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What should I do about my daughter's expiring visa while she is hospitalized in Bangkok?

BKK hospitalmedical visa extensionThai visa rulesimmigrationexpat advicevisa overstay finesvisa documentation
Mar 30, 2024
9 months ago
Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My daughter is in BKK hospital (emergency), and won’t be released for a week yet.

Her visa runs out tomorrow.

She has no way of going to the embassy for extension (already extended her visa on arrival for one month).

Will she have to pay a fine on leaving BKK even if she gets a doctor/hospital certificate?

If she has to pay- is it in cash or credit card?

Thanks please be nice we are so stressed already with her illness.

update today 31/3, the hospital are going to apply for an extension medical on tuesday, they want paying of course 5500 baht, but hoping insurance will cover this.

As we dont know when daughter will come out of hospital yet (doctor says at least 7 days), we have opted for this for peace of mind. The hospital also said she could pay 500 but a day at airport
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is concerned about their daughter's visa expiration while she is hospitalized in Bangkok. The daughter cannot visit the embassy for an extension as she is in an emergency situation. Community members suggest seeking a hospital-issued medical extension, which is common practice in such cases. It's essential to obtain documentation from the hospital, and the costs for extensions and possible fines are discussed. Concerns about not being able to pay fines via credit card are raised, emphasizing the importance of cash in Thailand. The conversation also highlights the importance of acting promptly and seeking assistance from the hospital's immigration liaison.
John ********
I had a similar thing donkeys years ago. I went into an immigration office and told them I was too ill to travel and my visa was about to expire. They said they could give me a fifteen day extension for 1,900 baht. Do it yourself, agents just rip you off. Try, nothing to lose.
9 months ago
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Bo *******
A good idea is to talk with your Embassy in Bangkok, they have this type of case almost every week, they know best and good
9 months ago
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David *********
Most hospitals can apply for med visa. That can be extended to parents as well. Ask your hospital
9 months ago
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Teresa ********
I'm sorry your family is going through this, sending healing prayers for you all🙏
9 months ago
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Matthew **********
I did the same last Oct my Thai wife went to immagration no problem with extension but gave her a fine for no TM30 and $350.00 china airline to cancel and rebook my flight home AND $8,600 hundred dollars for gallbladder removal because i didnt buy travel ins but i did get 3 months in BKK 5555🙏
9 months ago
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Biagio **********
I went through exactly this story in November. I had an emergency operation at exactly the end of my second visa extension and was planning a border run. While I was in surgery and recovery my wife was able to go to the immigration office, prove that this was most definitely not a joke, and get us another 30 day extension for the medical emergency. So I know that it’s possible. If you have someone you know who speaks Thai to go immigration and explain the situation, and bring proof such as pictures and doctors notes you should be able to get an emergency visa extension. Good luck, I hope she’s ok!
9 months ago
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Robert *****
Same thing happened to us. We failed a departure to Japan to Los Angeles Covid test. MANDATORY 10 day lockdown at Pragam 9 hospital. We missed our flight. The hospital was unorganized and said they would contact immigration but they didn’t. We immediately went to the Airport to catch our new flight and lucky we had our Bill (300,000 baht) with us to explain our lateness, but still had to pay 6,000 baht cash (we didn’t ask about the card) for a 6 day overstay.
9 months ago
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Adam **********
I was in hospital and missed my visa extension by a day. Even with hospital letters they still fine me a day and put an overstay stamp in my passport. They said someone should have come on my behalf . This was in Bangkok
9 months ago
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Ron *******
@Adam *********
 that's correct. Once you go into overstay, it's game over for any medical extension.
9 months ago
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Ron *******
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Alain ***************
Bkk hostpital in Bangkok has a visa department. Don’t know what exactly they do, but i guess they know what to do. I’m only there outpatient but usually their service is excellent if you understand their English 😱edit: just saw that you don’t mean Bangkok Hospital which my friends snd me call bkk hospital. But most private hospitals have similar services. Disclaimer: I don’t know much about overstay but have been to multiple hospitals here including samitivej where i paid cash because they have no direct billing with my insurance. I found if you ask them for help, they will help you or at least point you in the right direction
9 months ago
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René *******
Good luck for all.
9 months ago
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Ron *******
You're running out of time. Immigration does not issue extensions for medical reasons once you're in overstay.

