Thai Expat Health Insurance

Health solutions for foreigners working in Thailand

Thailand

Get Insurance for the Corona Virus (COVID-19) quickly and easily through Thai Expat Club

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Two of the most frequent questions received over the past few weeks include;

  • Does my existing policy cover me for Corona Virus (COVID-19)?
  • Where can I buy additional coverage for the Corona Virus (COVID-19) in Thailand?

Firstly all of the personal medical insurance (PMI) policies we offer are through reputable, well-established Insurance companies such as AETNA, APRIL, CIGNA, LMG, LUMA. PMI Insurance offered through all of these companies includes coverage for the Corona Virus as well as other viral infections. On the other hand, most standard Travel Insurance companies do not extend cover to viral outbreaks or pandemics. For example, World Nomads announced the Corona Virus as an exclusion to their policy when the virus reached epidemic (now pandemic) proportions on the 23rd January 2020.

Although many insurance providers have their front offices closed most continue to offer excellent online phone and email services for sales and claims processing. APRIL for example offers a certificate to show their policies are valued at 100,000 USD and include cover for the Corona Virus. This certificate is now required by the Thai government for persons traveling into Thailand. AETNA also provides an online Doctors Service and advice for policyholders seeking support over this period. In addition to offering excellent coverage some of our insurers such as LUMA and Cigna are also posting tips and advice on avoiding the virus and what to do in case you may be showing symptoms.

So where can I buy additional coverage for the Corona Virus? Initially several Thai Banks such as SCB and Life Insurance companies in Thailand were offering minimal rebate based coverage. However they have quickly ceased doing this. The only company I am aware of at the time of writing is Frank.co.th. For 450 THB or 850 THB expats in Thailand on a Work Permit can buy 50,000 THB or 100,000 THB worth of coverage. There is a 14 day waiting period and the claim is paid post-treatment. Also while this insurance is not open to retirees or persons staying here on a long term visa it is still useful in providing some relief to expats who work in Thailand and hold a work permit. (Please see link below if you wish to purchase this insurance).

Special-offer-for-COVID-19 Campaign Frank

DISCLAIMER:

  • The insured person MUST RESIDE IN THAILAND during the time of policy issuance (In case of a foreigner, He/She must reside in Thailand longer than 6 months and Passport and WORK PERMIT documents will be required )
  • If your policy number has already been issued, NO REFUNDS are allowed.
  • 14 days waiting period
  • Enter: CRPARTNER5 at the payment page to receive your 5% discount

Thai Expat Club recommends purchasing full personal medical insurance to provide the greatest level of security and financial protection. For non-Thai citizens who need to go to a private hospital you will be asked to produce your insurance card or evidence that you have the means to pay. In some cases the hospital may even withhold your passport making it more important than ever before to have quality medical insurance as an Expat in Thailand.

Thai Expat Club 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 days and coverage can begin as soon as payment is received.

Contact us today if you need additional information or have any further questions

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

Useful Links:

https://www.frank.co.th/en/corona-virus-insurance
https://www.worldnomads.com/countrydomain/row/help/insurance/recent-events/travel-alert-coronavirus-january-2020#Alert

The cost of medical treatment in Thailand

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Thailand is ranked as the 3rd most popular country in the world for medical tourism with cost savings of 50 to 75 per cent compared to the US. There are over 1,000 hospitals in Thailand, of which over 470 are private. Thailand’s advantage is its low cost and the high quality of medical treatment provided by Thai private hospitals. To date, 42 hospitals in Thailand have been accredited by the JCI which is considered the gold standard in health care. See table below.

Major surgeries
Cost comparison of major surgeries between US, Singapore and Thailand (in US$)From data provided by medicaltourism.com
ProcedureUSSingaporeThailand
Heart bypass123,00017,20015,000
Heart valve replacement170,00016,90017,200
Angioplasty28,20013,4004,200
Hip replacement40,36413,90017,000
Knee replacement35,00016,00014,000
Source: http://medicaltourism.com/Forms/price-comparison.aspx (Prices as of 2016)

While it may be true that Thailand is significantly lower in terms of the cost of medical treatment compared with the United States and Singapore treatment options and procedures can still be expensive. Whether or not you are living in Thailand as an expat, visiting Thailand as a tourist or coming here specifically for medical treatment it is vitally important that you have insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in the case of unforeseen illness or accident.

For example, many tourists coming here suffer an unexpected motorcycle accident which can run anywhere from 200,000 THB to 2 million THB (US$6,000 to US$60,000).

Please see the following table for more recent costs of other common illnesses, accidents and medical services at different hospitals in Bangkok.

