COVID-19

Thinking of travelling to Thailand during COVID times? – Expat tips from a recent traveller

14 October 2020 by Brett Heath

If you’re contemplating traveling to Thailand as the spouse of a Thai citizen or returning to Thailand for work, the following information from a recent traveller is aimed at helping you with your decision or making your journey less stressful. Thailand has one of the lowest rates of COVID infection in the world and like other countries has introduced stringent controls including 15-day quarantine, mandatory health insurance and visa restrictions on persons traveling here. We interviewed a foreigner regarding his experience through the process after arriving here from the US. Here is what he had to say:

What are some of the major hurdles you faced before leaving your home country?

You can expect long delays trying to get through your local Thai Embassy’s switchboard as the number of people seeking advice on the visa restrictions and regulations continues to grow. Also, although you will be required to undertake a COVID test 72 hours before your flight, I was told it usually takes more like 1-2 weeks to obtain the results, even though many labs claim they are able to complete the process within 2-3 days. Give yourself plenty of time and be prepared to comply with the numerous regulations the Thai Government has put in place to keep Thailand safe, and Coronavirus numbers low.

How difficult was it to find a hotel for the 15-day quarantine?

Right now there are about 80 hotels offering accommodation for foreigners arriving for quarantine. Initially there were only about 50. I saw hotel prices from as little as 30,000 THB up to 295,000 THB for 15 days including meals. Some hotels were very expensive. I was interested in high internet speeds and the English channels I like to watch. Be sure to contact the hotels, via email, and ask very specific questions if these services are important to you, else you may find yourself locked in into an undesirable situation. I found most higher priced hotels (above THB 60,000) provide airport pickup and have excellent customer service. Make sure to check hotel reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, etc. — and look for a hotel which has over 1000 (or at least several hundred) customers rating the hotel on average 4.5 stars or above. The critical ratings are the ones which provide more reliable and meaningful information. If the hotel has a swimming pool, or a gym, or an open-air lounge/garden area, you will have an outlet for recreation. If you choose such a hotel, you should be able to use these facilities on a limited & Covid-monitored basis, after 7 days (following your 2nd COVID test). For example, you can go to the pool every second day for one hour, with no more than 4 people being at the pool at any given time slot. I think it is worth paying the extra money for a hotel which can provide these kinds of facilities.

What advice would you give about insurance?

Researching over the internet (Google, etc.) you will find various insurance companies and insurance brokers. Make sure you check customer reviews posted on the internet, and social media by happy and unhappy customers. Using a broker is an advantage but don’t expect all your questions answered in one email or a single phone call. The application process is generally fine but can take up to 10 days or longer. You can apply for comprehensive medical insurance through a reputable broker. Or, minimally, you can buy travel insurance — which includes coverage for COVID-19 and up to 100,000 USD coverage — which is the minimal coverage required by the Thailand government in order to get a visa. However, realize that once a short-term travel policy expires you are at risk of being excluded by a future insurance company if you have had treatment during the period of your policy. Being able to reach your broker or the insurance company promptly on the phone or by email is important. Large international companies, like Cigna, even though more expensive, are better choices — as they are more likely to pay claims with fewer hassles, provide more professional service in a timely manner, and communicate through English-speaking staff. It is better to sign up with an insurance company that will maintain your coverage moving forward into old age rather than a travel policy which will expire at the end of your visit.

What other advice can you offer now given your experience applying and traveling to Thailand?

Be aware that you’ll be spending a lot of time getting all the paperwork together for the Thai Government. This is a very taxing and tiring process so allow yourself plenty of time, maintain a positive attitude and be patient. English can be a challenge when dealing with the Embassy and you might have more success communicating by email. A lot of the paperwork may seem unnecessary, but conforming to the rules will save you problems later as you move through the process of applying for medical insurance, obtaining Certificate of Entry, booking your chartered flight, taking the COVID test 72 hours before flying, finding a suitable hotel for the period of your quarantine, undergoing quarantine for 15 days, and filling out numerous forms the authorities require.

