BUPA $$$

[gt162]

That's a big jump. Best to sign up for HSA account for tax write off and use it for high deductible when you need it.

Edited April 25, 2016 by gt162

[tonray]

That's a big jump. Best to sign up for HSA account for tax write off and use it for high deductible when you need it.

HSA account ? For use where ? Thai hospital ?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Here's the latest premiums chart I have for Pacific Cross insurance, which used to be LMG. They will cover existing policy holders beyond 65, but those rates are not part of their rate chart, and presumably set individually.

The rates below cover IPD and OPD, but you can opt out of OPD for a 20% reduction, and another 25% deduction if you take a 40,000b annual deductible instead of a zero deductible, which is what their rate chart assumes. They also have higher deductible options, with higher percentage discounts off their base premiums, as well as separate no claim discounts that increase the longer you don't have any claim.

Pacific Cross also raises their rates automatically with 5 year age bands. If I calculated it right, the jump from their rate when you go from 60 to 61 under their Maxima plan (which has coverage of 5 million baht per incident and 20 million baht lifetime) works out to about 19% or about 13,000 baht per year.

However, their earlier age band increases look to be considerably smaller percentage amounts than the increase to their last age band, based on my figuring the earlier percentage increases roughly in my head.

But to anyone who has their policies, those kind of age-based rate increases ought not to be much of a surprise (except to your wallet) as their policyholder info is very clear about spelling out those increases, such as via the chart posted below.

Edited April 26, 2016 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[bkk6060]

Just to follow up, I did get the Bupa policy Platinum 2.

About $2,000 USD for me age 61. I actually went to their office in Sathorn. Nice modern place.

I met with a Rep, filled out the paperwork, and put the payment on my CC. She gave me a hard copy of my Health card on the spot.

What I did not know is the policy is good worldwide. Except, the good old USA of course.

Anyway, I was pleased with the process.

That is a fair price given age & decent coverage etc.

That is the one thing for us folks from the USA though...no coverage when visiting

I always wished they offered a Thailand only policy like they do for the Thais...Crystal plan etc

Full coverage reasonable prices but Thailand only

Since we only ever are in Thailand or US why pay for the worldwide (except US ) coverage

USA disgusts me about their medical costs. I am still paying about $1000 USD a month for my plan mainly because I had a couple of procedures last year and I wanted to continue with the same doctors.

Next year I hope to find a less costly option as 90% of my time is now in LOS.

[topt]

Here's the latest premiums chart I have for Pacific Cross insurance, which used to be LMG. They will cover existing policy holders beyond 65, but those rates are not part of their rate chart, and presumably set individually.

The rates below cover IPD and OPD, but you can opt out of OPD for a 20% reduction, and another 25% deduction if you take a 40,000b annual deductible instead of a zero deductible, which is what their rate chart assumes. They also have higher deductible options, with higher percentage discounts off their base premiums, as well as separate no claim discounts that increase the longer you don't have any claim.

Pacific Cross also raises their rates automatically with 5 year age bands. If I calculated it right, the jump from their rate when you go from 60 to 61 under their Maxima plan (which has coverage of 5 million baht per incident and 20 million baht lifetime) works out to about 19% or about 13,000 baht per year.

However, their earlier age band increases look to be considerably smaller percentage amounts than the increase to their last age band, based on my figuring the earlier percentage increases roughly in my head.

But to anyone who has their policies, those kind of age-based rate increases ought not to be much of a surprise (except to your wallet) as their policyholder info is very clear about spelling out those increases, such as via the chart posted below.

PS0348.jpg

Is that valid for this year do you know as it is the same as one I was given mid last year?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

That was their rates when I renewed my policy last September. I don't know if Pacific Cross has changed anything since then.

Pacific Cross is a somewhat new entity, so I'm not sure how they're going to be moving forward. But at least under LMG in past years, most of the price increases I received were only through the 5 year age band adjustments, and not too much of year to year increases -- unlike some other Thai insurers.

[richard_smith237]

I'm 41 - my work pays for my BUPA International Coverage which I think is about US$2400

I pay for my Wife and Son (who are 38 and 2) - The Premium for both is GBP 1760 (with a GBP 500 dedutable each) for Inpatient treatment only.

I was annoyed last year when the premium when up by GBP 260... quite a dramatic increase, when I complained I was informed it was due to increasing medical costs. However, I can't see how medical costs have increased 17% in a year - The premium already increased by 12% the year before (for my Wife only).

