Travel Insurance + Health Insurance Policies

[DUS]

Hi,

After spending 4 months in Thailand at the end of last year, I´ve now decided to "permanently" move to LOS next month. I have now signed up for a travel insurance from "True Traveller". The policy covers me for any emergencies for the first 18 months and came in at something around GBP 450.

Now, as this insurance is for emergencies only I wondered if it might be worth considering to complement it with a "proper" health insurance policy for expats. The reason that idea crossed my mind was that (in a worst case scenario) the travel insurance will of course not provide cover for any conditions such as cancer or any other long-term illness. In these cases they might pay for a return flight to Europe but that´s it then as far as True Traveller is concerned. And understandably so .... But in case I might not want to return to Europe for treatment having a proper health insurance policy would be a necessity. Paying treatment for life-threating illnesses myself if and when needed is not an option for me.

So, I wonder if anyone of you was once in the same position to decide on whether to sign up for a health insurance on top of an existing travel insurance policy. Does that "idea" have any merit or should I forget it straight away? Are there any pros and cons of having both other than the financial implications of having a health insurance? Since I am covered for "emergencies" like broken leg, heart attack etc, are there any insurers who offer a policy that is cheaper than a full blown health insurance policy because "basic care for emergencies" is already covered by the travel insurance? Hope the wording of this question makes sense ....

Cheers

DUS

[vongkasem]

hi,

you can have a basic health insurance (300 000 B. /disability maximum) for hospitalization only, at bupa.co.th, for 912 B per month if you are 51 years old like me.

 

[Sheryl]

300,000 cap is WAY, WAY too low. It will not begin to touch your costs if you have a major accident or catastrophic illness.

 

5 million is advisable. 2-3 million is minimum IMO.