Overall, how would you rate your experience?

Thailand is one of the best countries in the world, joining New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc. with the least number of people infected with the Coronavirus. Per WHO (World Health Organization) report dated October 9, 2020, USA with a population of 328.2 million has 7.472 million cumulative cases of Covid. In contrast, Thailand with 69.4 million people has a negligible only 3628 cumulative cases !! Statistically speaking, you have a 438 times greater chance of catching Covid in the US compared to Thailand! The quarantine hotels are very good at providing a positive customer experience and implementing the strict COVID regulations as laid down by the Thai Government. Thankfully, the people of Thailand seem to be much more vigilant in fighting this epidemic, wearing masks, following guidelines, washing hands, social distancing, etc. than people in the USA. You will feel much safer here in Thailand than most anywhere else, and most likely be very happy to be here.

Many thanks to the person/s who have contributed to this article. Knowing more about the issues expat are likely to come across as they move through the process, will help others prepare for the journey and help them decide whether now is the right time to be traveling to Thailand.

Thai Expat Health makes it EASY for foreigners to obtain the certificate of insurance required to meet the Thai government’s entry requirement (insurance covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD). We have assisted many clients to receive their certificate of insurance in the FASTEST possible time with a MINIMUM of fuss. Our service is provided FREE of charge and you benefit from our personalized help and experience.

Note that there are a large number of applications in the system at the moment, so please submit your application early to avoid delays.

Please contact Thai Expat Club Health if you have any questions or require any further information

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

Website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

How long does it take to get COVID insurance to enter Thailand?

11 September 2020 by Brett Heath

A question commonly received from people planning to travel to Thailand is “How long does it take to get insurance for COVID-19 in Thailand?”. Most people asking this question are weighing up the pros and cons of traveling to Thailand at this time or are in the early phases of applying to the Thai Embassy in their home country for a Certificate of Entry. While the insurance policy is usually the least expensive part of the process compared to the cost of the flight and the 14-day hotel quarantine, without understanding the process it can still be a somewhat time-consuming and frustrating experience. Hopefully, this explanation will provide some clarity over why it takes time to issue insurance for COVID-19 and some things you can do to help speed things along.

For most people, the average time is around 10 – 14 days from the time the client emails an application to us, responds to additional questions from the insurance company (underwriting department), signs an offer letter, pays for the policy, and is finally issued a certificate of insurance. Persons aged 65 years and over may face additional delays due to the need for a Physician’s Examination Report. Visting your doctor and obtaining this report can easily extend the process beyond 10 days or more. Although payment from overseas can take up to 5 days to arrive, in most cases the insurance company will issue the policy based on a copy of the bank transfer as evidence of payment before it physically arrives in the bank account. The lengthiest part of this process is usually the period where the insurance company’s underwriting department is assessing the application. Applications with a signed copy of the applicant’s passport and more complete responses on the application form will almost certainly receive a faster turnaround.

The application process can often be made faster depending on how accurately you complete the insurance application, whether you remember to attach a signed copy of the picture page of your passport (required by the insurance company to match your identity with the policy) and how quickly you respond to requests for further information from the insurance company.

Once the policy is paid for, most insurance companies will email you the Certificate of Insurance (with the policy number) which shows that the “Health insurance policy includes treatment and medical expenses in relation to COVID-19 with a minimum coverage of 100,000 USD”. This insurance statement is sufficient to present to the Thai Embassy in your country of departure in order to obtain the Certificate of Entry and the go-ahead to book your seat on the next available flight. The original insurance policy and card are generally sent via post a week to 10 days later but are generally not required by the embassy for the Certificate of Entry.

Hopefully, this overview has provided a better understanding of the requirements at each stage while you are applying for your COVID insurance policy. Also, the following diagram from the Civil Aviation of Thailand (CAAT) presents a broader snapshot of the documents required in the stages from Pre-departure through to Arrival and is aimed at helping make the process clearer and less daunting for foreigners contemplating an application to enter Thailand.

