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What should I know about medical insurance and payment expectations in Thailand?
Health InsuranceEmergency Medical CareInsurance ConcernsExpat Life in ThailandMedical BillsInsurance BrokerageVisa and Immigration Issues
Oct 8, 2025
7 months ago
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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?
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…
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
yes it was cheap and they make plenty of money when they don’t reimburse anythingTodd *********
@Thomas *****
that's a fact. It's tough to convince people though that budget policies will hurt when you need it mostReply to
Todd *********
Reply
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.
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.
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 worksReply to
Thomas ******
Reply
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 businessBrad ************
@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.mReply to
Thomas ******
Reply
Peter *********
So what happened as you posted so still alive 🤔
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTERIt’s obviously a pre-existing conditions to pass out
Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
yes but not because of SBCPeter *********
@Thomas *****
what was wrong with you ?Thomas ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
I couldn’t breathe. I have pneumonia and StreptococcalReply to
Thomas ******
Reply
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