Sorry, yet another Health Insurance thread

[whoisyourdaddy]

Sorry to make yet another thread. Have tried to search and found many threads but all seem to go down hill with out much information

So here it is, i am after health insurance IN THAILAND

I live and work in Thailand, WP and all(i know its important for some companies)

I am under 40, single.

Can anyone suggest reliable company who offers health insurance to expats at reasonable premiums and minimal amount of headaches.

May be someone has a policy, and is of the same age, that would be really great

I would like to have full cover for hospitalization and some OP(may be 50% or something along the lines, to minimize the premiums)

Thanks in advance

[thailampang2012]

I think BUPA it is a good company with good pricing....Look on its web site.

[whoisyourdaddy]

I think BUPA it is a good company with good pricing....Look on its web site.

Thanks for that, i did and they seem to have huge amounts of different plans, very hard to chose which is the best in terms of coverage and premiums for my age bracket.

[Sheryl]

BUPA is a good choice (it's what I have, though I'm older than you). Whether BUPA or other, I would not recommend less than 5 mill cover so that would be there Platiunum 5 plan.

You will find that the cost of OPD cover is prohibitive and not worth it. Go for high cover, IPD only, is my advice. The IDP cover will cover day surgeries and the like.

[whoisyourdaddy]

BUPA is a good choice (it's what I have, though I'm older than you). Whether BUPA or other, I would not recommend less than 5 mill cover so that would be there Platiunum 5 plan.

You will find that the cost of OPD cover is prohibitive and not worth it. Go for high cover, IPD only, is my advice. The IDP cover will cover day surgeries and the like.

Its interesting when you add OPD, the premium almost doubles yet the price of seeing a GP is only about 600 baht.

The 5 mill is that per "sickness" or per year? or total?

[Sheryl]

That's 5 mill per illness/accident.

OPD cover is completely not worth it. The maximum amount covered is almost the same as the extra premium you pay.

I assume they make it as high as they do because they have found that when people have OPD cover they tend to make really frequent/excessive OPD visits. Unlike IPD, which people really have little or no control over, OPD is often fudgable. You can often opt to wait a while to see if a symptom resolves, or self-treat (pharmacy, home remedies) and quite often it ends up you don't need to go in after all. There is often a mentality of wanting to get one's money worth so people who have paid for OPD cover tend to see a doctor at the drop of a hat (which in the long run jacks up the premium for everyone). Whereas few would choose to be hospitalized for that reason even if it were a matter of choice, which often it is not.

Since day surgeries are covered, and OPD visits are pretty affordable, the only expensive thing you are likely to face paying out of pocket would be costly diuagnostic procedures. But one is not likely to need these often unless one is seriously ill in which case could do it in the course of an admission.

I've had my policy for about 10 years now. Over those ten years, I have paid out of pocket for 2 endoscopies and 1 MRI. (A younger person would likely have 0 such in a ten year period, but I'm on the wrong side of 50) Total of these 3 is still a fraction of what I would have had to pay in extra premiums to be covered. Of course I also had some doctor bills, which I did not keep track of as they were not large, but even combining all together, a small fraction of what I would have paid to have OPD cover. (I actually could have had at least one of the endoscopies done as an inpt, but I preferred paying to having to stay a night in hospital )

[whoisyourdaddy]

That's 5 mill per illness/accident.

OPD cover is completely not worth it. The maximum amount covered is almost the same as the extra premium you pay.

I assume they make it as high as they do because they have found that when people have OPD cover they tend to make really frequent/excessive OPD visits. Unlike IPD, which people really have little or no control over, OPD is often fudgable. You can often opt to wait a while to see if a symptom resolves, or self-treat (pharmacy, home remedies) and quite often it ends up you don't need to go in after all. There is often a mentality of wanting to get one's money worth so people who have paid for OPD cover tend to see a doctor at the drop of a hat (which in the long run jacks up the premium for everyone). Whereas few would choose to be hospitalized for that reason even if it were a matter of choice, which often it is not.

Since day surgeries are covered, and OPD visits are pretty affordable, the only expensive thing you are likely to face paying out of pocket would be costly diuagnostic procedures. But one is not likely to need these often unless one is seriously ill in which case could do it in the course of an admission.