So... While I'm extremely happy with BUPA's level of cover and relatively satisfied with the service (direct settlement at hosptials), I'm somewhat annoyed by the yearly increase in premium to the point I'd be happy to switch if a reasonable alternative were to become available.

We almost pay the same premium; for 2015 to 2016 I paid $2684 this is for Classic & Evacuation paid to BUPA Global Medical Insurance based in the UK. I have been with them since 2002 and have only ever had 1 claim when I contacted Dengue Fever in Thailand. I am 61 years old and still do some consultancy work in the middle east.

Are you with BUPA Thailand or BUPA UK ?. I was thinking of getting a quote from BUPA Thailand but I expect the costs may be similar.

To follow on:

Wife and Son are with BUPA International.

I've received their renewal quote: £2000 with a £500 excess for both (a 13% increase) - It breaks down to about £1440 for my Wife and £560 for my Son.

So, I've looked at Switching them to BUPA Thailand.

Quote for my Wife is good: THB: 35,000 (no outpatient) which is good (Platinum 3)

Quote for my Son is exorbitant: THB:69,000

Thus: I was looking to switch my Wife to BUPA Thailand and Keep my Son with BUPA International.... However, I'm told by BUPA international that my Son cannot hold his own policy until 5 years old, he has to be tagged onto an Adults Policy.

I have a BUPA (Oilmans) Policy paid for by my Work - I'm in the process of finding out if I can Keep my Son with BUPA International and link him to my Policy.

I'm also open to other good alternatives for my Son if anyone has any suggestions.

[manfredtillmann]

a health insurance that your insurer can back out of at any time is not worth having. it's just a licence to milk you while you are good.

you fall ill, i.e. diabetes, you'll need constant medical care and medication, you paid your insurance for 17 years with no claim... and they just pull the plug on you?

would you except that with any other insurance? like what you have for your home or car?

maintaining a travel insurance that not only covers you for emergency medicals but also lots of other stuff (and flies you home if you are really bad) PLUS your private health insurance in your home country, that can not be canceled or voided, appears to me to be a much better bet.

[bkk6060]

a health insurance that your insurer can back out of at any time is not worth having. it's just a licence to milk you while you are good.

you fall ill, i.e. diabetes, you'll need constant medical care and medication, you paid your insurance for 17 years with no claim... and they just pull the plug on you?

would you except that with any other insurance? like what you have for your home or car?

maintaining a travel insurance that not only covers you for emergency medicals but also lots of other stuff (and flies you home if you are really bad) PLUS your private health insurance in your home country, that can not be canceled or voided, appears to me to be a much better bet.

I agree it would be great if one could maintain the travel insurance policy. It does cover much more.

But, I looked into it and most do not cover beyond 3 months. If a company does, let me know. They will ask about your dates of travel, etc.

Yes, you can keep try renewing, but they will check things out and may claim fraud and not pay as in my case not truly traveling, but living in a foreign country.

Edited June 4, 2016 by bkk6060

[oxo1947]

I have mostly always lived in countries which have what the Americans call----socialist policy's on medical treatment, Britain- Sweden--New Zealand--Australia. So the only thing you ever had to worry about --(as my mother would say) is that your wearing clean underwear if you ever got run over by a bus.

I really didn't get into taking out a BUPA policy until I was about 62, (talked into it by the wife) 2 weeks after had a horrific bike crash that had me flown down from Issan, to Bumrungrad for facial reconstruction. ---(which was OK as the original one wasn't winning any prizes)

Found out not only was I covered from day 1 with BUPA (Accidents only) but although I was on the lowest policy BUPA stepped in and picked up nearly the whole account--- just argued over the single room I took. I have seen this done numerous times since with friends, never thought I would be speaking well of any insurance company, but they do seem to go the extra mile for you. The cheaper Thai policy that was mentioned I think excludes the Thai patients from going to The BKK Group/ Bumrungrad/ and another group----- I know those groups do some great work, but their charges do seem to ramp up the policy price payments.

I am nearly 70 & I expect that every insurance company would try to price me out as I get older.--or maybe just say no at some point.

It something you have to come to terms with living in a ---non medical socialist country .

[manfredtillmann]

a health insurance that your insurer can back out of at any time is not worth having. it's just a licence to milk you while you are good.

you fall ill, i.e. diabetes, you'll need constant medical care and medication, you paid your insurance for 17 years with no claim... and they just pull the plug on you?

would you except that with any other insurance? like what you have for your home or car?

maintaining a travel insurance that not only covers you for emergency medicals but also lots of other stuff (and flies you home if you are really bad) PLUS your private health insurance in your home country, that can not be canceled or voided, appears to me to be a much better bet.

