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

Oct 8, 2025
2 days 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
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post highlights a troubling experience with medical insurance while living in Thailand. The user, a client of SBC brokers, faced a dire situation requiring an emergency hospital visit where they were unable to pay the upfront costs of $5,000-$10,000 despite having no pre-existing conditions and being promised full coverage. They share their frustration over being left without support and highlight the need for a proper insurance plan. Commenters discuss the typical practices surrounding medical payments in Thailand, clarifying that upfront payments are common and that insurance providers may reimburse later.
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
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.
Keith *******
The $300,000 could be the total cost of the operation. More clarity is required by the writers.
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.
Brad ************
How is it you live in Thailand you don't have $5k?
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brad ***********
I have 200,000 every month even if it’s your not fucking business
Brad ************
@Thomas *****
then why didn't you pay the hospital before you almost died?
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brad ***********
Because I;didn’t have 150,000 baht.m
Peter *********
So what happened as you posted so still alive 🤔
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ********
yes but not because of SBC
Peter *********
@Thomas *****
what was wrong with you ?
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