A brief rant about healthcare
Healthcare in Thailand trumps what's available in the USA every time
I can completely understand the reasoning behind the US system of over-carefulness; drugs should be administered safely and correctly, and you should always know what's actually wrong with you. But, even if I wasn't positive of my illness (based on multiple past experiences), I can find a doctor here, no appointment needed, and pay about 1000 baht ($30) on-the-spot, no insurance needed.
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.
Class, may I go out?
Dealing with a delicate classroom issue
What do you do you if in the middle of your teaching you suddenly feel the urge to go to the toilet? Do you wait until your class is over? Do you ask your students to excuse you? What's the best way to deal with this most personal of issues?
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.
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).
A dream lifestyle in Thailand
Does Chiang Mai offer the perfect place to live and work? Well, live anyway
I'll put my hands up and admit I've been somewhat unkind to Chiang Mai in past blogs. On past visits, I've usually had the job of playing tour guide to my ageing parents and a couple of their friends. It's never easy to move a group of elderly folk around a sizeable Asian city without having every tout and unofficial tour operator descending on you from miles around
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.
Featured Teachers
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Yolanda
BA (1)
South African (female, 26 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Abubakar(a
Certificate (3), BA (1)
Ugandan (male, 29 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Stephen
MA (1), BA (1), Certificate (1)
American (male, 43 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jennelyn
Diploma (1)
Filipino (female, 32 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Benjamin
BA (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 40 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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James Ian
Certificate (2), BA (1)
British (male, 60 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Ross
Certificate (2), Diploma (1), BA (1)
British (male, 33 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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David
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 61 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Volodymyr
Diploma (1)
Ukrainian (male, 31 years old, native Ukrainian speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Simon
Certificate (4), BSc (1)
British (male, 49 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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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
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 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.
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.
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"
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
