getting Health Insurance in Thailand

[@RetiredWorkingForYou]

If you want to find out how much either of these plans would cost you, follow the links below to a handy price calculator: Nomad Health: bit.ly/47ghWfY Nomad Insurance: bit.ly/3Ss8z8S

[@craciunlabs]

Just did thanks!

[@johnbell1810]

thanks so much for posting on this topic!

[@user-nl9me3er7w]

Are you really sure the cost would be around the same if you found a Thai insurance company? I mean everything else is cheaper, and the medical cost is cheaper also.

[@craigtaylor4613]

Guys the trust pilot reviews on this are very very bad for paying out

[@ParisianThinker]

Unfortunately, Nomad Health does not cover anyone over the age of 74. So this is no solution for retirees.

[@Visor8888]

AVOID Safety Wings they pay lots to KZbinrs for promoting their product, but it is a nightmare for T and Cs. If You get an illness in year one that becomes an exclusion and you will not be covered ever again. They make you renew EVERY YEAR … So it’s like a new policy.

[@travelsolo2677]

I agree, I put a claim in for lost wallet after a pickpocket incident on a Baht Bus. It took 3wks for them to reply, wanted photos of the contents and didn’t accept the police report as evidence. I showed them my bank statement showing that I withdrew $350AUD in the morning and I gave up after 4-6 emails back and forth.

[@WilliamAlexanderVT]

This is why I usually ask if links provided are affiliate links. I realize the KZbinrs are trying to make a living but that doesn't necessarily mean they are promoting the very best product or service.

[@athomas9661]

Thanks for sharing. I've been considering this, but wondered about it. This is helpful.

[@guido3771]

This video is like a commercial and the info isn't really good. The fee in your age range is already close to the rather expensive local insurances like LUMA. But the difference is that your contract runs out each year. This usually means that everything you acquired in the previous year will be a precondition in the next year and excluded. If you get cancer in one insurance year, they might not cover your treatment anymore in the following insurance year. Same goes for every new chronic illness. If you break your leg on the last day of your insurance year, you might at least pay for the following rehab yourself etc. Have you checked that? It's the reason why they limit those contracts to a year.

[@robertjosan]

Great observation and point

[@CoralSea]

Thanks for pointing that out. I just learned something really important.

[@herrickinman9303]

Yeah. These private health insurance companies don't want to have to pay any claims. They just want to collect premiums. The older you get, the higher the premiums and the more pre-existing conditions you will develop, until you are eventually uninsurable. Think about that if you're planning to retire in Thailand.

[@btho5531]

I just got back from 2 weeks in Thailand. A mate came back 2 weeks early as he had no appetite in Thailand and felt weak. Luckily he did come home early - got diagnosed with stomach cancer a week later. My mate just passed away 3 days ago. R.I.P Mike. Please take health care seriously.

[@tony-ce7qp]

sorry about your loss!

[@btho5531]

@@tony-ce7qp Cheers mate. He loved being in Thailand. Was the only place he felt happy. Unfortunately now he has family that didn’t care about him dividing it all up among themselves. I can’t wait to go back in April. These money grubbing pricks make me sick.

[@Dody2Travel]

😢

[@Jack-russell103]

Dividing what up?@@btho5531

[@btho5531]

I say luckily because he made it back home and family were contacted and he spent what little time he had left with his daughters. If he had not come back early, he would have died in thailand and no one would have know what happened to him.

[@rossp561]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I decided to self insure. When I sold everything before moving to Thailand a couple of years ago, I put 90% aside for emergencies. I have a family history of high cholesterol and hypertension which I also have. Most insurance companies will not cover me for heart issues.

[@PaulBengtsson]

I was thinking the same. I have high cholesterol and even if it don't matter they follow the corrupt research. All my other markes are perfect.

[@lancemided3251]

Yes self insured is possible. I also do that. But to do so, you must be willing to put aside 25% or more of your budget, which is difficult for some people to do. When I had health insurance in Thailand, it was about $1000 USD (35k baht annual premium) with a $ 9000 USD (300 k baht) deductible. I did have a 10 day hospitalization in 2023 (while self insured) for a MRSA infection in my hand. Total cash out of pocket $14 k USD. And half of that cost was the intensive antibiotic therapy. I was told by insurance professionals that the same surgery and antibiotic therapy would have exceeded 100k USD and the deductible and copay in the US would have been equal to or exceeding my out of pocket in Thailand. And although my Thai insurance would have covered 100k baht (had I renewed instead of deciding to self insure) by saving the 35 k premium the difference out of pocket was 65 k baht or just under $2000 USD. Given that it’s unlikely to have a significant surgery each year or multiple years in succession it seems likely to be a workable alternative to being unable to get insurance. BTW I had numerous insurers that refused to insure me at any price. Including some of those recommended in this comment section. I wish everyone good luck in navigating what I believe is the most difficult aspect of overseas retirement for anybody over 60 years old.

[@lnbt1]

@@lancemided3251Thanks for sharing your experience. I had MRSA on my head in US and took doctors 3 months of diagnostic to find the cause. I almost die from it. I was hospitalized for 1 months, + 9 months home-stay / self-care medication to recover. They had to send me to Stanford hospital for the initial treatment. The hospital bill cost over $500K. Fortunately, I was working and can afford to pay the platinum coverage. Yet, it still costed me $20K out of pocket. If you don't mind me asking how did you get MRSA on you hand?

