A year in Thailand

[ShaunEdwards9]

Hi Guys,

Wondering if yous could give me some advice please....

I am planning to spend a year in Thailand starting from February, Could anyone recommend a travel insuarance provider thats reasonable to cover me for a year whilst I am abroad?

I have checked the comparision websites etc but they all look abit pricey

Be grateful of any help....

Shaun

[Suradit69]

Insurance may best be arranged in your home country before travelling to Thailand, but you don't mention what country you are from or what level of protection you are looking for or your age ...

[ShaunEdwards9]

Insurance may best be arranged in your home country before travelling to Thailand, but you don't mention what country you are from or what level of protection you are looking for or your age ...

Sorry. As you can tell I am a newbie to all this. Male, 28, UK. No medical problems. I am just looking for the normal travel insurance and just want to know what the cheapest is to protect me if I need medical attention

[VBF]

Insurance may best be arranged in your home country before travelling to Thailand, but you don't mention what country you are from or what level of protection you are looking for or your age ...

Sorry. As you can tell I am a newbie to all this. Male, 28, UK. No medical problems. I am just looking for the normal travel insurance and just want to know what the cheapest is to protect me if I need medical attention

I have used Insure & Go http://www.insureandgo.com/ for several years now - most of my trips are 6 months or so. I've had 3 claims over the years: 1 (2006) in which I had my pocket picked (my silly fault and i had to get a police report!) 1 (2009) when my Mother had a fall and unfortunately 1 (2012) when my Mother died.

All were paid, although as with most insurance, they wriggled out of paying for extras like taxi fares to airports. And, amusingly, with the pickpocketing episode, the money was covered with no excess, but the wallet suffered a £50 excess which was 10 times what it was worth anyway so didn't matter!

[Thongkorn]

don't for get the correct visas to.

[Expattaff1308]

Dont forget to check the small print. Many companies offer 12 mths travel Insurance only for you to find they only cover you for 3 mths at a time, 3 mths cover then should you travel again another 3 mths cover etc till the 12mths are up.

[VBF]

Dont forget to check the small print. Many companies offer 12 mths travel Insurance only for you to find they only cover you for 3 mths at a time, 3 mths cover then should you travel again another 3 mths cover etc till the 12mths are up.

Quite right!

You need to give them the actual trip dates that you want covered - my recommendation above (and I'm sure others too) actually print the Start and End dates on the policy as a continuous period of time. Obviously if you're not sure how long you'll be away, you can over-estimate but then the premium increases.

However, checking the small print is always essential especially for things like hazardous sports. Example - I'm only covered for medical emergencies occurring when Scuba diving restricted to 30 metres and that's only because I'm PADI qualified.

Apart from the health cover, laptops are considered "business equipment" and should be mentioned specifically if over a given value.

They might even exclude you if you're working as opposed to it being a leisure trip - I don't know!

Probably many other clauses too, as with any insurer.

One other thing to Shaun (OP) - comparison websites are not always the best way to compare! Some of them get commission from the suppliers they quote. This applies to other insurances (car, home) as well. I've often found that calling the individual suppliers and negotiating gets you a better deal! Takes time but the old adage "if you don't ask you don't get" comes to mind. Having said that, an email containing this link http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance?utm_source=MSE_Newsletter&utm_medium=hiya&utm_term=02-Sep-14-v2&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_content=19 has just dropped into my inbox.... might be useful as a starting point

[ShaunEdwards9]

Dont forget to check the small print. Many companies offer 12 mths travel Insurance only for you to find they only cover you for 3 mths at a time, 3 mths cover then should you travel again another 3 mths cover etc till the 12mths are up.

Quite right!

You need to give them the actual trip dates that you want covered - my recommendation above (and I'm sure others too) actually print the Start and End dates on the policy as a continuous period of time. Obviously if you're not sure how long you'll be away, you can over-estimate but then the premium increases.

However, checking the small print is always essential especially for things like hazardous sports. Example - I'm only covered for medical emergencies occurring when Scuba diving restricted to 30 metres and that's only because I'm PADI qualified.

Apart from the health cover, laptops are considered "business equipment" and should be mentioned specifically if over a given value.

They might even exclude you if you're working as opposed to it being a leisure trip - I don't know!