I agree it would be great if one could maintain the travel insurance policy. It does cover much more.

But, I looked into it and most do not cover beyond 3 months. If a company does, let me know. They will ask about your dates of travel, etc.

Yes, you can keep try renewing, but they will check things out and may claim fraud and not pay as in my case not truly traveling, but living in a foreign country.

they even remind you 'time is up' and ask if you want to go again:

Hi xxxx,

How was your trip? We hope you had an amazing time.

Need to make a claim?

Since cover on your travel insurance policy WNAUSxxxxxxxx has ended, we hope you're home safely.

We hope nothing happened on your trip but if you do need to make a claim, just sign in to your membership to submit your claim online. It's quick and easy.

Still travelling?

Ah, you're still away? Good on you! Make sure you're covered with a new policy. You can purchase even if you're overseas.

Share your story

We love to hear stories from our travellers' adventures, so if you've got one to tell, we'd love for you to share it with our travellers.

We're here to help

Whatever questions you have, contact us by telephone, email or even Twitter and Facebook

World Nomads

http://www.worldnomads.com//

never had to claim - so far - so i don't know how good this really is.

renewing took 3 minutes, A$ 435 or so for 3 months.

[stevenl]

a health insurance that your insurer can back out of at any time is not worth having. it's just a licence to milk you while you are good.

you fall ill, i.e. diabetes, you'll need constant medical care and medication, you paid your insurance for 17 years with no claim... and they just pull the plug on you?

would you except that with any other insurance? like what you have for your home or car?

maintaining a travel insurance that not only covers you for emergency medicals but also lots of other stuff (and flies you home if you are really bad) PLUS your private health insurance in your home country, that can not be canceled or voided, appears to me to be a much better bet.

I agree it would be great if one could maintain the travel insurance policy. It does cover much more.

But, I looked into it and most do not cover beyond 3 months. If a company does, let me know. They will ask about your dates of travel, etc.

Yes, you can keep try renewing, but they will check things out and may claim fraud and not pay as in my case not truly traveling, but living in a foreign country.

they even remind you 'time is up' and ask if you want to go again:

Hi xxxx,

How was your trip? We hope you had an amazing time.

Need to make a claim?

Since cover on your travel insurance policy WNAUSxxxxxxxx has ended, we hope you're home safely.

We hope nothing happened on your trip but if you do need to make a claim, just sign in to your membership to submit your claim online. It's quick and easy.

Still travelling?

Ah, you're still away? Good on you! Make sure you're covered with a new policy. You can purchase even if you're overseas.

Share your story

We love to hear stories from our travellers' adventures, so if you've got one to tell, we'd love for you to share it with our travellers.

We're here to help

Whatever questions you have, contact us by telephone, email or even Twitter and Facebook

World Nomads

http://www.worldnomads.com//

never had to claim - so far - so i don't know how good this really is.

renewing took 3 minutes, A$ 435 or so for 3 months.

If you're living in Thailand you may find out that a claim will be difficult to get approved.

[manfredtillmann]

a health insurance that your insurer can back out of at any time is not worth having. it's just a licence to milk you while you are good.

you fall ill, i.e. diabetes, you'll need constant medical care and medication, you paid your insurance for 17 years with no claim... and they just pull the plug on you?

would you except that with any other insurance? like what you have for your home or car?

maintaining a travel insurance that not only covers you for emergency medicals but also lots of other stuff (and flies you home if you are really bad) PLUS your private health insurance in your home country, that can not be canceled or voided, appears to me to be a much better bet.

I agree it would be great if one could maintain the travel insurance policy. It does cover much more.

But, I looked into it and most do not cover beyond 3 months. If a company does, let me know. They will ask about your dates of travel, etc.

Yes, you can keep try renewing, but they will check things out and may claim fraud and not pay as in my case not truly traveling, but living in a foreign country.

they even remind you 'time is up' and ask if you want to go again:

Hi xxxx,

How was your trip? We hope you had an amazing time.

Need to make a claim?

Since cover on your travel insurance policy WNAUSxxxxxxxx has ended, we hope you're home safely.

We hope nothing happened on your trip but if you do need to make a claim, just sign in to your membership to submit your claim online. It's quick and easy.

Still travelling?

Ah, you're still away? Good on you! Make sure you're covered with a new policy. You can purchase even if you're overseas.