[@danielayalajr]

hm. which health insurance do you recommend then?

[@MnT_Travels]

Perfect timing for me. I just got back from Thailand and was going to have some dental work done (out of pocket). I got an estimate from a few places and bangkok pattaya was the best pricing. Set up an appt and after arrival and a litany of tests and scans (not needed but paid out of pocket). The price increased substantially from the estimate but was in the upper limit of what I was willing to pay. We go to someone in the final office and after a few keystrokes the paperwork was taken to a lady that basically doubled the previous price from the already inflated price from what the Dr had written down. I was astounded at what had happened. There was another procedure I was going to have done (same place) and they were trying to do the same thing. I washed my hands of it and decided to have it done here in America for half the thai price. I was going to do a video showing the paperwork and about the incident but due to their defamation laws I didn't' want to fly back there and get hit with some court issues. I was wondering how it would have been treated if I had insurance instead.

[@Jack-2day]

A better decision would have been to have your dental work completed in Mexico (do your due diligence & check review’s)

[@Mike11219USA]

Generally BIDH is transparent with their pricing. I actually paid less than what they quoted as the work done was less than what the quote was for.

[@justinj2954]

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital are not the cheapest in Pattaya but they have the most modern equipment, speak good English and I have found them professional and honest. I needed a root canal treatment and on another occasion had two wisdom teeth out. Would have cost me twice the price in Canada.

[@PaulBengtsson]

@@justinj2954 I went there yesterday to book some scanings and x-ray of heart. They hade fixed price until 31 december inkluded doctor on their website. Well well, came to the heart department desk and now that price was suddenly changed. I asked why because they still have the fixed price on there site. She said no, I asked her to check thier site. She got angry and refused. Like it was her hospital. Then they just ignored me. I did send a mail and ask why they act like this. But I guess the don't giv a shit. Maffia style.

[@ammerudgrenda]

I had some extensive dental work done in Chiangmai. The final price was exactly what they initially quoted. The quality of the work was great. The cost was a little less than half of US prices.

[@sweetjane6506]

I broke my tooth in Ecuador, and I was in a small town, so I didn't go to the dentist until I got back to the city a couple of days later. Because I didn't go within 24 hours, Safety Wing denied my claim. Also, an agent (Ovago) booked me on an Alaska Airlines flight that didn't exist, so I had to rebook at the airport. This cost me an extra $700, but because there was no delay, Safety Wing wouldn't pay the claim. (Ovago and Alaska blamed each other, and filing claims against them proved to be useless.) Safety Wing explained that if they paid claims they wouldn't be able to sell insurance at low prices. Right. I'm just thankful that these incidents were relatively minor. When I had a heart attack at Chiang Mai Ram, ER staff initially refused to treat me, but relented once I produced an insurance policy on my phone, so you gotta have one. This was Tugo insurance in Canada. They paid the $17,000 claim.

[@toddmike841]

Is the Canadian money?

[@DrJohnPollard]

Wow, those are scary stories right off the bat.

[@sweetjane6506]

@@DrJohnPollard I've been coming to Thailand for 30 years. Nothing really bad happened to me here, except my heart attack, which could have happened anywhere. The Thai surgeon at CM Ram saved my life, and there was no damage to my heart, even though it was a widow maker. All insurance companies try to avoid paying claims. It's a good idea to have policy info on your person, in case you get schmucked in the head and can't answer questions. Also, don't fly Alaska!! I've only had problems twice in 30 years, and both times it was with them.

[@sweetjane6506]

@@toddmike841 Yes, about $13,000US.

[@sweetjane6506]

Also, some policies won't take you if you're past a certain age. It's 65 with CM Expat Club's group policy.

[@martypoll]

I am a 67 year old American who bought Thai health insurance at 62 years of age. I was here on an OA visa so the policy I happened to purchase in 2018 covered me for the new 2019 OA health insurance requirement and also now covers me for the 10-year pensioner LTR visa health insurance requirement. Once in an insurance policy and if I stay with them then they will continue to cover me until I am 99 years old. I think you have to buy into the insurance before age 70 or 75. I have a strategy for health insurance in Thailand. I purchased a 10 million baht ($286,360) per year policy with a 40,000 baht ($1,145) deductible. It doesn't sound like much by US standards but 10M baht goes a long way in Thailand. Routine medical care is so inexpensive (and good) that I choose to pay for it out-of-pocket. The insurance is for something really catastrophic like a motor vehicle accident, stroke, heart attack, cancer, etc. Also, note that pre-existing conditions are not covered. I have few pre-existing conditions but some just come with old age like cataracts or prostate issues. For a while I also had a 50,000 baht accident insurance through Kasikorn bank (which I used one time) but they don't cover you after 65 years of age. I also have designated some of my retirement savings to health costs for when I become much older and frail for anything not covered by insurance. I hope to experience long term care from my Thai wife and family. Long Term Care insurance in the US became so poor and so expensive that I dropped it a decade ago. The cost annually is about 79,000 baht ($188/month) which is a bit lower than the cost of my previous US health insurance. My US insurance wasn't going to cover me living full time in Thailand. The Thai health insurance doesn't cover me very well in the US. Since I am paying myself for day-to-day health costs I haven't made a claim on my insurance and I am now getting a 20,000 baht discount on the annual premium. As far as my use of the Thai health care system, all I can say is that it has been great. Previously I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area with health care insurance through the University of California - so a pretty good health care system. I've found Thailand health care to be very high quality, much more accessible and very inexpensive. I've used Thai private hospital emergency rooms, oral surgeons, neurologists, and very extensive health care checkups. I've used some local clinics as well and have been impressed. I've used the dentists here as well and they are excellent. I am much happier with my health care experience than in America As an American I cannot access US Medicare overseas so I have chosen not to pay for Medicare Part B.