Probably many other clauses too, as with any insurer.

One other thing to Shaun (OP) - comparison websites are not always the best way to compare! Some of them get commission from the suppliers they quote. This applies to other insurances (car, home) as well. I've often found that calling the individual suppliers and negotiating gets you a better deal! Takes time but the old adage "if you don't ask you don't get" comes to mind. Having said that, an email containing this link http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance?utm_source=MSE_Newsletter&utm_medium=hiya&utm_term=02-Sep-14-v2&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_content=19 has just dropped into my inbox.... might be useful as a starting point

Great advise VBF thanks can you recommend any companies that are decent for this sort of thing? As I need a continuous 12 month with no breaks

[ShaunEdwards9]

don't for get the correct visas to.[/quoted]

That's the other thing I am trying to figure out Thongkorn! Haha

[ShaunEdwards9]

Dont forget to check the small print. Many companies offer 12 mths travel Insurance only for you to find they only cover you for 3 mths at a time, 3 mths cover then should you travel again another 3 mths cover etc till the 12mths are up.

good shout Expattaff thanks

[VBF]

Dont forget to check the small print. Many companies offer 12 mths travel Insurance only for you to find they only cover you for 3 mths at a time, 3 mths cover then should you travel again another 3 mths cover etc till the 12mths are up.

Quite right!

You need to give them the actual trip dates that you want covered - my recommendation above (and I'm sure others too) actually print the Start and End dates on the policy as a continuous period of time. Obviously if you're not sure how long you'll be away, you can over-estimate but then the premium increases.

However, checking the small print is always essential especially for things like hazardous sports. Example - I'm only covered for medical emergencies occurring when Scuba diving restricted to 30 metres and that's only because I'm PADI qualified.

Apart from the health cover, laptops are considered "business equipment" and should be mentioned specifically if over a given value.

They might even exclude you if you're working as opposed to it being a leisure trip - I don't know!

Probably many other clauses too, as with any insurer.

One other thing to Shaun (OP) - comparison websites are not always the best way to compare! Some of them get commission from the suppliers they quote. This applies to other insurances (car, home) as well. I've often found that calling the individual suppliers and negotiating gets you a better deal! Takes time but the old adage "if you don't ask you don't get" comes to mind. Having said that, an email containing this link http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance?utm_source=MSE_Newsletter&utm_medium=hiya&utm_term=02-Sep-14-v2&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_content=19 has just dropped into my inbox.... might be useful as a starting point

Great advise VBF thanks can you recommend any companies that are decent for this sort of thing? As I need a continuous 12 month with no breaks

Shaun old chap, you're welcome, but when you ask for advice, it's customary to grant the responders the courtesy of reading what they say If you actually READ my post above (#4) you would see that I have already made a recommendation, with a link and based my subsequent comments on it!!

If you're having trouble with the large print, the small print is really going to be a challenge.

Go and get a and start again!

[Noi657]

Try muangthaiinsurance

[Noi657]

£130 or £226 (roughly) depending on the value of cover.

[Don Aleman]

I sold this high priced, extremely lucrative coverage for a long time in the US - for a leading firm and never witnessed a proper claim handling, usually resulting in a small , "get outta my face" amount not nearly covering the actual loss + plus a ton of buyer supplied evidence of the loss.

Best protection in Thailand = a pit bull and/or 9 mm Glock !

[GordonP]

Try searching for "backpacking" or a one year travel policy. CARE you do not want an annual travel insurance policy which usually limits the period of eachtrip. If in the UK try http://www.columbusdirect.com/ . Also take care, some policies are invalid if you haven't been in originating country for the six months prior to starting trip.

Another care - Do you just want Thailand cover? Given your age you may be doing a couple of Visa runs or just visiting the neighbouring countries. This is where a backpacking policy has benefits. Either way think about where you may go.

