Help! I am planning to retire in CNX, my children worried about medical emergencies.

[Nolster]

I am planning to retire in CNX and happily planning for my next longer visit before I finally make the move; but my children are worried sick as to what would happen if something happened to me in a foreign country if I get sick there or have an accident without any family or friends to take care of me.

I am on Medicare including the supplemental plan as well as prescription coverage and I intend to keep those incase I needed to return to the US for any major medical emergencies. How are some of you coping with this? Do you buy additional health insurance in Thailand? I suppose I can afford to pay for many medical procedures in Thailand if needed. I do plan to fly back to US a couple of times a year in any case.

I also told my children that they should not have any problem flying to Thailand in case of emergencies on a short notice as they can get 30 day visa free entry as US citizens. Also that the medical facilities, hospitals and doctors are quite advanced compared to other countries and that many foreigners come to Thailand as medical tourists as the costs are reasonable. I am not sure if that is of any comfort to them. I can also fly back to the US if needed.

I also feel like I will have friends and neighbors to keep an eye on me in case something happens. I have already made quite a few friends during my previous visits. Also, it is quite easy to keep in touch with the cell phone and the various apps available on them. I'd love to hear from other Thai Visa members about their experiences.

[elektrified]

First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand.

I would be more concerned about what may happen while living in Bangkok, as many people die in the back of ambulances trying to get through traffic to a hospital. You should be fine here.

Just be sure to sock away about 1 million Baht in an account that doesn't get used for anything else. That way if you have a medical emergency and require surgery and/or a lengthy hospitalization, you will be covered.

[onthedarkside]

As the poster does not state his age then saying "First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand." might not be true.

Insurance can be bought up to 60, 65 in some cases. With BUPA is you sign up before your 60 birthday then they will extend cover as long as you live - and can pay the premiums.

[Diplomatico]

As the poster does not state his age then saying "First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand." might not be true.

Insurance can be bought up to 60, 65 in some cases. With BUPA is you sign up before your 60 birthday then they will extend cover as long as you live - and can pay the premiums.

OP does say he's on Medicare....unless disabled, the qualifying age for that is 65.

[elektrified]

As the poster does not state his age then saying "First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand." might not be true.

Insurance can be bought up to 60, 65 in some cases. With BUPA is you sign up before your 60 birthday then they will extend cover as long as you live - and can pay the premiums.

He said he's on Medicare. I believe you have to be 65 years old to get that and that is beyond the cutoff age to get health insurance in LOS.

[mesquite]

OP, you can go to the Bumrungrad and other hospital websites and look at representative costs for the various procedures to see if you could afford them. Bear in mind costs in CM would be less, so you could check out RAM to get an idea. If you have the funds to fly back to the US 2x per year, my guess is you have the funds to afford a serious emergency procedure if needed.

I personally keep a credit card and my insurance card in my wallet to cover an admission into a hospital should that become necessary. I also have a network of friends that would assist me, and I would assist them as well. We older expats tend to look out for each other over here. Sounds like you have made a very good start on all that.

NancyL is involved with one or more organizations that assist expats in need of care. Hopefully she can add to this discussion.

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

Edited September 15, 2014 by mesquite

[Oscar2]

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

wow, that's nuts!

OP, i'm much younger than you and an experienced rider but was almost killed in an accident 15 months ago. not my fault of course. it was a very long recovery and i have not and would not, ever ride a motorcycle again. never.

this has to be the most dangerous country in the world to ride a m/c even for experienced riders. that will definitely be something for your kids to worry about should you actually be foolish enough to go forward with that plan!

[northernjohn]

As the poster does not state his age then saying "First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand." might not be true.

Insurance can be bought up to 60, 65 in some cases. With BUPA is you sign up before your 60 birthday then they will extend cover as long as you live - and can pay the premiums.

Actually insurance can be bought up until you are 71.

The cost is high and there are more stringent health requirements to be met. Also there will be a certain amount you must pay before it kicks in. check with an insurance agent they have a better handle on it than just searching the internet.

As for Medicare I believe that is available when a person retires. If he retires at 62 it is available to them then at a price of course.