[@joju2409]

Who are you insured through?

[@martypoll]

@@joju2409 Pacific Cross. I’ve had a policy with them since 2018. I’ve never made a claim so I can’t say anything more about them. My observation when people comment on particular insurance companies is that there are people who love them and people who hate them. So on paper PC looks good to me but everyone’s needs and perspective are different.

[@lancemided3251]

I also dropped Medicare in USA but am self insuring based on the high insurance and deductible cost for my medical situation (high blood pressure, diabetes,etc all under control w medication) at age 67.

[@lnbt1]

Thanks Marty for the insight. Questions, how do you file EOY tax with IRS and what do you put in the insurance section? I just retired a year ago and i was told by my tax prep. that I have to have a health insurance filling in my EOY tax, else there will be a penalty. I am under 60 and my current health insurance cost with Kaiser is enormous (~$3800/mo for the whole family). My wife and I are thinking of moving to Thailand and will have two kids under Cover California (kids are going to college). Not sure if that will work.

[@martypoll]

@@lnbt1 I file US federal tax using TurboTax. I no longer pay CA state tax. I’ve never heard of including health insurance with the tax filing so I can’t answer that question. I am retired and not working in Thailand so I don’t file taxes in Thailand.

[@p.j.6838]

I live here in Thailand 23 years. Whatewer u said on all ur videos. All is spot on. U are the best u tuber in 🇹🇭. 5 ✨ all the best to you.

[@pedrozatravel]

Great information. One correction if you read the fine print, this policy covers every country but the USA as a resident.

[@markhurlock3891]

Yeah, this company would go broke if they covered medical costs in the USA.

[@CaffeineJogger]

My grand daughter was bitten by a monkey, severed tendon , 2 weeks in Bangkok Hospital. Luckily Dad took out health cover a week before the BITE. Bill so far is over 20k AUD and ongoing. Fantastic care.

[@juliahorstmann9781]

Personally I would have really liked this video to have been a comparison between Thai insurance companies vs Safety Wing, for those planning to stay long term! I think the company is well known for Nomads and has the added bonus that you don’t need to take it out in your home country! I myself had this for a few months in Europe over Covid! At the end of the video I felt it didn’t give me any comparisons/choices as it was all geared towards Safety Wing!

[@travelalex1]

A tip: Some credit cards have travel insurance included. Mine cover unlimited health expenses, cancellations, delays, lost luggage etc. It does not cost me anything and covers up to 3 month travel pr year.

[@michaelk.2210]

What's the card?

[@krisbrand354]

@@michaelk.2210 in Australia the Commonwealth bank gold credit card has it.

[@philwebster3914]

I have this with Commonwealth Bank Gold MasterCard

[@JS-fd5oh]

And the card is........?

[@travelalex1]

I have a card from my home country Norway. You will have to do some research as to which cards are available in your country. Some airlines (or through affiliate banks) do have their own cards sometimes which offer free travel insurance and you can collect travel points as well.@@JS-fd5oh

[@mmaranta785]

Good info. When I retire, I plan on staying in Thailand 6 months, and the US 6 months.

[@keekwai2]

The irony and stupidity of traveling to get health insurance on the back of a motorcycle without a helmet cracks me up! LOL

[@dreammix9430]

I just watched the video. Do you are a gem! I needed to know this information because I'm planning on visiting Thailand for 2 weeks in January and I'll take that time to look around and decide where I want to live and get more information about relocating to bangkok in a year from now. There's a lot more to moving to another country that I ever thought would be necessary but your videos are so helpful and I appreciate it and thank you!

[@michaelstark5663]

Hate when your pretty sure this sponsored content. Then realise its definitely sponsored content then waste 3 minutes of your life watching someone trying to sell you sponsored content.

[@donnabosilkovski7580]

They might be excellent provider but be aware, they don't cover for pre-existing conditions,. I contacted the chat and got an answer immediately so that was very helpful

[@Chris-xs8so]

Nothing more than an advertisement - not to mention the referral links. Why not compare others? There are cheaper alternatives even with more established companies. Not the 1st time this channel hasn't been transparent, just a plain money grab. Bring back the old RW4U.

[@nam2168nam]

¡Gracias!

[@alessandrovitro4807]

Dear Chris, while thanking you very much for all your efforts in helping expats in their plans to possibly relocate to Thailand, there's an important issue concerning health insurance that you left out. I checked Nomad Health, Cigna and Genki. What is worrying is that they all consider PRE-EXISTING any condition that emerged during the previous contract with them. This means that if one develops a condition requiring expensive treatment or medications, they will only cover it until the first renewal of contract and either do not accept renewing or ask a much higher prime to renew. One would have to go back to his home country and seek there to be treated. In practice, this means that they insure healthy people and can drop them when they become seriously sick.