Thai Expat Health makes it EASY for foreigners to obtain the certificate of insurance required to meet the Thai government’s entry requirement (insurance covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD). We have assisted many clients to receive their certificate of insurance in the FASTEST possible time with a MINIMUM of fuss. Our service is provided FREE of charge and you benefit from our personalized help and experience. Note that there is a large number of applications in the system at the moment, so please submit your application early to avoid delays.

Please contact Thai Expat Club / Health if you have any questions or require any further information

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

Website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

Additional Links:

https://www.caat.or.th/en/archives/51895

COVID-19 Insurance options for Thailand – Thai Expat Health

2 August 2020 by Brett Heath

The coronavirus outbreak has had an unprecedented effect on travelers, country borders, and international flights. Whether it’s fear, business, or separation from family and loved ones, each and every one of us has been impacted by the virus in one way or another.

Today many people are looking for affordable insurance not just to cross borders or reunite with loved ones but also for peace of mind in the event we are unfortunate enough to be struck by the illness. Here at Thai Expat Health, we offer you and your family a range of insurance solutions for COVID-19.

The insurance products offered are from approved providers and meet the minimum 100,000 USD (including protection for COVID-19) for entry to Thailand as prescribed by the Thai government. From full comprehensive health insurance for long term workers, retirees, and spouses of Thai citizens to short term insurance for medical tourists and short term visitors alike, we offer an insurance product to match most every individual’s needs.

Luma Thailand Pass

Choose from a range of different travel plans to meet the health insurance requirements for visitors wanting to enter Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All plans offer:

– Cover up to 3.5 million THB (equivalent to at least 100,000 USD)
– COVID-19 cover

The application process is easy and the certificate required for entry can be obtained in 4-5 business days. Premiums start at 2,800 THB for a 3-month travel policy.

Simply apply online via the following link:

https://thaitravelinsurance.com/

Full Health Insurance Plans

If you are a foreigner returning to Thailand for work, as a retiree or as the spouse of a Thai citizen then full medical coverage through an approved provider is likely to be a better option for you. Full medical coverage offers many additional benefits such as: –

– Comprehensive coverage for top international hospitals
– Cashless hospital visits in a preferred hospital network
– No need to pay and claim for Inpatient treatment
– Cover for motorcycle accidents and ongoing treatment
– Lifetime renewal (dependant on age at entry)
– Cover for COVID-19

Thai Expat Health offers insurance from a range of reputable, well-established Insurance companies such as AETNA, APRIL, CIGNA, LMG, LUMA, and PACIFIC CROSS. There is no pushy sales talk and recommendations are based on your needs (not ours). We help you avoid the confusion which comes from not being able to speak the language or communicate satisfactorily with staff in Thai Insurance Companies.

Our service is FREE and we often save you money by offering a plan which more closely matches your lifestyle and budget.

Contact Thai Expat Health today and let us help you with your health insurance requirements.

Get a quote here

Insurance for COVID-19 – Online solution for short term visitors requiring insurance for Thailand

27 July 2020 by Brett Heath

Introducing an online solution for short term visitors needing COVID-19 insurance for Thailand. Luma Thailand Pass meets the government requirements for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand with overall coverage of 100,000 USD including cover for Covid-19.

This plan has been approved by the Office of Insurance Thailand (OIC) and is ideal for short term visitors such as medical tourists, trade fair participants and foreign film crews who are expected to be approved for entry by Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) within the next few days. This plan is also suitable for tourists coming from surrounding countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. It will also be an excellent option for visitors from western countries as soon as travel bans are lifted.

Prices start at 4,500 THB for 3 months coverage (persons aged 1-75 years)

Is it possible to buy this insurance for COVID-19 online?

Absolutely buying this policy online is easy. Simply click the following link and follow the instructions. thaitravelinsurance.com

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PROCEEDING

Before proceeding you should know that this is travel Insurance for short term visitors to Thailand. It has been designed for visitors who have no intention of extending their stay beyond the length of their term visa. Like most other travel insurance policies this Insurance is based on pay and claim. Should you seek treatment in a hospital – you will need to pay all hospitals bills yourself – then claim back later when you return to your home country.

