Health insurance

[Nemises]

I've just arrived in Thailand to live permanently and will be residing in Khon Kaen with my soon-to-be Thai wife.

 

I wish to take out Thai health insurance. I am 60 yo with no existing medical conditions. I am presently on a retirement visa until we marry next year.

 

Any advice on which health insurance company I should use is appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

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[tonray]

It really depends on the level of coverage you want and how much you can pay. But you can start by looking bat BUPA (Thai), BUPA (international), Cigna, AIA, AXA and see what they offer. 

 

 

Probably the best way is to use a broker such as Pacific Cross to sort thru all the options based upon your needs

[Sheryl]

As it sounds like you plan on staying in Thailand permanently and yo uare already 60, I advise against any policy that:

 

(1) does not guarantee lifetime coverage

 

(2) reserves the right to raise premiums based on changes in your state of health or claims you have made (which means even if they in theory guarantee lifetime cover, in reality they can and will price you out)

 

(3) Does not cover chronic diseases in full.

 

These three criteria (especially #2) will rule out any Thai-issued policy.

 

Suggest Cigna Global.  No need for any but the basic (inpatient cover only) package and if you accept a deductible and/or copay it will significantly lower premiums - but be sure to have that amount put aside.

 

And be aware that premiums will rise steadily as you age. There are also annual inflationary adjustments, ditto. This is true no matter what company. The company can give you an idea in terms of the age related increases by telling you what a policy now would cost for people of different ages but the actual when you reach those ages may be more due to upwards adjustments for inflation in health care costs.