TotallyOz Posted July 14, 2009 Posted July 14, 2009 A friend asked me about medical coverage if they live in LOS. I gave them the information that I have used which is Traveler Jim's Insurance. He was looking for more comprehensive insurance. Any suggestions? One friend suggested Bupa. Any information on it? Costs? Reliability? Other options? Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted July 14, 2009 Posted July 14, 2009 A friend asked me about medical coverage if they live in LOS. I gave them the information that I have used which is Traveler Jim's Insurance. He was looking for more comprehensive insurance. Any suggestions? One friend suggested Bupa. Any information on it? Costs? Reliability? Other options? There is a Thai guy who sells insurance. I can't remember his name, but Pattaya Players would know because he usually has a table set up at performances. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 I am not sure of your friend's age or financial status. One of the most comprehensive plans for 'expats' who live overseas is the International Healthcare Plan run by Goodhealth, which in turn is owned by Aetna. Policies are worldwide (with elective surgery in the USA about the only exclusion) and the total coverage per annum is larger than you'll need here. Reflecting that, premiums are based on where you live (so Thailand is a little cheaper than Singapore, for example). But it is ideal if you travel and also want coverage during trips to other parts of the world. It is therefore more expensive than a plan for coverage exclusively here in Thailand. In Asia it has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Jakarta, but not Bangkok. http://www.goodhealthworldwide.com/ Quote
2lz2p Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 BUPA has an office on Sukhumvit Road - going North it is on left just past Pattaya Nua (North Road). Several of my friends have a policy with them. I obtained one for the bf. One Australian friend has had several medical problems and his experience has been good with most of his bills covered. In getting any Thai insurance policy, be aware they will generally not cover pre-existing conditions. An American friend approached BUPA and noted he was taking Lipitor to control cholesterol - they agreed to insure, but wanted to exclude any heart related problems. He declined and obtained health insurance from another company (agent he used is mentioned below - they are a broker and can advise on several different insurance companies). Age is also a factor - some Thai insurance companies will not cover beyond a certain age. Also, check the exclusions, e.g., most Thai health insurance companies exclude coverage for any liver ailments. AA INSURANCE BROKERS CO., LTD. 565/62 Moo 10 (Next to Big C, South Pattaya), Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20260 Phone: 038 415 795-6 Fax: 038 374 251 Email: info@aainsure.net Web: www.aainsure.net Quote
Guest HeyGay Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 All very well…But the problem many are having, who have been publicized lately and others who you don’t know, I have spoken to or been told about, who think they are well covered with Ruby or Gold Coverage Health Insurance, it may state your covered by 5 million Dollar scheme, but when you read the small print normally, when you have had the heart attack or as Mick from Cafe Royal or Gay Pattayan Allen, is finding, a stroke, aneurism or what ever it may be, that keeps you in hospital quite a while, the Hospitals will weigh the Bill down, then you find your really only Insured for say 50,000 per admittance or illness. So read the small print. Some say Traveler Jims policies are very expensive for the over 65 year olds, but may be, he has more payout if you’re a long term patient or have Cancer or HIV or whan ever is going to take a lot of money to get you back on your feet again. A guy I know ran out of coverage with his Insurance here,he found him self in Chom buri hospital... they just about killed him off basically, they left him to Die, if you have no money, you will get next to no help as far as Medicine or drugs are concerned there, they say its best you die so if you find your self in Chom buri get back to your own country as quick as you can or you never will get there again. The older you are, as many living in Thailand are getting to be over 65 the more expensive it becomes. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted July 15, 2009 Posted July 15, 2009 So read the small print I suggest you also look at the likely forward premiums. As long as my policy chugged along with only relatively modest increases each year, I paid little attention to it. But when I hit 60, I was socked with a really major increase in the premium. I also realised too late that the jumps on the 65th and 70th birthdays will be as bad, if not worse. Quote
Guest Posted July 18, 2009 Posted July 18, 2009 Thanks. I gave the links to my friend and he has been reading all of their sites and reviews. He found one called: http://www.healthcareinternational.com Anyone heard of this one? I can't seem to find reviews, etc. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted July 18, 2009 Posted July 18, 2009 IMG IMG is another option. If buying this coverage it's best to do it thru Traveler Jim. That way you get the value added of a good agent paying the same premium going direct. Traveler Jim Quote
Guest travelerjim Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 IMG IMG is another option. If buying this coverage it's best to do it thru Traveler Jim. That way you get the value added of a good agent paying the same premium going direct. Traveler Jim Thank you Astrrro... GT and friends, Yes, I now do have IMG - International Medical Group.. and its offerings of international health insurance is comprehensive ... with many policy choices to suit one's needs. Please visit this link and IMG's policy choices will appear... If anyone has any questions about their personal need for health insurance, please pm me and I can chat with you by phone, by e-mail, pm or let's have a a meeting over coffee.. The IMG policies I offer are comprehensive and affordable. Let me help you learn of your choices based upon your need for health insurance. I will be updating my website to offer the IMG policies... until then please use this link...as it is not on my website yet. I am here to help. Thanks again, TravelerJim My link to IMG: http://www.imglobal.com/insurance_plans.cfm?imgac=231894 Quote
