I'd like to know which expat country can claim the money back from their embassy in thailand if...

[nanucha2016]

they get sick while they stay in thailand?

i've heard that the norwegian can do that.

85 years old norwegian who married to thai woman 20 years ago, he said when he got sick, he went to hua hin hospital or krungthep hua hin hospital and brought the hospital receipt to claim the money back at norway embassy in bkk.

is any other country else can do the same thing like this too?

pls let me know. i'm very curious.

I have so many friends from around the world wanna move and settle their senior life in Thailand, but they don't know any information about this before.

if anyone know all this stuff, kindly let me know.

thank you so much.

Nanucha

[manfredtillmann]

not so with australia

[Sheryl]

I have never heard of any country doing this. News to me that Norway does.

[Suradit69]

Some Swedish citizens are lobbying to get medical coverage while retired in Thailand.

Even if some other nationals have some state coverage while living outside their own country, I doubt if it would just be a matter of presenting a bill to their embassy.

If you're asking for yourself, wouldn't it be easier to say what your nationality is?

Many Swedes living in Thailand have a hard time getting a proper health insurance. Cases and stories a different, but common is that they either deselect insurance or face unmanageable insurance costs as they’re nearing retirement. Now they want the Swedish Government to look into their case.

Swedish laws demand that one needs to be a resident in Sweden and moreover stay in the country for more than 6 months a year in order to receive national health insurance. For some Swedes this is not suitable for their health, while others think this is unfair, as they pay Swedish pension taxes.

http://scandasia.com/swedes-in-thailand-are-battling-for-health-insurance/

[manarak]

it would only be logical if home countries offered that option. so much cheaper than to get treated at home.

[nanucha2016]

I'm thai. Just wanna help my friends find out the answer.

[Chromeman]

Yes, this is possible for members of the National Insurance Scheme in Norway to get a voluntary membership if you stay abroad. Information here in Norwegian, and a short one here in English.

[csabo]

Not sure I completely understand the question but as a US citizen I am aware that the US Embassies worldwide don't do a whole lot. Certainly less than people think. They would be the last people I call for help. BUT...I do have health insurance in the US and routinely submit claims (via email) for treatment I receive in Thailand. Unfortunately, when I am in the states I rarely if ever pay a penny out of pocket but for some reason when I get treatment in Thailand, which is considerably less expensive than the US, my insurance company only covers about 50% of my expenses which makes no sense at all. As it has been for relatively inexpensive treatments I have not explored why this is so. If I had a serious illness or accident I do worry what would would happen and should investigate prior as opposed to post. I am old enough to know you can't really fight with these companies though. They have their stupid reasons and rules and nothing will change that. You would think they would be overjoyed I was requesting reimbursement overseas as it would keep their expenses low but no such luck. If the OP's friends only concern is health coverage just buy some here. Assuming an embassy is somehow going to start giving out free cash is not something I would count on in a crisis.

[Balance]

If you are retired U.S. military you are covered in Thailand under Tri-Care and Medicare. Maybe some of the big Bangkok hospitals will even bill the insurance.

If you are just retired, Medicare will cover emergency services, but not if you are a Thai resident. It is a no-brainer that all U.S. expats should vote for Clinton in November because having a Democrat in the White House is the best chance we have of getting Medicare extended overseas.

[Time Traveller]

If you are retired U.S. military you are covered in Thailand under Tri-Care and Medicare. Maybe some of the big Bangkok hospitals will even bill the insurance.

If you are just retired, Medicare will cover emergency services, but not if you are a Thai resident. It is a no-brainer that all U.S. expats should vote for Clinton in November because having a Democrat in the White House is the best chance we have of getting Medicare extended overseas.

that's true democrat voters have no brains.

If the democrats haven't done that in the last 8 years of the Obama presidency, what makes you think lying Hilary will do that now?

