Health insurance marketing
A look at the different aspects of health insurance policies in Thailand
Health insurance here in Thailand, as a rule, is much cheaper and much simpler than the health insurance most expats are probably used to.
The medical world is changing
More expensive health insurance premiums can mean better equipment
Things keep changing in the field of medical care - and that means that costs keep increasing. The good news, though, is that much of the increase in cost is due to the hospitals buying new and improved test equipment to allow them to quickly spot and diagnose medical problems that would have previously been missed.
Who’s to blame?
Always understand the terms and conditions of a health insurance policy
I often read complaints about the standard exclusions found in the terms and conditions (T&C) of a particular insurance company's policy. What the complainers don't realize is that these exclusions are in all health insurance policies.
How did they know?
When hospitals sharing information can prove costly
Recently, someone sent me an e-mail asking me if health insurance companies and hospitals in Thailand share information among themselves without permission from the patient.
Tell it to the OIC
There's a new sheriff in town
Being a stranger in a strange land causes many expats to become a bit paranoid at times. This can be especially true when considering the purchase of health and accident insurance in Thailand. Whom can you trust? What are the "hidden" exclusions that health insurers can use to get out of paying your claim?
Buying hospital inpatient (IPD) coverage in Thailand
The 5 areas of health insurance coverage that you should be aware of
Most medical insurance plans sold in Thailand, including those packaged with life insurance policies, focus on providing basic hospital Inpatient (IPD) coverage.
Health cover for existing medical problems
Is it possible to get insurance to cover treatment of an existing problem?
Iit still bothers me that many people with existing medical problems can't get insurance to help cover the treatment of medical problems. But, there are some options.
What about high blood pressure?
Always be 'up front' with your health insurer about high blood pressure
Last year we had a couple of fairly recent applicants get hospitalized. Their hospitalization had something to do with their history of hypertension.
Life insurance for savings or family protection
A detailed look at what life insurance is all about
I strongly believe that life insurance should primarily be purchased to guarantee financial security for loved ones, to cover payment of a debt (house purchase) or guarantee continuation of a business should an owner/partner die unexpectedly.
More on ‘ajarn healthy’ for healthy ajarns
Are the ajarn.com health insurance policies truly for you?
The medical insurance plans being offered through the Ajarn.com Group were selected because they provide good adequate medical coverage for most medical needs in Thailand at an affordable cost for teachers (under age 60).
Getting claims paid
Three types of health insurance buyer
As a rule, there really are no good or bad companies when it comes to paying claims, although some are a little better than others. It’s mainly a matter of timing and situation.
Please help me,. I have Crohn’s Disease!
Will group health insurance cover a pre-existing condition?
I suggest that the letter writer check with his doctor to see if another more readily available form of medication would be just as acceptable for his needs. If not, then he should forget about coming to Thailand.
The dangers of self-diagnosis
Being your own doctor can be unhealthy
I fully understood why this person's claim had been rejected and his coverage cancelled. And, after having read his reply to them, I realized that he had absolutely no understanding of high blood pressure and how it could have been the cause of his heart attack.
Three potentially dangerous medical conditions
Hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes
Ajarn.com's health insurance expert, Tony Dabbs, looks at three medical problems that can't be cured but can certainly be controlled.
Welcome into the year 2010 / 2553
Hopefully the year of the tiger will be a roaring success
The year 2009 was fine, as our business kept growing. But it was also a bit crazy.
Health insurance in Thailand
A reality check
There are basically 2 types of health insurance coverage available in Thailand, government Social Security Insurance (SSI) and non-government, privately funded health insurance.
Ajarn group health insurance
What exactly do you get?
On the 15th of October the Ajarn.com Teachers Group is renewing for another year. Anyone wanting to join or renew, should do so now. There is a choice of 3 plans.
Clarifying OPD and IPD
There's no need to be confused
I really hate sending out claim rejection notices to clients. Lately, though, we have had to send out quite a few. Looking through them to see why, I discovered that most of the claims had one thing in common.
We get letters
A selection of letters from ajarn readers
Two years ago I was in a bad motorcycle accident and spent three months in the hospital including three weeks in an induced coma. I am doing ok now, however, I need powerful pain medications to be comfortable enough to get around.
Understanding medical insurance
What does the small print all mean?
Most medical insurance sold in Thailand, including medical insurance riders found on life insurance, is formed around Basic Hospital Inpatient Coverage, which is broken down into four areas of coverage: 1) Daily Room and Board, 2) Hospital General Expenses, 3) Surgery and 4) Inpatient Doctor Visits.
Featured Teachers
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Nathan
Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 22 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Maarten
Certificate (1), BA (1)
Netherlander (male, 45 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Edgar
Diploma (1), BA (1)
Filipino (male, 43 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jonathan
BA (1)
British (male, 33 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Peter
Certificate (3)
Australian (male, 36 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Asger
Certificate (3)
Dane (male, 41 years old, native Danish speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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David
Certificate (4), Diploma (3), BA (1)
Canadian (male, 37 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Stephane
Certificate (2), BA (1), MA (1)
French (male, 33 years old, native French speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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John
Certificate (5), BA (1), MA (1)
Canadian (male, 46 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Abigail
Diploma (1), BA (1), Certificate (1)
South African (female, 34 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
About Ajarn.com
Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.
Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.
The Region Guides
Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
Hi, I’m Tony Dabbs
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
E-mailing for jobs
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
Fun Quiz
Find out how employable you are in Thailand as an English teacher. Is it a case of 'welcome aboard' or "Mom, I need you to send some money again"