Guest Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Jim, what would you say the main difference in with the 2 companies you are dealing with? Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Thanks for your advice travelerjim. This is such a key topic for so many people. My present plan with Goodhealth has been excellent, but as I am now firmly based in Thailand and expect to be doing less travelling from next year on, not only do I think I am over-insured, but the future premiums are now starting to look frightening. I'd like to make a change before it's too late to do so. Both the IMG and the Healthcare International policies look interesting, as their premiums are about half what I pay for what I think I need. But I always get confused when comparing policies because they all have what seem to be slight differences which may turn eventually out to be not so slight! For example, the silver IMG plan limits hospitalization room and board to US$600/day and intensive care at S1,500/day up to a certain number of days. Although I have lived here for most of the last 8 years, I have never required hospitalization and have no idea of the cost. It does seem, though, that these limits are more than adequate for even private accommodation at the best hospitals. HealthcareInternaitonal, on the other hand, reimburses 100% of costs provided you haven't over-spent the limit of the policy of between US$500,000 and $2million per annum. IMG works on a lifetime of benefits of between US$5 million and $8 million. Is that likely to be enough if you have 20 - 30 years of life expectation ahead of you. The other concern we'd all have is the financial health of the insurers. You have kindly offered to provide advice on a one-to-one basis, for which many thanks. Unfortunately, I am in Bangkok and do not get to Pattaya much. But I was thinking. Since this is an issue of interest to so many people, would you consider giving a short general talk on the various options available to those living here in Bangkok. I am sure those interested would not only pass the word around but contribute to cover your costs - I certainly will. Having then had the overview, you could either meet with everyone individually - or continue the discussion by phone and email. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Btw-IMG is one of the few international policies that covers HIV as long as it's not a pre-existing condition. Quote
Guest travelerjim Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Dear GT friends, Please be patient... I will be pleased to post responses to your good questions about international health insurance in the coming days. At this time, my time is devoted to the care of the Gay Pattayan, Allen Briggs....as Allen was admitted to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital Emergency Room shortly after midnight... this early Monday morning...July 20th. He is being cared for in ICU and will be transferred to a ward this afternoon. More later, Thank you. tj ' Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Please be patient... Take all the time you need. Your looking after Allen is much more valuable use of your time. Quote
KhorTose Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Dear GT friends, Please be patient... I will be pleased to post responses to your good questions about international health insurance in the coming days. At this time, my time is devoted to the care of the Gay Pattayan, Allen Briggs....as Allen was admitted to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital Emergency Room shortly after midnight... this early Monday morning...July 20th. He is being cared for in ICU and will be transferred to a ward this afternoon. More later, Thank you. tj ' I have almost the same problem as fountainhall, but I can easily see that you are needed elsewhere at this time. Do whatever you can for Allen. I am sure that all of us who have read his PG weekly report and those of you who knew him are wishing for the best possible outcome for Allen, and you are to be commended for being there for him. Only when you have time, do come back. Quote
Guest topjohn5 Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 Hi, Since I'm moving there in August and love insurance.....I have spent untold hours studying it (and I'm not done yet).....and happy to answer by PM any info I have uncovered if you like. Here is a web site of a farang that is an ex-agent who works with his Thai wife who is an agent. He has lived in Thailand for 20 years and answers all the farang insurance questions fairly promptly. He has been a great resource for me as is his very complete web site. Make sure before you buy health insurance that you consider getting it at a discount through some group instead of individually. I am doing that as most of the groups have no membership fees so all you really get is a lower price.....and some security of the group. By the way, he handles the Ajarn (teachers in Thailand web site) group policy which is where I learned about him. I'm not getting that policy but I did connect with him there. His name is Tony Dabbs and he is at http://www.e-insurethailand.com Also, most types of insurance are available in Thailand that are available elsewhere. There are some twists to them however. Pre-existing conditions are not easy to cover (without paying a lot and getting an international policy as was mentioned) and if you are over 60 your choices are fewer....and fewer still at 65. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted July 23, 2009 Posted July 23, 2009 Hi, Since I'm moving there in August and love insurance.....I have spent untold hours studying it (and I'm not done yet)..... I also spent many hours studying my health insurance options. I chose IMG which is offered by both Tony and Traveler Jim. The premium is identical no matter who the agent is so some of you may wish to keep your money within the gay community. Jim seems to be the kind of guy who will provide service above and beyond the call of duty. I also looked at the Pacific Cross policy offered by Tony who has a good reputation in the expat community. But crunching the numbers cannot alone lead you to the best decision. An important factor is whether the company will actually pay out on your claim. You really don't know till it happens but I felt a little more comfortable with an insuarnce company domiciled in Indiana than one from Somoa. IMG covers HIV from Day 1 as long as it's not prexisting and IMG is renewable for life. IMG is also cheaper. So I suppose I'm missing something because IMG seems so much better. I am curious as to what you guys think of Pacific Cross or other high end plans such as AXA and LMG. One thing I do know is that IMG has speedy underwriting. They notified me by email that my doctor had not faxed the results of my latest physical to them and when I followed up my policy was approved at standard rates a half hour after the receipt of my doctor's fax. But the real test may not for be 20 years when I submit a big claim. Quote
