136 replies to this topic
Posted 2008-07-23 20:04:49
 canadiangirl, on 2007-12-20 14:12:05, said:
For those of you who purchase your own expat medical insurance in Thailand (not provided by employer), who do you use?
I was looking at BUPA (rather expensive) and a few other ones -- do you have any recommendations? I'm looking specifically for expat insurance, *not* travel insurance (expat insurance, in my understanding, is when you've been away from home for long enough not to be covered by the medical plan of your home country)
Thanks for any information!
We are with PPP International..I am 62 and my wife is 53. It covers worldwide except USA and Canada..not out patient treatment...cost 3600GPB this year. Pretty expensive but we broke even last year!!
Posted 2008-07-24 12:05:05
John45, on 2008-07-23 20:04:49, said: canadiangirl, on 2007-12-20 14:12:05, said: For those of you who purchase your own expat medical insurance in Thailand (not provided by employer), who do you use?
I was looking at BUPA (rather expensive) and a few other ones -- do you have any recommendations? I'm looking specifically for expat insurance, *not* travel insurance (expat insurance, in my understanding, is when you've been away from home for long enough not to be covered by the medical plan of your home country)
Thanks for any information!
We are with PPP International..I am 62 and my wife is 53. It covers worldwide except USA and Canada..not out patient treatment...cost 3600GPB this year. Pretty expensive but we broke even last year!!
PPP is a good ‘International’ company but Thai Visa insurance can typically offer 10 to 15% off those premiums for a similar coverage.
Posted 2008-07-24 17:24:52
BSJ, on 2008-07-23 18:48:43, said: Thanks Jim, never thought of that!
Hi marshbags, I have money invested with ING Direct (Aust) and funnily enough I was on their web site, saw the insurance link and clicked through. I looked at their Accident Cover Plus. It was the only cover that came close to what I wanted but not close enough for me to sign-up! I need cover for non-accident medical emergencies too! But if your after extra cover for death or injury it maybe OK.
Maybe ING offer other plans in LOS, so I will search the web for that.
Thanks to you for responding.
I talked further with my ins. agent and asked specifically about safety / personal accident (advice given, i take to include emergency cover for bothe medical and accident ) and i,ve asked him to try and get me some English translatiion as what he gave me is in Thai.
I also went on the website and looked at the various insurance links, but sadly the part i wanted to read up on ( PPO benefits ) keeps coming up as " site not ready" yet. ???
I,ll now wait and see what the agent comes back with.
The total cost annually for two adults and a teenager works out at just under 60,000 baht for the three of us.
We also get life insurance cover included in this, so for me it seems a very good deal.
Should i die, then my daughters, insurance is paid for by ING so i don,t have to worry about it running out due to non payment.
Again i will check everything out when the English version comes back.
Appreciate your imput on this and everyone elses who have responded.
marshbags  
My advice to everyone for what it,s worth is get adequate medical cover as your main objective, obviously who with is a matter of preference, relating to your needs.
I asked around and was attracted to ING.
Edited by marshbags, 2008-07-24 17:30:41.
Posted 2008-07-24 20:06:57
marshbags, on 2008-07-24 10:24:52, said: BSJ, on 2008-07-23 18:48:43, said: Thanks Jim, never thought of that!
Hi marshbags, I have money invested with ING Direct (Aust) and funnily enough I was on their web site, saw the insurance link and clicked through. I looked at their Accident Cover Plus. It was the only cover that came close to what I wanted but not close enough for me to sign-up! I need cover for non-accident medical emergencies too! But if your after extra cover for death or injury it maybe OK.
Maybe ING offer other plans in LOS, so I will search the web for that.
Thanks to you for responding.
I talked further with my ins. agent and asked specifically about safety / personal accident (advice given, i take to include emergency cover for bothe medical and accident ) and i,ve asked him to try and get me some English translatiion as what he gave me is in Thai.
I also went on the website and looked at the various insurance links, but sadly the part i wanted to read up on ( PPO benefits ) keeps coming up as " site not ready" yet. ???
I,ll now wait and see what the agent comes back with.
The total cost annually for two adults and a teenager works out at just under 60,000 baht for the three of us.
We also get life insurance cover included in this, so for me it seems a very good deal.
Should i die, then my daughters, insurance is paid for by ING so i don,t have to worry about it running out due to non payment.
Again i will check everything out when the English version comes back.
Appreciate your imput on this and everyone elses who have responded.
marshbags
My advice to everyone for what it,s worth is get adequate medical cover as your main objective, obviously who with is a matter of preference, relating to your needs.
I asked around and was attracted to ING.
sounds interesting. We're with william russel out of the UK. Me, daugther and wife are about 120,000 a year, through i suspect that would drop to about 70-80K as my wife has cover to cover materity and the first 28 days of the newborn childs life. Will check out ING next year after bubs is born, but for the time being, it is starting to cover our costs quite nicely as the pre-birth checkups start racking up!!