You might as well vote libertarian party, at least then there is a chance Fatca will get repealed

Edited May 31, 2016 by Time Traveller

[Balance]

If you are retired U.S. military you are covered in Thailand under Tri-Care and Medicare. Maybe some of the big Bangkok hospitals will even bill the insurance.

If you are just retired, Medicare will cover emergency services, but not if you are a Thai resident. It is a no-brainer that all U.S. expats should vote for Clinton in November because having a Democrat in the White House is the best chance we have of getting Medicare extended overseas.

that's true democrat voters have no brains.

If the democrats haven't done that in the last 8 years of the Obama presidency, what makes you think lying Hilary will do that now?

You might as well vote libertarian party, at least then there is a chance Fatca will get repealed

If that lunatic Trump stays on course and Hillary gets either Sanders or Warren as her V.P. then the dems will get the Senate back and may even have a shot at flipping the House. Then a lot of things can get done, count on it.

[paulbj2]

Back in 2014, I had two visits to the Chiang Mai Ram whilst here on holiday. When I arrived home in Luxembourg, I sent the receipted bills off to the CNS (the healthcare system in Lux) and they refunded everything I had paid, in full. If you are a legitimate Luxembourg resident and you are paying Luxembourg social security contributions, you can seek medical treatment anywhere in world so far as I am aware, and they will reimburse you; certainly I opted to have some dental treatment in Germany and that went through the system without any problems. However, the CNS will only pay the agreed standard fee payable in Luxembourg for whatever treatment you receive, so if you fancy getting treated in the US, it will only cover a modest percentage of the total bill as fees for medical treatment there are two to five times what they are in Luxembourg.

[Dumbastheycome]

Under normal circumstance farang who stay will pay at own cost after insurable time expires. And currently all hospitals are ramping up the cost for non Thai.

Government Health agencies that will refund for offshore costs not covered by travel Insurance would be increasingly rare!

[oldlakey]

Back in 2014, I had two visits to the Chiang Mai Ram whilst here on holiday. When I arrived home in Luxembourg, I sent the receipted bills off to the CNS (the healthcare system in Lux) and they refunded everything I had paid, in full. If you are a legitimate Luxembourg resident and you are paying Luxembourg social security contributions, you can seek medical treatment anywhere in world so far as I am aware, and they will reimburse you; certainly I opted to have some dental treatment in Germany and that went through the system without any problems. However, the CNS will only pay the agreed standard fee payable in Luxembourg for whatever treatment you receive, so if you fancy getting treated in the US, it will only cover a modest percentage of the total bill as fees for medical treatment there are two to five times what they are in Luxembourg.

It would appear luxembourg are an enlightened country where their citizens are concerned

Also it seems they are not stupid where the USA health system charges are concerned

[1sickpuppy]

Mars is about the closest planet or if not try Jupiter, but by then you will need to be wearing brown shirts like the Nazi party, that is the sad thing about this great Country, going downhill fast, Chers

[paddyjoe41]

Hi and im from southern ireland BUT i have never heard that before,that doesent mean its untrue,id like to hear more.Normally the answer is not valued here or something like that.Good luck to you and i hope it continues,enjoy .pjk.

[PoorSucker]

True, Norway has a system for retired people abroad.

They deduct a percentage of your pension for medical insurance.

Very convenient for retired people that can not get private insurance.

[Mojomor]

Some northern European countries, have schemes in place to encourage people to retire abroad. Being of more advanced social viewpoints the governments realise they can save money in many areas such as housing, fuel bills in winter, and a host of free services such as travel etc. Perhaps if you opt for one of these schemes then your health care is still free, even if you live abroad.

[Bigstef]

Canadian have a healthcare service wich they can ask for refund but i don't know if the embassy take care of this.....

[hawker9000]

If you are retired U.S. military you are covered in Thailand under Tri-Care and Medicare. Maybe some of the big Bangkok hospitals will even bill the insurance.

If you are just retired, Medicare will cover emergency services, but not if you are a Thai resident. It is a no-brainer that all U.S. expats should vote for Clinton in November because having a Democrat in the White House is the best chance we have of getting Medicare extended overseas.

that's true democrat voters have no brains.

