The life insurance health insurance option

In my last column, I mentioned the health insurance options, one of them being through a life insurance company. We actually started out selling a life and health insurance combination to expats. The following letter we received today reminded me of one the reasons why we switched from life insurance to regular health insurance. It was Ajarn.com that directed us to our first health insurer. Now we represent all of the health insurance companies in Thailand, and some outside of Thailand. We still have a life insurance product, but the life insurance companies make it difficult for us to sell life insurance to expats. Here's a sad example:

Dear Tony,
I've read about the services that you provide for foreign teachers--very good indeed!!

I've recently tried to obtain insurance from a life insurance company. They were a HUGE PAIN to deal with. I needed a work permit, which I have, and I needed to submit an AIDS/HIV test--I did all of the required things that they wanted me to do including paying for the quarterly fee for the insurance coverage.

Then the agent that I was dealing with told me that they weren't satisfied with my work permit!! They stated that I hadn't worked in the country long enough. I just started my new job almost a year ago, and they wanted proof that I've been residing in the country longer than that-they wanted copies of my old work permits--I told them that that was impossible because I had to return my old work permit after I left my old school. Then they requested copies of my visa stamps in my passport--which I did. Still not satisfied, they turned me down for insurance coverage--what's wrong with these people??!!

Well, my question now is what kind of general insurance can I get that's pretty decent?? I'm just insuring myself--I don't have a Thai wife, nor do I have any children whatsoever. I understand that If I should get general insurance I must pay at an annual rate--is it really expensive??
Thanks much. Pained in Thailand.
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Dear Pained,

Since you are a teacher, I suggest that you go with the Ajarn. com Group coverage.
It provides considerably better medical coverage than that offered through life insurance companies.

The group renews on 15 October. If you start the coverage effective 15 January the premium will be 9,001 baht. If you make the coverage effective 15 February, the premium will be 7,982 baht.

Information on how to enroll can be found on this website.

In addition to the Enrollment Form and the signed Health Application, we also need a copy of the ID page of your passport. You can fax or e-mail everything us.

Payment can be made to e-insurethailand at any branch of Siam Commercial bank.
Once I have your Enrollment Form I will send you the payment details.

Once we receive your paid application, you will be covered immediately for accidents (if enrollment starts 15 Jan) or on the 15th of the month your enrollment starts.
Coverage for illness will begin 30 days later.

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