Thai Expat Health Insurance

Health solutions for foreigners working in Thailand

Health

Navigating Health Insurance in Thailand: A Personal Journey with Thai Expat Club

by

Do you need an insurance broker?

Hey there, I’m Wayne. Last October, I found myself back in Thailand for the second time, this time around on a private contract with my company.

Now, at 58, with a Thai wife and our adorable six-month-old bundle of joy, I quickly realized that the health plan provided by my company fell short of what I needed. It just didn’t give me the peace of mind I was after, especially if anything serious were to happen.

That’s when I decided to seek out something better, something that would stick with me even after I moved on from my current job. Enter Alan from Thai Expat Club. Let me tell you, his help was a game-changer.

Alan didn’t just throw a bunch of options at me; he took the time to walk me through everything, making sure I understood the ins and outs. Plus, he hooked me up with a company offering rates that were way more competitive than I expected, considering my existing group plan.

Throughout the whole application process, Alan was there, guiding me on things like deductible options and handling all the paperwork hassle-free. And get this – it didn’t cost me a dime.

When I received the offer from the insurance company, though, there were a few exclusions that had me worried. But with Alan and the team at Thai Expat Club in my corner, we managed to iron out those wrinkles, landing me a much-improved deal.

Honestly, I’m not exactly an expert when it comes to insurance stuff, but Alan made it all so clear and straightforward. Now, I’ve got a policy that not only covers me better but also gives me genuine peace of mind.

And here’s the cherry on top – the folks at Thai Expat Club even helped me set up a deferred payment plan until I was ready to foot the bill.

Based on my experience, I can’t recommend working with a broker enough. Next up, I’ll definitely be reaching out to Alan and the team to sort out coverage for my little one.

Insurance brokers like Alan bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They know the ropes, which means they can negotiate the best deal for you, tailored to your needs and budget.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the insurance options out there, do yourself a favor and get in touch with a broker. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects Wayne’s personal experience and is not financial or legal advice. Always consult with professionals before making any insurance decisions.

➤ Thai Expat Club offers access to affordable health and medical insurance for foreigners living, visiting, working or retiring in Thailand.  We deal almost exclusively with reputable companies such as Allianz Ayudhya, April, AXA, Cigna, Luma and Pacific Cross for a higher range of benefits at affordable prices.  We help clients avoid the confusion that 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 people money by offering a plan more closely matched to their lifestyle and budget.

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

Tel. 089-897-9437 or visit our website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

Why I decided to bite the bullet and get health insurance in Thailand at 71 years of age!

by

Robert’s story: –

Are you an expat living, or planning to live abroad without health insurance? Have you ever considered getting health insurance but have some reservations? Let me tell you why I, as a retired American expat living in Thailand, decided to bite the bullet and get health insurance at the age of 71.

Although I don’t need insurance for my visa, I am fully aware that my Medicare coverage in the US doesn’t cover me in Thailand, where I live for about 9 months per year. This means that if I were to have an unexpected health crisis here, such as an accident, stroke, or heart attack, I would not be covered. Moreover, I might not be in any condition to travel back to the US and would require treatment at a Thai hospital.

Why I took Inpatient only coverage

To address these concerns, I opted for inpatient-only coverage, which doesn’t include small incidental trips to the hospital that are treated as an outpatient visit. However, I am concerned about big-ticket items such as a heart attack or a stroke, which could ruin my financial stability and impact my retirement lifestyle. Unexpected medical emergencies are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the US, and I don’t want to rely on family members back home to bail me out.

The longer you wait, the more things can pop up on your medical history

As we all age, we can assume that something serious is likely to happen to us in the next 5-15 years. That’s why I suggest shopping around with different companies and comparing prices. It’s also better to get started earlier than I did, perhaps in your sixties. The longer you wait, the more things can pop up on your medical history, resulting in pre-existing conditions and subsequent exclusions on your policy.

Why I took a 40,00 THB (Approx $1,000 USD) deductible

I also decided to take a 40,000 baht deductible, which means that I will pay this amount first before making a claim for inpatient care over the course of one year. This, along with opting for inpatient-only coverage, made a big difference in my yearly premiums.