I'm surprised all the experts here don't know that?

And for information, no, she cannot pay any overstay by credit card
9 months ago
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Tullio *******
The hospital will have an immigration assistance desk, enquire with them they will sort it out, you shouldn’t worry about it. Hope she gets better soon!
9 months ago
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Reidar **********
Sorry about your situation, hope you get it sorted out .. But do know.. This is the worst country in SE Asia to be a tourist and have any issues. Make as much noise as you can. In the end they will come to their senses. Lived there, owned businesses there, and know it well.
9 months ago
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Craig *********
@Reidar *********
 your clueless
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reidar *********
 great thanks (fills me with worry...)
9 months ago
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Tullio *******
@Rachel ******
 don’t… it will be pretty straight forward… his bad experience doesn’t make it a rule there is a clear process for such a situation
9 months ago
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Reidar **********
@Tullio ******
 Thailand is full of idiots and getting worse by the years. Idiocy is rising among the tourists and xpats, while the animosity and resentment is brewing among the natives. Just returned from Ekkamai and had the opportunity to chat with my old Thai friends.
9 months ago
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Tullio *******
@Reidar *********
 and what’s this got to do with the post?
9 months ago
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Tullio *******
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Martin ******
As you're not in Thailand, you may not have been on these forums much, so may not know that Stuart Cumming is the authoritative voice here. Others certainly helpful but what he says is extremely likely to be the most accurate and wise. You can trust his advice with confidence. No offence intended to anyone else, but when stressed it's nice to have help with judgement, and as all the regulars know Stuart knows as much or more than many immigration staff.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin *****
 thanks
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
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Lauren ******************
Speak to hospital staff!! They'll put u in touch with people that can assist
9 months ago
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Craig *********
@Lauren *****************
 yes they have staff to handle that. What hospital?
9 months ago
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Craig *********
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Mary ************************
TM 30

Doctor nOte with " not fit to fly " English and Thai

Picture that she is in the Hospital

Passport

I'd picture

1900 for 90 days extension
9 months ago
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Anita ***********
Ask the hospital to arrange an extension at the immigration. 5 years ago my late husband was in Bangkok hospital for 2 months and an extension was arranged. Obviously, a letter from the hospital was needed.
9 months ago
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Anita ***********
Best of luck, hopefully get well soon
9 months ago
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Anita ***********
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Mary ************************
Get Hospital Visa they will give 90 days extension.just pay 1900
9 months ago
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Ravit ******************
The hospital can take care of her visa extension directly with the immigration. Every international provides this service. Please ask the hospital ASAP (usually the Customer Support counter).
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
thanks I am going to contact them
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
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Jan **********
There is a liaison officer for this in BKK hospital.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *********
 samitivej sukhumvit hospital
9 months ago
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Jan **********
@Rachel ******
 from their website: "World-class Samitivej Sukhunvit Hospital boasts a multilingual workforce and provides international services, such as interpreters and immigration assistance." I suggest you inquire.
9 months ago
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Jan **********
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Bernie *************
I hope that she is better soon
9 months ago
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Iga ********
She can ask her hospital to send in a visa agent who will come and collect her passport and a certificate from the hospital. However ist costs....
9 months ago
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Barbara ******
I was recently in hospital in CM. I sent a copy of my flight ticket which was acceptable. As it was travel insurwnce I think they wanted to check I wasnt already living here when I got the policy.

The hospital were very keen to get paid and thry had a person liasing with insurance. They may know the requurrments if different companies.

I wish her a speedy recovery
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Barbara *****
 I’ve sent copy of itinerary/receipt from air China with outward flight on. Also copy of visa, but axa want copy of ticket (didn’t check in online so impossible to get), or boarding pass (don’t have)
9 months ago
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Barbara ******
They possibly want to think it is not a genuine ticket. Maybe send proof of payment. And perhaps the customer support for the airline can also issue a receipt. Or it could be available with your booking confirmation
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Barbara *****
 already sent this
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
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Barbara ******
@Rachel ******
 so sorry. How ridiculous. Hope the hospital can help liaise. Good luck
9 months ago
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Barbara ******
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John ********
As Stuart Cumming has said speaking to the hospital is the only way to go to sort out the problem
9 months ago
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Henrik *****
Go to the nearest Immigration office, with her papers and a letter from the hospital and talk with them about the situation.

