Maternity Insurance for Complications Only, Already Pregnant

[Browner1980]

Hi All,

Brief summary here: My wife (Thai) is pregnant. We live together in Bangkok, where I work full time, pay Thai taxes, etc. We have health insurance through my work, but it does not cover any maternity/child birth. We also each have our own private international health insurance, which normally does cover maternity/childbirth, but not in our case (rather unfortunate coincidence of the policy not allowing to get pregnant within first month of coverage - tough break, but we're just happy to have a baby on the way!). We are actually perfectly ok with paying our own maternity and childbirth costs out of pocket, assuming everything goes normally. However, as I'm not much of a risk taker, I am concerned about the unlikely but possible case of pregnancy complications. I have come across several horror stories of babies requiring NICU in Bangkok, and astronomical medical bills.

So, I am wondering if anyone knows of, or has any experience with, any options of purchasing insurance to cover childbirth complications, after already becoming pregnant. I understand that premiums would likely be costly (if available at all), but am interested to see what's available. Thanks very much in advance for any help!

[Torrens54]

Hate to say it but, I don't like your chances.

Sort of like closing the stable door AFTER the Horse has bolted.

But Best of Luck and hope everything goes well for the three of you.

[stevenl]

So the house is on fire and you want to insure it now?

[Browner1980]

So the house is on fire and you want to insure it now?

Witty AND helpful

[samran]

We've had three kids in BKK. Similar to your circumstances, timing (ie living overseas) meant that when we returned to Thailand insurance didn't cover two of the three births. All were straigh forward, so we just paid out of pocket, but like you, were worried.

No insurance is going to cover you now. Your only options are:

- Find a good government hospital, and have it there.

- Or, if you are from a country with a good public medical system (EU, Aust/NZ, Canada etc), have the child there. They'll be a citizen and fully covered.

Edited November 11, 2015 by samran

[Browner1980]

Thanks samran. I figured these were the only real options. Currently leaning towards the 2nd one, as I have a strong dislike for the medical system here after countless bad experiences (even in the big private hospitals).

[stevenl]

Thanks samran. I figured these were the only real options. Currently leaning towards the 2nd one, as I have a strong dislike for the medical system here after countless bad experiences (even in the big private hospitals).

Take into account that 'moving to a country to have the baby' is quite often not covered on insurance, nearly all countries require you to live in that country for some time before the health insurance provides any cover.

Now what happens when you are in that country with no cover at all and no money and there are complications ???

Edited November 12, 2015 by stevenl

[Browner1980]

Thanks samran. I figured these were the only real options. Currently leaning towards the 2nd one, as I have a strong dislike for the medical system here after countless bad experiences (even in the big private hospitals).

Take into account that 'moving to a country to have the baby' is quite often not covered on insurance, nearly all countries require you to live in that country for some time before the health insurance provides any cover.

Now what happens when you are in that country with no cover at all and there are complications ???

I am well aware of the minimum residency requirements for healthcare coverage in my home country, of which my wife is also a permanent resident. I have already spoken with the appropriate authorities and confirmed that our child's birth would be covered there.

[ExpatOilWorker]

Forget the horror stories and be happy that you will soon be a parent.

In my view you don't need an insurance.

I just had a kid a BNH and the total cost including the ultra sound scans, cesarean section, 5 days/4 night stay was around 100,000 baht. No surprise cost or bills at all.

[MisterprakanBroker]

I'm sorry but most insurance companies have a waiting period for that and you will not be covered if your wife is already pregnant. The best option is to have her give birth in your country if you have free health care

Have a good day!

[Chuckles78]

I was until recent in a similar position as the OP.

Initially we wanted our twins born in Thailand (at our expense as she was not insured here) however later we decided to have them in Switzerland.

A few days after birth one of the girls got sick, shortly after the other. Both girls were rushed to a specialised childrens hospital and went into ICU. One was on life support, the other was partially assisted as she was doing better. After 2 weeks both girls recovered and both are now back to 100% but it was a nightmare. My wife sometimes still thinks what may have happened if we had them in Thailand.

Thankfully everything was covered as basic health insurance here is mandatory includes maternity. I can only wonder what the cost here was for the insurance company? 40'000-80'000 €.

Edited November 22, 2015 by Dieter78

[PacificCrossInsurance]

Congratulations on the pregnancy.

There are 2 ways to look at this 1. go back to your home country with your wife and have there. 2. have the baby here.

Option 1 - will save you a lot of red tape with regard your child getting your country's nationality/passport, and you will be able to apply for dual nationality - however please check this as nationality status policies are changing world wide. You then have to make local arrangements.

Option 2 - as has been said you will not be able to get insurance at this stage, In fact, you will find that you will rarely get insurance for pregnancy unless more than 3 months before pregnancy. However, you can get insurance for your child 15 days after discharge from hospital. I would recommend approach.

Please call Pacific Cross for further information at 02 401 9189.