What should I consider when getting health care insurance with pre-existing conditions in Thailand?

Dec 2, 2023
a year ago
Justin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am considering getting a health care insurance policy and would like to get some advice regarding pre existing conditions. I don’t have any looming health issues, but have collected a few pre existing conditions. Not going to go into details online for obvious reasons. Are pre existing conditions excluded forever or just in the first year? Is the premium reduced in that first year because they are excluded. Is there a guarantee of renewal after the first year/ trial period when the exclusion is no longer valid. I hate to waste money on premiums for coverage I won’t be afforded now or in the future. Appreciation for any advice before I meet with an agent. Examples/experience with various policy types etc. - thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When considering health care insurance in Thailand, especially with pre-existing conditions, it's important to understand several key points. Pre-existing conditions are often permanently excluded or excluded for specific periods, depending on the insurance provider. Many insurers may not adjust premiums based on pre-existing exclusions. It's advisable to consult experienced insurance brokers or agents who can clarify the terms and help you find a suitable plan. Others have suggested that while some UK-based insurers may have moratoriums on pre-existing conditions, this feature may be less common in Thailand. Additionally, obtaining multiple quotes and understanding the claims process are crucial, as some users have shared experiences of lengthy claim processes involving extensive checks.
Thek *****
Just wondering why you would ask Facebook this question rather than an actual health care insurance company?
Justin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Thek ****
A smart man only believes half of what they hear. A wise man figures out which half to believe. An insurance agent may tell me what I want to hear which will serve their interests not mine.
Thek *****
But what situation are you put in if you take the advice you receive on Facebook and it turns out to be rubbish? At least if you get advice from the source you have some redress, take advice from Facebook and it's wrong and you have nothing!
Justin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Thek ****
I mentioned that at some point I would be speaking with an agent. Why even have an online forum if it's unfathomable to ask for experience and advice about a topic.
Simon **********
I have insurance and made a claim in the first year and it took about three months for them to pay out, as they wanted to check with every single hospital that I had ever visited in Thailand and confirm that I had not received treatment previously. I had not, I have only had medicals for my work, but I had to give permission for each hospital to release my information, even though I had already signed a consent form with my insurance company.

When you take out the insurance you complete a medical history form, and they will then decide whether to exclude the cover depending on the information that you give.
John **********
Pre existing conditions are normally excluded for ever. However you may think you have a pre existing condition when in fact you may not. A good agent will verify this for you if you ask them to.
Bob *******
The U.K. based insurers normally have a moratorium and cover pre existing conditions after a period. You have to ask to have it removed. In Thailand I don’t think any offer this but get it before your 70 otherwise self insure.
Alex ********
@Bob ******
this is the only.correct answer here tbh

It depends on what underwriting you choose

Either a full medical disclosure and certain insurers will accept things while most will permanently exclude

Or a moratorium - however it's normally (uk anyway) anything last 5 years excluded for first 2 years if you can go 2 years without symptoms treatment advice or medication

If its a chronic condition you've got its never going to he covered unless you can get medical history disregarded (large cooperate scheme ridiculously expensive)

Source: uk insurance broker for 7 years and recently looked into international PMI for myself
Ady ******
@Robert ********
is an agent for axa he’s highly recommended
Ady ******
@Robert ********
can you help
Stuart ***********
Your situation seems very similar to mine and I must be honest I gave up on health cover and opted for accident instead.

I am in good health and take regular exercise (I run 10k and swim for 30 minutes) but I got tested for a few things to be safe before coming to Thailand. All of these are now excluded as well as a couple of things I had treatment for and given the all clear.

I could accept this if the premium reduced with everything they exclude, but it doesn't.

I think the pre existing things last for 10 years, but someone will correct me if I am wrong and it's difficult to get insurance after age 65 years.
Christopher ***********
@Stuart **********
I was diagnosed with and treated for high blood pressure in 1986. It has remained normal with no treatment required since. I did seek health cover quotes prior to turning 65 but you can imagine the results!
Stuart ***********
@Christopher **********
yes I can guess. That's even more ridiculous than my situation.
Carsten ************
Ask an experienced insurance broker and not the clueless Facebook mob. I recommend Carsten Creutzburg
Phil *****
F
Colin **********
It depends on the insurance company, the more risk with a precondition the more they are likely to exclude it, although they normally exclude it for a period of time.
Charles ********
With Thai insurance, it's typically excluded for every. AXA international plan does come with some limited benefits for preexisting with waiting period. However, certain policies can be negotiated to be included for additional premiums, talking to an agent is probably good. You can probably find a few in this group, most expats recommend AA Insurance brokers, but best to check around too.
Peter *******
insurers will exclude pre-existing conditions, even unknown ones, if undeclared they can not only deny the claim but also cancel the policy and ask for any payments they've made back
Gray ******
I went with an accident policy. It covers most accidents that could happen to me, with exclusions like alcohol related stuff. It was only 3,500 baht per year and I have not used it yet.
Christopher ***********
@Gray *****
So did I. 3,000 baht per annum from Bangkok Bank. The main reason was it provided cover if I came off a moto. However, that becomes excluded when you turn 65. I don’t have it now.
Paul *******
@Gray *****
Hi. who did you go with?
Gray ******
Simon **********
@Gray *****
how much cover does that give???
Gray ******
@Simon *********
I think around 10,000 baht per day for hospitalization.
Simon **********
@Gr**
I would double check what the maximum amount is if I were you. One over night stay can top
*****
baht very easily and for such a low premium I don’t think it will last long before you have to pay yourself. My own cover has a maximum of 5mTHB
Gray ******
@Simon *********
Thanks.

For 3,500 per year it will put a dent in a major bill and completely pay for what is most likely to happen.

Plans that provide 5mb worth of coverage are going to cost me an arm and a leg.
Simon **********
@Gr**
honestly I would definitely recommend you check what the maximum pay out is. If you end up in hospital for a week the bill could easily be 1mTHB. I am paying 40kTHB for 5mTHB cover
Linz ************
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