CharlieH

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Thailand's inviting climate, low cost of living, and culture make the Southeast Asian nation a popular choice for American expats. However, before relocating, one crucial aspect that requires planning is healthcare. Thailand offers excellent medical facilities, particularly in the private sector, but expats need to understand how to navigate these healthcare options, especially as U.S. Medicare won’t work abroad, hence the need for international health insurance like Cigna Global. Thailand’s Healthcare System: Public vs. Private Public Healthcare Thailand’s public system, under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), ensures access to affordable healthcare. Expats working in Thailand may qualify for coverage through this programme. However, while the public system is affordable, it often involves overcrowding, long waiting times, and language barriers. Public hospitals in urban areas are decent, but rural areas may lack advanced medical equipment and specialised staff. Private Healthcare Thailand’s private healthcare sector is internationally recognised for its quality and affordability. Private hospitals offer state-of-the-art equipment, internationally trained physicians, and English-speaking staff. This makes them ideal for expats who want reliable care at a lower cost compared to Western countries. For example, an MRI in Thailand costs around $272, significantly cheaper than the $2,600 charged in the U.S. Private facilities are particularly popular for medical tourism, offering services like cancer care, orthopaedics, and fertility treatments at a fraction of the cost. Challenges for expats seeking healthcare in Thailand: Language Barriers: Many public healthcare facilities lack English-speaking staff. While private hospitals in major cities often have English-speaking staff, expats may still encounter occasional misunderstandings. Cultural Differences: Expats may find the healthcare delivery in Thailand different from what they are used to. Financial Considerations: While healthcare costs in Thailand are lower than in the U.S., without insurance, treatment at private facilities can still be expensive, especially for complex procedures or chronic care. Before your move: Evaluate Your Healthcare Needs: Assess your health status and medical needs before selecting insurance. Consider any pre-existing conditions and whether you need specialised care or regular prescriptions. Prepare for Emergencies: Know the location of the nearest quality hospital and have your insurance information on hand in case of an emergency. Why Your U.S. Medicare Won’t Work in Thailand Many American expats or retirees may be surprised to find that U.S. Medicare doesn’t provide coverage outside the U.S. and its territories. Medicare has strict geographical limitations, and even though some foreign hospitals may treat you in emergencies, the coverage is extremely limited. Medicare generally only covers medical treatment in the U.S. and its territories. While there are rare exceptions, such as emergencies when a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. hospital, these exceptions don’t typically apply to expats living in Thailand. Healthcare Options for U.S. Expats in Thailand Without Medicare, U.S. expats must secure alternative health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage. Some expats employed in Thailand may be eligible for the social security scheme, but this is often not sufficient for most expats, as it doesn’t cover comprehensive medical needs or provide fast access to specialised care. For most expats, comprehensive international health insurance is the best option. Cigna’s plans provide access to Thailand’s best private hospitals, ensuring high-quality care and quick service. Most international plans cover: Hospital stays: Coverage up to US$1,000,000 annually for major health conditions Doctor visits: Up to US$25,000 per year for check-ups and specialist care Chronic illness care: Full coverage for long-term treatments Emergency evacuation: Global emergency assistance included Preventive care: Screenings, vaccinations, and routine check-ups to detect and manage health issues early Custom add-ons: Optional coverage for dental, vision, or maternity care Why Cigna? Cigna Global is a leading option for health insurance providers for American expats in Thailand. Their plans are designed to fit the unique needs of expats, providing comprehensive coverage and flexibility. Global Coverage with Easy Access: Get care in over 200 countries, including access to 1.5 million doctors, hospitals, and clinics. The plans offer direct billing for easy payments. Flexible Plans to Suit Your Needs Silver: Up to $1 million annually, covering essential care. Gold: Up to $2 million annually, covering more advanced treatments. Platinum: Unlimited coverage, with premium benefits like home nursing. Efficient Claims Process: Submit and track claims online, and access 24/7 support with multilingual services. Enjoy the convenience of remote doctor consultations through Global Care On-Demand. Comprehensive Health Support: Coverage includes hospital stays, surgeries, cancer treatments, mental health services, and more. Preventive care options are available, including check-ups and vaccinations. Since U.S. Medicare isn’t valid abroad, comprehensive international health insurance like Cigna Global is a necessity as it ensures access to top-tier private care without financial strain. Thailand’s affordable, high-quality healthcare makes it an appealing destination for expats, particularly retirees. With the right planning and insurance, you can enjoy living in Thailand with the peace of mind that your healthcare needs are covered. Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger

States right at the start "495 all you can eat"

Great Sunday Carvery Option down Soi 13. b018a0d58cff95f2e67aa1233cedd4a5.mp4 Bee to this place a few times and it never disappeared Points. What's your go to for Sunday Roast ?

I’ve explained this multiple times, and this will be the last. When people can see who left a reaction emoji, it opens the door for retaliation—and yes, it happens, often aggressively. It quickly escalates into feuds, stalking, and other issues that create unnecessary drama. Then the moderators are left to deal with the fallout. After many years of experience on this board, it’s clear: visible emoji reactions cause nothing but trouble.