I've had my policy for about 10 years now. Over those ten years, I have paid out of pocket for 2 endoscopies and 1 MRI. (A younger person would likely have 0 such in a ten year period, but I'm on the wrong side of 50) Total of these 3 is still a fraction of what I would have had to pay in extra premiums to be covered. Of course I also had some doctor bills, which I did not keep track of as they were not large, but even combining all together, a small fraction of what I would have paid to have OPD cover. (I actually could have had at least one of the endoscopies done as an inpt, but I preferred paying to having to stay a night in hospital )

Thanks again for the explanation.

What is the waiting periods like with Bupa?, i may need a hernia surgery in the next 12 months(self diagnosed )

And is there an option to have the tests covered in general? so i pay for doctor's fees, but insurance covers the tests and medication? or is that all part of ODP?

Sorry to be a pain in the butt with all the questions, amazing how fast time flies and one needs to get health insurance

[thepool]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

That's 5 mill per illness/accident.

OPD cover is completely not worth it. The maximum amount covered is almost the same as the extra premium you pay.

I assume they make it as high as they do because they have found that when people have OPD cover they tend to make really frequent/excessive OPD visits. Unlike IPD, which people really have little or no control over, OPD is often fudgable. You can often opt to wait a while to see if a symptom resolves, or self-treat (pharmacy, home remedies) and quite often it ends up you don't need to go in after all. There is often a mentality of wanting to get one's money worth so people who have paid for OPD cover tend to see a doctor at the drop of a hat (which in the long run jacks up the premium for everyone). Whereas few would choose to be hospitalized for that reason even if it were a matter of choice, which often it is not.

Since day surgeries are covered, and OPD visits are pretty affordable, the only expensive thing you are likely to face paying out of pocket would be costly diuagnostic procedures. But one is not likely to need these often unless one is seriously ill in which case could do it in the course of an admission.

I've had my policy for about 10 years now. Over those ten years, I have paid out of pocket for 2 endoscopies and 1 MRI. (A younger person would likely have 0 such in a ten year period, but I'm on the wrong side of 50) Total of these 3 is still a fraction of what I would have had to pay in extra premiums to be covered. Of course I also had some doctor bills, which I did not keep track of as they were not large, but even combining all together, a small fraction of what I would have paid to have OPD cover. (I actually could have had at least one of the endoscopies done as an inpt, but I preferred paying to having to stay a night in hospital )

Thanks again for the explanation.

What is the waiting periods like with Bupa?, i may need a hernia surgery in the next 12 months(self diagnosed )

And is there an option to have the tests covered in general? so i pay for doctor's fees, but insurance covers the tests and medication? or is that all part of ODP?

Sorry to be a pain in the butt with all the questions, amazing how fast time flies and one needs to get health insurance

Pre existing conditions (including hernias) are rarely if ever covered by insurance.

Making false statements to an insurance company is a serious offence,

[whoisyourdaddy]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

That's 5 mill per illness/accident.

OPD cover is completely not worth it. The maximum amount covered is almost the same as the extra premium you pay.

I assume they make it as high as they do because they have found that when people have OPD cover they tend to make really frequent/excessive OPD visits. Unlike IPD, which people really have little or no control over, OPD is often fudgable. You can often opt to wait a while to see if a symptom resolves, or self-treat (pharmacy, home remedies) and quite often it ends up you don't need to go in after all. There is often a mentality of wanting to get one's money worth so people who have paid for OPD cover tend to see a doctor at the drop of a hat (which in the long run jacks up the premium for everyone). Whereas few would choose to be hospitalized for that reason even if it were a matter of choice, which often it is not.

Since day surgeries are covered, and OPD visits are pretty affordable, the only expensive thing you are likely to face paying out of pocket would be costly diuagnostic procedures. But one is not likely to need these often unless one is seriously ill in which case could do it in the course of an admission.

I've had my policy for about 10 years now. Over those ten years, I have paid out of pocket for 2 endoscopies and 1 MRI. (A younger person would likely have 0 such in a ten year period, but I'm on the wrong side of 50) Total of these 3 is still a fraction of what I would have had to pay in extra premiums to be covered. Of course I also had some doctor bills, which I did not keep track of as they were not large, but even combining all together, a small fraction of what I would have paid to have OPD cover. (I actually could have had at least one of the endoscopies done as an inpt, but I preferred paying to having to stay a night in hospital )

Thanks again for the explanation.

What is the waiting periods like with Bupa?, i may need a hernia surgery in the next 12 months(self diagnosed )

And is there an option to have the tests covered in general? so i pay for doctor's fees, but insurance covers the tests and medication? or is that all part of ODP?

Sorry to be a pain in the butt with all the questions, amazing how fast time flies and one needs to get health insurance

Pre existing conditions (including hernias) are rarely if ever covered by insurance.