Illness / Accident / ServiceTreatmentAverage Cost / Range (in US$)
Dengue feverThe seriousness of Dengue and length of stay can vary from case to case – Average 3-day admissionAverage: $1,200
Range: $650 to $2,500
Motor cycle accidentAdmission after an accident involving fractured shoulder/upper arm/ broken femur to a serious accident involving head trauma, ICU or cranial surgeryAverage: $6,000
Range: $6,000 to $60,000
Normal birthVaginal delivery including prenatal careAverage: $2,000
Range: $1,300 to $2,300
Caesarean BirthIncluding surgery, 2-3 days admission and prenatal careAverage: $3,000
Range: $2,000 – $4,000
Hospice and palliative care costMonthly CareAverage: $1,750
Range: $1,500 to $2,000
MedivacDomestic transport from somewhere inside Thailand to a hospital in BangkokAverage: $11,000
Range: $8,500 to $12,000
General Health ScreeningThe price can vary depending on what’s included in the actual package.Average: $500
Range: $400 – $800
Organ transplantThere are some restrictions in place in Thailand for organ transplants, e.g. organ needs to come from a relative.Average: $30,000 +
Source: Information provided by Euro-Center Bangkok 2017

Without adequate health insurance, it is clear that the cost of any illness, accident or associated medical service has the potential to wipe out your savings and leave you with few options in terms of care and quality of treatment. Having adequate insurance not only provides great peace of mind but also ensures access to quality treatment for you and your family.

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 APRIL, AETNA, BUPA, LMG, MSH, William Russell and NZI 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 you money by offering a plan which is more closely matched to your 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

www.health-tourism.com/thailand-medical-tourism
www.health-tourism.com/hospitals-thailand
www.keyvisathailand.com/top-10-hospitals-in-thailand
medicaltourism.com/Forms/price-comparison.aspx
www.frankit.in/blog/5-best-countries-for-medical-tourism

www.worldatlas.com/articles/leading-causes-of-death-in-thailand.html

Also check out this useful guide for medical tourists on the best ways to save money, how to prepare for the trip, and the cost of major procedures in various countries.

Making Healthcare More Affordable: Traveling Overseas for Medical Procedures

Health insurance for retirees in Thailand

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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 health care 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 cover extends to overseas travel or travel back to your home country one to two months a year when you feel the need 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 Bupa 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 Bupa we offer options with our other insurance providers (MSH and NZI).   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 none of our providers require a medical examination in order to take insurance they may sometimes require a medical history in cases of people applying over 65 yrs of age.  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 they would not be covered by a private insurance provider 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 AXA, BUPA, LMG, MSH and NZI 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 which is 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
http://www.thailandretirementhelpers.com/medical-insurance-in-thailand/
http://www.thailand-retirement.net/health-insurance-in-thailand.html

How much does it cost to stay in a private hospital in Thailand?

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One of the most important things to know when seeking health insurance is how much it costs for a private room in a Thai private Hospital should you find yourself in need of overnight treatment or long term hospitalisation.   The information is important because it relates directly to the level of coverage a customer needs to purchase.  No one wants to land up in hospital and find they have insufficient means to cover daily room, board and nursing fees.  Having some knowledge of this will help guide you in your decision as to what level of coverage you should have versus the premium you can afford or feel comfortable with.

The following with give you some idea of what you might expect to pay for a private room in various hospitals throughout Thailand (prices given are for daily room, board, nursing charge and Thai food).   Should you choose treatment in one of the better-known international hospitals like Bumrungrad (11,200 thb), Bangkok Nursing Home (8,650 thb), Samitivej Sukhumvit (7,040 thb) or Bangkok General Hospital (7,590 thb) then you will pay significantly more than if you are admitted to one of the smaller hospitals like the Payathai group (5,685 thb), St Louis (4,500 thb), Vibhavadi (4,100 thb) or Bangkok Christian hospital (3,950 thb).  You will also find the room and board charges at hospitals outside Bangkok such as Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (4,200), Pattaya International Hospital (5,000 thb), Bangkok Hospital Phuket (4,000 thb), Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai (3,870 – promotion) and Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin (6,240) significantly less than the cost of staying in at their partner hospitals in the capital.  All these hospitals have English-speaking staff and are considered to offer high-quality hospital care.

It really does pay to ask your agent or do your own research before making a decision. Having insurance obviously makes things easier and you will generally find hospitals quite accommodating.  However, having some knowledge of the minimum cost of care will help you in your decision-making and ensure you are not in for a nasty surprise in the unfortunate event you are hospitalised or find yourself admitted overnight.

*Note:  Hospital charges are accurate as of March 2016 and are subject to change as well as hospital discounts or promotions

Thai Expat Club offers access to affordable health and medical insurance for foreigners living, visiting or working in Thailand. We deal almost exclusively with Bupa and NZI 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 which is 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:

thaiexpathealth.com