All that said, I doubt IMHO you will find a worthwhile reputable policy for a one year trip for less than £400 and more likely closer to £500

[HughJass]

when I first came to Thailand four years ago I purchased a backpacker policy from World First..i stripped it down to just the medical insurance and it cost me around £300...I then had a motorcycle accident while here and they paid out to the thai hospital £14000 with no problems...I believe they are a family run firm and would recommend them...heres the site so get yourself a quote...happy holidays

http://www.world-first.co.uk/

[ShaunEdwards9]

Try muangthaiinsurance

Cheers Noi657 I will check that out

[ShaunEdwards9]

Try searching for "backpacking" or a one year travel policy. CARE you do not want an annual travel insurance policy which usually limits the period of eachtrip. If in the UK try http://www.columbusdirect.com/ . Also take care, some policies are invalid if you haven't been in originating country for the six months prior to starting trip.

Another care - Do you just want Thailand cover? Given your age you may be doing a couple of Visa runs or just visiting the neighbouring countries. This is where a backpacking policy has benefits. Either way think about where you may go.

All that said, I doubt IMHO you will find a worthwhile reputable policy for a one year trip for less than £400 and more likely closer to £500

Great advice GordonP! Thanks. I hope to get a policy cheaper than £400-500 so exploring all options

[ShaunEdwards9]

when I first came to Thailand four years ago I purchased a backpacker policy from World First..i stripped it down to just the medical insurance and it cost me around £300...I then had a motorcycle accident while here and they paid out to the thai hospital £14000 with no problems...I believe they are a family run firm and would recommend them...heres the site so get yourself a quote...happy holidays

http://www.world-first.co.uk/

Quality advice Hughjass! Cheers! I will check that company out

[Kabula]

I'm from the US and used this site for comparison shopping.

http://www.insuremytrip.com/

You need to secure it in your home country before you leave.

The earlier the better as with some companies if you sign up early they waive pre-existing conditions.

The annual policy use to offer the best price.

Be sure to read the policy online before buying it, especially the exclusions and what countries are not covered. If you are into sporting activities you can buy riders for those high risk sports.

Be sure to ask in the company or their agent, in the form of an email if Thai motorcycle taxis are covered. Most pay for licensed, public transportation. Get the written response and keep a copy.

Download the entire policy/ ID card off the Internet and save the file and take it with you. Keep the ID card with you at all times. You might store it all in your smart phone or pad.

If you get sick or plan on filing a claim call them immediately no matter how small and get permission. If you don't and a little problem turns into an emergency they could deny the claim.

Save all receipts and if the hospital bills direct demand to get copies of everything.

If the hospital over charges and the insurance company only pays reasonable and customary charges, you will be billed for the difference. In some countries, you're for bidden to leave until all the hospital bills are paid.

Hospitals worldwide have doubled and tripled their charges in the last two years. I believe it is from inflation combined with Insurance Companies authorizing expensive surgeries and in the small print it allows them to deny the claim after a file review. Many claims are then denied after the operations! This is why premiums have doubled among other things.

I owned an Insurance Adjustment Co for 25 years and I'm here to tell you Travel Insurance is a must, however read the policy so no surprises. They are all very aggressive on claims and the playing field is seldom level and fair.

If a claim is denied and you feel it is covered, fight it. You can also file a claim with their regulatory agency.

For minor medical advice, lab blood drawing and results, ekg's, medical exams and a chest X-ray the Thai clinics are great and very inexpensive. Be sure the doctor is fluent in English.

Good luck!

[ShaunEdwards9]

I'm from the US and used this site for comparison shopping.

http://www.insuremytrip.com/

You need to secure it in your home country before you leave.

The earlier the better as with some companies if you sign up early they waive pre-existing conditions.

The annual policy use to offer the best price.

Be sure to read the policy online before buying it, especially the exclusions and what countries are not covered. If you are into sporting activities you can buy riders for those high risk sports.

Be sure to ask in the company or their agent, in the form of an email if Thai motorcycle taxis are covered. Most pay for licensed, public transportation. Get the written response and keep a copy.

Download the entire policy/ ID card off the Internet and save the file and take it with you. Keep the ID card with you at all times. You might store it all in your smart phone or pad.

If you get sick or plan on filing a claim call them immediately no matter how small and get permission. If you don't and a little problem turns into an emergency they could deny the claim.

Save all receipts and if the hospital bills direct demand to get copies of everything.

If the hospital over charges and the insurance company only pays reasonable and customary charges, you will be billed for the difference. In some countries, you're for bidden to leave until all the hospital bills are paid.