Posted 2008-07-25 19:56:06
Quote Marshbags: The total cost annually for two adults and a teenager works out at just under 60,000 baht for the three of us.
That sounds like a good deal!
Posted 2008-07-26 09:41:19
marshbags, on 2008-07-24 17:24:52, said: BSJ, on 2008-07-23 18:48:43, said: Thanks Jim, never thought of that!
Hi marshbags, I have money invested with ING Direct (Aust) and funnily enough I was on their web site, saw the insurance link and clicked through. I looked at their Accident Cover Plus. It was the only cover that came close to what I wanted but not close enough for me to sign-up! I need cover for non-accident medical emergencies too! But if your after extra cover for death or injury it maybe OK.
Maybe ING offer other plans in LOS, so I will search the web for that.
Thanks to you for responding.
I talked further with my ins. agent and asked specifically about safety / personal accident (advice given, i take to include emergency cover for bothe medical and accident ) and i,ve asked him to try and get me some English translatiion as what he gave me is in Thai.
I also went on the website and looked at the various insurance links, but sadly the part i wanted to read up on ( PPO benefits ) keeps coming up as " site not ready" yet. ???
I,ll now wait and see what the agent comes back with.
The total cost annually for two adults and a teenager works out at just under 60,000 baht for the three of us.
We also get life insurance cover included in this, so for me it seems a very good deal.
Should i die, then my daughters, insurance is paid for by ING so i don,t have to worry about it running out due to non payment.
Again i will check everything out when the English version comes back.
Appreciate your imput on this and everyone elses who have responded.
marshbags
My advice to everyone for what it,s worth is get adequate medical cover as your main objective, obviously who with is a matter of preference, relating to your needs.
I asked around and was attracted to ING.
A word of caution, please be careful and be sure you understand the benefits.
ING is a 'Life' company and so cannot sell stand alone medical insurance – only the general insurance companies with the correct license can. The 'Life' companies can 'get around' this by bundling Life and Medical cover together. This may sound a good idea but in fact you would get better benefits if taken separately – Life cover in Thailand is very expensive
Your advice 'to get adequate medical cover, is 100% correct, however if you are looking to use private international hospitals then this cover is not enough – it is however most suitable for the Government hospitals.
Please note, PA (Personal Accident) cover is just that accident only – it is not medical insurance.
franckphuket
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Posted 2008-07-27 20:27:32
canadiangirl, on 2007-12-20 14:12:05, said: For those of you who purchase your own expat medical insurance in Thailand (not provided by employer), who do you use?
I was looking at BUPA (rather expensive) and a few other ones -- do you have any recommendations? I'm looking specifically for expat insurance, *not* travel insurance (expat insurance, in my understanding, is when you've been away from home for long enough not to be covered by the medical plan of your home country)
Thanks for any information!
Posted 2008-09-12 10:53:58
BUPA is horrible. I had BUPA PLatinum for 3 years, then had an accident. The hospital needed to do a CAT scan on my head because I had blood pooling behind my eyes. Bumrungrad faxed all of the required paperwork to BUPA and they said NO!!! I would have to wait until the next day while they review it, but I could pay on my own and possibly be reimbursed. It eventually took them 3 days and non-stop phones calls from myself all the way up to the Director of BUPA before it was approved!
BUPA contacted me at a later date and said that they recognized there was a problem in their approval system and it was a problem specific to Thailand. No one wants to make the decision as they will be held responsible if it is incorrect, so they wait to get management approval. Management would turn off their phones after hours and on lunch. Subordinates were hesitant to contact their superiors, hence the problem. BUPA said that they were implementing new policy and procedure to ensure that this doesn't happen again.
Needless to say I have switched to Goodhealth and have had absolutely no hassles. I wasn't willing to wait for the next time.
Aloha
Posted 2008-09-12 12:54:45
WorldwideALOHA, on 2008-09-12 10:53:58, said: BUPA is horrible. I had BUPA PLatinum for 3 years, then had an accident. The hospital needed to do a CAT scan on my head because I had blood pooling behind my eyes. Bumrungrad faxed all of the required paperwork to BUPA and they said NO!!! I would have to wait until the next day while they review it, but I could pay on my own and possibly be reimbursed. It eventually took them 3 days and non-stop phones calls from myself all the way up to the Director of BUPA before it was approved!
BUPA contacted me at a later date and said that they recognized there was a problem in their approval system and it was a problem specific to Thailand. No one wants to make the decision as they will be held responsible if it is incorrect, so they wait to get management approval. Management would turn off their phones after hours and on lunch. Subordinates were hesitant to contact their superiors, hence the problem. BUPA said that they were implementing new policy and procedure to ensure that this doesn't happen again.