Making false statements to an insurance company is a serious offence,

Pre existing is if one has been diagnosed with it prior to applying for insurance.

If i believe i have hernia but have not been diagnosed with one, how does it make it false?

Serious offence? you joking right? will i be put in jail for 25 years?

[Issangeorge]

Remember insurance for foreigners, if you can get it in your area, it covers present existing conditions and also covers OPD in the government hospital you are insured at, so it could be a good supplemental insurance.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[whoisyourdaddy]

Remember insurance for foreigners, if you can get it in your area, it covers present existing conditions and also covers OPD in the government hospital you are insured at, so it could be a good supplemental insurance.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sorry what do you mean? do you mean government health insurance? has it not finished already?

I read it was only for a limited time and was limited.

I can have medical and government hospital through WP, Parkan Sankom, but its only selected hospital, long waits and i much prefer private hospital

[Ricky from Brisbane]

BUPA is a good choice (it's what I have, though I'm older than you). Whether BUPA or other, I would not recommend less than 5 mill cover so that would be there Platiunum 5 plan.

You will find that the cost of OPD cover is prohibitive and not worth it. Go for high cover, IPD only, is my advice. The IDP cover will cover day surgeries and the like.

Whats OPD and IDP mean please?

[whoisyourdaddy]

BUPA is a good choice (it's what I have, though I'm older than you). Whether BUPA or other, I would not recommend less than 5 mill cover so that would be there Platiunum 5 plan.

You will find that the cost of OPD cover is prohibitive and not worth it. Go for high cover, IPD only, is my advice. The IDP cover will cover day surgeries and the like.

Whats OPD and IDP mean please?

Outpatient and Inpatient(hospitalization)

[Sheryl]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

That's 5 mill per illness/accident.

OPD cover is completely not worth it. The maximum amount covered is almost the same as the extra premium you pay.

I assume they make it as high as they do because they have found that when people have OPD cover they tend to make really frequent/excessive OPD visits. Unlike IPD, which people really have little or no control over, OPD is often fudgable. You can often opt to wait a while to see if a symptom resolves, or self-treat (pharmacy, home remedies) and quite often it ends up you don't need to go in after all. There is often a mentality of wanting to get one's money worth so people who have paid for OPD cover tend to see a doctor at the drop of a hat (which in the long run jacks up the premium for everyone). Whereas few would choose to be hospitalized for that reason even if it were a matter of choice, which often it is not.

Since day surgeries are covered, and OPD visits are pretty affordable, the only expensive thing you are likely to face paying out of pocket would be costly diuagnostic procedures. But one is not likely to need these often unless one is seriously ill in which case could do it in the course of an admission.

I've had my policy for about 10 years now. Over those ten years, I have paid out of pocket for 2 endoscopies and 1 MRI. (A younger person would likely have 0 such in a ten year period, but I'm on the wrong side of 50) Total of these 3 is still a fraction of what I would have had to pay in extra premiums to be covered. Of course I also had some doctor bills, which I did not keep track of as they were not large, but even combining all together, a small fraction of what I would have paid to have OPD cover. (I actually could have had at least one of the endoscopies done as an inpt, but I preferred paying to having to stay a night in hospital )

Thanks again for the explanation.

What is the waiting periods like with Bupa?, i may need a hernia surgery in the next 12 months(self diagnosed )

And is there an option to have the tests covered in general? so i pay for doctor's fees, but insurance covers the tests and medication? or is that all part of ODP?

Sorry to be a pain in the butt with all the questions, amazing how fast time flies and one needs to get health insurance

Pre existing conditions (including hernias) are rarely if ever covered by insurance.

Making false statements to an insurance company is a serious offence,

Pre existing is if one has been diagnosed with it prior to applying for insurance.

If i believe i have hernia but have not been diagnosed with one, how does it make it false?

Serious offence? you joking right? will i be put in jail for 25 years?

Making a false declaration can invalidate your entire policy.

Of course, if you have not seen a doctor for your presumed hernia, there is no paper trail on it.

I am not sure what the waiting period is (but there is one I think). However even when it has passed, large claims in the first year get special scrutiny, especially if for a condition likely to have been present for some time, like a hernia. As hernia repairs are usually elective you would do well to wait over a year.

[Sheryl]

Remember insurance for foreigners, if you can get it in your area, it covers present existing conditions and also covers OPD in the government hospital you are insured at, so it could be a good supplemental insurance.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sorry what do you mean? do you mean government health insurance? has it not finished already?