[uptheos]

"I can also fly back to the US if needed".

Not if you're bed ridden from stroke, heart attack or major accident.

[Diplomatico]

As the poster does not state his age then saying "First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand." might not be true.

Insurance can be bought up to 60, 65 in some cases. With BUPA is you sign up before your 60 birthday then they will extend cover as long as you live - and can pay the premiums.

As for Medicare I believe that is available when a person retires. If he retires at 62 it is available to them then at a price of course.

Medicare is not available until one reaches the age of 65 unless one has a special condition or disability.

[Chicog]

I think the trick is not to get any of the medical conditions that cost money, just stick to the cheap ones like ingrowing toenails and you'll be fine.

[uptheos]

I think the trick is not to get any of the medical conditions that cost money, just stick to the cheap ones like ingrowing toenails and you'll be fine.

And then try to find a licensed podiatrist or chiropodist in Chiang Mai.

[ramrod711]

Accident insurance readily available at very reasonable prices, if you are going to ride a motorcycle I highly recommend it. Never, never be a passenger on a motorbike, not even accident insurance will cover you then.

Edited September 15, 2014 by ramrod711

[DGS1244]

OP, you can go to the Bumrungrad and other hospital websites and look at representative costs for the various procedures to see if you could afford them. Bear in mind costs in CM would be less, so you could check out RAM to get an idea. If you have the funds to fly back to the US 2x per year, my guess is you have the funds to afford a serious emergency procedure if needed.

I personally keep a credit card and my insurance card in my wallet to cover an admission into a hospital should that become necessary. I also have a network of friends that would assist me, and I would assist them as well. We older expats tend to look out for each other over here. Sounds like you have made a very good start on all that.

NancyL is involved with one or more organizations that assist expats in need of care. Hopefully she can add to this discussion.

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

Agree with above, keep million in the bank and you should be OK. I was doing that unfortunately this year I had to use it but it still worked out cheaper than returning to UK for treatment taking into account flights, accommodation, transport etc. There are adequate hospitals in Chang Mai and most of the consultants have trained in the USA or UK.

Forget about insurance other than for accident, yes you can get it for an absolute fortune but when you look at the deductibles and exclusions what is left just about covers you for minor ops. Some hospitals are more expensive than others, particularly in Bangkok where the top three are way above any other and almost double the Chiang Mai costs.

Riding a scooter, forget it at you age, the risk is way too high stick to a peddle cycle and even then beware.

[BradinAsia]

I'm retired and living in Chiang Mai.

One reason we decided to retire here is the excellent medical care we get at McCormick Hospital. The quality of care is much better

than we got in the Philippines or Japan. At McCormick the medical care is provided by professionals who take the time to treat you

like a human, which is better than my experience in the U.S.

I have a GEHA health plan which covers me here for all major medical issues. If you don't have your own medical insurance coverage

when you come here you're very likely "out of business" as in many other countries including the U.S.

If you are over 60, you can buy health insurance here, I recently checked -- the cost increases with your age -- for over 60 the cost is

astronomically high -- if I remember correctly it was about $1,000 per month.

Bottom line is -- if you don't have a health insurance plan you will need to be moderately wealthy and be to ready to self-cover all your

expenses for major medical. Seems to me a rather daunting prospect and probably a game-stopper for most folks.

[Evolare]

I am planning to retire in CNX and happily planning for my next longer visit before I finally make the move; but my children are worried sick as to what would happen if something happened to me in a foreign country if I get sick there or have an accident without any family or friends to take care of me.

I am on Medicare including the supplemental plan as well as prescription coverage and I intend to keep those incase I needed to return to the US for any major medical emergencies. How are some of you coping with this? Do you buy additional health insurance in Thailand? I suppose I can afford to pay for many medical procedures in Thailand if needed. I do plan to fly back to US a couple of times a year in any case.

I also told my children that they should not have any problem flying to Thailand in case of emergencies on a short notice as they can get 30 day visa free entry as US citizens. Also that the medical facilities, hospitals and doctors are quite advanced compared to other countries and that many foreigners come to Thailand as medical tourists as the costs are reasonable. I am not sure if that is of any comfort to them. I can also fly back to the US if needed.

