. Some places look at your visa extension, some do not.

Does one need to register at the government hospital of your district or is there free choice?

Logically this will be your local government hospital, just the same as Thais have to do. I do NOT want to find myself in our local hospital and this is why I have no interest in this scheme. Self insurance and a minimal health insurance for me.

[rmicheald]

I SIGNED ON at the new hospital in soi Berkow ,and asked about this ,they said "later" when they are set up properly.

Can you tell me where the "new government hospital" is on Soi Buhkow? I had heard that there was one, but no one seems to know where..

Thanks

[lemoncake]

I SIGNED ON at the new hospital in soi Berkow ,and asked about this ,they said "later" when they are set up properly.

Can you tell me where the "new government hospital" is on Soi Buhkow? I had heard that there was one, but no one seems to know where..

Thanks

Going past soi lengkee towards south Pattaya , approx 200 meters on your left. Right opposite fancy bike shop Edited October 31, 2013 by lemoncake

[bangkokstick]

Anybody else has registered for this ?

[balo]

Can anyone give me a list of hospitals I can apply the insurance to ?

Banglamung hospital in Naklua I read some bad reviews about.

[Rimmer]

One post removed:

In using Thai Visa I agree:

6) Not to post comments that could be reasonably construed as defamation or libel.Defamation is the issuance of a false statement about another person, which causes that person to suffer harm. Libel involves the making of defamatory statements in a printed or fixed medium, such as a magazine or newspaper.

[i claudius]

Can anyone give me a list of hospitals I can apply the insurance to ?

Banglamung hospital in Naklua I read some bad reviews about.

A year or so ago i went there for a flu jab ,as being over 65 and with a heart condition even a foreigner is entitled ,at first i was told ,i was not entitled ,then my wife spoke to them and they said yes i was but had to go and register ,well long story short ,it just was not worth the hassle ,i would have to wait hours and hours ,so just went off and paid like usuall at a clinic.

[wineman]

.A few days ago I went to Banglamung hospital with my Thai girlfriend to enquire about the special health insurance apparently available to foreigners for a yearly fee. I took along money, a copy of the blue book, a copy of my passport together with originals. The official we spoke to said that they were not doing it yet because no decision had been made as to what exactly the yearly premium would cover. She took my phone number with the promise she would call me if the situation changes. She told me that I did not need the blue book, but the yellow one (whatever that is). Finally, she said that even having the yellow book was no guarantee of getting cover.

For the record, I am an Englishman living in Pattaya, and own a company house

[Ticketmaster]

I haven't seen a single success case posted in this thread. Has ANYBODY gotten the card? If so, tell us about it.

I have several friends in Phitsanulok that were able to get the card, but all were assisted by one of their wives who happens to be a nurse at the local hospital.

Is anybody having success getting the card by themselves?

I haven't applied as my wife is a school teacher and I already get free medical care as her husband. But I have a lot of friends asking about it.

[PattayaPhom]

Its good news of course but why charge more for people from the Western world that probably have better health than those from a neighbouring third world country that have will undoubtly need treatment.

[avander]

Its good news of course but why charge more for people from the Western world that probably have better health than those from a neighbouring third world country that have will undoubtly need treatment.

It's probably due to the significant aged population of Westerners living here now who generally require more medical intervention.

Sent from my GT-I9305T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Phil Conners]

.A few days ago I went to Banglamung hospital with my Thai girlfriend to enquire about the special health insurance apparently available to foreigners for a yearly fee. I took along money, a copy of the blue book, a copy of my passport together with originals. The official we spoke to said that they were not doing it yet because no decision had been made as to what exactly the yearly premium would cover. She took my phone number with the promise she would call me if the situation changes. She told me that I did not need the blue book, but the yellow one (whatever that is). Finally, she said that even having the yellow book was no guarantee of getting cover.

For the record, I am an Englishman living in Pattaya, and own a company house

Did they ever call you back about this? Anyone know what the status is now?

[Ticketmaster]

.A few days ago I went to Banglamung hospital with my Thai girlfriend to enquire about the special health insurance apparently available to foreigners for a yearly fee. I took along money, a copy of the blue book, a copy of my passport together with originals. The official we spoke to said that they were not doing it yet because no decision had been made as to what exactly the yearly premium would cover. She took my phone number with the promise she would call me if the situation changes. She told me that I did not need the blue book, but the yellow one (whatever that is). Finally, she said that even having the yellow book was no guarantee of getting cover.

For the record, I am an Englishman living in Pattaya, and own a company house.

.

At least four of my friends in here Phit'lok got the card. All are Englishmen. Three are married to Thai women and one is unmarried but lives with a Thai woman (who happens to be a government nurse). None of them have a Yellow Book. The card is a fancy laminated card with picture that looks a lot like a driver license and entitles the foreigner to the SAME medical care as Thai citizens (at least that's the story here in Phit'lok).

Because of the face thing, if any bureaucrat tells you no, it is almost impossible to get them to change their minds even if they are wrong.

One thing I have learned is that if I want something, I try to go in very fully prepared -- INCLUDING taking some influential person with me if at all possible. What you need is somebody higher on the hierarchy than the person that would tell you no. If your wife is a government official (who wears the uniform every Monday) take her with you on Monday when she is wearing the uniform. It is amazing how many doors that opens. If she isn't, but has a friend who or neighbor who is, take that person to vouch for you. If you wife is an uneducated farmer's daughter, they usually get dirt kicked in their faces (with a smile). It sucks, it's not fair, but that's just the way it is here.

My friends that got the card did so with the help of the guy's girlfriend who is a government nurse (and officer). I have other friends who have tried to get the card with only the help of their uneducated wives and they got the same treatment described in the post above -- "We'll let you know." But they have not been contacted since.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Ticketmaster

[ace]

Dunno, I have insurance as part of my teaching job here. I went to the government hospital to try it out for a dental check up and clean. Had to go, come back, wait 21/2 hours. Charge about 400 baht then they pulled out a sign from behind the counter saying "Farang charge 600 baht" - no s**t. Private place around the corner from my condo charges less....... I think it's maybe good if you have an accident or something requiring extensive outpatient treatment.