I spoke with a rep at Pacific Prime and he suggested Cigna Silver for medical insurance to cover requirements. Almost $8k USD. Anyone have any feedback or experience with Cigna?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the use of Cigna Silver for medical insurance recommended for expats in Thailand. Feedback is mixed: while some users commend Cigna for their quick underwriting process and coverage on pre-existing conditions, many criticize their high costs and poor claims handling. Comparisons are drawn with other providers like Pacific Cross, which offers more affordable rates but has its own limitations, such as not covering pre-existing conditions. Users emphasize the need for careful consideration and potentially alternative options in light of high premiums and the risk of denials in claims.
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I use Pacific Cross a Thai company they paid my 300,000 baht knee surgery without any complication and they paid the hospital directly.I am 68 and pay about $2000 a year but they do not cover preexisting condition.
I've had Cigna since relocating to Thailand and just renewed for another year. The claims process is easy and straightforward, and approvals (or denials!) are fast. While I found cheaper alternatives, they didn't offer coverage for my regular US trips, which is a crucial factor for me.
how many approvals and denials have you had? What were the approximate amounts if the claims, and how was your premium impacted after a claim? That information would be far more useful to someone seeking insurance.
Lance Mided I think I've had 4 claims and 2 denials so far. Denials were for wellness services not covered under my original policy, which I've now updated. No premium impact.
Munzie Munro I self insure as well after one year with AXXA. No claim history and rate increased for the second year with a 10k USD deductible and 20% co-pay. Have self insured for 4 years and with one, ten day hospitalization, I am way ahead of the game. Self insurance takes discipline so it’s not for everyone but with getting older and having pre-existing conditions, health insurance options are very meager. They will promise the moon and stars to get you to apply but will either turn you down or double (or triple) the premium after underwriting. Then others report that Thai insurers (and many insurers worldwide) will deny claims flat out or based on blaming pre-existing conditions. At least with self insurance you maintain control!! And before someone says “what if you get cancer and treatment is 10 million baht?” Self insurance is to cover MOST normal scenarios when traditional insurance is either unaffordable or unavailable, not to cover every horrific possibility. Insurance companies get rich by fanning the flames of that kind of paranoia. Whether you choose to buy into that mentality is a personal choice.
I used to use CIGNA as they have a reasonably good rep for an insurer but I dropped them due to their opportunistic pricing policy. Every year they'd hit me with a 17-19% increase and when I complained they would give me a discount.