Hospitals worldwide have doubled and tripled their charges in the last two years. I believe it is from inflation combined with Insurance Companies authorizing expensive surgeries and in the small print it allows them to deny the claim after a file review. Many claims are then denied after the operations! This is why premiums have doubled among other things.

I owned an Insurance Adjustment Co for 25 years and I'm here to tell you Travel Insurance is a must, however read the policy so no surprises. They are all very aggressive on claims and the playing field is seldom level and fair.

If a claim is denied and you feel it is covered, fight it. You can also file a claim with their regulatory agency.

For minor medical advice, lab blood drawing and results, ekg's, medical exams and a chest X-ray the Thai clinics are great and very inexpensive. Be sure the doctor is fluent in English.

Good luck!

Top draw info there Kabula! Many thanks for that!

I will use your advice to tackle the 'minefield' of insurance policy's!

Cheers for the good luck wish.... I am going to need it! Ha ha!

[mizztraveller]

We use LV. Just bought 5 months travel cover for two people, both with declared health problems, for £247 all in. They are very good should you need to claim too. I needed emergency dental treatment while covered with them and after emailing them to tell them what was happening, they phoned me, on a Sunday to ask if I needed them to pay the dentist straight away or if I wanted to wait until we returned home.

Previously, we insured with Insureandgo and when my husband needed £900 of hospital treatment, we had to pay as they don't offer the money up front and when we put the claim in when we returned, they took 10 weeks to pay.

So, have a look at the small print, and as it's mainly the medical aspect you're looking for and you don't have a lot of spare funds, make sure they will pay for your treatment there and then and not when you return home.

[ShaunEdwards9]

We use LV. Just bought 5 months travel cover for two people, both with declared health problems, for £247 all in. They are very good should you need to claim too. I needed emergency dental treatment while covered with them and after emailing them to tell them what was happening, they phoned me, on a Sunday to ask if I needed them to pay the dentist straight away or if I wanted to wait until we returned home.

Previously, we insured with Insureandgo and when my husband needed £900 of hospital treatment, we had to pay as they don't offer the money up front and when we put the claim in when we returned, they took 10 weeks to pay.

So, have a look at the small print, and as it's mainly the medical aspect you're looking for and you don't have a lot of spare funds, make sure they will pay for your treatment there and then and not when you return home.

Top advise thanks Mizztraveller. I shall check LV out along with the small print and your tips! Thanks again!

[Arandora]

Shaun

Some great advice and suggestions for insurers to consider. Also try http://www.outbackerinsurance.com/backpacker-travel-insurance.php?gclid=CLL-z9iax8ACFVGWtAodOzQACA for specialist Backpacker insurance and http://www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/backpackers/ to compare backpacker policies.

Remember though "cheapest" should never be the main criterion for choosing travel insurance. £100 or so more to get the amount of cover you "may" need is a small price to pay as part of a 12 month trip compared to what you "may" need it for. Travelling on your own you need a company that has a proven reputation to dealing with helping claimants at time of claim not at some time in the future after haggling over Terms & Conditions. Some people regard travel insurance as "dead money" which for some can become, sadly, a self-fulfilling prophecy!

Good luck with your travels.

[ShaunEdwards9]

Shaun

Some great advice and suggestions for insurers to consider. Also try http://www.outbackerinsurance.com/backpacker-travel-insurance.php?gclid=CLL-z9iax8ACFVGWtAodOzQACA for specialist Backpacker insurance and http://www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/backpackers/ to compare backpacker policies.

Remember though "cheapest" should never be the main criterion for choosing travel insurance. £100 or so more to get the amount of cover you "may" need is a small price to pay as part of a 12 month trip compared to what you "may" need it for. Travelling on your own you need a company that has a proven reputation to dealing with helping claimants at time of claim not at some time in the future after haggling over Terms & Conditions. Some people regard travel insurance as "dead money" which for some can become, sadly, a self-fulfilling prophecy!

Good luck with your travels.

Rest assured Arandora, travel insurance is something I am not taking lightly before my adventure! It's as essential as my suntan lotion! Haha! Many thanks for your suggestions and tips! Much appreciated!

[Postmaster]

Staysure.co.uk I have done a long policy with them with declared medical complications. Not sure whether they do a full year's cover but 2/3rds yes.