I also feel like I will have friends and neighbors to keep an eye on me in case something happens. I have already made quite a few friends during my previous visits. Also, it is quite easy to keep in touch with the cell phone and the various apps available on them. I'd love to hear from other Thai Visa members about their experiences.

Not knowing how it works in the US but I have a private health insurance from sweden (not really needed in sweden but I have it to get fasttrack access to specialist care) and only had to pay a little extra to get that coverage abroad...I pay 2000 SEK = 10000baht extra per year for that maybe you can do also?

Edit:

I just talked to a neighbor who's an American retired from US he said forget about it and said the same thing as the others here make sure you have a million baht in the bank.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Evolare

[scorecard]

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I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

wow, that's nuts!

OP, i'm much younger than you and an experienced rider but was almost killed in an accident 15 months ago. not my fault of course. it was a very long recovery and i have not and would not, ever ride a motorcycle again. never.

this has to be the most dangerous country in the world to ride a m/c even for experienced riders. that will definitely be something for your kids to worry about should you actually be foolish enough to go forward with that plan!

Further point, locals tend to ignore motorcyclists so you need to be pretty careful, so why not consider a small car, either new or second hand. The costs (both approaches) may well be a lot cheaper than your thinking and the plus is that repair and maintenance costs are quite low compared to western countries.

By the way if you need some transport to get started we have a Thai friend who would readily make an agreement with you for case by case trips to go shopping, or a monthly fee for a total of xx trips per month, or whatever. He's reliable, no silly games or tricks, reasonable fees and he speaks pretty good English, and he's always keen to help with translation where needed. PM me if your interested.

[watcharacters]

.

I may be mistaken but I believe if you receive Social Security payments you have no choice regarding Medicare. I think it's an automatic deduction and if your income exceeds a certain threshold, there's an additional premium deducted.

[bprhodes]

Another possible option: Since you are covered by Medicare in the States, and you plan on returning 1-2 times per year, simply buy some travel insurance (along with your plane ticket) that covers emergency medical care, and repatriation expenses. I get this coverage every time I come to Thailand via my employer (A University). It pays for even minor expenses like going to the doctor with a virus. I have never tried to purchase it myself, but it seems like it should be available. I would be interested to know if anyone else has purchased this kind of insurance.

[garyinhuahin]

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

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

wow, that's nuts!

OP, i'm much younger than you and an experienced rider but was almost killed in an accident 15 months ago. not my fault of course. it was a very long recovery and i have not and would not, ever ride a motorcycle again. never.

this has to be the most dangerous country in the world to ride a m/c even for experienced riders. that will definitely be something for your kids to worry about should you actually be foolish enough to go forward with that plan!

Further point, locals tend to ignore motorcyclists so you need to be pretty careful, so why not consider a small car, either new or second hand. The costs (both approaches) may well be a lot cheaper than your thinking and the plus is that repair and maintenance costs are quite low compared to western countries.

By the way if you need some transport to get started we have a Thai friend who would readily make an agreement with you for case by case trips to go shopping, or a monthly fee for a total of xx trips per month, or whatever. He's reliable, no silly games or tricks, reasonable fees and he speaks pretty good English, and he's always keen to help with translation where needed. PM me if your interested.

About 7 years ago I got a Honda Click and had a shop put a Thai-style sidecar (saling) on it. It's very low in cost, very easy to drive and quite a lot safer than a scooter by itself. It doesn't fall over, you're not tempted to weave around in traffic, and (best of all) the other drivers stay the hell away from you! Recently bought a car also, but I take the saling out on most errands because it's just easier and more fun.

[Mousehound]

I am same age as poster. I really love the idea of a scooter or M/bike. But my son, a very experienced rider, has persuaded me it just is not worth it in Thailand. I just am too long off a bike to be really as safe as I can be and quite frankly it is more likely not me that will be the problem. So no bike for me I am afraid. But I am fine with a car - so be it. The quality of medical in CM is pretty good. Also very cheap.