Share your story

We love to hear stories from our travellers' adventures, so if you've got one to tell, we'd love for you to share it with our travellers.

We're here to help

Whatever questions you have, contact us by telephone, email or even Twitter and Facebook

World Nomads

http://www.worldnomads.com//

never had to claim - so far - so i don't know how good this really is.

renewing took 3 minutes, A$ 435 or so for 3 months.

If you're living in Thailand you may find out that a claim will be difficult to get approved.

my policy specifically states that i am a citizen of australia (which i am) and that i am traveling to thailand (which i do).

my insurance company invited me to renew my policy - 'are you still traveling' - and i did.

i do not live in thailand, other than at times, i live on planet earth - if you knew me, how could you argue with that?

i am a 'world nomad"...

[stevenl]

I live on planet earth sounds good, but that is all it does.

[manfredtillmann]

I live on planet earth sounds good, but that is all it does.

well, is that not exactly what 'world nomads' implies?

it remains to be seen (hopefully not) how their advertising and promotion stands up in an australian court, but i view their chances to deny cover somewhere 'south' of 50%.

when it comes to the crunch, i will not have to fight this in thailand but in australia! and if that happens, i will tell all of you about it.

[bkk6060]

I have mostly always lived in countries which have what the Americans call----socialist policy's on medical treatment, Britain- Sweden--New Zealand--Australia. So the only thing you ever had to worry about --(as my mother would say) is that your wearing clean underwear if you ever got run over by a bus.

I really didn't get into taking out a BUPA policy until I was about 62, (talked into it by the wife) 2 weeks after had a horrific bike crash that had me flown down from Issan, to Bumrungrad for facial reconstruction. ---(which was OK as the original one wasn't winning any prizes)

Found out not only was I covered from day 1 with BUPA (Accidents only) but although I was on the lowest policy BUPA stepped in and picked up nearly the whole account--- just argued over the single room I took. I have seen this done numerous times since with friends, never thought I would be speaking well of any insurance company, but they do seem to go the extra mile for you. The cheaper Thai policy that was mentioned I think excludes the Thai patients from going to The BKK Group/ Bumrungrad/ and another group----- I know those groups do some great work, but their charges do seem to ramp up the policy price payments.

I am nearly 70 & I expect that every insurance company would try to price me out as I get older.--or maybe just say no at some point.

It something you have to come to terms with living in a ---non medical socialist country .

I was flat out told by Bupa that at 70 they will not cover me.

I believe this is the general policy of other insurers in Thailand.

By that time I will be on Medicare in the US. But obviously if I have the "big one" here, it appears it will be out of pocket.

[Ronuk]

Best possible cover I have found is with AXA PPP International but at a cost. My policy was originally with Simply Health but AXA have acquired the company.
I have been with them for a long time and never had a problem (2 claims) and they have always settled with the hospital direct. You cannot beat piece of mind when you need to claim. Although I am based in Thailand, it gives me World wide cover (Except the US) and it's included so not an option. I like the fact that I know they will pay and not argue. Note the cover is for £1.5 million Sterling.
15,000 baht a month.
I am 58.
The Policy also includes Accident cover which a lot of Policies will not cover. A lot of Policies in Thailand require you to take out separate Accident cover which adds to your costs. Lots of people appear to have had Motor bike and car accidents only to find there Health Insurance won't cover there hospital costs....Buyer beware. If it's cheap, it probably isn't a lot of use.
PB55132 Benefits (Comp).pdf

Edited June 4, 2016 by Ronuk

[bkk6060]

Best possible cover I have found is with AXA PPP International but at a cost. My policy was originally with Simply Health but AXA have acquired the company.

I have been with them for a long time and never had a problem (2 claims) and they have always settled with the hospital direct. You cannot beat piece of mind when you need to claim. Although I am based in Thailand, it gives me World wide cover (Except the US) and it's included so not an option. I like the fact that I know they will pay and not argue. Note the cover is for £1.5 million Sterling.

15,000 baht a month.

I am 58.

The Policy also includes Accident cover which a lot of Policies will not cover. A lot of Policies in Thailand require you to take out separate Accident cover which adds to your costs. Lots of people appear to have had Motor bike and car accidents only to find there Health Insurance won't cover there hospital costs....Buyer beware. If it's cheap, it probably isn't a lot of use.

PB55132 Benefits (Comp).pdf

I am sure that is good coverage. The major hospital coverage looks similar to mine. My plan(international) includes accidents with Bupa and I am paying about 6000 b per month.