The important thing is TO DO SOMETHING and no wait and see.

A couple of misunderstandings:

It is not the embassy you need to go to, but the immigration office ( even though your countrys Embassy may be able to give support.)

Most likely she didn’t arrive with “visa-on-arrival”, but on visa excempt, since she made a 30 days extension.

Cash is king in Thailand, so bring cash, and then ask if can be payed with card when you get to that.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 she’s not in a fit state to go to immigration
9 months ago
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Henrik *****
@Rachel ******
 YOU have to go on her behalf with her documents signed over to YOU as family, better sooner that later.

As you would have done if this happend in France.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 I’m not in bkk I’m in france
9 months ago
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Henrik *****
Sorry, I was under the impresssion you where in Thailand.

Then you also should reach out to the French embassy in Thailand for guidence.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 I’m actually British living in France, I contacted the British embassy. They don’t deal with any of this it’s not their remit helpful not
9 months ago
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Henrik *****
@Rachel ******
 Then I'm happy to be a dane
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Rachel ******
 I feel for you. The British Embassy won’t do anything for you. The hospital will. They will have liaison staff that can get her a medical extension. I hope she has a speedy recovery.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Henrik ****
 Good luck with that. I have no clue what the French embassy could or would do but if she was British then they would be left to their own devices. They do jack sh%t.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Rachel ******
 The hospital can do it for her. They have staff that regularly will liaise with immigration about situations like hers.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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Fatih ********
Worst case scenario she will pay about $100 for 7-8 days overstay.
9 months ago
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Graham ******
@Fatih *******
 That is the best outcome not the worst
9 months ago
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Fatih ********
@Graham *****
 yes but no need to make her mom stressed when the chance of that happening is 1 in a million, especially for her daughter
9 months ago
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Fatih ********
@Graham *****
 what can be worst for someone who stayed only 7-8 more due to whatever reason? Nothing
9 months ago
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Rene ******
@Fatih *******
 getting caught in the meantime or on the way to the airport. Then she will be detained and have a red stamp for 5 years
9 months ago
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Fatih ********
@Rene *****
 i dont think her mom is worried that her daughter cant come back to Thailand. I am pretty sure she will be happy to have her back asap after she is released from the hospital.
9 months ago
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Rene ******
@Fatih *******
 I just answer on your text, emphasization by me

what can be worst for someone who stayed only 7-8 more due to *whatever reason*? Nothing
9 months ago
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Graham ******
@Fatih *******
 but not after spending time in a deportation centre surely
9 months ago
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Fatih ********
@Graham *****
 of course. How many Westerners are caught on the street due to one week overstay unless they caused some trouble ?
9 months ago
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Fatih ********
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John ****
It’s no problem as long as you get note from hospital .
9 months ago
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Bart **************
@John ***
 this is a WRONG answer. You need to get a medical extension.
9 months ago
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John ****
@Bart *************
 I’ve been on every visa there is .over 50 times ko Ji mi
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 I suspect you haven’t been on every visa that exists. But you are giving bad advice to a person in need.
9 months ago
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John ****
@Stuart ********
 so you did not read the post from the start .you have a message !
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 Message replied to. You’re an idiot. Stop telling people stuff you obviously have no clue about.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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John ****
@Bart *************
 try and read from the start ! That’s if you can read !
9 months ago
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Bart **************
@John ***
 I can, and your reply definitely warrants opposition. She's not fine with only a note from the hospital. She needs to get the extension.