[@aqueenslander]

That is the modus operandi for most insurance companies whether health or property. Find the loophole to avoid paying the insured. They are past masters at all the tricks so you don't stand a chance !!

[@MrElliottjc]

@@aqueenslander , yes, its basically a scam

[@The.Harsh.Truths]

@@aqueenslanderare you based in the USA? Can’t you just use this nomad insurance then if you get cancer, immediately sign up for ACA? ACA can’t deny you or raise your rates due to pre-existing conditions. The issue is that your nomad adventures at that point will be over, and you’ll be forced to live back in the USA to continue your treatment for your pre-existing condition until it’s better (if that ever happens).

[@The.Harsh.Truths]

@@MrElliottjcsame question to you as I wrote above.

[@danutamaj2115]

All insurances contracts are written to confuse you, or just give up on reading their 50 + pages of BS , assuming that you got super frustrated, give up or just sign up. Once you put your signature and date you are grilled!!So make you take your time and make sure you comprehend all what ALL these pages are saying!!!including all small prints on the bottom or at the end of contract marks ***. Bottom line all insurances will keep stalling your claims and rejecting till you get tired of them and give up or hire a lawer!!Diving in a contract is crucial!!🖐️

[@mikeyboy3054]

Excellent video. I would also add that everyones situation is different, particularly when it comes to type of visa. And many insurance plans for expats will not cover previous injuries or illness. The fine print is complicated. I choose to pay my own health-care after getting the bare minimum insurance required for my visa. Finally my advice is this. If moving over here, have enough money in liquidity to cover your medical bills regardless of insurance. Hopefully the insurance will cover it.

[@RetireandGo]

Good point I have travelers insurance but I use a Thai rider program for long stays to add coverage that my travel insurance is lacking. I really appreciated this video

[@mikeyboy3054]

​@@RetireandGoWell said

[@JayandSarah]

And what if you don't have the money to pay? They will treat you and send you nasty letters? If you leave the country, they aren't coming looking for the money.

[@wazzythewizard]

lol in Thailand they wont treat you if you don't have any money plain and simple its not north América @@JayandSarah in fact I know citizens that only got treatment after they found out they have money and then its to late.

[@WilliamAlexanderVT]

@@JayandSarahIn my experience with a minor injury, the first thing they request is payment or they do nothing. Once I provided my credit card they took care of my injury.

[@krisbrand354]

Riding a motorbike with no helmet, no one insures that.!!

[@mikeyboy3054]

💯

[@matteoroveretto465]

Lol

[@anthonyorme]

It's ridiculous that people don't wear helmets on bikes

[@VanHelsing159]

😂😂😂

[@mikeylikethailand]

You are correct. So many if not most, in the fine print or in the policy it may state clearly you are not covered on any motorbike ... passenger or as driver ... helmet or no helmet ... you ain't covered by insurance carrier. Yes, there are some but check your policy. Best to know ... :)

[@stupot1952]

Health insurance and no helmet you set a great example

[@MrEagleeye58]

No helmet scatters brains,, so no insurance would work.

[@davidenvall3685]

My health insurance plan is not gettin’ sick☝🏽💪🏼

[@michaelaldridge60]

LOL I hope you're joking 1 in 3 of us will have cancer and 1 in 5 have a heart attack. The chances of being over 50 and having a chronic illness are very high at some point

[@ruthbrockAU]

We met you recently on Lipa Noi and I want to thank you for this informative video. I shared it with some of my US friends thinking of moving to Thailand.

[@onionpeeler2023]

Be sure to read the whole policy, lots of exclusions and "conditions" that must be met for treatments to be covered. In general, all insurance nowadays is a scam, know what you are paying for.

[@chongclint5634]

We have the LMG insurance ( A Liberty Mutual Company )

[@jrcarlsen]

@@chongclint5634 ... and is that good or bad? please elaborate, otherwise you could just as well have said "I like to eat pasta".

[@Hector5257]

I just knew when I saw the title that this would be a promotional video, therefore not complete in comparing varied plans, nor without self financial interest. But the clickbait worked and I watched it anyway. It turned out a loss of time as no more useful than any other vlogs for us older folks in their 70’s, a subject carefully avoided… As some already said, I am getting rather annoyed with vloggers using the popularity of their channels to turn them into promotional money making self-serving vlogs…

[@stanleykyle]

Exactly.. im 52, but $3,492 a year for insurance? I can get some great Health Insurance from other places for that cost. MIster Prakan web site.. google it and compare

[@alwaysplusone]

Super happy about this video. We will be coming to Thailand at some point and insurance is definitely on the top of my list. PS will be spending a month there in February for holiday and scouting a long term location.

[@IsaanSlowLife]

I too have researched health insurance throughout Thailand and in my opinion they are all in the same ball park with same coverages, (50 mil baht to 120 mil baht coverage) for same premium costs as you mentioned. The keys to each is how many claims can be made without increase to premiums and are they for life. Also how much the premiums go up throughout your life, (I.e. 60, 65, 70,.....) Lastly, how long before you are covered and can make a claim; most is 1 year waiting period.😍😎🤗

[@spizzenergi2292]

Unbelievable that you don’t all play travel insurance game. I do it every year with 4 insurance companies. £742.00 a year

[@AlexofCharmCity]

​@spizzenergi2292 your travel insurance includes preventive care and cancer?

