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.
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.
Ajarn Guests
Fear of change?
In Thailand the government has set 2012 as English Speaking Year with a goal of encouraging students to converse in English every Monday. Such policies are useful but the major leap of enacting legislation to make English an official language for Thailand is also needed
Software for student tests
The integration of internet and computers with education and English learning is something students find normal, and classrooms without some access to educational software may seem quaint. Some students may even feel they can get more ‘professional' teaching from the numerous online ELT sites if a school is behind in IT.
Whatever happened to the shopping mall teacher?
They are the shopping mall English teachers - gliding like pale, undernourished phantoms amid the hordes of weekend Thai shoppers. The main reason I empathize with the shopping mall teacher is because I was once one myself. I know how desperate and soul-destroying it can be.
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.
Friends of Ajarn
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?




