Thai Expat Health Insurance

Health solutions for foreigners working in Thailand

Insurance

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

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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!

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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!

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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?

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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/

Health insurance for retirees in Thailand – Updated

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So you’ve made the decision to retire in Thailand and want to know your options regarding medical insurance.  You’ll be pleased to know that Thailand offers extremely high standards of medical care and is equipped to deliver even the most complex procedures.  However, in order to access these quality healthcare services, you’ll need private health insurance.

The good news is the costs are about half the amount you might pay for equivalent medical insurance in America, Australia or the UK.  There is also a range of options for health insurance plans starting with accident insurance for a mere $100 a year up to medical insurance with a full range of benefits at around $6,000 per year. Most of these health insurance policies are also international, meaning that your coverage extends to overseas travel or travel back to your home country for one to two months a year when you choose to return to catch up with family or friends.

Whilst health insurance for retirees is relatively affordable in Thailand it’s important to understand the restrictions insurance companies place on the starting age.  For example, people enrolling with Aetna before 60 or younger are guaranteed renewal for life and those enrolling between the ages 61 and 64 will be renewed to age 70.  If you are 65 yrs and miss the cut-off age for Aetna we offer options with our other insurance providers such as Cigna, Luma Health and Pacific Cross.   You can choose to include a deductible (meaning you pay any medical bills up to an agreed amount) which helps to offset the cost of the premium.  There are also discounts each year should you remain claim free in the previous 12 months which also helps offset your annual premium considerably.  However, it’s best to start your insurance before 70 years of age to keep premiums down.  It’s even better if you can start before 60 years of age to ensure any treatment or conditions you encounter in your 60s (while you are insured) continue to be covered by insurance as you enter your 70s, 80s and 90s.

While some insurance providers require a medical examination for new applicants 65 years and over (Pacific Cross requires a medical examination for new applicants 65 years of age and over), other companies such as Cigna and Luma usually require little more than a medical history or records of treatment.  Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that can be controlled, but not cured are considered “pre-existing conditions” and will not be covered, just as a private insurance provider would not cover them in your home country.  However, cases of acute medical treatment which occurred more than 5 years ago will generally be okay.

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/

Useful Links

Medical Insurance in Thailand – Thai Retirement Helpers: Retiring in Thailand Made Easy (thailandretirementhelpers.com)

Health Insurance in Thailand – Thailand Retirement

Applying for a Retirement Visa for Thailand during COVID-19

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If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely interested in traveling to Thailand over the COVID-19 period and wondering what visa option is best for you. Particularly if you’re considering applying for a retirement visa from your home country, then this is for you.

After visiting the Thai Embassy website, you will discover that there are a number of visa options available, including the standard ‘O’ category retirement visa for persons over 50 years of age. The requirements are pretty much the same as previously published except for one additional insurance requirement – applicants now need to have health insurance to cover a minimum of 100,000 USD which includes coverage for COVID-19. This is in addition to the previous requirement to have health insurance which includes a minimum 400,000 THB for Inpatient and 40,000 THB coverage for Outpatient visits.

https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/17/oalongstay/

One of the main issues is that if you apply for the retirement visa from your home country you will need to pay for 12 months of health insurance upfront to obtain an insurance policy that meets the above requirements. The process of obtaining insurance usually takes 10-14 days. You must then present your insurance coverage certificate to the Thai embassy in your home country in order to obtain the Certificate of Entry (COE). As well, you will need to have confirmed booking at an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Facility, and a booking on a repatriation flight which might not be available from your country for another month or so. Even then flights may be cancelled, and a new booking required after you have applied for your visa. All of this affects the amount of time your insurance policy remains valid after you have paid the premium and submitted the insurance certificate to the embassy to obtain your COE. The longer it takes for you to acquire the visa and COE in your home country, the less time you will have remaining on your insurance policy.

So, getting back to the question of whether it’s better to apply for an O-A retirement visa in your home country or after you arrive in Thailand. Provided you are 50-74 years of age, one option is to apply for a Tourist Visa from your home country first (60 days + 30 days extendable) or Special Tourist Visa (If available) then apply for the retirement visa after you arrive in Thailand.

For a Tourist Visa, you only need to have a 90-day travel insurance policy which you can easily purchase by going to our website https://thaitravelinsurance.com/travel-plans/. This policy (Luma Thailand Pass), for persons 1-74 years of age, includes cover for COVID-19 to $100,000 USD and meets the Thai government requirements for both the Tourist and Retirement visa. It can be issued in 5 minutes which is a huge advantage over other forms of insurance coverage. It is also well known to Thai Embassies and so is readily accepted.

Once in Thailand, you can apply for a 3-month non-O visa, then the 1-year retirement visa extension through any number of visa agents here. Also, once you have decided on the most appropriate visa for your extended stay, you are welcome to contact us again and purchase a full comprehensive in-country insurance policy (The Luma Thailand Pass cannot be extended) to cover the length of your new visa as required by the Thai government. It seems the government has relaxed on an earlier requirement to start the process of applying for a 90-day non-immigrant visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. I would encourage you to do your own research but the visa agents we discussed this option with, inform us that it is indeed possible.

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.

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

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

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.