Needless to say I have switched to Goodhealth and have had absolutely no hassles. I wasn't willing to wait for the next time.
Aloha
This is a good example of what we have been saying – please choose a good Company Brokerage (not an individual Broker or a Agent) – and they will be able to help in these 'awkward' situations.
Posted 2008-09-15 19:03:37
TEFLMike, on 2007-12-20 14:25:23, said: Hi,
The school whee I work suggested I try the following Company for Health Insurance. I did and it was extremely competitive>>>>>>>>
Thai Health Insurance
Bangkok
or check out their site >>>
worth a go :-)
After using Thai health Insurance for several years, my colleagues and myself were shocked to learn that they had decided to increase their yearly premium by 25%. The reason? Too many of us actually making use of the insurance  ourageous and rediculous methinks. Needless to say we won't be renewing or at least I won't be renewing with them. And not only this, they just released confidential information related to surgery I once had (I think by mistake) to each and every collaegue of mine at my place of work. Very unprofessional. 
Posted 2008-09-16 13:07:22
Flow, on 2008-09-15 19:03:37, said: TEFLMike, on 2007-12-20 14:25:23, said: Hi,
The school whee I work suggested I try the following Company for Health Insurance. I did and it was extremely competitive>>>>>>>>
Thai Health Insurance
Bangkok
or check out their site >>>
worth a go :-)
After using Thai health Insurance for several years, my colleagues and myself were shocked to learn that they had decided to increase their yearly premium by 25%. The reason? Too many of us actually making use of the insurance ourageous and rediculous methinks. Needless to say we won't be renewing or at least I won't be renewing with them. And not only this, they just released confidential information related to surgery I once had (I think by mistake) to each and every collaegue of mine at my place of work. Very unprofessional.
This is an interesting post so, on behalf of a Thai Visa member, I made a few inquiries.
First I have to say I am not privy to the premium increase except to say all premiums (in all companies) have increased a lot this year due to the Hospital Group (who look after all the hospitals in Thailand) withdrawing the 10% rebate given to Insurance Companies plus the 15% medical inflation – add it up for yourself !
One point I was not happy about was your personal information being sent to everyone as that is a ‘no-no’. For your information I found out it was not Thai Health who sent the information to everyone but your own employer ! Whoever is in charge of your group policy was unfortunately extremely irresponsible and distributed your private details to all – it is they who you should complain strongly to not Thai Health !!
Posted 2008-09-17 20:49:32
It happened. It was unfortunate and I was very upset. There is nothing I can do about it. Now, I don't believe it was a deliberate attempt from THI or whoever was responsible to upset me. It was what I call "human error" 
So, as far as I am concerned: case closed. 
As for your input on insurance companies increasing their premiums. To be honest, I wrote my previous post while I was, I admit, still in an angry mood. Frankly, I know very little about this stuff so, you're probably right what you're saying...
Over & Out
Posted 2008-09-24 11:18:08
Thinking it was a joke I had to do a double take, but no, it was true.
It just goes to show you can sell anything.
Thaivisa Insurance actually sell GOLF INSURANCE!
GOLF INSURANCE
Golf is, for sure, an expensive sport and sometimes, believe it or not, can be a dangerous sport. Golf insurance is not a new product but can offer you protection against loss and damages that can happen both on and off the golf course.
1. For yourself, from damages inflicted by other parties ranging from death, loss of organs to medical expenses.
2. For the third party, from damages caused by you ranging from loss of life, medical expense and lawsuits.
3. For your equipment, in case of damage and theft. You will also receive a bonus should you get a hole-in-one.
On a more serious note.....there's something which would benefit everyone seeking insurance and which needs a bit of expertise.....perhaps we could end up with a comprehensive, detailed, and really useful list of items.......
What questions should I ask a prospective insurer?
What do I need to know?
cheers John
Edited by sleepyjohn, 2008-09-24 11:21:31.
Posted 2008-12-15 11:48:20
MrSquigle, on 2007-12-30 14:37:42, said: It is a french insurance company with a local brokerage company, it was insured through Hong Kong but see they have just changed insurer.
PM me if you want the guys number and name to contact.
I am referring to your message regarding Health Insurance provided by a french company based in HK.
I live in BKK and I would like to apply for a good international health insurance, I am French and it would be a better option to mix the service both inter and back home,
I would appreciate of you could you send me the contact details of that company and a name if you know anyone there,
Thank you
Posted 2008-12-16 18:33:23
maxelchey, on 2008-12-15 11:48:20, said: MrSquigle, on 2007-12-30 14:37:42, said: It is a french insurance company with a local brokerage company, it was insured through Hong Kong but see they have just changed insurer.
PM me if you want the guys number and name to contact.
I am referring to your message regarding Health Insurance provided by a french company based in HK.
