Am I covered if I travel abroad?
This depends on your selected plan.
Most plans cover some form of cover abroad.
However, you must remember that ‘low cost’ plans which may be suitable for Thailand may not have sufficient cover for treatment outside of Thailand.
Whilst abroad, you will have to pay first and claim back when you return to Thailand. You need to keep all bills/receipts/doctors letters etc.
Can I get cover for dental treatment?
Yes, however it is expensive and is usually only available with the high-end medical plans. Other lower cost plans may allow emergency dental treatment.Do you have ‘standalone’ medical insurance, i.e. not linked to a life insurance policy?
Yes – we have both standalone and linked.How do I choose which plan is best for me?
The best thing to do is visit AA Insurance brokers who will explain each plan, the benefits, advantages & disadvantages.
In a nutshell, check the following as this gives a good indication whether it is sufficient or not:
Overall medical benefit level
Surgical limit
Room rate
A heart bypass, can cost you in the region of 500-1,000,000 baht. Room rates for the ‘better’ hospitals are increasing rapidly and whilst they used to be around 2,000 baht per night, nowadays its around 5,000 at least.
How do I make a claim?
If you present your medical card when you go to the hospital, they should be able to handle your claim for you. If not, call your broker who will be able to help you.
I am covered while playing sports or doing my hobbies?
It depends on the selected plan, but usually, except for what are classed as dangerous sports such as skydiving etc. You will not be covered for professional sports.Is it not cheaper to buy direct from the insurance company?
No, in fact because of the brokers buying power it is possible to obtain insurance cheaper. Insurance companies only offer THEIR plans, a broker can offer you a wide range of plans from all companies.
You should also remember that the insurance company is working on behalf of themselves, the broker is working on YOUR behalf. If you buy direct and they refuse to pay for a claim, who are you going to call????
What are pre-existing conditions?
Any medical condition or hereditary condition you have had prior to taking out medical insurance. You should be aware that if you switch insurers that the new insurance company may exclude any conditions you have had treated whilst with the previous insurer.What do I do if I have an accident?
Preparation is the ‘key’.
Carry your insurance card with you at all times and a miniature copy of your passport.
Join the local expat emergency service – FAST
Buy your insurance through a broker, they are working for YOU, not the insurer.
The hospital should contact the insurer when you arrive. If possible call your broker or the emergency number on the back of your medical card or call FAST (you need to be a member) who will deal with everything for you. Many hospitals will not carry out any treatment without either a deposit or confirmation from your insurer that they will cover the treatment.
What is a deductible?
This is the amount YOU pay before the insurer has to pay. Eg. You have a 5,000 deductible and the bill is 10,000. You have to pay 5,000 and the insurer will cover the remaining 5,000.What is the maximum age to apply?
Plans in Thailand tend to limit the age to 60 years. However, there are plans that allow applicants up to 70-75.What is ‘Major medical’
This is in addition to the standard amount the insurer will pay for surgery. Any type of surgery which they class as ‘major’ will qualify for ‘major medical’ benefit. For example, if your standard insurance surgical benefit is 120,000 baht and you have major surgery, the bill comes to 500,000, then ‘major medical’ benefit would cover the additional amount.
In a recent case involving a cartilage operation, the patients cover limit was 80,000 and the bill came to 120,000. The insurance company covered the entire bill.
What is the difference between ‘Outpatient’ & ‘Inpatient’?
Outpatient is treatment you receive when you go to hospital, see the doctor, obtain medicine etc and then return home.
Inpatient is when you are admitted to hospital for a period of time.
What types of medical insurance are available?
Low cost local cover
Although this is cheap, in reality this generally does not provide sufficient cover for expatriates.
International local cover
This provides good levels of cover that are suitable for expatriates
International
This provides full cover both here in Thailand and for travel abroad.