[@JS-fd5oh]

@@spizzenergi2292 care to provide more details please?

[@stormstereo]

@@spizzenergi2292 - How old are you and as I’m a non-English native, what do you mean by travel insurance game? Thanks for any help.

[@billybob7522]

​@@spizzenergi2292Have you had any successful claims?

[@toddaron]

GREAT topic. We won't be to Thailand for some time, but going to Canada first (as a citizen) so expanding on this is welcome.

[@darrellchurch3406]

Why wouldn't I take out a policy with a Thai insurance company?

[@bobkrogh1670]

Exactly! He doesn't get paid is my guess.

[@MH-cw6qn]

Still ridiculously expensive ,top health cover in Australia is half this cost and adding a family member cost no more, ive found every single health cover on offer to be an absolute ripp off in thailand ,if i get sick ill fly back to Australia.

[@davidwalden2887]

Very few health insurance companies will give coverage to over 70y/o. In Australia residents are there we all get universal health care, no exceptions but stops once you leave the country... no cover at all until you arrive home. Make things difficult ...how do you see this.

[@BrianOSheaPlus]

This is great information, thank you. I'm "in the same age range" as you and I'm paying about three times as much for health insurance in the US.

[@lynnbrooks5503]

I watched this video when you first posted it. I’m on my original channel now when I watched this video, I was on my second channel. I cannot believe how clear the audio is considering that someone else is recording you on another motorbike, it’s amazing!😊

[@ThailandThomas]

After witnessing a few motorcycle fatalities, I don't get on them in Bangkok no matter how much time it saves. Chris I am starting to hate your channel. I keep giving it a chance. Hoping you will wake up and be the cool dude I subscribed to again. But now it all about using the trust people have given you to making money for you and Adam. Every month I think it will be the month I cancel my membership to members. Do you really use this insurance. I think KZbin rules say you need to disclose this is an ad for Normad insurance.

[@gregorymaddux3101]

It does say at the beginning of the video that it includes a paid promotion. Seems to be the whole of the channel anymore.

[@glenloader639]

​@@gregorymaddux3101He should change the title of his videos " working for myself not for you"

[@davidshaylor2449]

Thomas, who would you recommend for healthcare insurance in Thailand?

[@sheelahkayestepkin4025]

You guys are rough.. think all this happens in an hour. He works hard for you dude. Lighten up, he deserves some easier times

[@emilgonzales9293]

I looked online and this company only covers you until you are 69. and many expats are older. Perhaps , you could do a future investigative dive into plans for older folks like myself!

[@Nonthawat55]

Likewise. No good for me. I’m retiring to Thailand when I’m 70.

[@justinj2954]

It says up to 74. Age 60-74 and the price jumps substantially

[@ExpatExplorerMedia]

cigna covers expat with no age limitations for around 350 permonth thailand only 1 million usd coverage direct billing, any doctor or hospital

[@justinj2954]

@@ExpatExplorerMedia Thanks, I'll look into that one.

[@kellytobey5179]

Sadly the Nomad Insurance does not seem to have any coverage for over 69 years old. 😞 Nomad Health will cover up to age 74 > the Standard level costs $537USD a month.

[@michaelk.2210]

Dude, make a video of you filing a claim. That's all that matters.

[@daruman8265]

Of course, great comment. Some people seem to miss this point - they are happy they paid "easily". This insurance product has a lot of bad reviews by people that had to claim. Chris is most likely on the retainer, he has been peddling this product repeatedly on this channel

[@CZAR-]

I have traveled to over sixty different countries and have had many different insurance policies. claims) And I am here to tell you that all insurance companies are a scam. All of them have fine print that they hope you do not read because if you did read it and understand it you would not sign up. Bottom line, insurance companies are a business, out there to make money and make a living. (providing you with good healthcare holds a peripheral involvement in all that) Every insurance company will try to weasel their way out of paying an insurance claim if they could. No hard feelings, like I said it's a business, nothing personal. That's just the type of world we live in. Get over it. I just try to remain the healthiest I can possibly be by having a healthy diet and a good resistance weight training program and no risk taking or extreme sports. And the cheapest healthcare plan to cover major injuries.

[@Deandre-j6h]

BE WARNED! When you are not that old and you don't have too many health issues, it's easy enough to buy health insurance in Thailand. But as you inevitably become old and have more and more health issues, the insurance cost will keep rising and there will come a point when no-one will insure you. Which means that you will have to rely on your own savings and what will happen to you, and this happens to Thais as well, the hospital bills will mount and you may well spend the entirety of your life savings on health care and it may not be enough. Commercial hospitals think nothing of draining people's entire life savings on sometimes very questionable tests and treatments. OK so use government hospitals instead, they are very cheap, but you may find conditions in government hospital too horrific to bear.