No, subject to probably the most abuse, it makes moderation an absolute nightmare. Why? Because people see who did then you get retaliation; feuds start that way, and Mods have to clean up the mess.

Cant please all the people all the time, no matter what you do. If it wasnt the subject of repeated misuse, that action wouldnt have needed to be even considered.

Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.“ At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. Pope Francis, the beloved Latin American pontiff known for his humble style and dedication to the poor, has died at 88. His passing marks the end of a transformative era that challenged convention within the Catholic Church. Admitted to Gemelli hospital for double pneumonia, Francis spent 38 days in care, marking the longest hospital stay of his papacy. From his first "Buonasera" to his relentless fight against inequality, Francis' tenure was defined by compassion and controversy, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Adpated by ASEAN Now from AP 2025-04-21

That's because the "sad" were replaced, so all previous sad are now heartbroken.Any previous "Confused" are gone!

Thats the idea, The sad was abused and often used as a negative; now if a negative is wanted, the thumbs down is there.

No you can be heartbroken instead

The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has brought many advantages, but above all, it's the freedom to travel and work from anywhere. However, this new lifestyle comes with a big question: how can you ensure you’re covered for health and travel, no matter where you are? Traditional health insurance plans often fall short for people who live and work across multiple countries. That’s where global insurance plans like SafetyWing come in. The Problem with Traditional Insurance For expats living abroad in places like Thailand, local insurance plans can be a limitation, offering only emergency care outside the country or covering only short stays abroad. Most local policies don't cover non-emergency treatments in other countries, and there are often extra charges for treatment outside Southeast Asia. Additionally, certain plans limit overseas coverage to just a few months a year, making them unsuitable for those living in multiple countries. Also, standard plans often don’t include crucial services like mental health care, outpatient treatments, and regular health checkups. To get full coverage, expats often need to purchase additional policies, making the process more complicated and expensive. What Remote Workers Need from Insurance Remote workers and digital nomads need health insurance that moves with them, offering coverage worldwide, not just in one country. Here are the must-haves for a solid global health plan: Worldwide Medical Coverage: You should be able to access care wherever you are, whether it’s at home or abroad. Emergency Evacuation and Hospital Care: Your plan should cover emergency hospital stays and evacuations, no matter where you are. Travel Protection: A good plan should also help cover lost luggage, flight delays, and cancellations during your travels. Home Country Coverage: When you return to your home country, your plan should still offer coverage. Month-to-Month Flexibility: It’s important to have flexibility to adjust your plan as needed, with no long-term contracts. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance offers a tailored solution for digital nomads and remote workers. It provides global coverage across 180+ countries, giving you protection wherever you go. The best part? It’s flexible. You can sign up even after you’ve started your journey, with no need to worry about long-term contracts. The plan automatically renews monthly, but you can pause or cancel at any time. Coverage Features of SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Global Coverage: SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and more in over 180 countries. Plus, their plans include coverage for short visits back to your home country after 90 days abroad. Affordable and Simple: Starting at just $56.28 per month, the Essential Plan covers essential health and travel needs, including emergency medical care and lost luggage. Comprehensive Plans: The Complete Plan offers even more, including regular checkups, mental health care, and extra protection for activities like hiking or diving. Emergency Services: Get 24/7 multilingual support for emergencies, plus coverage for medical evacuations, even from remote areas. Easy Claims: SafetyWing makes it easy to manage your policy with a simple online platform, allowing you to submit claims digitally and track reimbursements. SafetyWing’s Key Benefits Global Reach: Covers 180+ countries without exclusions for major locations like the U.S. or Europe. Affordable Plans: The Essential Plan starts at $56.28/month, and the Complete Plan starts at $161.50/month, depending on your needs. No Hidden Charges: Transparent pricing with no extra fees for using the plan abroad. Emergency and Urgent Care: Full coverage for hospital stays, ICU, surgeries, and COVID-19 treatment. Additional Coverage: Options for pre-existing conditions, dental, and maternity care. Why SafetyWing Stands Out SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is a flexible and cost-effective solution for remote workers and digital nomads. Whether you're looking for basic coverage or something more comprehensive, SafetyWing offers plans that meet the needs of people working and living globally. Thousands of remote workers rely on SafetyWing for its reliability, flexibility, and simple sign-up process. If you’re working from anywhere, it’s the easiest and most flexible way to stay protected. For digital nomads and expats, having the right health insurance is essential to avoid high out-of-pocket costs and stress. SafetyWing offers the coverage you need, regardless if you're traveling for work, exploring new countries, or simply living abroad. With easy-to-use plans, flexibility, and coverage in over 180 countries, SafetyWing makes staying covered on the move simple and affordable. Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger

You could say thunmbs up like and agree are all the same Adds variety or intensity 😆 open to individual interpretation

It represents sad or heartbroken.

@steven100 Ok, having waded through this conversation and following a brief discussion in Admin, your emojis have now changed. The Sad and the Confused have been retired, and Thumbs Up and Heart-broken have been added.