Be prepared to share your medical history

Lastly, be prepared to share your medical history with the insurance company. Certain providers may also require additional testing if they are concerned about areas of your health. The cost of these tests is sometimes reimbursed once you have paid your premium.

In conclusion, I hope that sharing my story will help you make an informed decision about your health insurance options. Here’s to your health!

➤ Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our team here at Thai Expat Club. We offer access to affordable health and medical insurance for foreigners living, visiting, working or retiring in Thailand.  We deal almost exclusively with reputable companies such as Aetna, Allianz Ayudhya, April, Cigna, Luma and Pacific Cross for a higher range of benefits at affordable prices.  We help clients 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 people money by offering a plan more closely matched to their lifestyle and budget.

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

Tel. 089-897-9435 or visit our website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

📢 Attention, Cigna Thailand Policy Holders!

by

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to inform you about an important update regarding your insurance coverage. As you may already know, the Chubb Group successfully acquired the accident and supplemental health business of Cigna Thailand on 1st July 2022. This amalgamation between Chubb Samaggi and Cigna Thailand was finalized on 1st March 2023, resulting in the closure of the Cigna Global Individual Health portfolio to new business.

Regrettably, policies taken with Cigna Thailand expiring on or after 1st July 2023 will not be automatically renewed and policyholders will be notified to explore other healthcare options. 

We understand that navigating through this transition period can be challenging. That’s why Thai Expat Club is pleased to offer FREE guidance and support to all Cigna Thailand customers.  We offer a range of convenient healthcare alternatives for you to consider, including switching or transferring from your existing Cigna Global Health Thailand plan to another Cigna Global Product (including Cigna Close Care) or transferring from your current Signature Care or Signature Care Plus plan to an equivalent healthcare plan with one of our other insurance partners in Thailand.

We aim to ensure that the transfer process is as straightforward for you as possible. Typically, it will require minimal documentation, such as your insurance renewal notice, certificate of insurance, a copy of your passport or ID card, and completion of a short form. Importantly, there is generally no waiting period or medical evaluation, and any exclusions or loading from your existing policy will be carried over. We aim to simplify the process and provide you with a seamless transition to a new reliable insurance plan.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team at Thai Expat Club. We are here to help you navigate through the challenges of finding the best solution when your Cigna Thailand Insurance policy comes up for renewal.

As a trusted partner, we work exclusively with reputable companies, such as Aetna, Allianz Ayudhya, April, AXA, Cigna, Luma, and Pacific Cross Health, offering a wide range of benefits at affordable prices.

You can reach us at 089-897-9435, or visit our website at https://thaiexpatclub.com/. We are committed to providing you with the support you need during this transition.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to assisting you.

Sincerely,

Alan Sutherland
Thai Expat Club

My health insurance renewal just increased in price. What are my options?

by

One of the biggest issues facing health insurance customers, companies and brokers at the moment is having to deal with the rising cost of insurance premiums, particularly health insurance renewals with most companies increasing premiums by a minimum of 8% or more this year.

Renewing your health insurance may not be the most exciting thing to do, but it is crucial for your financial and physical well-being. The cost of healthcare continues to rise, and without insurance, you could be left with an enormous medical bill. So, if you’ve received a renewal notice for your health insurance policy, don’t let it sit in your inbox or on your desk.  Get it out and let’s start by looking at the reasons why you took insurance in the first place

Having health insurance is important for many reasons including:

  1. Protection against rising healthcare costs
  2. Financial security for you and your family
  3. Access to quality healthcare
  4. Meeting the requirements of your visa (e.g. In Thailand insurance is required for a number of visa classes)
  5. Maintaining your coverage (e.g. If you let your health insurance lapse, it can be difficult to get coverage again)

No one appreciates having to pay more than they did last year for the same level of coverage and this, coupled with other financial pressures causes most of us to panic and immediately start looking to other insurance companies for lower prices.  However, shifting to another company based on price is generally not a good idea (unless you have had a serious issue with your existing company).  In this blog, we will identify a number of options you may wish to consider before deciding to move from your existing insurance provider to another cheaper provider.   

