Checklist Before Getting Health Insurance

Before purchasing health insurance policies in Thailand, review our health insurance checklist.

What are the basic requirements for obtaining health insurance?

If you are in Thailand, the most straightforward method is to visit an insurance company and let them handle the legal processes. Schedule an appointment in advance and inquire about the necessary paperwork. Every Thai province has insurance agents, and in tourist or expat-heavy cities, finding an English-speaking agent should be straightforward. Alternatively, you can visit the insurance companies’ websites or request a quote from Thaiger.

When choosing a policy, exercise caution and avoid opting for the cheapest option without thorough examination. Carefully review the fine print, exclusions, and coverages. Additionally, consider the credibility of the insurer, as some companies may avoid claim payouts. With the prevalence of online review sites, evaluating businesses has become relatively simple

Basic requirements needed to think and create a checklist before getting health insurance:

  • Verify Eligibility: Eligibility must be verified based on income, employment status and residency. Specific plans may require different criteria.
  • Health Assessments: Health assessments may be needed to qualify for certain coverage levels. These could include medical checks or providing past health records.
  • Age and Health Status: Age and health status often influence premium costs. Older individuals or those with pre-existing conditions might face higher premiums.
  • Required Documentation: Providing the required documentation is crucial. This typically includes identification, proof of income, and residency documents.
  • Coverage for Family Members: Ensure every family member is covered. Family plans through Cigna offer thorough coverage for dependents, including emergency services.
  • Premium Payments: Understanding premium payment schedules is necessary. Regular, timely payments ensure uninterrupted coverage.
  • Financial Stability: Financial stability might be assessed. Stable financial backgrounds often lead to better premium rates and easier claim processes.
  • Consult with an Agent: Consulting with a Cigna agent can clarify specific plan details and benefits. Agents assist in navigating complex health insurance requirements.
  • Review Policy Documents: Review policy documents carefully. Understand the benefits, exclusions, and terms of insurance plans. Thorough understanding avoids future disputes.

Meeting basic requirements is essential when creating a checklist before getting health insurance from providers like Cigna. Understanding these requirements helps you avoid future issues.

Key Points

  • The basic requirements for health insurance can differ from one individual to another.
  • Read the policy documents or consult with your agent in detail to understand fully the policy’s benefits.
  • It’s important to make sure that everyone in your family is covered by health insurance.

What are the important benefits of a good health insurance policy?

It’s time to figure out what kind of coverage you’ll need and to keep track of the major differences in coverage benefits between insurers and even within the same company’s policies. The simplest policies usually only cover hospitalisation costs in one country and offer few or no other benefits. A good health insurance policy offers several crucial benefits enhancing both healthcare access and financial protection such as:

  • Access to Healthcare: Medical services, including regular check-ups and preventative care, become more accessible with health insurance. Timely treatments for illnesses and injuries are facilitated, improving overall health.
  • Financial Protection: The financial burden of medical expenses gets reduced, protecting individuals from high out-of-pocket costs. This benefit is particularly significant with Cigna’s tailored plans in Thailand.
  • Improved Health Outcomes: Better health outcomes are achieved through health insurance. Studies show lower death rates and improved well-being for insured individuals.
  • Increased Productivity: An association exists between health insurance and improved productivity. Timely medical care allows quicker recovery from illnesses.

For those considering a checklist before getting health insurance, Cigna’s thorough plans, supportive agents, and structured offerings in Thailand ensure excellent protection and service.

Healthcare equipment
PHOTO: Marcelo Leal, Unsplash

Do health insurance policies have any exclusions?

It’s important to understand every policy’s exclusions, as most policies have a long list of them, here are some common exclusions are as follows:

Health insurance policies and any exclusions

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Policies frequently have exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Chronic conditions might not be covered initially. In Spain, private health insurance often enforces this through waiting periods. Cigna’s policies detail specific exclusions, so reviewing these conditions is essential.
  • Waiting Periods: Policies usually include waiting periods. Before certain treatments are covered, you might face delays ranging from months to over a year. Cigna’s plans specify these periods clearly, which helps in planning your healthcare logistics.
  • Network Providers: Most policies feature network providers. In-network care typically incurs minimal out-of-pocket costs. Choosing the correct network provider ensures you maximise your insurance benefits. Cigna offers a broad network, facilitating easy provider access and smooth coverage.
  • Maximum Coverage: Maximum coverage limits can restrict your insurance benefits. Policies define overall limits, which are vital to understand. Cigna outlines these limits in the Certificate of Insurance available in your secure online Customer Area.
  • Deductibles and Cost Shares: Deductibles and cost shares affect your out-of-pocket expenses. Your Certificate of Insurance will list selected deductibles. Cigna’s Customer Area provides easy access to these documents, ensuring clarity on this front.
  • Special Restrictions: Policies may apply special restrictions based on the provided information. Medical information of beneficiaries could lead to new exclusions. Cigna evaluates this data to determine any unique policy restrictions.

Understanding these exclusions ensures you’re well-prepared before getting health insurance. Cigna’s transparent policies, even in Thailand, provide essential coverage while outlining any limitations clearly. This preparation helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures smoother healthcare experiences.

Make sure you review all of the coverage, benefits, and if the policy meets the your criteria.

Guidelines on comparing the best health insurance plans.

Comparing health insurance quotes on approved brokers’ websites is strongly recommended. This ensures you’re looking for the right health insurance options from a number of companies. Here are a few of the most important things to consider when evaluating the reliability of the health insurance policies you’re considering:

  • Price: The lowest premium does not guarantee the best health insurance coverage in most situations.
  • Renewability: Many community health insurance plans are not lifetime renewable, which means that if you have a serious illness, the insurer has the authority to decline to renew your policy.
  • Provider networks: It’s important to check a policy’s list of covered hospitals and healthcare facilities.
  • Location: Is the plan available worldwide, or is it just for medical treatment in Thailand? For expats and frequent travellers, this is particularly important to remember. If your job requires you to travel to different parts of the globe an international health insurance plan may be right for you and your family.

You and your family would be well protected from high-cost medical care if you have the right health insurance policy.

How long is the waiting period for health insurance?

A waiting period is a timeframe during which a policyholder cannot make a claim for a specific benefit. This period agreed upon in advance between the medical insurance provider and the policyholder. Once the waiting period expires, coverage for that benefit becomes active.

Various insurance providers have different waiting periods. For local insurers like Bupa, Pacific Cross, and LMG, a 30-day waiting period is common. In contrast, international companies such as MSH and AXA usually do not have a waiting period unless specified in the policy agreement.

Other Types of Health Insurance

Health Insurance Guides