SURVEY: Should Thailand require Health Insurance for Foreigners?

[bheard]

And thats OK by me, as a man with two lots of cancer
 
But so far my wife still loves me, maybe I have her better trained
 
She is under very strict instructions to sign nothing if I am admitted from ME
 
bheard try being nice to people rather than scaring them
 
REMEMBER what goes around comes around

"be nice to people" - you mean don't tell it like it is?
How very Thai!

[YetAnother]

of course thai should require this; they should also require every white skin to immediately surrender all their money and show them where the exit gates are; that is what they really want anyway

[YetAnother]

thailand should PROVIDE ins for tourists free

[Chris Lawrence]

Due to current political situation in Thailand, do the Insurance companies have an out clause?

[thaibeachlovers]

6 hours ago, maybefitz said:

At 79, on retirement extension, impossible to get insurance. I have an emergency fund, but wife borrows into it, so no proof in a bank account. I'd be stuck if they brought this in. I don't have the option of returning to UK, aim to see my life out here.

Exactly. It's well past time that the government either legislated to force companies to stop discarding customers simply because they get old, and institute an insurance policy that allows farang expats to use government hospitals, at a reasonable price.

[thaibeachlovers]

2 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

thailand should PROVIDE ins for tourists free

Does YOUR country provide free insurance for tourists?

[robblok]

The 30k people are talking about is peanuts.. even back home it cost more then that. Here i pay around 1600$ a year (got a dollar policy).. and I am only 43. It does have good cover.. those dreaming about a 30.000 bt policy ... keep on dreaming. Id love it but I am sure its not feasible. 

[nasanews]

To me Insurance is an optional but I would demand every foreigner must show a proof of Accident health insurance only if insurance is affordable and convenient payable.

[bazza73]

A one-size-fits-all policy isn't going to work. It will simply drive long-term retirees into other countries with lower medical infrastructure.

Thailand loses out as a retiree destination.

It would be better to give retirees several options. Either have medical insurance, OR remove all the seasoning BS on the 800,000 baht requirement. Instead, require that to be available for medical emergencies, and a top-up period of one year if depleted for that purpose. No other withdrawals allowed.

I'm not sure what could be done for the people living here on income statements. However, there should be some way of accommodating them.

[al007]

3 hours ago, bheard said:

 

"be nice to people" - you mean don't tell it like it is?
How very Thai!

 

that is not me

 

It just suggests you youger person and uncaring

[Credo]

It would be interesting how much of the medical costs that foreigners incur is due to the extremely high accident rate and dangerous driving.   Perhaps they should require some of the transport companies to carry insurance as well.   

[Felt 35]

I feel this is just about how much will we loose and how much can we gain.

If not, why not only issue tourist visas at the embassy in the travellers home country. No insurance no visa.

For the oldies want to retire here broad info beforehand from the Thai Government in embassies abroad etc.., about the need for a relatively expensive insurance to be granted a retirement visa. For they already here grandfathered conditions and a 50% discount on the insurance premium.

[MyFriend You]

4 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Does YOUR country provide free insurance for tourists?

Hell No

[balo]

I clicked on all foreigners should have some sort of health insurance.

I'm surprised that the majority does not want to go that way . Up to you but you only live once. 

 

 

[HHTel]

The survey is flawed.  What about regular visitors who are fit and healthy but cannot get any type of medical insurance due to age.  Insurance companies are ageist regardless of health.  My mother who is 92 and spends 3 months a year here and has for the last 20 years, although healthy cannot get medical insurance from any company.  Believe me she has tried.  Is she now to be barred from travelling?

[wotsdermatter]

AIs this another case of putting the cart before the horse?  As many have mentioned, and I am included within, that category, a person who arrives without insurance could be asking for trouble.  I am 76, and the Thai government does not appear to consider the fact that many of us have pre-existing medical conditions and cannot obtain medical/travel insurance although sometimes it may be available, depending on where it is purchased, but at great expense.  Last time I tried, a few years ago, it would have cost over CAD2,500.00 but was refused due to pre-existing conditions. Therefore, if I must obtain such insurance upon arrival, it may be an expensive white elephant or an albatross around my neck and totally useless and cannot be used.

Edited June 11, 2017 by wotsdermatter

[al007]

15 hours ago, Si Thea01 said:

 

I had three operations there in the past three years and the total bill came to less than 100K  And this included a private room with western style food that they sourced from outside the hospital, all without being asked. One drawback is that at this hospital they ensure you pay first and you then have to claim on the insurer. It takes only a month for a full reimbursement. 

