I Need Help with Health Insurance

[makkam]

Just get something that will get you airlifted out to a country that has a proper health system where doctors cant buy their degrees as they do in thailand

[sae57]

The constitution guarantees quality health care to all regardless of nationality. Thus I can see a doctor for 30 baht and fill any prescription at very low subsidized cost.

I don't want to quarrel with the point that the Thai public health care system can be cheap and of reasonable quality, but unfortunately the above is untrue. There is no right to health care for expat residents. Take a look at the Health forum for information on how the government scheme that many thought was going to help expats turns out to be restricted to migrant workers.

It has been true in my experience (my last doctor's visit was about a month ago). And the most recent constitution is quite explicit. The national insurance plan perse may well apply only to nationals and migrant workers, that doesn't eliminate the promise of affordable quality healthcare. E.g. someone on the national plan may pay only 30 baht for a hospital stay that I would pay 1000 baht for. That's still way cheaper than paying insurance premiums. However, one can never be sure of anything from day to day here. In any case, I'll never again trust a private hospital in Thailand.

--S

[waitingforalife]

Have a look at this site www.worldwidehealthcover.com They are based in Bangkok and offer a quick and easy comparison of many international policies together with a comparative index of the different benefits of each, so you can choose the best plan for your needs and budget

[ocean268]

Steevo, IMG "Silver" and "Worldwide Excluding" the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan. It's a $5M lifetime policy limit. At age 59, it's $1,365 yearly with a $500 deductible. As always, read the benefits and exclusions prior to purchase. Everyone has a different opinion about which is the best insurance. Good Luck!

http://www.imglobal.com/travel-insurance-quotes/international-medical-insurance.aspx

https://purchase.imglobal.com/quote/Global_Medical/pre-quote

[CTO]

I've been looking around, just today found these people not the cheapest, but not the most expensive, and "oddly" they have improved they cancer coverage

http://www.interglobal.com/thailand/

[peterb17]

As with other posts- if the OP has existing conditions, then he has problems finding insurance at a reasonable premium.

I changed my insurance to a scheme that covers SE Asia with A+ , a very comprehensive plan at $1000 a year.

There is a hefty excess- but it is there to cover really serious problems, so quite happy to pay to see a doc for minor things.

[peterb17]

I've been looking around, just today found these people not the cheapest, but not the most expensive, and "oddly" they have improved they cancer coverage

http://www.interglobal.com/thailand/

My quote for worldwide from InterGlobal this year was £4500 , no existing problems 61 yrs old.

They are certainly an efficient company- but I feel expensive- so changed to the scheme mentioned in my last post.

[NevNic]

Steevo

I just started my new Annual Global Policy yesterday with Simon Philbrook of MBMG Group. He is very helpful and based out of Bangkok and he got me a family policy for under $5,000 that covers everything except North America. I am very pleased with it.

[email protected]

www.mbmg-group.com

Good Luck !

Dave P

The insurance link on the MBMG Group website is not accessible. Still offer health insurance?

[gcgoldcoast]

what country are you from originally?

[nithisa78]

“When we are devoted to the development of kindness it becomes a movement of the heart so deep and subtle it is like a movement of the sea close to the ocean floor, all but hidden, yet affecting absolutely everything that happens above. That's the force of kindness.”

- Sharon Salzberg

[Runrigger]

NavNic. If you cut and paste it will work. Cheers

Sent from my GT-I8190 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[citizen33]

--S

It has been true in my experience (my last doctor's visit was about a month ago). And the most recent constitution is quite explicit. The national insurance plan perse may well apply only to nationals and migrant workers, that doesn't eliminate the promise of affordable quality healthcare. E.g. someone on the national plan may pay only 30 baht for a hospital stay that I would pay 1000 baht for. That's still way cheaper than paying insurance premiums. However, one can never be sure of anything from day to day here. In any case, I'll never again trust a private hospital in Thailand.