Like it or not, the main reason health insurance premiums continue to increase is due to inflation and the rising costs of healthcare. Unfortunately, there is very little we can do about this. In 2022, the global inflation rate was measured at approximately 8.8%, with some countries experiencing even higher rates. In addition, the cost of healthcare has been increasing by an average of 5-7% annually in Thailand and worldwide.   This leads to higher costs for insurance providers, hospitals and healthcare facilities, all the way down to the premiums individual policyholders pay at the end of each year.

Additionally, as you enter a new age band, your premiums may increase as insurance companies take into account the higher risk associated with older individuals (Adults over age 65 are more likely to encounter diseases related to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or more advanced chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.)

It’s important to note that while the increase in premiums may be a tough pill to swallow, it’s a necessary step to ensure that you continue to have access to quality healthcare and financial protection. Without this, your insurance company might become insolvent and all the payments you have paid to ensure your health and security in the future gone with it. Having said that, let’s take a look at some options to maintain your insurance.

4 ways to reduce the cost of your premium:

1. Taking a higher deductible:

If you’re willing to assume a greater share of the financial risk associated with your healthcare, you can consider taking a plan with a higher deductible. This means you’ll be responsible for paying more out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in, but you may benefit from lower premiums.

2. Reduce your area of coverage:

Opting for coverage in a smaller area, such as just your country or region, may lower your premiums. However, be sure to carefully consider your healthcare needs and any potential risks before making this decision.

3. Paying annually instead of monthly or half-yearly:

Some insurance providers may offer discounts if you choose to pay your premiums annually instead of in monthly or half-yearly installments. This can help you save money over the long term and simplify your budgeting.

4. Taking a plan with lower overall benefits which still meets your needs:

Another option to consider is taking a plan with lower overall benefits that still meets your healthcare needs. By choosing a policy with less extensive coverage, you may be able to reduce your premiums without sacrificing essential benefits.

By exploring these options and working with your insurance provider to find a solution that meets your needs and budget, you can help reduce the financial burden of your health insurance premiums. Remember, however, that it’s crucial to maintain adequate coverage to protect your health and financial well-being in the long run.

In addition to why you should renew your health insurance, it is important to note what may happen if you don’t renew your policy.

What can happen if I don’t renew my insurance:

1. You may lose your no-claim rebate

If you have been eligible for a no-claim rebate and don’t renew your policy, you may lose the rebate that you would have received. This rebate is typically offered to customers who have not made any claims in the previous year and is a valuable benefit that can help reduce the cost of your premiums.

2. Pre-existing conditions may not be covered

If you have a pre-existing medical condition under your current plan and choose not to renew, you may not be covered for that condition under a new insurance policy with a new company. Insurance companies typically require a waiting period before covering pre-existing conditions, and if you let your policy lapse, it is unlikely your new company will extend that waiting period or cover you for any illness or injury that occured while you were under your previous plan.  It is generally best to continue with your existing provider if you have a waiting period on a particular condition or if you received treatment for an illness or injury over the time of your existing plan.

3. Vulnerability to predatory pricing strategies

While it’s important to consider the cost of your health insurance policy, it’s also crucial to be aware of predatory pricing strategies. Some insurance companies may deliberately keep their prices low to attract customers, only to raise them significantly after the initial policy term has expired. This practice can leave you vulnerable to unexpected price increases in the future and may not be a sustainable option for the long term.

As healthcare costs continue to rise, it’s important to resist making any rash decisions or change insurance providers without carefully considering all of your options. Try to find a solution that meets your needs and budget without sacrificing benefits. By exploring the different options presented earlier, and working with your insurance provider, you can help reduce the financial burden of your health insurance premiums.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your health insurance premiums may continue to increase as you age or if you experience a change in your health status. If you have a chronic condition or require ongoing medical treatment, you may need to adjust your coverage accordingly.

It’s a good idea to review your health insurance policy annually to ensure that you have the right coverage for your current needs and budget.

➤ Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our team here at Thai Expat Club. Thai Expat Club offers access to affordable health and medical insurance for foreigners living, visiting, working or retiring in Thailand.  We deal almost exclusively with reputable companies such as Aetna, April, Cigna, Luma and Pacific Cross for a higher range of benefits at affordable prices.  We help clients 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 people money by offering a plan more closely matched to their lifestyle and budget.

