Another Medical Insurance (Or Lack Thereof) Question

[Bob]

Rather than string out the other thread on medical insurance, I'm wondering if any of you expats living in Thailand now are choosing not to buy separate medical insurance (relying on whatever insurance you have via your home country).

 

I have medical insurance here in the states and, while it's expensive, I simply won't go without it. My policy (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) states that it will reimburse within its guidelines for policy holders obtaining covered treatments in other countries (including Thailand) although they request you notify them via their website and they'll recommend a given hospital, etc. (for example, they approve of Chiangmai Ram in Chiangmai - and I'll be in Chiangmai and I personally like that hospital, having been there a couple of times with Thai friends).

 

I'm about to start a 7-month sojourn in Chiangmai and I'm undecided as to whether to buy additional insurance for two reasons. First, I've already have the coverage and, while the reimbursement deal from Blue Cross would probably be a hassle, I can handle that part. Second, I'm generally in good health and medical care in Thailand is relatively inexpensive (for example, I spent a day and a half in a private room in Sao Paulo Hospital in Hua Hin and the entire cost - five IV's, doctor's visits, rooms, and the drugs from the pharmacy they gave me when I left - totalled $379.00 (US). [Hell, here in the states, that day and a half would have been over 10 grand!].

 

So, I'm wondering - any of you going bare (meaning not obtaining additional "international" health insurance)for the same reasons?

[mahjongguy]

I recommend that you verify with your insurance company that they will fully cover you for your extended stay.

 

Many policies only provide urgent care if you are overseas for any period longer than a typical vacation (i.e. 30 days).

 

I've lived here for 5 years and I get by just fine with my single U.S. provider, but that's because I use my Thai address. I am not travelling.

[2lz2p]

I have lived in Thailand 7 years and have only my US health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield - Federal Program). Each BCBS program can be different on the coverage it provides. My BCBS program, provides a separate claim form and a specific claim center to mail the form. I know of another individual that had a BCBS program from his California employer that carried over into retirement which continued to cover him here.

 

In my case I pay the hospital and then file a claim for reimbursement - takes about 4 to 6 weeks to get the check (mailed to my US address). In the case of the other individual, as I recall, he has obtained a "guarantee" faxed to hospital here in Thailand. I can have that done if necessary by my BCBS program (800 number 24/7 operation - I have it on file with my record at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya).

 

I have not considered getting a Thai health insurance policy for myself because it would not cover me for pre-existing conditions.

[Bob]

Thanks for the replies. It appears I am covered although, to be safe, I've asked for a written letter from BC/BS just to verify that. If I need any hospitalization (I'm not going to bother with routine medical stuff as I'll pay for that), I'll seek reimbursement via the international claim form. Hopefully, that will work (or, better yet, I won't need to try it out).

[dapitt]

My policy (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) states that it will reimburse within its guidelines for policy holders obtaining covered treatments in other countries (including Thailand.....

 

I'm about to start a 7-month sojourn in Chiangmai and I'm undecided as to whether to buy additional insurance for two reasons. First, I've already have the coverage and, while the reimbursement deal from Blue Cross would probably be a hassle, I can handle that part. Second, I'm generally in good health and medical care in Thailand is relatively inexpensive.....

While it is still a couple of years longer before time for my permanent relocation to Chiang Mai, I'm viewing it the same as you, Bob. I also verified with the Human Resources office at my workplace that, indeed, by BCBS policy will be in full effect in Thailand. And, it's good reassurance to know that others are successfully following the same path.

[Bob]

I would note that, while I'm hoping that "in network" coverage applies, it might be "out of network" coverage (which provides somewhat less coverage). I'll advise once BC/BS responds in writing to me.

[Gaybutton]

I just spoke with a friend of mine who needed some minor surgery done, but it was emergency surgery due to an accident. He has the BUPA Blue Cross and Medicare in the USA. The accident happened in Pattaya.

 

According to his story, BUPA Blue Cross requires a separate form for each individual bill. There were 8 bills, and these are not quick, short forms. He was told that before his claim will be paid he has to make a claim through Medicare. He explained that Medicare won't cover him outside of the USA. They said they are aware of that, but before they can process his claim he has to receive a rejection from Medicare.

 

He contacted Medicare. Naturally, they too require a separate form for each bill.

 

By the time he gets the forms filled out, gets them sent to Medicare, receives a rejection from Medicare, submits another set of forms to Blue Cross,and finally gets his claim paid he'll be lucky if we're still in the same century.

[Bob]

When you refer to BUPA, I presume you're talking about BUPA Thailand.

 

I reviewed their coverage and, part of that, I looked at their reimbursement form available on their website. Presuming your friend had in-hospital care/surgery, it looks to me that he only has to file one reimbursement form (there's a multiple line section for multiple bills) and an attending physician document (a separate form) as well as copies of the itemized bills. It didn't appear to me that he has to have separate reimbursement forms for each bill.

 

I'd note that the international blue cross reimbursement form also has a section for multiple bills/providers so it looks like only one reimbursement form is needed. You can see the form on their international website.

[Gaybutton]

It didn't appear to me that he has to have separate reimbursement forms for each bill.

All I know is this is what he told me after speaking to their representative on the telephone.

[Guest Astrrro]

Every Blue Cross plan is different.

 

So Blue Cross Michigan may have different rules than Blue Cross Florida or Blue Cross Federal.

 

While the folks ay Blue Worldwide can be helpful to some degree, they CANNOT answer questions about specific Blue plans.

[2lz2p]

I obtained BUPA for my bf. Also, several of my expat friends here have BUPA Thailand insurance. If you go to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, you need not file a claim. The BUPA card will generally get you admitted without a deposit required (but on two occasions, I was asked to sign as guarantor of payment - in case BUPA denied coverage). On check out, the cashier may tell you the amount, if any, you need to pay that BUPA did not - or, as it happened to us, they had not received confirmation from BUPA on the amount they would pay by time the bf was ready to check out of the hospital - I was asked to pay the entire bill and told they would refund any amount that BUPA later paid. I was called an hour after we got home to come pick up the refund - the entire amount I had paid - BUPA had covered the entire bill. The bf also had some emergency room treatment - those d*mn motorcycles - when we left, we got a copy of the hospital bill from the cashier - paid nothing ourselves.

[Guest Astrrro]

(but on two occasions, I was asked to sign as guarantor of payment - in case BUPA denied coverage).

So then it seems BUPA Thailand is not an ideal choice is not a great choice for a Thai if the farang is back home in Farangland?

[2lz2p]

So then it seems BUPA Thailand is not an ideal choice is not a great choice for a Thai if the farang is back home in Farangland?

 

The two times were for hospital admissions late at night when they couldn't contact BUPA to confirm coverage. For emergency room, had no problems at all - guarantee was only for admission for observation - no deposit was required, only that I agreed to be financially responsible in the event BUPA wouldn't cover the particular ailment - as mentioned, they did cover 100%. I don't know if other hospitals, such as Pattaya Memorial, follow the same procedure.