[@philipjanek3864]

I use Allianz that I get for 6 months in the USA it cost me only 45 usd. The only drawback is I have to return home to renew a 6 month policy. A retired usa veteran 68 but these other companies won't even insure me. The cost of a plane ticket is cheaper than a policy with these other companies 👍

[@kwhatten]

A foreign friend (who's a bit of a hypochondriac), 70 years old, no health insurance went to the government hospital in Chiang Mai "feeling" unwell. They convinced him he needed a cardiac cathetertization, I suggested otherwise, he had the procedure, it cost him Bt250,000 including 3 nights in cardiac ICU. EVERYTHING was normal. And this guy's on a tight budget.

[@blueorchidimports]

Great job Haylee (spelling😢) for learning Thai. ❤ You got to sit down and do the work.

[@Rvan61]

Reimbursement ??? So, you have to pay up front and then hope they pay you back ? I would rather go with a company that the hospital/doctor can confirm your coverage so you don't have to pay out of pocket and hope for the best.

[@mattfeastonline]

Awesome video thanks for sharing I've been looking for medical insurance because I live in Thailand for over a year now, meanwhile I will sign up under you. Thxs

[@Keenok]

I have been working and living in Thailand the last 20 years and will be retiring in a few months. This is good info to know as I will have to stop sucking the corporate teat for insurance and pay for my own...

[@jean-charlesdesjardins6344]

Great info!, This Canadian is looking into moving here and your Chanel is very helpful. Thank you!

[@flyja8495]

Always have a health insurance while being abroad. I have been to Bumrungrad (surgery of broken collarbone: 2 days, 25.000 Euro) and Bangkok Hospital (disc prolapse: 8 days: 45.000 Euro incl. Business Class flight back home). Insurance covered all cost. And always wear a helmet, even when you drive only 1 minute to the next 7-Eleven.

[@paulz6491]

Did they raise your monthly insurance cost after you made a claim? THanks

[@JS-fd5oh]

Was it this insurance from the video ?

[@g.s.5868]

and you don't call these prices rip off ?

[@JS-fd5oh]

@@g.s.5868 Yeah totally. I'm very suspicious about these prices, doesn't make sense.

[@IloveElon2]

Or you can go to the government hospital and cost you about 5% of those prices, and they don’t do things to you that don’t need doing!

[@c.k.2]

Any video about foreigners health insurance in Thailand is good! Thank you Chris! Although everybody has a different financial situation. So there are plenty of Thai health insurance to choose from. The best is an inpatient insurance for Thailand and when I do travel abroad I’ll buy an additional insurance just for the days I do stay out of Thailand. For US and Canadian citizen it might be different.

[@laythimusmaximus561]

Hey Chris Great channel content, I've just got back from Thailand & I've the MOVE 2 Thailand BUG, I'm going 2 work my Ass off, & immigrate ASAP, keep up the ace content

[@markfoley3923]

Thanks, Chris. As some Thai visas as well as Thai Immigration offices will require proof of health insurance coverage, I would appreciate a future update video based on your experience and those of your viewers on how well this type of policy is accepted by Thai authorities as proof of health insurance. Can you get a letter stating proof of coverage? Cheers.

[@lauriebarns9901]

Are these policies acceptable by Thai Immigration, where Thai visa conditions require health insurance?

[@martypoll]

I recommend retiring in Thailand on an O visa that doesn't require insurance. Then you can purchase any insurance policy you like.

[@worldtravel9967]

Thank God I can quit my job bc your working for me now. Please bring my boss s coffee tomorrow thanks

[@kellytobey5179]

Thanks for the great information Chris. Sadly the Nomad Insurance does not seem to have any coverage for over 69 years old. 😞 Nomad Health will cover up to age 74 > the Standard level costs $537USD a month. Does anyone know if they will take on clients that are already sick such as with cancer?

[@alanharrison694]

I am over 70 and retired in Thailand. I have done a lot of research about a European company out of London, WrLife that will cover up to 100 years old, and they do cover cancer and oncology. A lot of expats seem to like them, and I know that they prepay and are accepted at all hospitals including Bangkok Hospital.

[@kellytobey5179]

@@alanharrison694 Thanks very much

[@DrJohnPollard]

@@alanharrison694 this is a useful comment. Better than the video.

[@jamesvreeland2632]

People over 75 years old find it next to impossible to find healthcare insurance they can afford.

[@user-uv4ry2bm7x]

Thanks Chris as always a very useful, detailed and informative video.

[@apuestasfutbol]

Love you dude, but you shouldn’t be selling below par health insurance to your loyal subscribers. You are better than this!!

[@ColinC33]

I was thinking was Chris on a retainer to advertise this company. If so you should make people aware of this .

[@whatnextkai1294]

Isn't there a youtube policy that any advertising needs to be posted as such in advance.

[@ColinC33]

@@whatnextkai1294 Maybe but these grifters don't always abide by the rules.

[@TripleDeano]

Is Nomad Health compatible with TH VISAs like LTR etc? Usually TH consulate forces you to buy TH based companies. Thanks

[@craciunlabs]

Looking great very helpful video as i was looking for such an insurance!

[@donjordan8174]

Is the insurance acceptable for Retirement NON-O in Thailand… Thanks

[@palatkik]

You don't need insurance for a Non-O in Thailand. You need it for Non O-A obtained outside Thailand.

[@TechTeacherMax]

I agree with some comments here about the need for a comparison between a local Thai Health Plan and Safety Wings. This seems to be very expensive and has a few exclusions that make it worth some hesitation. Other than that - good video!