Many westerners have wrongly been enrolled in the universal coverage scheme in the past, but I think it is important to be clear that this was not the government's policy intention and cannot be relied upon - a point that it is important for newbies to understand. You'll see that the NHSO's Thai language pages make it clear that the universal coverage scheme is for Thai citizens. It also seems that the NHSO have tightened things up in recent months:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/409151/thousands-left-in-healthcare-limbo

I believe you are mistaken about the 2007 Constitution. If you are referring to Chapter 3, Article/Section 51 then please remember that the Chapter title is 'Rights and Liberties of Thai People'.

http://www.asianlii.org/th/legis/const/2007/1.html

I've been told by officials at a very senior level that the present legal framework limits the duty to provide services to Thai nationals,

Your more general point that public hospitals can be very good and offer excellent value is correct.

Edited May 13, 2014 by citizen33

[Greg Nixon]

Even for the most serious operation, it is unlikely that it will cost you $6000.00. Thailand has excellent medical care at reasonable prices. In the 3 years I have been here I have spent less than $3000.00. I have been in the hospital for 6 days with dengue fever. I have had a bursectomy with 6 people in the operating room including a 4 day stay. I have had over 12 visits to a doctor in a private clinic. I regularly take medication.

You can get health insurance from many banks in Thailand for $400.00/year and they will pay you $33/day while in hospital and cover all costs.

North American Health Insurance providers would like to steal your money. When I was in the Thai consulate in Canada a gentleman mentioned that he had bought health insurance for travel for $3500.00/yr. I told him that it was unlikely that he would spend $1000.00/yr on direct costs of health insurance. The Consulate personnel confirmed my assertion.

I have found the quality of health care to be excellent. The medication seems to work right away and is inexpensive. A doctors visit is typically $6.60 to $13.00 and includes medication. The public hospitals although a little slow ( may take you 1/2 to 3/4 of a day) are much less expensive than the International hospitals. I found the quality of care to be superior in the public hospitals at a much more reasonable cost. Drugs are not expensive and many medications are available over the counter. The druggists may prescribe if you describe your symptoms if it is of a less serious nature. Many people travel to Thailand specifically for their health care. I can get my teeth cleaned in Thailand for $10.00 .

[khunPer]

As status with retirement extension OP can use a Thai insurance (which accept farangs, not all do), for example Bupa Thailand, “Platinum” will cost around 60,000 baht (2000 $) a year (56-60 year); and it’s not a recommendation, there may be others both better and cheaper. Thailand is base and when travelling abroad simply buy Thai Travel Insurance with repatriation to Thailand, if the base Thai health insurance does not cover in other Southeast Asian or neighbouring countries.

However, be aware that insurance with Thailand as base, do not include repatriation to USA.

[I Like Thai]

I got Back packer insurance before on travelsupermarket site. It scrapes lots of Insurance sites and brings back the best deals. It covers for 1 year, not sure if you can extend after this, but worth a look. It's not just for backpackers.

The policy is for one year, but most travel insurance only cover you for 90 days travel at a time. Is this one different?

The policy I had, covered me for 1 calendar year.

[jcnbkk]

To many posts with good advice and suggestions to thank individually, so thanks to all who posted. Shows just how many alternatives there are and how confusing it can be to compare. And then have to wonder if what you thought you bought is what you'll actually get. I think I'll start my healthcare search (again) with some of the brokers mentioned.

[laislica]

Even for the most serious operation, it is unlikely that it will cost you $6000.00. Thailand has excellent medical care at reasonable prices. In the 3 years I have been here I have spent less than $3000.00. I have been in the hospital for 6 days with dengue fever. I have had a bursectomy with 6 people in the operating room including a 4 day stay. I have had over 12 visits to a doctor in a private clinic. I regularly take medication.

You can get health insurance from many banks in Thailand for $400.00/year and they will pay you $33/day while in hospital and cover all costs.