I read it was only for a limited time and was limited.

I can have medical and government hospital through WP, Parkan Sankom, but its only selected hospital, long waits and i much prefer private hospital

Many parts if the country (including the whole of Bangkok and Chonburi) never issued this. Other areas did and have now rescinded it. Still other parts of the country are still issuing it, but could stop at any time -- CM stopped on orders from the central MOPH. The system was designed and priced for migrant workers, not expat retirees, though through an internal mix-up the directive on it failed to state this.

Anyone who can get private insurance (excluding those already covered by Thai SS) should do so. If the area you live in issues the government cards, then get one as well (among other things will cover OPD and meds).

[whoisyourdaddy]

Remember insurance for foreigners, if you can get it in your area, it covers present existing conditions and also covers OPD in the government hospital you are insured at, so it could be a good supplemental insurance.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sorry what do you mean? do you mean government health insurance? has it not finished already?

I read it was only for a limited time and was limited.

I can have medical and government hospital through WP, Parkan Sankom, but its only selected hospital, long waits and i much prefer private hospital

Many parts if the country (including the whole of Bangkok and Chonburi) never issued this. Other areas did and have now rescinded it. Still other parts of the country are still issuing it, but could stop at any time -- CM stopped on orders from the central MOPH. The system was designed and priced for migrant workers, not expat retirees, though through an internal mix-up the directive on it failed to state this.

Anyone who can get private insurance (excluding those already covered by Thai SS) should do so. If the area you live in issues the government cards, then get one as well (among other things will cover OPD and meds).

I am in Pattaya, so as you said never issued.

The only one i can have is through WP, the Pakarn Sankom, but as i said, its limited to Banglamung Hospital, long waits, the 2-3 clinics around Pattaya are cheap enough as is.

So do not really see it as an option, have had some experience with Thai doctors and would feel much safer in private hospital of my choice with a doctor fluent enough in my native tongue to express myself, especially after the surgery or before.

Describing the pain or feeling could be pretty difficult in Thai, unless one is super duper fluent.

[whoisyourdaddy]

Anyone with experience dealing with Asia Care Harmony Plan by MSH International.

Seems to have pretty good coverage and reasonable premiums

[richard_smith237]

Myself: 39 yrs old: BUPA International (Company Classic) - (Paid by my company) US$2700 - Inpatient treatment only (no outpatient treatment)

BUPA Int'l covers X-ray, MRI, Pathology, CT Scans, specialist fees (as outpatient) - Includes 1 month US cover per year.

Wife (36) and Son: BUPA International (Classic) - (Paid for by myself) GBP£1200 (£500 excess) - The same cover as above (without US cover).

Child Birth was covered (approx THB 230,000 for 4 nights), also a recent THB78,000 treatment and 2 nights in Hospital - All direct settlement (The Hospital bills BUPA directly).

I chose not to use BUPA Thailand due to their 5 MB limit on cover.

[whoisyourdaddy]

Myself: 39 yrs old: BUPA International (Company Classic) - (Paid by my company) US$2700 - Inpatient treatment only (no outpatient treatment)

BUPA Int'l covers X-ray, MRI, Pathology, CT Scans, specialist fees (as outpatient) - Includes 1 month US cover per year.

Wife (36) and Son: BUPA International (Classic) - (Paid for by myself) GBP£1200 (£500 excess) - The same cover as above (without US cover).

Child Birth was covered (approx THB 230,000 for 4 nights), also a recent THB78,000 treatment and 2 nights in Hospital - All direct settlement (The Hospital bills BUPA directly).

I chose not to use BUPA Thailand due to their 5 MB limit on cover.

Thanks Richard, Bupa sounds more expansive than other ones i found, but from research is the most reliable one.

Will check out the classic as this would be perfect for me, and might get it cheaper as i do not need US cover at all.

Just to confirm, did you take out your policy with Bupa outside Thailand? I wonder if the premiums are the same if in Thailand or Outside

[TobiasML]

Maybe check out Thaivivat. A local insurance company but they have a plan for expats. Best coverage with 8mill THB. Ipd and opd. According to their website no health check and previous conditions seem to be covered. Price range for 40-46 app THB 78.000 per year. They have an English website with details.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[richard_smith237]

Myself: 39 yrs old: BUPA International (Company Classic) - (Paid by my company) US$2700 - Inpatient treatment only (no outpatient treatment)

BUPA Int'l covers X-ray, MRI, Pathology, CT Scans, specialist fees (as outpatient) - Includes 1 month US cover per year.

