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What should I know about medical insurance and payment expectations in Thailand?

Health Insurance Emergency Medical Care Insurance Concerns Expat Life in Thailand Medical Bills Insurance Brokerage Visa and Immigration Issues

Oct 8, 2025

2 months ago

Thomas ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am an client of SBC brokers but not for much longer. I don’t have any pre-existing conditions and I was promised my bills would be covered in full. I had an emergency where I almost died and the hospital threw me to the streets because I could not pay usd 5000-10.000 upfront. The doctors said I would probably die but what do you do when you have a shit insurance and doesn’t have a300,000 dollars limit on you credit card. Safe your life and find a proper insurance brokerage. Does this look pre-existing?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses a negative experience with an insurance provider (SBC brokers) regarding emergency medical treatment in Thailand. The author faced an urgent medical situation where they were unable to pay an upfront cost of $5,000–$10,000 for treatment, leading to inadequate care and hospital discharge. The comments reflect confusion about insurance norms in Thailand, with some users questioning the financial preparedness of expats for healthcare costs and discussing common insurance practices where patients pay upfront and later seek reimbursement.

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Todd *********

I bet the insurance was a great deal though…

a month ago

Thomas ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

yes it was cheap and they make plenty of money when they don’t reimburse anything

a month ago

Todd *********

@Thomas *****

that's a fact. It's tough to convince people though that budget policies will hurt when you need it most

a month ago

Reply to

Todd *********

Av **********

Basically outside America with insurance u pay submit receipts then you get your money back. There is very few who pay first. Insurance is a scam

2 months ago

Jx ******

Sorry to hear this mate, however it is common for majority of insurance providers to pay later or with a slight delay.

Hospitals/doctors nearly always require a portion upfront. This should be refunded to you soon via insurance.

A lot of people don't really know this however so I understand if it's a shock.

2 months ago

Keith *******

The $300,000 could be the total cost of the operation. More clarity is required by the writers.

2 months ago

Christian ********

I understand nothing. If you have to pay 5000 Dollar why you need 300.000 Dollar limit on the credit card. Its common to pay first. If the insurance not pay there must be a reason which is missing here.

2 months ago

Thomas ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christian *******

because when they tell you it’s 159,000 it normally turns out/to be 300,000. I have been in hospital in Isaan before an d know hos it works

a month ago

Reply to

Thomas ******

Brad ************

How is it you live in Thailand you don't have $5k?

2 months ago

Thomas ******