There is another thread on medical insurance also running

I wonder Si Thea01, if you could tell us the three operations you had and the approx cost of each, it is valuable information

 

I ask because my personal belief is for a person with reasonable assets and over 70 self insurance may not be as bad as some paint it

 

Today I got a quote for medical cover excluding pre-existing at between US $700/900 pcm, thats approaching 400,000 Bhatt per annum, in my personal view lunacy, if I had to fund another 1.5M bhatt I would not be happy but could do

 

I also tried to get a Quote for simply PA cover, sorry age limit 70 for AIA

 

If you choose your hospital carefully I believe there is some very good affordable care options even for the self insured, with access to say 300,000/700,000bhatt

[Si Thea01]

12 minutes ago, al007 said:

There is another thread on medical insurance also running

I wonder Si Thea01, if you could tell us the three operations you had and the approx cost of each, it is valuable information

 

I ask because my personal belief is for a person with reasonable assets and over 70 self insurance may not be as bad as some paint it

 

Today I got a quote for medical cover excluding pre-existing at between US $700/900 pcm, thats approaching 400,000 Bhatt per annum, in my personal view lunacy, if I had to fund another 1.5M bhatt I would not be happy but could do

 

I also tried to get a Quote for simply PA cover, sorry age limit 70 for AIA

 

If you choose your hospital carefully I believe there is some very good affordable care options even for the self insured, with access to say 300,000/700,000bhatt

Sure no problem.  actually there were four.  The first was the removal of polyps from my nose, this was done in a private hospital and cost B150K.  As this was above what the insurer allowed I was out of pocket B40K. That was no a problem but I learnt my lesson.  As a result the beloved surgeon stuffed the muscles in one eye, hence the three additional operations where the specialists attempted to rectify what the first doctor stuffed up.

 

Each of the operations, carried out a Srenakalin University Hospital, Khon Kaen, ranged n cost from B20K to B30K. Unfortunately for me the first doctor did such a good job in stuffing my right eye, permanently, that I am now required to wear an eye patch because it I don't I have double vision and you should try getting around like that.  Not good I tell you. But at least with 50 years of driving all types of vehicles I have been able to train myself and can drive, safely but of course carefully, with the one eye.

 

I sued the dear and won, he was required to pay good compensation but owing to a non-disclosure clause I am not permitted to detail the amount.  But hopefully, it has taught him a lesson and that he should take extreme care when operating.  As a result of the dramas and the overcharging by the private hospital, it has driven me to the government ones, who, when know that I have insurance and can pay before I am discharged, go out of their way to give me priority and I have never been treated in any of way than with total respect and provided excellent medical attention.  All in private rooms with great food.

 

I took out cover at 65, just to lower my costs but if I had to self insure I would not have any problem, however, I am fully aware that many others are not as fortunate as me.  Many might say the cover is not sufficient on this policy but that is not my worry, as it is suffice for my needs.  And besides, if I fall of the perch the missus gets a B1m to go into her retirement fund.  Hope I been of a little help.

 

 

[meechai]

20 hours ago, AboutThaim said:

You have a good point but I wonder why the welfare states that have very long hospital waiting lists don't actually encourage people to have treatment overseas.  After all, if it actually costs as much as they say to treat someone why not let them be treated overseas and foot the bill for the patient up to what it would cost to have the treatment done at home?  It may even save them money and there could be the expectation of a co-payment from the patient who would be saved the expense of a return flight for treatment.

 

Actually I have heard of some private insurance companies offering clients the option of being treated in Thailand all expense including air & hotel included.

 

But as for the welfare states they would never do such a thing no matter what the savings.

You have to understand the welfare is government run

So if they sent patients out of country yes would ease their load but also ease their income.

They care not how long a welfare recipient has to wait. Plus remember the govt. will then get paid by the doctors taxed income also

Edited June 12, 2017 by meechai

[music065]

Many nations in Central America, South America and Mexico allow expat retirees to buy into their state health systems for a nominal fee then they are covered in government hospitals. One of the few advantages to retiring there vs here IMO. Thailand is light years more advanced than some of the nations offering this, they could do it if they wanted. Thailand could even price it such that the government could make a profit off the system. This could alleviate the problem of hospitals not getting paid as well as solve what is many pensioners' biggest challenge living here. Why can't/won't Thailand do this? 

I know I know -- Answer: TiT. Not your country. You don't like it leave. 