While the Luma Travel Pass includes coverage for COVID-19, accidents, and other illnesses it does NOT provide cover for motorcycle accidents or room and board in a private hospital over 10.000 THB/day. The plan is also restricted to persons aged 1 – 75 years and is non-extendable while you remain in Thailand.

If you have no intention of extending your stay and believe the Luma Travel Pass is a suitable plan for your situation then follow this link for instructions on how to obtain your travel pass. You are advised to read the terms and conditions contained on the website link carefully. While the Luma Thailand Travel Pass is a great option for many short term visitors there are limitations on refunds and other parts of the policy which do not apply to full medical insurance plans.

If you are a foreigner living or working in Thailand or are returning to the kingdom for work on a non-immigrant “B” visa, or on any kind of renewable non-mmigrant “O” marriage or retirement visa then you are advised to purchase full medical insurance through an approved provider. Travel Insurance should be an addition to coverage not an alternative to a full comprehensive medical plan.

Thai Expat Health offers insurance from reputable companies that offer superior levels of customer service and claims support. In most cases, your insurance application can be approved in less than 7-10 days and coverage can begin as soon as payment is received.

Contact us if you need additional information or have any further questions regarding full medical insurance. thaiexpathealth.com

Links https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30391749 – Four types of foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand: CCSA

Where to get a Certificate of Health Insurance to enter Thailand

19 June 2020 by Brett Heath

Three of the most common questions received from foreigners over the past few weeks are:

When can I fly back to Thailand (mainly from retirees)?
How can I get a certificate of health insurance to enter Thailand?
Can spouses of Thai citizens fly back into Thailand?

On 14th June 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the next group to be allowed to enter Thailand are those married to Thai nationals and those who hold permanent residency (holding PR status). Spouses will soon be able to fly back under the same conditions as work permit holders (with 100,000 USD valid medical insurance and 14-day quarantine). The expected date is some time in July next month. While it is still not known when foreigners holding retirement visas will be permitted back into the kingdom it is likely that the requirement to produce a certificate showing a valid health insurance policy will remain for some time.

Thai Consulates in overseas countries are considering requests on a case by case nature. No-one can be sure how long these requirements will be in force but measures are being strictly enforced and unless you have an urgent need to return you are best advised to delay your travel plans until these restrictions are lifted. Many expats (including retirees) want to know when flights to Thailand will return to normal and what to do about the Health Insurance requirement for entry. Again, “wait and see” is most likely the best approach here.

The above diagram is provided should you be married to a Thai national and/or have an urgent need to return. Your first point of call is to contact the Royal Thai Embassy / Consulate-General in your country to see if you qualify. Having met the criteria for entry you’ll be invited to apply for a “Certificate of Entry”. In order to obtain this certificate, you’ll be asked to obtain a valid health insurance policy covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD. You’ll also be able to go ahead and confirm your flight and book a room for the 14-day quarantine at a government-designated facility. The process is detailed quite well on the above diagram provided by the Thai Department of International Economic Affairs. It is also important to obtain a “Fit to Fly Health Certificate” signed by a doctor in your home country not more than 72 hours before your departure (confirming you are free from the coronavirus). Without a 100,000 USD health insurance policy which includes coverage for COVID-19 and the “Fit to Fly” Certificate you will be not be permitted to enter the kingdom.

The insurance requirement is slightly different for Thai’s but the requirement to quarantine for 14 days after arrival in Thailand at a government-operated facility (at the traveler’s expense) is the same for both Thai nationals and foreigners. Travelers need to be aware that the cost of this 14-day quarantine can be anywhere from 30,000 THB to 60,000 THB (depending on the facility you opt for) so you will need to factor this into the overall cost of your return.

Please be aware that the process of applying for and obtaining full medical insurance can take anywhere from 7-10 days. We are happy to advise all foreigners regardless of age but please note that persons under 65 years can generally obtain health insurance at a reasonable cost whereas the cost of health insurance for persons over 70 years can be prohibitively expensive. It is also worth mentioning that having cover simply for COVID-19 is insufficient. The coverage needs to be a 100,000 USD health insurance policy which includes coverage for the Coronavirus.