I am reminded of a friend who flew overseas every year to get a serious complication checked, to be asked by his specialist why he did so, as one of the finest surgeons in the field was actually resident in BKK. So for major issues it may mean a trip to BKK but for most the CM medical is pretty good IMHO.

[JoePai]

As the poster does not state his age then saying "First of all, it will not be possible for you to get medical insurance at your age in Thailand." might not be true.

Insurance can be bought up to 60, 65 in some cases. With BUPA is you sign up before your 60 birthday then they will extend cover as long as you live - and can pay the premiums.

Actually insurance can be bought up until you are 71.

The cost is high and there are more stringent health requirements to be met. Also there will be a certain amount you must pay before it kicks in. check with an insurance agent they have a better handle on it than just searching the internet.

As for Medicare I believe that is available when a person retires. If he retires at 62 it is available to them then at a price of course.

Medical insurance can be bought at any age - not just 71. Only probelm are the premiums !! Talk to the sponsors, AA Insurance Brokers as they can offer - suggest Peter as he speaks English

[abrahamzvi]

OP, you can go to the Bumrungrad and other hospital websites and look at representative costs for the various procedures to see if you could afford them. Bear in mind costs in CM would be less, so you could check out RAM to get an idea. If you have the funds to fly back to the US 2x per year, my guess is you have the funds to afford a serious emergency procedure if needed.

I personally keep a credit card and my insurance card in my wallet to cover an admission into a hospital should that become necessary. I also have a network of friends that would assist me, and I would assist them as well. We older expats tend to look out for each other over here. Sounds like you have made a very good start on all that.

NancyL is involved with one or more organizations that assist expats in need of care. Hopefully she can add to this discussion.

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

Two pieces of advice/information:

1) The medical standard of the private hospitals in Chiang Mai is high and is comparable to the standards in US, or Europe. The recently opened Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai offers a really high standard. The costs compared to the US and Europe are really low (average cost in a single room in hospital per day is app.$250 and ICU app. $500. Outpatients doctors consultation $10 to 15. So there is no need to worry.

2) Do not , repeat do not, ride a scooter, or any motor bike. Chiang Mai is one of the most dangerous cities in Thailand (Thailand as a whole is rather dangerous) for motor bikers. At your age and inexperience in Thailand you are really asking for trouble!

[Benowa]

I am above 72 and have medical insurance worldwide except US and that includes Thailand. In Patient and Out Patient. Costs: $ US 5,788 per year. No out of pocket expenses. Limit Maximum per year $2.6 M Maybe worth considering.

[uptheos]

OP, you can go to the Bumrungrad and other hospital websites and look at representative costs for the various procedures to see if you could afford them. Bear in mind costs in CM would be less, so you could check out RAM to get an idea. If you have the funds to fly back to the US 2x per year, my guess is you have the funds to afford a serious emergency procedure if needed.

I personally keep a credit card and my insurance card in my wallet to cover an admission into a hospital should that become necessary. I also have a network of friends that would assist me, and I would assist them as well. We older expats tend to look out for each other over here. Sounds like you have made a very good start on all that.

NancyL is involved with one or more organizations that assist expats in need of care. Hopefully she can add to this discussion.

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are planning to ride a scooter and have no previous experience doing so. This greatly increases your odds of needing emergency medical care. Wear a helmet and go slow. Be careful, very careful. Age 65+ is not a good time to start learning.

Two pieces of advice/information:

1) The medical standard of the private hospitals in Chiang Mai is high and is comparable to the standards in US, or Europe. The recently opened Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai offers a really high standard. The costs compared to the US and Europe are really low (average cost in a single room in hospital per day is app.$250 and ICU app. $500. Outpatients doctors consultation $10 to 15. So there is no need to worry.

2) Do not , repeat do not, ride a scooter, or any motor bike. Chiang Mai is one of the most dangerous cities in Thailand (Thailand as a whole is rather dangerous) for motor bikers. At your age and inexperience in Thailand you are really asking for trouble!