[@JoshinLaLaLand]

I had safety wing. They did not pay anything after my emergency surgery in Thailand. I had to come up with the money to self pay the hospital or I was not going to get care. This insurance is same as no insurance.

[@ProfTotoro]

Noted the US exclusion. There are also Thai based insurance programs that might be a better deal than these if you have permanent residency or are married to a Thai person who can read everything for you. :)

[@vikingvic]

Word of warning on mototaxis, youre not covered by their insurance, and insurance companies rarely cover it either. check the fine print. especially no helmet

[@jb_buri]

you'll know when you have a good health insurance when it comes to check out day. I have been with ThaiLife for years, you have to wait to their agent visits the hospital to discuss the final bill. I have just done 6 nights in a Bangkok hospital, cost 123K Baht. I live here full time, get as much cover as you can or save up a big medical pot. A CT scan was 19K Baht, every time the Doc comes to visit you for a few minute chat, 900 Baht etc

[@mascot3010]

Also I am your FC .like many your vdo and thank you for giving all true good thing about Thailand and Thai people.

[@DG-wo8fx]

Back in the States, I logged over 90,000 miles on crotch rockets before I got too old to ride safely. (I am 72 now.) And I would never even consider riding without a helmet. But here in Thailand, it is extremely common for both foreigners and Thai locals. Safety be damned. Occasionally, a short trip on the back of a motorbike (Bolt or Grab) is the only practical way to get where you need to go, for example, from where you live to the nearest BTS or MRT station during gridlock traffic conditions. When I do ride, the pucker factor is off the charts. Motorbike accidents are EXTREMLEY common here. We drove past a fatality a few weeks ago. By the way, in my 2 1/2 years here, I have never seen a Bolt or Grab motorbike that carries an extra helmet.

[@maximusprime98]

Anyone living abroad i recommend getting an IP only IPMI plan to cover in case of emergencies from a reliable insurer with a good track record. I like AXA personally. Id also recommend going through a reliable broker if possible it should be the same price and they will be able to assist with claims and renewing the insurance in needed.

[@wil67373]

hey, Chris be advised , tried signing up for nomad health, was unable to do so and the online assistant wasn't able to resolve the issue. and told me several times pre-exsisting conditions are not covered. can you check it out and update your video if need be

[@swenrathke4544]

Thanks Chris. Another informative video of you. I wonder though how this insurance will pan out when you have a claim. I am on the highest Ultima health insurance by Pacific Cross for 6 years now, and was interested to look into this. However, the Nomad option actually almost twice as expensive as mine today (I'm older than you). Local office is also important in my view. I had a shoulder surgery costing 600,000 baht. No problems. My friend, same age recently a cancer surgery in intestines with a cost of almost 2 million baht. Again, no problem.

[@JoeyBlogs007]

Be careful not to void your insurance cover by not wearing a helmet.

[@stormstereo]

Or by having alcohol in your system when driving any motor vehicle. Or by not having the correct license/permit for the vehichle type. I can’t believe how many I’ve read about missing these basics.

[@Kwippy]

Helmets are for sheep, right Chris?

[@ammerudgrenda]

A lot of insurance does not cover riding a motorcycle, even as a passenger.

[@dimmybril7096]

Thanks for your video, Chris. Easy, informative, helpful. As usually.😊

[@stevemorrisanamericaninasia]

Health Insurance ok when young. Pre-existing conditions typically excluded ... Buy a term policy linked to health policy as then it's very difficult for Insurance companies to cancel when health insurance linked with life policy.

[@scottm9707]

Thx, Was thinking about this. Loved the motorcycle ride

[@jilliemak2024]

Excellent video. Love the channel. Hello from Lake Superior!

[@Chosil]

Thanks. Just a hint. Go and switch age cat to 60-64 and you’ll almost double annual premium to over 6000.

[@martinthe3rd664]

“Let me get off this bike to somewhere safer” *proceeds to film the entire video standing smack in the middle of a busy street 😂

[@RetiredWorkingForYou]

you get me

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

I saw a comedian who decided never to ride a Grab bike in Thailand again. He said he didn't want his last moment to be "spooning a guy in a green vest."@@RetiredWorkingForYou

[@hfc6535]

Really informative video. Can you bring costs down by having a deductible on your insurance. ?

[@pedromiguel9202]

You can afford $600 per month because Safety Wings is affiliated with you. 98% of us can't go that far.

[@paulz6491]

Then you can’t afford to be nomads as a heart attack, stroke, or car accident could bankrupt you.

[@pedromiguel9202]

@paulz6491 In free competition there is always cheaper alternatives. In European countries there are health systems in which the well-being of their citizens is cheap or free and health insurance is just a complement to guarantee more expensive treatments in the best hospitals, not being mandatory and a matter of life or death.

[@paulz6491]

@@pedromiguel9202 Yes I agree. I live in Canada where we have universal health care. Once I’m out of Canada for 6 months I will need medical insurance that covers me without Canada as my home base. I’ve just started researching so hopefully I’ll find less expensive options. My concern is for people who travel with no health insurance.

[@ammerudgrenda]

…and the $600 assumes perfect health and age under 60.