I am 61. It is my first policy so they gave me a discount, but without the discount it was about 7200 b per month.

[CharlieH]

a health insurance that your insurer can back out of at any time is not worth having. it's just a licence to milk you while you are good.

you fall ill, i.e. diabetes, you'll need constant medical care and medication, you paid your insurance for 17 years with no claim... and they just pull the plug on you?

would you except that with any other insurance? like what you have for your home or car?

maintaining a travel insurance that not only covers you for emergency medicals but also lots of other stuff (and flies you home if you are really bad) PLUS your private health insurance in your home country, that can not be canceled or voided, appears to me to be a much better bet.

I agree it would be great if one could maintain the travel insurance policy. It does cover much more.

But, I looked into it and most do not cover beyond 3 months. If a company does, let me know. They will ask about your dates of travel, etc.

Yes, you can keep try renewing, but they will check things out and may claim fraud and not pay as in my case not truly traveling, but living in a foreign country.

http://www.staysure.co.uk/travel-insurance

1 week, or 1 year........they will quote for whatever you need.

[Ronuk]

^{If I pay the premium up front for a years cover they offer a discount which in effect brings the premium down to 14000 bt a month. I am also covered for anytime I spend back in the UK. I am reluctant to take cheaper cover just in case it all go's wrong when and if I need it.}

[JLCrab]

I have mostly always lived in countries which have what the Americans call----socialist policy's on medical treatment, Britain- Sweden--New Zealand--Australia. So the only thing you ever had to worry about --(as my mother would say) is that your wearing clean underwear if you ever got run over by a bus.

I really didn't get into taking out a BUPA policy until I was about 62, (talked into it by the wife) 2 weeks after had a horrific bike crash that had me flown down from Issan, to Bumrungrad for facial reconstruction. ---(which was OK as the original one wasn't winning any prizes)

Found out not only was I covered from day 1 with BUPA (Accidents only) but although I was on the lowest policy BUPA stepped in and picked up nearly the whole account--- just argued over the single room I took. I have seen this done numerous times since with friends, never thought I would be speaking well of any insurance company, but they do seem to go the extra mile for you. The cheaper Thai policy that was mentioned I think excludes the Thai patients from going to The BKK Group/ Bumrungrad/ and another group----- I know those groups do some great work, but their charges do seem to ramp up the policy price payments.

I am nearly 70 & I expect that every insurance company would try to price me out as I get older.--or maybe just say no at some point.

It something you have to come to terms with living in a ---non medical socialist country .

I was flat out told by Bupa that at 70 they will not cover me.

I believe this is the general policy of other insurers in Thailand.

By that time I will be on Medicare in the US. But obviously if I have the "big one" here, it appears it will be out of pocket.

From BUPA Thailand website coverage description which is binding under Thai insurance law:

Guarantee lifetime renewal You can renew your policy with us for lifelong if you apply your health insurance before 60 years old. It guarantees you that you will always be protected by Bupa even if you are at your old ages.

[stevenl]

Best possible cover I have found is with AXA PPP International but at a cost. My policy was originally with Simply Health but AXA have acquired the company.

I have been with them for a long time and never had a problem (2 claims) and they have always settled with the hospital direct. You cannot beat piece of mind when you need to claim. Although I am based in Thailand, it gives me World wide cover (Except the US) and it's included so not an option. I like the fact that I know they will pay and not argue. Note the cover is for £1.5 million Sterling.

15,000 baht a month.

I am 58.

The Policy also includes Accident cover which a lot of Policies will not cover. A lot of Policies in Thailand require you to take out separate Accident cover which adds to your costs. Lots of people appear to have had Motor bike and car accidents only to find there Health Insurance won't cover there hospital costs....Buyer beware. If it's cheap, it probably isn't a lot of use.

PB55132 Benefits (Comp).pdf

Nearly all Thai health policies include an accident cover.

[richard_smith237]

Just got an odd reply from Avivia....

Thank you for your email.
Aviva as a health insurer do not provide a global insurance policy.
Aviva plans are designed for members who are ordinarily resident in Ireland for at least 180 days of the calendar year.

A bit odd as they sponsor the whole of the English Premiership (Rugby Union)....

[stevenl]

Just got an odd reply from Avivia....

Thank you for your email.

Aviva as a health insurer do not provide a global insurance policy.

Aviva plans are designed for members who are ordinarily resident in Ireland for at least 180 days of the calendar year.

A bit odd as they sponsor the whole of the English Premiership (Rugby Union)....