Guest travelerjim Posted August 28, 2009 Posted August 28, 2009 Thanks for your advice travelerjim. This is such a key topic for so many people. Both the IMG and the Healthcare International policies look interesting, as their premiums are about half what I pay for what I think I need. But I always get confused when comparing policies because they all have what seem to be slight differences which may turn eventually out to be not so slight! You have kindly offered to provide advice on a one-to-one basis, for which many thanks. Unfortunately, I am in Bangkok and do not get to Pattaya much. But I was thinking. Since this is an issue of interest to so many people, would you consider giving a short general talk on the various options available to those living here in Bangkok. I am sure those interested would not only pass the word around but contribute to cover your costs - I certainly will. Having then had the overview, you could either meet with everyone individually - or continue the discussion by phone and email. Thank you for your patience. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and any others interested in Bangkok and / or Pattaya. Please pm me and we can set a date and time mutually convenient...preferably during weekdays Tuesday-Thursday. The IMG - International Medical Group - policies I offer, in my opinion, are excellent choices for the Expatriate and world traveler on holiday as well worldwide. For those interested, if you will kindly pm me your date of birth and home country, and whether you are an Expatriate residing outside your home country, or how often you travel, etc, I will be pleased to e-mail available policy choices and quotes for your review prior to our meeting. Also, if you have preexisting conditions, please tell me. You can see the policies available at this link: http://www.imglobal.com/insurance_plans.cfm?imgac=231894 Thanks again! tj Quote
Guest travelerjim Posted August 28, 2009 Posted August 28, 2009 Jim, what would you say the main difference in with the 2 companies you are dealing with? GT, thank you for your patience in waiting for a reply. The IMG policy choices which are now available offer you a wide range of policies to select from. All from a quality company with excellent financial ratings and wonderful customer service worldwide with prompt claims handling experiences. For example, the IMG policies are now available at this link: http://www.imglobal.com/insurance_plans.cfm?imgac=231894 and for the world traveler as you, the Global Medical Insurance Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted August 28, 2009 Posted August 28, 2009 The underwriter will wish to see the results of an annual physical exam done within the past two years... The IMG underwriters are extremely efficient. First off he contcated me by email, my preferred choice of communication. The USA doc who had given me the physical faxed the info to the wrong number and the IMG underwriter notified me by email that it still was not received. Other questions I had were promptly answered by email. Then about a half an hour after the receipt of the physical I was approved. This contrasts sharply with two polices I applied for in the States. In one case I was declined (WTF, I'm a healthy guy) and I never heard back form the bother company so I told the agent to cancel the app. It was very difficult to get thru to the cmpanies with endless phone trees etc. So I give IMG underwriting an A+. Of course the true test is whether or not claims are handled fairly and efficently and I may not know that for years as I chose a relatively large deductible in order to lower the premium. In my case, I want to insure against the big stuff, but don't mind paying out of pocket for the little things. I spent lots of time going over various options and in the end found IMG with the added value of Traveler Jim the way to go for me. Quote
firecat69 Posted August 28, 2009 Posted August 28, 2009 Jim Quick question.. Until what age is the IMG or other plan renewable. Many plans don't allow you to renew past an age that many of us now live to. Quote
Guest travelerjim Posted August 29, 2009 Posted August 29, 2009 Jim Quick question.. Until what age is the IMG or other plan renewable. Many plans don't allow you to renew past an age that many of us now live to. I can write IMG policies even at ages 80+... pm or e-mail me with your age... and I will send you quotes on available policies. Thanks! tj. Quote
firecat69 Posted August 29, 2009 Posted August 29, 2009 I can write IMG policies even at ages 80+... pm or e-mail me with your age... and I will send you quotes on available policies. Thanks! tj. Jim, Sent you a PM Quote
Guest Posted August 29, 2009 Posted August 29, 2009 Jim, The plan you recommended for me is a bit more than 500 a month for the 8,000,000 lifetime with no deductible. I don't think a bad price. Do you have to get permission before a visit to a doctor or a hospital? Last week I had a foot injury. I went to Bumregrad in Bangkok. I went to Emergency room and then they took X-Ray and then met with a foot doctor. I think the total cost around 5k baht. If I had this insurance plan, 1. Would I have had to have preapproval? 2. Would I have to pay at the hospital and then get reimbursed or would the hospital take the coverage? 3. Would they deny any part of my expenses? Lastly, I travel a great deal to Brazil as you know. Is this plan the same for all countries? And, if I am visiting family in the USA would the answers to the 3 questions above be the same? Thanks. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted August 29, 2009 Posted August 29, 2009 Good questions GT; I'm also interested in the response. One additional quetion Jim, is the deductible on a calendar year or policy year basis? Quote