North American Health Insurance providers would like to steal your money. When I was in the Thai consulate in Canada a gentleman mentioned that he had bought health insurance for travel for $3500.00/yr. I told him that it was unlikely that he would spend $1000.00/yr on direct costs of health insurance. The Consulate personnel confirmed my assertion.

I have found the quality of health care to be excellent. The medication seems to work right away and is inexpensive. A doctors visit is typically $6.60 to $13.00 and includes medication. The public hospitals although a little slow ( may take you 1/2 to 3/4 of a day) are much less expensive than the International hospitals. I found the quality of care to be superior in the public hospitals at a much more reasonable cost. Drugs are not expensive and many medications are available over the counter. The druggists may prescribe if you describe your symptoms if it is of a less serious nature. Many people travel to Thailand specifically for their health care. I can get my teeth cleaned in Thailand for $10.00 .

Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance but when you hit 70 it is no longer available.....

In January 2013 I got Shingles and was treated at the local hospital for nearly nothing.

The cost of the anti viral meds was small and the attention from the doctor and nursing staff was fine.

If you are able to have sufficient funds to repatriate you if something serious huts - why bother with insurance?

As mentioned in the quote, generally, you will not need to spend as much as the premiums themselves (unless you are unlucky).

At your age, you may well have a number of pre-condidions and you will have to bear the cost of treatment for them anyway so just how much use would insurance be?

Even though the expensive hospitals have staff that can speak English, it is easy for misunderstandings to arise.

Anything serious is best dealt with by native speakers, just sayin.

Keep away from doctors - they´ll kill you!

(Advice from a lady aged 108)

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[janpharma]

This subject keeps me busy for a while already; I checked with different companies. The most updated information at this moment you can find with " Pacific Prime", they can provide you a nice overview of different insurances like: Bupa, Axa,etc...etc...Besides of that also take a look at LMG Insurance. This will help you a lot!

Best regards.

J

[alfieconn]

This subject keeps me busy for a while already; I checked with different companies. The most updated information at this moment you can find with " Pacific Prime", they can provide you a nice overview of different insurances like: Bupa, Axa,etc...etc...Besides of that also take a look at LMG Insurance. This will help you a lot!

Best regards.

J

LMG now have an office for Westerners to call direct, tel no. 0878285266 (Greg)

[stevenl]

The Thai public health system is excellent (by 3d world standards). The constitution guarantees quality health care to all regardless of nationality. Thus I can see a doctor for 30 baht and fill any prescription at very low subsidized cost. Private clinics are not that expensive either. My son spent 5 days & nights in a public hospital. Private room, excellent care--7000 baht including physician and tests. Of course much depends on which hospital and which doctor/nurses you happen to get. Bangkok tends to be better than some in the provinces (but Khon Kaen is excellent). 'Course, we're talking about long waiting times & all the hassles that go with serving large crowds.

Private hospitals, on the other hand, tend to nice, convenient, quick and predatory. After going in for a minor ailment, under insurance, my wife was diagnosed with a serious condition and prescribed medication that made her feel wonderful, but actually made her sicker requiring additional, increasingly expensive medication (ultimately life-threatening); we got the straight poop on the advise of a nurse from a public hospital that specializes in her "condition"; she didn't have the condition. We subsequently cancelled all our insurance and now depend on the public system, and with their help she's almost fully recovered from the effects of the former medication (steroids). Again, of course, you might chance upon private, insured, care that is actually health rather than profit focused.

I'm afraid your dependence on the public system will end up a big, big disappointment for you. You will have to pay for your treatments, the plan you are referring to has been cancelled for expats.

[JimHuaHin]

I am of a similar age, but from Australia.

I initially moved here with travel insurance, which ran out at the beginning of this year, so I seached for suitable permanent insurance.

And like you (I guess), I sought the advice of those on TV and other fora, about what would be appropriate insurance coverage and and a reliable company - which companies deliver value for money, and which companies promise but do not deliver?