So I think the question should be instead: how's your knowledge about the applicable rules and procedures?
9 months ago
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Bart **************
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John ****
@Bart *************
 yes she has been informed of that many times .
9 months ago
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Bart **************
@John ***
 and you said she is fine without, which warrants opposition to your point.
9 months ago
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Bart **************
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John ****
You will find Immigration are nice people in troubled times .
9 months ago
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Jeff *********
@John ***
 dude you sound like an idiot, just quit making comments
9 months ago
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Bart **************
@John ***
 they can't ignore the rules in this case. You will be fined. There are avenues to solve the issue, and if you don't use those... your problem then, not theirs.
9 months ago
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Jeff *********
@Bart *************
 I don’t think you can reason with this person, just read his comments 😆
9 months ago
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Jeff *********
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 absolutely they generally are. However you have to follow the procedures available. In case of a medical emergency that doesn’t allow you to exit Thailand when you should then you need to get a medical extension. In the case that you can’t do that yourself then a hospital can do so for you. Usually the extension is up to 90 days depending on the situation and can be extended if needed but it needs to be backed up by doctors.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 It certainly would be a problem on leaving Thailand if they hadn’t got the relevant medical extension that would be available to obtain. Immigration at a border point aren’t going to give a monkeys about why you overstayed. They will fine you if you do.
9 months ago
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John ****
@Stuart ********
 read the post from the start and not just bits !
9 months ago
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John ****
@Stuart ********
 oh my bhudda .don’t go often then !
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 Don’t go often where? I live here. If you need to ask about immigration stuff feel free to ask me. I know my stuff. You obviously don’t.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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John ****
@Stuart ********
 go pick on some other post. She has been informed. OMB
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 I have no idea what OMB means and I can’t be assed to look it up. I’m picking on your response to say that it “won’t be a problem” when it clearly would be. Don’t give advice if you have no clue what you’re talking about.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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John ****
@Stuart ********
 I got my 30 visa wrong by one day .no fine big smile as first time
9 months ago
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Bart **************
@John ***
 dude, could you stop this. Indeed one day is no fine. 20 days over for medical reasons but failed to apply for the corresponding extension, is a big fine. Why are you comparing apples with zebras?!
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@John ***
 At an airport they generally won’t fine you for an overstay within 24 hours. They could but they generally won’t.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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Sue **********
If her travel insurance has a 24h hotline try to call them so they can guarantee payment directly with the hospital. Otherwise she has to pay the whole thing in advance, no matter how either cash or cc.
9 months ago
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Chris *********************
@Sue *********
 insurance isn't a problem it's visa read b4 coment
9 months ago
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Sue **********
@Chris ********************
 I answered her question how to pay if she has to pay in advance, this was about insurance.
9 months ago
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Chris *********************
@Sue *********
 no correct me if I'm wrong, but the question was about a visa if he's still in hospital, nothing about paying for his hospital bill how can his insurance sort his visa out ???
9 months ago
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Sue **********
@Chris ********************
 you‘re mixing up comments with the initial question of the OP, to which I answered. Sorry
9 months ago
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Chris *********************
@Sue *********
 he wanted to stay in Thailand as long as he can, could he stay longer if he was married was the question
9 months ago
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Chris *********************
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Iain ***********
@Sue *********
 AXA!?!?

What thé…..?
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Iain **********
 yep
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
The insurance say they dont deal with visa stuff, still trying to get them to pay for hospital (being pissy about not having a copy of her boarding card out to thailand, even though ive sent a copy of receipt for flights with ticket number on) so stressful
9 months ago
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Lynnette *******
@Rachel ******
 how about photocopy of her entry stamp if there is one? Or the extension. That's proof she actually flew there.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 yes already sent to axa
9 months ago
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Lynnette *******
@Rachel ******
 hope they pay up. My son's with AXA had a bit of a fight to get his medical treatment repaid.
9 months ago
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Rachel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 the worlds in a right mess really
9 months ago
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J *************************
@Rachel ******
 it's amazing, how one pays a fortune for insurance, but they always have petty requirements to be able to pay out. Way back, we had an insurance company whose logo was: We don't hassle, we pay" It's a complete lie, they all hassle!
9 months ago
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J *************************
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Stuart *********
The hospital can provide documentation for her to get an extension due to medical reasons. Get them to apply for that on her behalf.
9 months ago
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Peaky ******
@Stuart ********
 Contact the immigration office and show the document that the hospita provide to get extension .
9 months ago
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Glenn *********
hospitak has their own visa dept - contact customer service ground floor.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Peaky *****
 I’m not the OP. I’m the one replying that the hospital can provide the documentation to apply for it. Most hospitals have staff that can liaise with immigration for patients that can’t attend immigration in person.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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