The new Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin

[Dr Mike]

Medical insurance--UGH!!!!

When an Insurance company agrrees to pay for treatment it can mean one of at least two things.
1 Direct payment --they will pay direct to the hospital
2. Reimbrsement--you have to pay and when you submit the bill to them they will reimburse you.

2 is much more common than 1.

We much prefer 1, the patient prefers 1, the family prefer 1

[Big Boy]

I'm sorry Dr Mike, but in this case I had to phone the insurance company to get them to agree to me paying up front. It was Bangkok Hospital who wanted the up front payment, definitely not me nor the insurance company.

I've e-mailed you my wife's detail, and I'm sure you will still have the insurance company's paperwork on file. The insurance company were less than pleased when I told them that you required immediate payment or we would incur additional night's stay pending settlement. However, I know TIT, and I accepted it without complaint or argument - I was simply grateful that you had aided my wife's recovery so quickly. The deed has been done - it's not worth worrying about.

[littlebird]

of course you prefer number 2. Dr Mike
So could I suggest that the hospital does a deal with an insurance company to effect this, you would gain and the insurance company would gain, not to mention that it would be a damn sight easier for the patient

[Dr Mike]

We have a team of people and everyday thay are working with the companies trying for that. With patients from a dozen countries each one with many companies it means we are dealing with several hundred companies, some with only 1 or 2 patients a year. There are the regular Ins companies, then travel Insurance companies some being real insurers others just selling an established companies policies under their name. Then there is the time differences and just try to get any sense out of a British company between 4pm on Friday and 9am on Monday (GMT) --its a struggle but we try.

[Big Boy]

My wife had 5* cover, and her UK insurance company, knowing the problems well, actually deal through a Thai agent. In this case the agents were Asia Assistance Partners. I know Bangkok Hospital, Hua Hin were talking to them because (as well as having copies of correspondence between yourselves and the agents) the insurance company were able to provide me detail such as my wife's room number, and an actual diagnosis.

As I've said, it is water under the bridge now, and I was fortunate enough to be able to pay. I hate to think what might have happened if I didn't have the means to pay.

[pharvey]

I hate to think what might have happened if I didn't have the means to pay.

Firstly BB let me add my best wishes for a speedy recovery for your wife - and add thanks it was not cancer! Must have been difficult for you also being in the UK at the time.

Back to the post. That's exactly what worries me BB. Surely the whole idea/purpose of insurance is not necessarily reimbursing costs, but PAYING THEM! Business-wise, I'm ensured for something ridiculous like 10 million USD when on site/traveling..... I would say the travel/personal insurance companies have a lot more small print and a lot less coverage.

[Khundon1975]

Dr Mike, thanks for the answer to my question.

BB I hope the wife is on the mend.

[Big Boy]

BB I hope the wife is on the mend.

Thanks Don, she's mending quickly now.

[Dr Mike]

I am arranging a lunch for ladies at the hospital on the 29th juneat noon. A women's group is coming but any other lady interested in welcome--- Salad lunch--Discussion about Health Care needs for women in HH and tour of the hospital.
Anybody interested write to me at Moreton@bgh.co.th

[gilped]

I just want to say that I have read a lot of points on here about BK Hospital in Hua Hin and I have personally had a lot of dealings with Dr Mike. During my last visit to HH 2 weeks ago I decided to get a check up on a complaint I had so I could see myself what the service is like. There's nothing negative I can say about the place and as for cost I was 600THB to see an ear nose and throat specialist after only a 30 minute wait. That to me is very good service and great value for money.

[wpcoe]

I am arranging a lunch for ladies at the hospital on the 29th juneat noon.

Soliciting for a harem, are we?

Sorry. Couldn't resist!

On the serious side, Dr. Mike, I hope the hospital realizes what a good spokesperson you are for them. Your presence here is greatly appreciated!

[richard]

No lunch for men? Have I got to get my katoey gear out then?

[Dr Mike]

I had the Dutch club here and the Swedish Club---I suggested a Commonwealth group have a similar visits for Brits.Ausiies Kiwis but got NO replys.

[Dr Mike]

Gilped--could you write to me at Moreton@bgh.co.th
In would like to pass on your comments to ther nursing station and to the DR--we sure let them know about complaints-- I need to pass on the good comments.

[bapak]

I had the Dutch club here and the Swedish Club---I suggested a Commonwealth group have a similar visits for Brits.Ausiies Kiwis but got NO replys.

Sorry, Doc, but I did reply some time ago. As a Aussie..