I ended up settling for IMG and thier Gold programme, as they have relationships with many of the private hospitals here.

In addition, over the last couple of years I have make use of some private hospitals in Bangkok and Hua Hin for some non-emergency problems, as well as a couple of government hospitals in the Hua Hin area. The private hospitals give wonderful service, but are expensive. I have found the nursing staff, doctors and specialists in the government hospitals to be just as competent as those in the private system, although their English may not be as good - what is more important, the medical skills of the health care professionals looking after you or their English language ability?

The only drawback of the government hospitals, to me, is the poor air conditioning. As long as I could get a hospital bed in a good air conditioned room/ward, I would be happy to be in a government hospital, which except for major major surgery I could pay without health insurance.

All the best

[khunPer]

Even for the most serious operation, it is unlikely that it will cost you $6000.00. Thailand has excellent medical care at reasonable prices. In the 3 years I have been here I have spent less than $3000.00. I have been in the hospital for 6 days with dengue fever. I have had a bursectomy with 6 people in the operating room including a 4 day stay. I have had over 12 visits to a doctor in a private clinic. I regularly take medication.

You can get health insurance from many banks in Thailand for $400.00/year and they will pay you $33/day while in hospital and cover all costs.

North American Health Insurance providers would like to steal your money. When I was in the Thai consulate in Canada a gentleman mentioned that he had bought health insurance for travel for $3500.00/yr. I told him that it was unlikely that he would spend $1000.00/yr on direct costs of health insurance. The Consulate personnel confirmed my assertion.

I have found the quality of health care to be excellent. The medication seems to work right away and is inexpensive. A doctors visit is typically $6.60 to $13.00 and includes medication. The public hospitals although a little slow ( may take you 1/2 to 3/4 of a day) are much less expensive than the International hospitals. I found the quality of care to be superior in the public hospitals at a much more reasonable cost. Drugs are not expensive and many medications are available over the counter. The druggists may prescribe if you describe your symptoms if it is of a less serious nature. Many people travel to Thailand specifically for their health care. I can get my teeth cleaned in Thailand for $10.00 .

Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance but when you hit 70 it is no longer available.....

In January 2013 I got Shingles and was treated at the local hospital for nearly nothing.

The cost of the anti viral meds was small and the attention from the doctor and nursing staff was fine.

If you are able to have sufficient funds to repatriate you if something serious huts - why bother with insurance?

As mentioned in the quote, generally, you will not need to spend as much as the premiums themselves (unless you are unlucky).

At your age, you may well have a number of pre-condidions and you will have to bear the cost of treatment for them anyway so just how much use would insurance be?

Even though the expensive hospitals have staff that can speak English, it is easy for misunderstandings to arise.

Anything serious is best dealt with by native speakers, just sayin.

Keep away from doctors - they´ll kill you!

(Advice from a lady aged 108)

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

»Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance...«

Indeed, and I wanted to buy one – the kind bank assistant lady called someone “important” and answered: »Only for Thais, not for farangs...«

Edited May 14, 2014 by khunPer

[khunPer]

I am of a similar age, but from Australia.

I initially moved here with travel insurance, which ran out at the beginning of this year, so I seached for suitable permanent insurance.

And like you (I guess), I sought the advice of those on TV and other fora, about what would be appropriate insurance coverage and and a reliable company - which companies deliver value for money, and which companies promise but do not deliver?

I ended up settling for IMG and thier Gold programme, as they have relationships with many of the private hospitals here.

In addition, over the last couple of years I have make use of some private hospitals in Bangkok and Hua Hin for some non-emergency problems, as well as a couple of government hospitals in the Hua Hin area. The private hospitals give wonderful service, but are expensive. I have found the nursing staff, doctors and specialists in the government hospitals to be just as competent as those in the private system, although their English may not be as good - what is more important, the medical skills of the health care professionals looking after you or their English language ability?

