BUPA $$$

[stevenl]

1 minute ago, xylophone said:

 

But better than many because they won't cover motorbike accidents at all!

 

Anyway that is just one other thing to be considered when selecting Health Insurance and there are far greater considerations to be taken into account as we know.

Mostly motorbike accidents are covered on Thai health insurance schemes without restrictions. Yours sound like a restriction on the health cover, in stead of an additional accident cover. But to be sure you'd have to look at the exact policy wording.

[gk10002000]

On 4/18/2016 at 6:18 AM, bkk6060 said:

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.

FYI, the current cheapest Obamacare policy for me, a 60 year old living in Florida that makes over 50k USD per year, the plan would be $508/month.  MAGI (which includes tax free income, municipal bonds and would included social security) is what is used to determine your income and anybody that makes more than 50K would not qualify for subsidies.  So anybody that did reasonable amount of retirement planning as I have done would now still be crushed by medical premiums.  The only relief comes if one reaches medicare age of 65, or in my case I can qualify for VA free or co pay medical, IF I knock down my MAGI, income.  ROTH distributions are not counted towards MAGI, so at work I am stuffing all I can into the ROTH part of the 401k.   I am like inches from retiring and planning on spending a few years in Thailand and I am currently planning on getting BUPA there.  The basic platinum 1 level seems like the place to start. 

[perthperson]

7 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

FYI, the current cheapest Obamacare policy for me,

 

You should take a look at what the Commonwealth Fund is predicting post "Obama Care" ! 

 

Americans voted for what they are going to get which will be completely unaffordable healthcare insurance premiums and a massive increase in the number of people unable to access care when needed. 

[gk10002000]

Just now, perthperson said:

 

You should take a look at what the Commonwealth Fund is predicting post "Obama Care" ! 

 

Americans voted for what they are going to get which will be completely unaffordable healthcare insurance premiums and a massive increase in the number of people unable to access care when needed. 

Yes I have seen some estimates.  Me living in Florida and the place has a lot of retirees, things make the news often.  Luckily I have the freedom to go overseas and seek cheaper things, or since I am a veteran, if I just maneuver things to knock my retirement income down, I can get free or almost free VA care.  Other people it looks like they are going to get crushed.  Heck just a few years ago I was paying $66/month for my catastrophic 2 Million dollar coverage with a 10,000 deductible which was perfect for me. I have no chronic illnesses, or treatments.  I don't mind a high deductible. I just wanted insurance against large things.  But Obamacare told people what they need for coverage.  I am an engineer and have friends that are Doctors and a sister and niece that are RNs and teaching nurses.  I would prefer to seek my own counsel thank you. 

[bkk6060]

16 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

FYI, the current cheapest Obamacare policy for me, a 60 year old living in Florida that makes over 50k USD per year, the plan would be $508/month.  MAGI (which includes tax free income, municipal bonds and would included social security) is what is used to determine your income and anybody that makes more than 50K would not qualify for subsidies.  So anybody that did reasonable amount of retirement planning as I have done would now still be crushed by medical premiums.  The only relief comes if one reaches medicare age of 65, or in my case I can qualify for VA free or co pay medical, IF I knock down my MAGI, income.  ROTH distributions are not counted towards MAGI, so at work I am stuffing all I can into the ROTH part of the 401k.   I am like inches from retiring and planning on spending a few years in Thailand and I am currently planning on getting BUPA there.  The basic platinum 1 level seems like the place to start. 

The US has got to be the biggest rip off country for medical in the world.  One can go broke just going to the Dentist or Doctor.  

One thing you might think about after you get here is to join one of the expat groups.  I have done so snd they have some group rates contracted with a few reputable  insurance providers. Comparable coverage to Bupa at less cost.

[perthperson]

3 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

I would prefer to seek my own counsel thank you. 

I am sure that is wise !  

 

However reflect ... Americans reject a single payer system of healthcare provision (socialist). Some (most?) reject the AFC (Obamacare) , but they moan about the ever increasing cost of insurance. 

 

America spends more on healthcare and $ for $ 'achieves' the worst possible outcomes when compared to any other Western nation. 

[gk10002000]

6 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

The US has got to be the biggest rip off country for medical in the world.  One can go broke just going to the Dentist or Doctor.  

One thing you might think about after you get here is to join one of the expat groups.  I have done so snd they have some group rates contracted with a few reputable  insurance providers. Comparable coverage to Bupa at less cost.

A fine suggestion. Thank you.  I will know my year end plans within the next month as I see how my current employer and myself come to terms.  The job sucks.  But the pay is OK, and the medical and dental and vision are great and only costs me $96 per month and even that is paid pre tax.  So if I leave or they tell me to leave, my medical could jump to $500 or more and I don't like that idea while hanging out.  I happen to have invested for dividends and income and do get about $55,000 a year, much of which is tax free, but paying over $6,000 a year for a garbage minimum plan and being bored is not my plan.  I thought I might head to Thailand two years ago but the contract job paid so well, I just had to keep making the hay.   Now, my motivation is questionable!  And less than 2 years to early social security should I take it then

[gk10002000]

On ‎7‎/‎9‎/‎2017 at 0:37 AM, bkk6060 said:

The US has got to be the biggest rip off country for medical in the world.  One can go broke just going to the Dentist or Doctor.  