Please contact Thai Expat Club / Health if you have any questions or require a certificate of insurance to meet the Thai government’s entry requirement (covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD).

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435
Website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

Additional Links:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1882315/health-certificates-required-of-all-visitors

https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php

Insurance and the Coronavirus: How much does treatment cost?

4 April 2020 by Brett Heath

While the coronavirus continues to spread and infect more and more people, many want to know how much it might cost to treat the virus. Questions include:

How much does the COVID-19 test cost?
How much does treatment for the Coronavirus cost?
How much does it cost to buy insurance for the Coronavirus?

Treatment in Thailand is currently FREE for Thai citizens but the same does NOT apply to expat retirees or foreigners working in Thailand. Foreigners will need to pay for testing and treatment either in a government hospital or a private hospital. Given the way the COVID-19 virus is spreading expats in Thailand very soon may not have a choice between going to a government hospital or seeking treatment at a private hospital which is generally more expensive.

Eighteen (18) government hospitals in Thailand have been assigned to provide treatment for the COVID-19 virus. Initially, only government hospitals treated cases of COVID 19 but now any hospital in Thailand can treat COVID-19. The cost of hospitalization in a government hospital is anywhere between 4,000 to 10,000 THB per night depending on the level of care required. Foreigners can expect to pay around 100,000 THB / week in a government hospital. However, spaces are limited and resources are beginning to stretch as the number of cases continues to grow. This means that very soon a government hospital may well not be an option for foreigners seeking treatment.

Several private hospitals have more recently established special Acute Respiratory Infection Clinics (ARI Clinics) which have priority with test results within 6 -12 hours versus Non-ARI clinics which take around 12 to 48 hours to receive results. The cost for the COVID-19 test at the time of writing is 6,500 THB but hopefully, the cost will become cheaper over time. If a doctor recommends the test then the test will generally be covered by insurance. If the patient simply attends the hospital without symptoms and asks for a test the patient will be asked to bear the cost of the test himself or herself. If you would like to book yourself in for a test contact Bangkok Hospital on 1719

So how much would treatment of the Coronavirus be in a private hospital? Estimates vary depending on whether the patient needs to go into an Intensive Care Unit or not but information from one hospital spokesman suggests the cost could be anything from 80,000 THB to 400,000THB per day. That is a crippling amount of money for someone in retirement to pay which is worsened if the patient is suffering from other complications such as high blood pressure, cancer or diabetes. Over 2-4 weeks the cost of treatment could easily exceed 2M or even 3M THB.

The last thing anyone needs in the middle stages of their life is to see their life savings drained to cover medical expenses. You may think you are in good health at this point in time but the reality is as we approach our mid to late 60s we become more and more susceptible to heart disease (the silent killer), cancer and other debilitating “black swan events” such as the other Coronavirus.

To avoid a financial setback of this nature we recommend you take out Personal Medical Insurance if you intend to stay in Thailand for any length of time. The cost for a mid-level INPATIENT ONLY plan with 3.25 M THB (USD 100,000) of medical coverage for a person aged 61-65 years of age is around 65,000 THB / year. This level of coverage would save most retirees from financial ruin and provides great peace of mind. The cost is less than the equivalent of one night’s stay in a private hospital and makes great financial sense. If you were to take the plan with a 32,750 THB deductible the price would be around 53,000 THB/ year. (Having a deductible means you get a discount on the premium for agreeing to pay the first 32,750 THB of any claim over the year, Once you pay this you don’t need to pay this again for any ongoing treatment or treatment for any other illness over the year covered under the policy).

Although avoiding COVID-19 is all anyone can think about right now, it’s important to continue taking care of your health as well as your financial security. Taking PERSONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE provides the greatest level of security and financial protection against emergencies and black swan events.

Phone: +66 (0) 89-897-9435