I've used Google Voice 6 years. Free. Great for calling toll free numbers, friends, SMS verifications. Set it up before you go because I think setup requires verification through another US phone # .

@Bryn *******

what is RAM Hospital?

@Tony *********

Tony thanks. I edited the post to reflect that i've lived in thailand six years. Did you receive an LTR visa in 2024?

Schengen visa app through Czechia has a low rejection rate. We did that and then went to Prague and then Italy.

First called BCBS and they emailed a PDF letter stating unlimited coverage.

BOI then requested policy itself. Downloaded a PDF of BCBS Basic policy from FEHB website.

Attached to BOI LTR app. LTR approved.

@Bo *******

The IRS 1040 does not include Roth IRA dividends (or if I remember IRA 401K dividends?). You can also in a tax year take a larger IRA distribution or sell some stocks for capital gains to possibly go over the 80K. But check with ExpatTax or other experts.

@Brandon ***********

ok thanks. Getting no agent available recording. Maybe they are getting much busier now with expat income tax kicking in.

@Brandon ***********

ok thanks. I've made a few calls to BOI number. No one seems to answer. Did you use the telephone number they list? Any time of day that they answered more frequently?

Yes many under contract especially the big quality hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital.

Just call BCBS to get Guarentee of Benefits GOB where they commit to pay hospital. Or sometimes since the hospital works with BCBS all the time the hospital insurance department will call BCBS for the GOB ...but sometimes they drop the ball.

I usually pay for the initial doctor consultation B1500 on my credit card and submit the claim to BCBS overseas portal. Then if you've got a major medical procedure you can get the scheduled date and call BCBS and/or the hospital insurance department 1-3 weeks ahead of time.

@Tony *********

I did it 2 yrs ago. I would call the local office to confirm they still accept it by mail ...or is there another procedure (maybe form been discontinued).