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

Tel. 089-897-9437 or visit our website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

What are the new insurance requirements for foreigners applying for the O-A retirement visa to live in Thailand?

by

Last week Thai authorities announced a number of changes to the insurance requirements for foreigners applying for the Non-immigrant O-A (Long Stay) retirement visa. It seems some of the details are still being worked through, but most Thai Embassies have already begun implementing these changes (effective 1st October 2021) and many insurance companies in Thailand have already started updating their existing policies and developing new products in order to meet these requirements.

These rules differ depending on whether you are applying from your home country or whether you are already in Thailand renewing your visa. However, all foreigners applying for their first O-A retirement visa from overseas are now required to meet these new requirements. The new rules require applicants to maintain a health insurance policy that covers all kinds of medical treatment (both in-house patient and out-patient) including COVID-19 related treatment, with a minimum coverage of 3,000,000 THB, during the entire period of stay in Thailand. It seems the previous requirement to have Outpatient coverage of not less than 40,000 THB has either been upgraded or removed (This is a developing story – To be advised).

Foreigners currently residing in Thailand on an O-A retirement visa will be permitted to extend their visa under the old guidelines until the 31st of August 2022 (an insurance policy of 400,000 THB Inpatient coverage (including outpatient coverage of 40,000 THB). However, commencing 1st September 2022 onwards, ALL Long Stay Visa holders will be required to move to the new criteria – an insurance policy that provides 3 million THB Inpatient coverage which includes all kinds of medical treatment (both in-house patient and out-patient) including COVID-19.

At this stage, the easiest and most affordable solution for retirees applying from overseas is the LUMA Travel Pass. This plan already meets these minimum requirements and can be purchased online in 5 mins by any person aged 1-75 years of age. Although this insurance cannot be extended beyond 12 months this product is very affordable and offers a very convenient and accessible method to meet these requirements. Please see the following link…

Thai Travel Insurance – COVID insurance for expats traveling to Thailand

For persons already in Thailand and for persons 75 years and over, we offer a wide range of immigration compliant insurance products payable on an annual or monthly basis. These products come from a wide range of recognised companies including AETNA, AXA, April, Cigna, LMG, LUMA, Pacific Cross and Regency for Expats. Regardless of your age or health status, we offer a wide array of insurance options for families and retirees visiting or moving to Thailand.

Please contact Thai Expat Club / Health if you have any questions or require any further information regarding retirement or travel insurance for Thailand.

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

Website: https://thaiexpatclub.com/

Additional Links:

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Thai Expat Club makes no representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information. Information and opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. In particular, Thai Expat Club does not guarantee the accuracy of information related to immigration processes and requirements in this report nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of such information or opinions in this report. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions relating to visa transfers and migration to Thailand. All rights are reserved.
This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any person in any manner for any purpose without the permission of Thai Expat Club

Is now a good time to retire to Thailand (or should I wait for COVID-19 to be over)?

by

One common question we receive from clients planning to retire to Thailand is whether or not “now” is a good time to travel and retire in Thailand, or should I wait until the pandemic is over. The answer is never a simple yes or no as each person comes from a different part of the world. Some clients are coming from the US, others are coming from the UK (including Eastern Europe), and a smaller number are from countries such as Australia.

To help, we thought it might be useful to put together a list of pros and cons received as feedback from overseas visitors arriving here in quarantine from those countries. Hopefully, the feedback we received will help guide your decision making and address any concerns you might have about traveling or not traveling to Thailand at this time.

Pros

  1. Thailand is recognized as #1 in Asia (and #2 behind Australia globally) as one of the best countries in the world for their response to the COVID-19 epidemic. The Thai government has reportedly managed to contain the virus much better than other countries and with very low death rates (Thailand Business News). Something to consider if concerned about Thailand’s management of the crisis.
  2. Visas are still available for tourists to travel or retire to Thailand. Many other neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have either closed their borders to tourists or have very restricted entry. Latin American countries, such as Brazil, Ecuador, and Columbia, do not allow US tourists full stop. Unless you are a national from one of these countries, Thailand may be one of the few countries currently open to you as a foreigner seeking to retire.
  3. You currently do not need to have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to gain entry. This is likely to change soon given the likelihood that vaccination may well become a mandatory requirement to board an aircraft.  Whether or not it becomes a compulsory requirement in applying for a visa is yet to be seen. However, in terms of vaccination, it seems likely there will be more conditions placed on air travel in the future, rather than fewer restrictions.  Another reason why now might be a better time to travel than later.