Wife (36) and Son: BUPA International (Classic) - (Paid for by myself) GBP£1200 (£500 excess) - The same cover as above (without US cover).

Child Birth was covered (approx THB 230,000 for 4 nights), also a recent THB78,000 treatment and 2 nights in Hospital - All direct settlement (The Hospital bills BUPA directly).

I chose not to use BUPA Thailand due to their 5 MB limit on cover.

Thanks Richard, Bupa sounds more expansive than other ones i found, but from research is the most reliable one.

Will check out the classic as this would be perfect for me, and might get it cheaper as i do not need US cover at all.

Just to confirm, did you take out your policy with Bupa outside Thailand? I wonder if the premiums are the same if in Thailand or Outside

Its BUPA international (UK number).

Its a slightly different entity than BUPA Thailand which have a cap on the cost of their treatment (depending on membership level).

I'm not sure of the difference in premiums between BUPA Int'd and BUPA Thailand - I figured approximately THB 60,000 to cover my Wife and Son (with a £500 excess for each of them per year) is a good premium, the only real limitation is no out patient cover which in Thailand is not necessary as an outpatient hospital visit is cheap.

[Bcgardener]

Anyone with experience dealing with Asia Care Harmony Plan by MSH International.

Seems to have pretty good coverage and reasonable premiums

I just took out coverage for inpatients only 1 million USD$ coverage per year and very little in the way of exclusions. Even covers cancer, MRI etc. Also covers doctors consultations and in hospital tests up to 15 days prior to admission. Cost to me was about 86,000 Baht per year at age 59.

Haven't claimed yet but the experience so far has been good with English speaking staff in Bangkok and also claims handling there. Policy is paid to the head office in Paris (USD$ or Euro only). Coverage also extends to most countries in the Asia region and some in Europe. it also includes emergency coverage and repatriation costs in other countries (Mondial) for up to 60 days.

I looked at many other policies and found this one to have the least number of exclusions and limits.

Sent from my Slate 21 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Sheryl]

1 million is way too low a cover. And that premium to me is quite high even if it also includes OPD. BUPA 5 million plan (IPD only) would run about 60,000 at that age,

Whatever plan one gets, should not look at least than 5 million cover IMO. 1 million will not be enough for a catastrophic illness even if you stick solely to government hospitals. I have seen expats rack up bills in govt hospitals well in excess of 2 million. (And you might want the option of being able to utilize private hospitals...)

[whoisyourdaddy]

1 million is way too low a cover. And that premium to me is quite high even if it also includes OPD. BUPA 5 million plan (IPD only) would run about 60,000 at that age,

Whatever plan one gets, should not look at least than 5 million cover IMO. 1 million will not be enough for a catastrophic illness even if you stick solely to government hospitals. I have seen expats rack up bills in govt hospitals well in excess of 2 million. (And you might want the option of being able to utilize private hospitals...)

I think previous poster said 1million USD$=30 million thb

Just found another interesting one, Allianz wordwide care

I know Allianz is a pretty good company, premium surprisingly very low, coverage very good.

The only thing i believe it does not have call center in Thailand.

[Jack Mountain]

Maybe check out Thaivivat. A local insurance company but they have a plan for expats. Best coverage with 8mill THB. Ipd and opd. According to their website no health check and previous conditions seem to be covered. Price range for 40-46 app THB 78.000 per year. They have an English website with details.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Hi, I can't find the english website, can you give us a link?

TIA

[swissie]

Forget this expensive BUPA- Crap etcetera. Go to Thai Visa Health Medical Insurance

Thaivisa/AA Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd

www.aainsure.net

Yes, is in cooperation with this "Thai-Visa" Forum. Affordable health insurance.

Cheers.

[TobiasML]

Maybe check out Thaivivat. A local insurance company but they have a plan for expats. Best coverage with 8mill THB. Ipd and opd. According to their website no health check and previous conditions seem to be covered. Price range for 40-46 app THB 78.000 per year. They have an English website with details.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Hi, I can't find the english website, can you give us a link?

TIA

Try this one

http://www.thaivivat.co.th/en/index.php

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[monim]

It is the best time to go for a health insurance. You mention that you are single. So health will secure your future life. In Thiland a lot of health insurance companies are available, you can go for any of them. Best insurance compinies are BUPA,NZI Insurance Thailand etc.

Edited March 23, 2014 by Sheryl
link to external URL removed.