[al007]

12 minutes ago, Si Thea01 said:

 

I took out cover at 65, just to lower my costs but if I had to self insure I would not have any problem, however, I am fully aware that many others are not as fortunate as me.  Many might say the cover is not sufficient on this policy but that is not my worry, as it is suffice for my needs.  And besides, if I fall of the perch the missus gets a B1m to go into her retirement fund.  Hope I been of a little help.

 

 

Big help apologies I did not originally recognise you, we have PM before, and yes you also went through hell on making your claim, I too negotiated a malpractice claim and was also paid out, it was your experience, that made me do it , until the very end without lawyers, and even then I drafted the agreement not the lawyers

 

Fortunately the man who I negotiated with was fair and reasonable, which was not the case for you, 

 

We have very similar views on the Government hospitals in some and many cases being safer and better than the private ones

 

Good luck sir, I will check out AIA again and go to their office in KK

[scorecard]

I wonder how many non-Thai 'residents' know that nowadays there are many Thai government hospitals that have been upgraded and the health care is not all that bad, many have well qualified specialists and many of the doctors and staff can speak good to OK English. If your admitted / have treatment the fee scale is a bit higher than for Thai nationals but way way under the outrageous fees levied my the so called '5 star international hospitals'.

 

It's well known that costs of private health insurance polices for older / much older folks are way beyond the financial means of many 'residents' plus most of these private companies have a maximum age, beyond that they offer no cover at all, not available.

 

The Thai government hospital fall back is worth exploring, I'm aware of several 'residents' who are now quite old, no private cover available, and they have done their checking / research to identify a good government hospital not too far from home, including the best means of quick transport to the hospital they have identified.

 

Personally I'm in a different situation, I have full cover from my war veterans entitlements. 

 

 

 

Edited June 12, 2017 by scorecard

[maewang99]

if you go to the government's Insurance Department website.... and look at the detailed monthly reports on health coverage insurers... it shows all of the Thai insurance companies and how many customers and other data. 

there's basically only one health coverage (I'm not talking about traveler's health coverage, are you guys?).... BUPA. the last time I looked a few years ago. has it changed???

and BUPA can simply deny someone's coverage at any time.

let me repeat that.

BUPA can ****cancel**** anyone's coverage.... at ****any**** time.... for no reason.... at all.

tying THAT to a visa is totally nuts.

End of Story. 

I've never missed a annual BUPA premium and almost always have the card, and a copy of my passport or my passport itself if I am far from where I otherwise always quite safely keep it.... and can't imagine otherwise.  so another reason... you don't have to require it. do what Trump does... make a few examples of what happens if you don't have coverage to teach everyone to be loyal (it's not a coincidence that that's how the mafia works).

 

and if you do.... at least keep the required minimum to INPATIENT cover. 

outpatient coverage is nickels and dimes. unless a foreigner needs a scan of some kind, or very special IV concoction.. otherwise it's nickels and dimes. and a waste of money to bother adding that to your coverage... unless you are in the Silly Money category. most of us ain't or we would not be in Thailand.



 

  

 

   

Edited June 12, 2017 by maewang99

[Si Thea01]

31 minutes ago, al007 said:

Big help apologies I did not originally recognise you, we have PM before, and yes you also went through hell on making your claim, I too negotiated a malpractice claim and was also paid out, it was your experience, that made me do it , until the very end without lawyers, and even then I drafted the agreement not the lawyers

 

Fortunately the man who I negotiated with was fair and reasonable, which was not the case for you, 

 

We have very similar views on the Government hospitals in some and many cases being safer and better than the private ones

 

Good luck sir, I will check out AIA again and go to their office in KK

Okay, all the best and take care.

[music065]

Another aspect that trips many people up is they see a clause stating the insurance company will never drop them due to age, and they think they are set for life.  Then after a certain age the insurance company simply raises the premium to such an astronomical level that the person is priced out and is forced to drop the coverage themselves. 

[thaibeachlovers]

14 hours ago, Credo said:

It would be interesting how much of the medical costs that foreigners incur is due to the extremely high accident rate and dangerous driving.   Perhaps they should require some of the transport companies to carry insurance as well.   

My hospitalization and operation was caused by an uninsured Thai on a m'bike not looking where he was going.

[al007]

1 hour ago, music065 said:

Another aspect that trips many people up is they see a clause stating the insurance company will never drop them due to age, and they think they are set for life.  Then after a certain age the insurance company simply raises the premium to such an astronomical level that the person is priced out and is forced to drop the coverage themselves. 