The only drawback of the government hospitals, to me, is the poor air conditioning. As long as I could get a hospital bed in a good air conditioned room/ward, I would be happy to be in a government hospital, which except for major major surgery I could pay without health insurance.

All the best

»...the poor air conditioning...«

Normally you can buy a VIP-room – single-room with aircon, TV, guest bed, bath/toilet – price may vary from area-to-are; up Isaan only a few hundred bath/day, whilst in central or southern tourist areas (much) more, but still affordable.

[Steevo]

U.S.In good health, but had a bad infection last year that required surgery to repair my colon. No real pre-existing conditons except for High Cholesterol for which I am taking a statin, and Divertticulitis which is unlikely to recur.

what country are you from originally?

[Steevo]

I am from the US and in good health. I am on Medicaid because I have been out of work with no income including Social Security, Pension, IRA which I will wait until I qualify. I have a decent amount of savings which allows me to retire early "in Thailand". I had surgery over a year ago for a nasty infection in my colon. Diverticulitis and a fistula....fixed and will not recur. I have high cholesterol which I am taking a statin for. Other than that....no problems.

I just don't want to be left without alternatives, and would like to be prepared for emergencies and occasional Dr visits to check my bloodwork.

[JimHuaHin]

Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance but when you hit 70 it is no longer available.....

In January 2013 I got Shingles and was treated at the local hospital for nearly nothing.

The cost of the anti viral meds was small and the attention from the doctor and nursing staff was fine.

If you are able to have sufficient funds to repatriate you if something serious huts - why bother with insurance?

As mentioned in the quote, generally, you will not need to spend as much as the premiums themselves (unless you are unlucky).

At your age, you may well have a number of pre-condidions and you will have to bear the cost of treatment for them anyway so just how much use would insurance be?

Even though the expensive hospitals have staff that can speak English, it is easy for misunderstandings to arise.

Anything serious is best dealt with by native speakers, just sayin.

Keep away from doctors - they´ll kill you!

(Advice from a lady aged 108)

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

»Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance...«

Indeed, and I wanted to buy one – the kind bank assistant lady called someone “important” and answered: »Only for Thais, not for farangs...«

Interesting ... I got tge opposite message from KBank in central Hua Hin ... they even gave me an application form to complete!!

[khunPer]

Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance but when you hit 70 it is no longer available.....

In January 2013 I got Shingles and was treated at the local hospital for nearly nothing.

The cost of the anti viral meds was small and the attention from the doctor and nursing staff was fine.

If you are able to have sufficient funds to repatriate you if something serious huts - why bother with insurance?

As mentioned in the quote, generally, you will not need to spend as much as the premiums themselves (unless you are unlucky).

At your age, you may well have a number of pre-condidions and you will have to bear the cost of treatment for them anyway so just how much use would insurance be?

Even though the expensive hospitals have staff that can speak English, it is easy for misunderstandings to arise.

Anything serious is best dealt with by native speakers, just sayin.

Keep away from doctors - they´ll kill you!

(Advice from a lady aged 108)

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

»Kasokorn Bank offerred some very cheap accident insurance...«

Indeed, and I wanted to buy one – the kind bank assistant lady called someone “important” and answered: »Only for Thais, not for farangs...«

Interesting ... I got tge opposite message from KBank in central Hua Hin ... they even gave me an application form to complete!!

So they did to me, we were almost done, but when typing the data into their system, some warning popped up...

After talking with “someone important” Kasikorn suggested, that my GF could hold the insurance and I be the spuse. The main idea for me is the 50k baht accident hospital insurance, as “spouse” I only have 20k; and that I can get (little) cheaper on senior-PA in Bangkok Bank. Anyway this year Kasikorn got my money, lets see if some better solution comes up before renewal...

Sometimes precedure may not be the same in different areas of Thailnd, however one would presume products offered by a major bank to be standard.

[Postmaster]

Couldn't recommend BUPA to anyone. Haven't you read the stories of the people at the top ? I do not have a link.