If the democrats haven't done that in the last 8 years of the Obama presidency, what makes you think lying Hilary will do that now?

You might as well vote libertarian party, at least then there is a chance Fatca will get repealed

Absolutely true. The Clintons are no friends of active duty military or retirees. Amazing anybody would even think so, much less beat the drum on their behalf over it.

[thailand49]

Not sure I completely understand the question but as a US citizen I am aware that the US Embassies worldwide don't do a whole lot. Certainly less than people think. They would be the last people I call for help. BUT...I do have health insurance in the US and routinely submit claims (via email) for treatment I receive in Thailand. Unfortunately, when I am in the states I rarely if ever pay a penny out of pocket but for some reason when I get treatment in Thailand, which is considerably less expensive than the US, my insurance company only covers about 50% of my expenses which makes no sense at all. As it has been for relatively inexpensive treatments I have not explored why this is so. If I had a serious illness or accident I do worry what would would happen and should investigate prior as opposed to post. I am old enough to know you can't really fight with these companies though. They have their stupid reasons and rules and nothing will change that. You would think they would be overjoyed I was requesting reimbursement overseas as it would keep their expenses low but no such luck. If the OP's friends only concern is health coverage just buy some here. Assuming an embassy is somehow going to start giving out free cash is not something I would count on in a crisis.

The basic reason is you are out of Network, for example if your insurance is with Blue Cross/ The have established a network of Doctors and Hospitals that have agree to the fees for service that is one of the ways they keep their cost down. If you use a Doctor outside the network you normally pay the difference because the Doctor who is outside of the network hasn't agree to the set fee. As you noted they have their rules. What people do not understand is a very small % of American have actually been outside of the country. Many think going to Canada, Hawaiit, Mexico is actually the same as going to Thailand.

Here is a actually experience I had over ten years ago before I came to settle in Thailand. I was still working and had insurance. I needed a root canal crown. A year before I had one in the States, the procedure I believe was over 3,000 USD, my deductible was 500.00. Just before leaving for Thailand, I needed another and called the Insurance company if I had it done in Thailand by a Dentist train in U.S. the whole thing would cost 500.00, I will sign off and take responsibility. This basically would save the insurance 2500.00 USD. They told me No.

Take the 50% out of network in relationship to Thailand. The charge for a procedure at a International accredited hospital in Thailand is still cheaper than the U.S., so the 50% out of network still goes pretty far in covering the cost of procedure. For inexpensive treatment you do not notice the bite but if you get really sick and need a operation and can't pay out of pocket first there laid the problem? Also, unless you use a International Hospital it is in my opinion and experience it won't be cover by your insurance.

As for the political situation in U.S. and I'm all for National healthcare program I do not think any of the candidates would be able to pass anything with any Congress or Senate within my lifetime that would allow seniors to use their Medicare outside of the country. The politician talk about Global economy and stuff but it really doesn't exist except for the cheap T.V. Americans can buy? It would make sense but when has making sense have anything to do with Government?

Edited June 1, 2016 by thailand49

[mikebell]

Some northern European countries, have schemes in place to encourage people to retire abroad. Being of more advanced social viewpoints the governments realise they can save money in many areas such as housing, fuel bills in winter, and a host of free services such as travel etc. Perhaps if you opt for one of these schemes then your health care is still free, even if you live abroad.

These countries are so enlightened. Compare the above to the UK Gov who not only don't pay an index-linked state pension but are now seeking to charge ex-pats for medical expenses when they return to their homeland.

[nanucha2016]

thx very much to all.

i will forward this forum to all my friends. they come from europe, uk, scandinevia , australia, new zealand, usa and canada

thank you so much.

[Speedo1968]

Some northern European countries, have schemes in place to encourage people to retire abroad. Being of more advanced social viewpoints the governments realise they can save money in many areas such as housing, fuel bills in winter, and a host of free services such as travel etc. Perhaps if you opt for one of these schemes then your health care is still free, even if you live abroad.