[@JayandSarah]

@@paulz6491 there are very few examples of which foreign governments try to collect from people who then leave the country. That is just the reality of it.

[@rustynail3630]

Looks like they only cover up to age 69. Approaching that age. What is the best trave insurance for 70+

[@Jowen717]

Do you get an ID Card with a policy # & info for a doctor's office or hospital to bill or is it all submissions for reimbursement? Thanks for all the informative videos!

[@saultrejo6563]

Did you consider trying to get on the Thai national health insurance plan?

[@seo8938]

There are other insurance companies. You're desperate, Chris. This is an advertisement for the service you get a commission off. Post-COVID Thailand must be rough for you..

[@tristankerr3655]

So which company do you recommend?

[@thaisupport8378]

@@tristankerr3655 cigna global is best for Thailand even at 53 i pay just $2000 a year for a million usd cover

[@dereksmith4517]

OK Thailand is on my radar, in my 60s, wood it be better to have £30,000 to £50,000 cash at hand to cover medical cost?

[@screamdreamer]

I need to go to thailand for tumor treatment in my liver.If i submit my application say...may 1.will i be covered by june 1

[@screamdreamer]

This is very important as we are in Philippines and have 3 children and not alot of money

[@TRIPONTHIS]

Hey Chris, Canadian here. I don't think we are covered if we are out of CANADA for more then 6 months. Maybe I'm wrong?

[@clearmonth7085]

I think that's why you need to buy nomad health to cover your home country Canada as well

[@danwelterweight4137]

That actually depends on which province you are from. I think Ontario is more than 6 months now. Other provinces are 6 months. You need to stay at least 6 months in the province.

[@mikhailsaa7506]

If you plan to be outside Canada for more than seven months in any 12-month period you can keep your OHIP coverage for up to two years if you: have a valid health card make Ontario your primary home will be in Ontario for at least 153 days a year in each of the two years immediately before you leave the country - just copy pasted this good people :)

[@samcan9953]

Correct. At least, that's how it is in Quebec. Maximum 6 months out of the country. You can have an exception approved once every 7 years.

[@noreenneu837]

Thank you for doing this video Chris. Now that I am retired I am planning on spending up to 8 months a year in Thailand and am researching the health care implications. Currently my Canadian additional coverage is only $100 a month so switching to Thailand insurance or Nomad health will cost me significantly more. Hmmm

[@stephenhartwick2468]

If you are out of Canada depending on your home province but the max is 213 days ...your additional health insurance based on reimbursement from Canada government system isn't gonna work.Check that very carefully.

[@kimberry999]

Off topic but I'd like to know how you filmed the initial sequence talking while riding on the motorcycle no obvious selfie stick

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

Pacific Cross looks like a better option for someone on a retirement visa.

[@TedConrad]

Do you know if Pacific covers USA?

[@Huck-jz7ne]

Many thanks Chris for the follow up and details!

[@hergandbiskell1546]

I've been researching "global" health insurance for a while and I didn't find any that provide access to the actual policy documents on their websites. So you have to buy it before you can even see the policy. Kind of like buying a car you can't see or drive.

[@geoffwaterman6560]

Thanks Chris for your video. Had to watch twice to absorb the information. It's interesting in the comments that people are not happy with safety wing. I also find it very disappointing and annoying when insurance companies Fail to pay claims. Your videos are very helpful because I'm thinking of retiring.

[@Jack-2day]

Check reviews of individual companies..

[@palatkik]

This comes across as a 18 minute advertisement. Are you paid by Nomad for this?

[@carloskymvilches1765]

Can I use the nomad health in the US for a while before I move to Thailand?

[@aeroAdvocate]

The same mistakes that I’m making… riding a motorbike (especially without a helmet)! 😂 You can’t exclude all risk but certainly minimize it. No motorbikes or other unsafe activities for me.

[@davidgc4396]

Just watching your video. I pay $106 Australian dollars a month for health insurance in Australia. I mainly use it for dental in Australia. Health insurance costs a lot more over there and I am single.

[@davidgc4396]

I suppose that’s the dearest thing in Thailand but a necessity. I think it will be cheaper living for me there but I will probably rent. I don’t really like wasting money on rent as I own my own house in Australia but see what happens 😊

[@markholland6657]

just had a look at it and my monthly health insurance would be more than my total bills staying based in my own country and just using free national healthcare.. living in Asia will soon be more expensive than stay living in your own country!

[@scaravelliyoga]

Good info, Chris. But Safety Wing don't have the best reputation when it comes to actually paying out on insurance claims. Have you any information on other providers? I'm with Luma at the moment. I think AXA has the best reputation..

[@Roman-n6x1d]

Great riding shots Chris!

[@karmaxxl7945]

Chris if I have a pre existing health condition and want to move permanently to Thailand, how can I get a quote from Nomad Health without entering my visa/payment? So I will know my monthly costs before buying my plane ticket? Sincerely, David 🇨🇦

[@dave3k]

I think this is a bit too pricey, I had a look a few others places and you can get decent coverage for about 1/3 of these prices. It was called Sunday Smart Insurance

[@carloskymvilches1765]

Thnks for the great Info!!!

[@WilliamAlexanderVT]

Hi Chris. Thanks for the informative videos. Are the Nomad links paid affiliate links? If so, you really should disclose that. Thanks again!