Answered5 years ago
What does 'government welfare' mean for health insurance requirements for expats in Thailand?
Was reading this in Hua Hin news.
Applicants can now use health insurance or government welfare from abroad. A relevant government agency, such as a foreign embassy in Thailand or the respective country’s Foreign Ministry must certify the insurance.
What is meant by government welfare are they referring to Medicare or Medicaid for USA retirees
Thanks

Applicants can now use health insurance or government welfare from abroad. A relevant government agency, such as a foreign embassy in Thailand or the respective country’s Foreign Ministry must certify the insurance.
What is meant by government welfare are they referring to Medicare or Medicaid for USA retirees
Thanks

Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the new regulations for health insurance for expats in Thailand. Applicants can now use health insurance or foreign government welfare, requiring certification from a respective government agency. There is some confusion regarding what is classified as 'government welfare', with comments suggesting it may refer to programs like Medicare. However, Medicare generally does not cover international expenses except under specific circumstances and many believe it won't be helpful for retiree expats living abroad.
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Colin **********
This is for OA visa
David ***********
This Thai gov will be demise of the whole country
VERY SOON
VERY SOON
Bobby ********
This proposal has not yet been gazetted. Best to wait. I heard it starts on January 1st, the same date as the 300 baht levy on tourists entering the country
Gene **********
I’m almost positive Medicare cannot be outside the USA
Valerie **********
@Gene *********
There is a Medigap that covers up to $50,000 outside of country.
Dieter *********
@Gene *********
vorrect..medicare. Will not cover an illness outside thUS except for special circumstances on the mexican boarder
Sammy *******
@Dieter ********
it's very explicit, and must be on the very first part of a trip etc, otherwise, emergency or not, Medicare provides zero coverage or reimbursement-- if traveling, the expectation is that I will buy travel insurance. 
Andy *******
I was under the impression that the Embassies (US for sure) quit certifying incomes and insurances etc.,
Michael **************
OPThank you
Garrett ***********
Yeah, government insurance would be Medicare.
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