I live in BKK and I would like to apply for a good international health insurance, I am French and it would be a better option to mix the service both inter and back home,
I would appreciate of you could you send me the contact details of that company and a name if you know anyone there,
Thank you
A simpler way is to contact Thai Visa Insurance and we can send you the whole brochure to read !
http://insurance.tha....com/quote-form
Posted 2008-12-17 09:48:06
ThaivisaInsurance, on 2008-02-02 09:33:56, said: Quote :
Team, as we've said before use the Thai Visa insurance service - they can offer premiums lower on their Members plans than anyone in Thailand - including BUPA !
I have Bupa, and stopped buy the Thai Visa insurance office in Pattaya last year, and the prices they quoted me were the same prices I am currently getting from the Bupa office.
Barry
Posted 2008-12-17 11:33:15
barryofthailand, on 2008-12-17 09:48:06, said: ThaivisaInsurance, on 2008-02-02 09:33:56, said: Quote :
Team, as we've said before use the Thai Visa insurance service - they can offer premiums lower on their Members plans than anyone in Thailand - including BUPA !
I have Bupa, and stopped buy the Thai Visa insurance office in Pattaya last year, and the prices they quoted me were the same prices I am currently getting from the Bupa office.
Barry
Quite correct with BUPA plans but with the Thai Visa group medical plans they can be substantially cheaper – by up to 30% !!
franckphuket
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Posted 2008-12-24 13:20:14
maxelchey, on 2008-12-15 11:48:20, said: MrSquigle, on 2007-12-30 14:37:42, said: It is a french insurance company with a local brokerage company, it was insured through Hong Kong but see they have just changed insurer.
PM me if you want the guys number and name to contact.
I am referring to your message regarding Health Insurance provided by a french company based in HK.
I live in BKK and I would like to apply for a good international health insurance, I am French and it would be a better option to mix the service both inter and back home,
I would appreciate of you could you send me the contact details of that company and a name if you know anyone there,
Thank you
bonjour,
tu peux me contacter si tu veux les references de ce courtier etant moi meme manager d une des branch de ce groupe..
franclk
Posted 2009-01-03 19:40:18
My Thai wife and I will be in Thailand mid Jan for our annual 2 month holiday.
Wife 55 - myself 68
Would I be able to get insurance for just the 2 month stay with TV insurance ?
If so, can I just visit their office in S Pattaya
Thanks
Posted 2009-01-04 10:36:54
pewter, on 2009-01-03 19:40:18, said: My Thai wife and I will be in Thailand mid Jan for our annual 2 month holiday.
Wife 55 - myself 68
Would I be able to get insurance for just the 2 month stay with TV insurance ?
If so, can I just visit their office in S Pattaya
Thanks
Yes, please call into our Pattaya office with your requirments.
Posted 2010-10-21 21:02:12
I contacted AA Brokers in Chonburi to get insurance with Bupa. I first corresponded to Peter and then to a girl called Da. When I asked her detailed questions about the insurance she got annoyed with me, telling me that because I am a foreigner I just don't know how things work in Thailand. She made lots of racist and gender assumptions and I started to feel discriminated. When I pointed out to her that her emails were rather upsetting to me, she decided not to contact me again. So no insurance yet.
Posted 2010-10-22 08:26:51
whatamidoinghere, on 2010-10-21 21:02:12, said:
I contacted AA Brokers in Chonburi to get insurance with Bupa. I first corresponded to Peter and then to a girl called Da. When I asked her detailed questions about the insurance she got annoyed with me, telling me that because I am a foreigner I just don't know how things work in Thailand. She made lots of racist and gender assumptions and I started to feel discriminated. When I pointed out to her that her emails were rather upsetting to me, she decided not to contact me again. So no insurance yet.
Please PM us your email address and this will be looked into immediately - thank you.
Posted 2010-12-09 14:12:42
So, as of today, is there a group consensus:
Which is the best health insurance plan currently available to retired farangs living in Thailand... and why?
Thanks a lot.
Posted 2010-12-09 15:09:06
Michaelaway, on 2010-12-09 14:12:42, said:
So, as of today, is there a group consensus:
Which is the best health insurance plan currently available to retired farangs living in Thailand... and why?
Thanks a lot.
Sorry but there is no one plan suitable for all - everyone has different needs.
Talk to your Broker - or Thai Visa Brokers  - for the best plan for your circumstances
Posted 2010-12-09 15:38:45
TEFLMike, on 2007-12-20 14:25:23, said:
Hi,
The school whee I work suggested I try the following Company for Health Insurance. I did and it was extremely competitive>>>>>>>>
Thai Health Insurance
Bangkok
Tel: 02642 3100 or check out their site >>>
www.thaihealth.co.th
worth a go :-)
Thanks for the recommendation, but have you actually put in a claim with them? I get a little leery about companies that that have extremely competitive.pricing.
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