I'm not sure if you are referring specifically to Bangkok Hospital or just giving a general figure. If the latter you are way out. I'm looking at the middle range price, which I think Rajavej is and a single room is $50-60 for everything and ICU is around $70-80 inc hospital services. You could stay a week for $500.

http://www.rajavejchiangmai.com/hospital/pricing/rajavej-room-accommodation-rates.html

[Munsterman]

I am above 72 and have medical insurance worldwide except US and that includes Thailand. In Patient and Out Patient. Costs: $ US 5,788 per year. No out of pocket expenses. Limit Maximum per year $2.6 M Maybe worth considering.

A hefty premium that one. If it buys peace of mind maybe worth it. Does it include medical evacuation back to US?

[bluweyze]

If you are taken ill or have an accident there are also care facilities where you can recuperate and receive care below that of a hospital for example post stroke recuperation. Just Google for more information.

[Tracyb]

Bangkok Hospital recently opened a new facility here in Chiang Mai... a full service hospital. The facility offers a first class trauma center and a large number of specialized clinics. The service is efficient and certainly less costly than anything in the USA. I was recently treated there for a sinus infection. I called the Ear-Nose-Throat clinic and got a same day appointment.

My total cost for the visit was 1900 baht including doctors fee, lab tests for a culture, and three types of medication. My follow up visit a week later cost 900 baht. Each time I went to the clinic I was in and out in less than 45 minutes.

If you have a primary care doc in the US you have to make an appointment, wait for days, then go the next step if a specialist is required often waiting for days to get in. If you need to go to the ER in the USA to see a doctor you pay hundreds of dollars and spend endless hours of your time feeling miserable in the ER waiting room.

I support the suggestions of having a small nest egg set aside for emergencies. Considering that a million baht will buy just about anything you might need in the way of major medical expenses here...it's a good plan to follow.

You might consider visiting Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai on your next visit to Thailand and have a routine physical. It will cost about 11,000 baht for a male over 40 ( You can check out their website for more details) then determine for yourself how the facility stands up to your local facility in the USA.

I'm here for the duration and the least of my concerns is the quality of medical care!

[debrakfurlow]

I am 64 and here in Thailand alone also. I decided to stop worrying about what may happen and enjoy my life here. That having been said my experiences with the hospitals have been very positive. I pay an exorbitant amount for my meds because all of them are non generic and they cost more for me because in the states I have BCBS. I keep hearing about unbelievable low prices in some pharmacies. Haven't found that in Chaing Mai yet. Apparently in Bangkok there is a drug warehouse that is the distribution site for the country, but it's uncertain where these meds are made. Personally I wouldn't take the chance. If I take all my prescriptions back to the states in Nov. I can submit them to BCBS for reimbursements.

[uptheos]

Bangkok Hospital recently opened a new facility here in Chiang Mai... a full service hospital. The facility offers a first class trauma center and a large number of specialized clinics. The service is efficient and certainly less costly than anything in the USA. I was recently treated there for a sinus infection. I called the Ear-Nose-Throat clinic and got a same day appointment.

My total cost for the visit was 1900 baht including doctors fee, lab tests for a culture, and three types of medication. My follow up visit a week later cost 900 baht. Each time I went to the clinic I was in and out in less than 45 minutes.

If you have a primary care doc in the US you have to make an appointment, wait for days, then go the next step if a specialist is required often waiting for days to get in. If you need to go to the ER in the USA to see a doctor you pay hundreds of dollars and spend endless hours of your time feeling miserable in the ER waiting room.

I support the suggestions of having a small nest egg set aside for emergencies. Considering that a million baht will buy just about anything you might need in the way of major medical expenses here...it's a good plan to follow.

You might consider visiting Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai on your next visit to Thailand and have a routine physical. It will cost about 11,000 baht for a male over 40 ( You can check out their website for more details) then determine for yourself how the facility stands up to your local facility in the USA.

I'm here for the duration and the least of my concerns is the quality of medical care!

I'm amazed how much people are paying, sounds like Bangkok Hospital has Bangkok prices!

http://www.rajavejchiangmai.com/hospital/pricing/Rajavej%20Health%20Checkup%20Programs%202014.pdf