Cons

  1. The paperwork.  Yes, there is a mound of paperwork and processes to go through including applying for a Certificate of Entry, Applying for Insurance, evidence of savings, evidence of income, booking a flight, negative COVID-19 test, and a doctor’s certificate 72 hrs before your flight. Communicating by email with the Thai embassy and all the different agencies involved is undoubtedly a challenge. This is unlikely to change in the short term and the introduction of the vaccine is only likely to add more paperwork in the future to what is already a time-consuming process. 
  2. You’ll miss the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.  Yes, this may be so but recognize that the first people to be vaccinated in your country will be front-line health care workers, hotel quarantine staff, followed by people in aged care, the elderly, and others at risk. It may be another 12 months before the vaccine is offered to the general population. If you are delaying plans to travel to Thailand simply to ensure you are in the queue for the vaccine, then you may be in for a long wait. Also, it is entirely probable that once the vaccine is rolled out that you will be able to purchase the vaccine in Thailand (Thailand will start rolling out the first 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca for emergency use this month). It’s quite probable you may end up with better access to the vaccine in Thailand on a paid-for basis than what might be possible in your own country.
  3. Risk management (I could pick up COVID-19 on the journey). You may think that traveling is dangerous and it’s safer to remain in your home country for the time being. For now, staying indoors, wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and distancing yourself from other people seems like the safest option. That may be true to some extent but it’s well known that transmission happens more easily in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation versus outdoors where the fresh air disperses the virus particles and people are more easily able to distance themselves from each other. If you’re in the US or the UK, you may be at a greater risk of exposure to the virus in your own country than being outdoors in Thailand.  It’s also important to realize that “you may leave your country behind but that doesn’t mean you also get to leave your fears behind.” To mitigate these risks you may choose to purchase a first-class ticket (for more personal space and less contact with other flyers and flight attendants who are attending to other passengers), stay at a more expensive hotel that provides a VIP taxi for one person from the airport, and find accommodation which allows 1 hour of outdoor activity each day by yourself, so as not to expose yourself to other travelers who could potentially be carrying the virus. It is agreed that now is not the time to travel to Thailand on the cheap but as pointed out earlier, Thailand is #1 in Asia for managing the COVID-19 epidemic and #2 in the world behind Australia so a high level of monitoring is provided once you enter the country, go through the airport and continue to quarantine. At least the risks can be mitigated and the price you are prepared to pay can reduce your exposure.  Whether or not you are prepared to pay more to mitigate the risks will differ greatly depending on your financial situation. This level of peace of mind may end up costing you more in the short term but this is unlikely to change soon. Not at least until a large percentage of the world has been vaccinated and worldwide travel returns to some kind of normality.

We recognize that whether you choose to retire to Thailand at this time or delay your plans until the world recovers from COVID-19 is very much a personal decision, but hopefully, the pros and cons laid out above have provided several key factors to consider. From someone on the ground, it seems quite clear that the likelihood of things returning to normal within the next 12 months is very small. Experts agree that it will be years before travel returns to anything near the normality it was in February 2020 when the virus first started to take its grip. 

Whatever you decide to do, you can count on Thai Expat Club/Health for help and support when it comes to getting the right health insurance plan to match your personal needs. 

If you have questions or require any further information, you can contact Thai Expat Club/Health by telephone or WhatsApp at +66 89-897-9435. 

Wishing you good health and safe travels.

Links:

https://www.thailand-business-news.com/health/79522-thailand-ranks-2nd-world-best-country-for-recovering-from-covid-19-epidemic.html
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/health/82409-thailand-approves-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine-for-emergency-use.html

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Thai Expat Club makes no representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of the information or opinions in this report. Information and opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions relating to travel to Thailand. All rights are reserved.