Im marrying a 'civil servant' and get free health ins. Is this adequate?

[ghworker2010]

As the title suggests, I'm soon to be marrying a lovely thai lady who works in a hospital and thus I will be entitled to the same free health insurance as her parents are entitled to as well.

If your a farang and in similar situation, Is this insurance adequate in your opinion? Would you recommend me taking additional Bupa insurance or whatever?

Finally, how do I go about getting this insurance. But I suppose I could ask the misus about this one.....

[TerryLH]

It should be fine.

She can get you signed up through her work once you get married and have the certificate.

Good luck.

[Sheryl]

It's fine as long as you are content to only get care in govt hospitals/hospital where registered (there are a few smaller private hospitals that accept people in the SS scheme but these tend not to be very good...best off registering at a large tertiary level govt hospital).

If however you want the option of being able to choose your doctor without being limited to just one hospital, and/or the option of getting care at larger private hospitals, then you need to get a separate private policy. Your call.

[TerryLH]

Sheryl, he isn't talking about Social Security.

Your comments aren't relevant for his situation.

[Farma]

TerryLH you seem to be familiar with this situation.

Are there any visa requirements to be eligible this cover? I.E. retirement etc

[Sheryl]

Sheryl, he isn't talking about Social Security.

Your comments aren't relevant for his situation.

There is a Social Security scheme specifically for civil servants which covers their spouses, I think this is what he refers to?

[TerryLH]

The Civil Servants system is different than SS. It covers the employees whole family, including their parents.

They can pretty much go where they want to for treatment.

I think they have some hospitals that they might be assigned to where they don't have to front any cash. For anywhere else they go, without having to get permission, they pay first and get reimbursed later. They are not limited to where they can go as you are in the SS plan.

"Are there any visa requirements to be eligible this cover? I.E. retirement etc"

No. Coverage is strictly through marriage.

Edited June 18, 2014 by TerryLH