Aviva has companies in many countries worldwide, who all work independently. Sounds like you contacted Aviva ireland?

[pj123]

The optional OPD cover on Platinum 1-3 is only 60,000 THB pa.

Most cancer treatment is OPD, so if this is a concern what would be a good policy?

[Sheryl]

The optional OPD cover on Platinum 1-3 is only 60,000 THB pa.

Most cancer treatment is OPD, so if this is a concern what would be a good policy?

Check policy wording carefully. There are annnual caps on OPD benefits that often amount to about what you pay extra to have the coverage. Also inpatient policies include coverage of outpatient surgery and some other procedures...might also extend to outpt chemo though I am not sure.

[DUS]

Check policy wording carefully. There are annnual caps on OPD benefits that often amount to about what you pay extra to have the coverage. Also inpatient policies include coverage of outpatient surgery and some other procedures...might also extend to outpt chemo though I am not sure.

Wow, yes, I never really thought about this. So I am REALLY interested to learn if undergoing chemo etc as an OPD would actually then NOT be covered by a standard insurance policy.

Can anyone share some info on which insurance companies definitely pay for OPD cancer treatment? It´s a scary thought to sign up with one of the insurance companies only to find out that the cancer treatment isn´t actually covered by them because you´re taking the pills and injections as an outpatient.

[bkk6060]

I have mostly always lived in countries which have what the Americans call----socialist policy's on medical treatment, Britain- Sweden--New Zealand--Australia. So the only thing you ever had to worry about --(as my mother would say) is that your wearing clean underwear if you ever got run over by a bus.

I really didn't get into taking out a BUPA policy until I was about 62, (talked into it by the wife) 2 weeks after had a horrific bike crash that had me flown down from Issan, to Bumrungrad for facial reconstruction. ---(which was OK as the original one wasn't winning any prizes)

Found out not only was I covered from day 1 with BUPA (Accidents only) but although I was on the lowest policy BUPA stepped in and picked up nearly the whole account--- just argued over the single room I took. I have seen this done numerous times since with friends, never thought I would be speaking well of any insurance company, but they do seem to go the extra mile for you. The cheaper Thai policy that was mentioned I think excludes the Thai patients from going to The BKK Group/ Bumrungrad/ and another group----- I know those groups do some great work, but their charges do seem to ramp up the policy price payments.

I am nearly 70 & I expect that every insurance company would try to price me out as I get older.--or maybe just say no at some point.

It something you have to come to terms with living in a ---non medical socialist country .

I was flat out told by Bupa that at 70 they will not cover me.

I believe this is the general policy of other insurers in Thailand.

By that time I will be on Medicare in the US. But obviously if I have the "big one" here, it appears it will be out of pocket.

From BUPA Thailand website coverage description which is binding under Thai insurance law:

Guarantee lifetime renewal You can renew your policy with us for lifelong if you apply your health insurance before 60 years old. It guarantees you that you will always be protected by Bupa even if you are at your old ages.

Yes great thanks good to know for others, but as I posted I am over 60 for my initial BUPA coverage so SOL for coverage after age 70.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I live on planet earth sounds good, but that is all it does.

well, is that not exactly what 'world nomads' implies?

it remains to be seen (hopefully not) how their advertising and promotion stands up in an australian court, but i view their chances to deny cover somewhere 'south' of 50%.

when it comes to the crunch, i will not have to fight this in thailand but in australia! and if that happens, i will tell all of you about it.

Re tne World Nomads coverage, how many times have you actually done back to back (uninterrupted) renewals with them?

I can understand that they might offer a renewal. But, if someone wants continuous coverage with them, and keeps doing back to back renewals for the same country on an ongoing basis, I'm thinking it's likely to become a problem with them, at some point.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I agree it would be great if one could maintain the travel insurance policy. It does cover much more.

But, I looked into it and most do not cover beyond 3 months. If a company does, let me know. They will ask about your dates of travel, etc.

Yes, you can keep try renewing, but they will check things out and may claim fraud and not pay as in my case not truly traveling, but living in a foreign country.

I share your concerns about ongoing renewability with travel insurance providers like World Nomads.

But FWIW, when noodling around their website, I filled in my info for a policy quote and just picked an arbitrary 4 month travel period, and their system shot back a policy quote to me for the 4 month period. So apparently, that particular firm isn't limited to the 3 month maximum you mentioned.

But whether they will allow ongoing, back to back one year or even 6 month renewals for the same foreign country time after time, I think that's likely a different question. Be interesting to know.