These countries are so enlightened. Compare the above to the UK Gov who not only don't pay an index-linked state pension but are now seeking to charge ex-pats for medical expenses when they return to their homeland.

UK last visit, 5 weeks for and appointment to see my named doctor, 3 weeks for any doctor. Emergency treatment, come back later. Your time with a doctor is 5 minutes as the practices are now "managed". Even many years ago one of my daughters ( as a very young child ) had to wait 18 months to see a specialist by which time any treatment offered was too late to fix the problem. For my other daughter she prefers to see an alternative therapist for her own young children, easy appointment and much better information and understanding. Dentist, if you can wait and wait and wait, especially if you don't have "a" dentist. Following emergency ambulance trip, TIA +, I spent many hours on a trolley in the hospital passage and was moved wards 5 times in 5 days. After a scan I had to wait 3 months to get the results and 3 months for a different type of scan. We are SO SO lucky to be in a country where there is a clinic on every corner, even free ( donation ) locally run clinics ( if you know where to look ) that can even offer blood testing and specific injury massage.

[chakatee]

Back in 2014, I had two visits to the Chiang Mai Ram whilst here on holiday. When I arrived home in Luxembourg, I sent the receipted bills off to the CNS (the healthcare system in Lux) and they refunded everything I had paid, in full. If you are a legitimate Luxembourg resident and you are paying Luxembourg social security contributions, you can seek medical treatment anywhere in world so far as I am aware, and they will reimburse you; certainly I opted to have some dental treatment in Germany and that went through the system without any problems. However, the CNS will only pay the agreed standard fee payable in Luxembourg for whatever treatment you receive, so if you fancy getting treated in the US, it will only cover a modest percentage of the total bill as fees for medical treatment there are two to five times what they are in Luxembourg.

It would appear luxembourg are an enlightened country where their citizens are concerned

Also it seems they are not stupid where the USA health system charges are concerned

I guess Luxembourg may not do this due to being enlightened, which they possibly are, but as Luxembourg is a country the size of a tea spoon where not all specialized and even less sub-specialized care may be readily available for their well-off (highest avg. GDP in Europe?) citizens.

Some Middle Eastern states do this likewise for their government officers etc.

And, probably not for reason of lack of supply but just as they consider it to be human right, the Netherlands also cover their citizens worldwide (be it via private insurance companies).

[patekatek]

If you are retired U.S. military you are covered in Thailand under Tri-Care and Medicare. Maybe some of the big Bangkok hospitals will even bill the insurance.

If you are just retired, Medicare will cover emergency services, but not if you are a Thai resident. It is a no-brainer that all U.S. expats should vote for Clinton in November because having a Democrat in the White House is the best chance we have of getting Medicare extended overseas.

If you read the information available from Medicare, you will see that the only foreign coverage you MIGHT get is if you are traveling in the USA and a foreign hospital that can provide service for your ailment is closer than a U.S. hospital. Or, if you're traveling without due delay in Canada on your way to Alaska, you might qualify for coverage. There is no mention of any other situation a person might be able to take advantage of Medicare coverage if traveling outside the U.S. Oh, yeah, there might be some cruise line situations that might qualify but don't hold your breath. If I am incorrect regarding my interpretation of the Medicare please correct me and point me to the proper place for better information.

[taxout]

Under Medicare, some Medigap policies do provide limited coverage overseas, though you have to live in the U.S. to be able to take out a Medigap policy. But traditional Medicare Parts A and B certainly don't cover medical expenses outside the U.S., except in some circumstances so rare they're hardly worth mentioning.

Interestingly, there is a lobbying group which has been trying for several years to get U.S. Medicare coverage extended to the Philippines, though without succcess so far. I suppose it's reasonable to assume some of the large hospitals in Manila are funding the effort.

http://www.usmedicareph.org/