One thing you might think about after you get here is to join one of the expat groups.  I have done so snd they have some group rates contracted with a few reputable  insurance providers. Comparable coverage to Bupa at less cost.

I double checked again today and the policy for me a 60 year old, man, non smokier, no health issues, no pre-existing conditions with 50 k of dividend and interest income which is tax free, but is counted in the MAGI calculations for determining premiums, would be $584/ month!  If somehow I got my income down to about 35k I would only pay $284/ month for an absolute garbage plan, $7,500 deductible, and would have to deal with the healthcare site BS.  Once I stop working and my COBRA is too expensive or no other means is found,, this boy will be living outside the USA until Medicare eligible.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

On 4/7/2016 at 8:40 AM, Spaniel said:

I knew their would be a increase in premium at renewal. My post was concerning the size of the increase.

I have my policy with Pacific Cross, which used to be LMG Thailand.

 

Every year at renewal, my broker gives me an updated rate sheet for the policy that shows exactly what their age various bands and corresponding premium rates are. I believe Pacific Cross also adjusts its premiums in 5 year age increments. So at least, I always have a general idea of what to expect as I'm getting older.
 

As Sheryl noted above, there are basically three ways to get a health insurance premium increase here:

 

1. Periodic adjustment based on increased age, which applies to everyone when they reach certain age thresholds.

 

2. Periodic inflationary rate adjustment, which presumably applies to all their policyholders with that company.

 

3. Policyholder specific rate adjustment, typically based on recent claims large enough to trigger a rate hike.

 

Sometimes if you're very unlucky, two or even all three of those factors can come into play in any given year of rate changes.

 

One good thing to look at when shopping for health insurance here is to inquire and check on what kind of rate history does that particular insurer have. Little rate adjustments every year, or, wait 4 years and then hit you with a 30% increase, etc etc... And also see how their age bands are structured and how much in % terms those rates change from band to band.

 

 

 

 

[dia1]

Does Bupa require you to do blood tests or go in for a physical or anything prior to getting their insurance?

[bkk6060]

3 hours ago, dia1 said:

Does Bupa require you to do blood tests or go in for a physical or anything prior to getting their insurance?

They did not for me.  But you do complete a medical history questionare promising all statements are true and correct.

[David B in Thailand]

My insurance broker in Phuket recently told me that BUPA was bought by Aetna. Later this month I will see if it impacts my premium or coverage levels.  I had been 100% satisfied with coverage and actual hospital payments. 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30321765

[Sheryl]

..

 

 

...As Sheryl noted above, there are basically three ways to get a health insurance premium increase here:

 

1. Periodic adjustment based on increased age, which applies to everyone when they reach certain age thresholds.

 

2. Periodic inflationary rate adjustment, which presumably applies to all their policyholders with that company.

 

3. Policyholder specific rate adjustment, typically based on recent claims large enough to trigger a rate hike...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 is the issue. #1 and #2 are inevitable, no matter where the policy is issued. #3 you will not usually find with a policy issued in the West.

 

IMO to raise rates on an individual basis because the person has developed a chronic health condition or other new risk factor that they did not have when they took out the policy, undermines the whole purpose and principal of insurance.

 

[bkk6060]

Just for info. the BUPA reimbursement for non use of the policy is on the up and up.

I just got my check for over 7,000 b because I did not use my plan last year.

Glad to see they are legit about this policy put the check in my account today..

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

IMO to raise rates on an individual basis because the person has developed a chronic health condition or other new risk factor that they did not have when they took out the policy, undermines the whole purpose and principal of insurance.

 

 

Agree with the sentiment, Sheryl. Unfortunately, AFAIK, pretty much all of the Thai-based health insurers will pass along premium hikes based on policy benefits usage. The important question, and variation among different insurers, is just what kind of activity will trigger such an increase, and how much of an increase.  Before signing up with any Thai insurer, I'd be asking them questions about their policies on this issue.

 

I've asked my Thai health insurer about that in the past, and the answer I received was that they basically look at the ratio of the total premiums you've paid over the length of your business with them vs. the total benefits payout during the same period. And then, if that ratio reaches a certain point, it will trigger a premium increase. In my insurer's case, I believe, they say that annual policy usage hike also will not exceed a certain percentage amount per year.

 

However, in posts here, it seems to me in the past I've seen people talking about some pretty substantial year over year premium hikes in their Thai health insurance policies. Though it's not always clear from posters what's triggered those, and it often seems to end up being some combination of the three factors I mentioned above, such as an age band increase along with an inflation adjustment that year, or an age band increase along with a policy usage premium hike.

 

I've been with my current Thai  insurer for about 10 years, and fortunately never have had a substantial or inpatient claim with them. So, at least as I understand it, I could end up now having a hospitalization or operation, and that wouldn't necessarily trigger a premium increase. Because I have a long history of premium payments and pretty small payouts over that same time. In other words, they've been making their money off me as a policyholder.

 

 

[JLCrab]

Just to note that BUPA Thailand is now owned by Aetna and shortly will be called Aetna.

Headline: Aetna To Expand in Asia With The Acquisition Of Bupa Thailand

https://www.aetnainternational.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2017/aetna-to-expand-in-Asia-with-acquisition-of-Bupa-Thailand.html