SO SO very true, insurance companies prime objective is to make money and pay out as littles as possible

[sandyf]

20 hours ago, ELVIS123456 said:

I think that the Thai Govt will introduce mandatory insurance for tourists - but it will be cheap and easy to get. TAT will make sure of that. But it will only last the standard 30-60 days. The main reason the Govt wants to do something is all the tourists turning up with injuries at the hospitals who dont have insurance. The other reason is the foreign workers who dont have insurance and who dont pay - or do things like leave their baby because they cant pay (apparently a lot).

 

The long-term Visa visitors/residents are another issue - and the Govt is not that interested about us Expats (foreigners who live all/most of year in Thailand).  There is not that many who 'default' - the Govt will only deal with this IMO if too many Expats default/die in hospital without insurance. 

 

A previous poster mentioned travel insurance. For those Expats who return home once a year or so, I would recommend getting this every time you leave and come to Thailand. A policy can last up to 12 months (in Aus) and can then be extended another 6 mths (18mths total). These policies only cover you for one 'accident' or a sudden serious illness (not pre-existing) , and can include repatriation costs - and they cost only a few hundred $Aus. I once checked this out for a UK Expat and found similar travel insurance was available - he had no idea. 

 

For some reason you have to 'travel' to get travel insurance type medical policy in any country. They all want to cover you for all medical expenses - and they cost way too much in Thailand - they are about the same as in US (no doubt they set Expat premiums at US levels).

 

For those Expats n Thailand permanently, and over 60, there is no cost effective option available. Perhaps the Govt will look into a cheaper policy that covers Expats in Public Hospitals only, but I am certain the Private Hospital 'industry' will cry foul if they ever  do, and the idea would be canned. Still, one lives in hope.

 

 

 

"I once checked this out for a UK Expat and found similar travel insurance was available - he had no idea. "

 

You should post the name of the company. I used annual insurance policies for about 20 years and they were generally restricted to 45 days max for any particular trip. I know that Wexas did one for 90 days which was a lot more expensive, but never came across anyone that had more than the 90 days per trip.

 

"and they cost way too much in Thailand"

 

You would need to define "way too much". I have just taken out travel insurance for my trip to the UK next month. With AXA(Thailand) the premium was 2007 Baht per person for the 29 days in the UK. The premium would be the same for worldwide cover, excluding the US and Canada.

[sandyf]

3 hours ago, scorecard said:

I wonder how many non-Thai 'residents' know that nowadays there are many Thai government hospitals that have been upgraded and the health care is not all that bad, many have well qualified specialists and many of the doctors and staff can speak good to OK English. If your admitted / have treatment the fee scale is a bit higher than for Thai nationals but way way under the outrageous fees levied my the so called '5 star international hospitals'.

 

It's well known that costs of private health insurance polices for older / much older folks are way beyond the financial means of many 'residents' plus most of these private companies have a maximum age, beyond that they offer no cover at all, not available.

 

The Thai government hospital fall back is worth exploring, I'm aware of several 'residents' who are now quite old, no private cover available, and they have done their checking / research to identify a good government hospital not too far from home, including the best means of quick transport to the hospital they have identified.

 

Personally I'm in a different situation, I have full cover from my war veterans entitlements. 

 

 

 

Quite, I have been here about 9 years and if I need to see a doctor,dentist or optician just go to a Thai clinic and pay for it. Charges are fairly reasonable.

 The cancer hospital in Chonburi does a full MOT for around 1600 baht and I had to have a biopsy which was 1800 baht which fortunately turned out to be unnecessary.

There are also some free facilities available. I had a partial MOT last year at the mobile health clinic, bloods, X ray and ECG. This week been for my free flu jab.

 

[smotherb]

On 6/11/2017 at 11:15 AM, maybefitz said:

At 79, on retirement extension, impossible to get insurance. I have an emergency fund, but wife borrows into it, so no proof in a bank account. I'd be stuck if they brought this in. I don't have the option of returning to UK, aim to see my life out here.

You are in a position that many find themselves; namely attempting to self-insure. However, letting the missus dip into it is problematic at best.

 

In the last year I have helped three old expat friends pay their hospital bills simply because they are here on too little money and no insurance.

 

I think the simple solution will be for the Thai government to sell insurance to all foreigners--sign them up to the Thai national health care system  and charge them according to age and health condition.

 

With almost 50% of respondents to this survey voting that insurance should not be mandatory, it's obvious that a significant portion of TV posters do not see the need for insurance. Some may be self-insured, in which case another lump of money could be held in a Thai bank. Others, I fear, neither have insurance nor the funding needed to self-insure.

 

The cry-baby stories of "can you help me pay my medical bills" are as prevalent as the stories of the cuckholded farang.