Visa financial requirements held for medical emergencies

[dozer]

I have lived here most of my adult life and from 1987 on a full expat package.
During that time I have heard so many stories of expats hitting hard times and on quite few occasions I have help out financially.
Would it not be a better idea if the 400K and 800K financial requirement was held as some sort of surety in case of medical emergency or whatever.

[Bristolian]

It certainly sounds like a good idea. However you have to take into account different financial circumstances. Some only manage to get the required 800K or 400K for 3 months by borrowing short term, to meet the requirement, and could not have this sum held indefinitely. I know also that raises a separate question about the ongoing ability of some people to stay.....next would be means testing of ex pats. If you wait a while I'm sure that this will be proposed by the government

[Takiap]

Another alternative would be gender reassignment surgery. Farang women with zero income or savings can easily marry a Thai security guard earning 6K per month. Apparently Farang men need more more than Farang women. Equal rights in all its glory.

[BOZ]

I agree that something like that would be great.. The conundrum here is how does Thailand limit or ourselves (self police) the ability to live an Ex-pat life... Living longer, with or without a pension or some social security type funds... We can easily burn through available funds, lifestyles dictate the burn rate to some effect... Some solid research on this budgeting would be a must to even consider making the move... I would love to see an affordable catastrophic type insurance made available and be conposiary if you chose to be an expat living abroad, not just Thailand... Slippery slope, but a good topic for sure... Simple to paint with as broad brush in black and white, sad truth is that grey areas seem to always be there though... 800K wouldn't really be all that much if certain types of illnesses were encountered... Just say'n... Great food for thought...

I know I will definitely have good health insurance in my budget, a solid line item when I was doing my research on my move to Hua Hin... couldn't see not having it, one serious illness and your savings could be wiped out... A 2nd issue could be the end of the road financially for you... Either I can afford to do this properly and protect my wife's future or I won't do it at all... I know not everyone can afford health insurance.. Gets back to my earlier points, you roll the dice and hope for the best... Sad that way too many times Craps comes up on your roll... We all want to live out our retirement years happy and worry free, good planning and awareness are key to making that a reality...

[theprice01]

Of course there should be financial visa requirements for this kind of thing...but people would only find a way to wiggle round it/out of it.
Personally...i think its disgracefull the way some expats carry on their bad habits without a care in the world. ...maybe if they spent less on the nice-to-haves' they would be able to afford health insurance.
I really liked Richard the few times we met so i'll bring this reply to an end out of respect for him.

[lomuamart]

There was talk of bringing in compulsory health insurance a year or so ago - and I don't think it was for the first time.
The government of the day were proposing a Thai scheme for expats that wouldn't break the bank. I can't remember the exact details.
However, it never got off the ground. At the time, a few hospitals in Phuket were kicking up a fuss about foreigners not being able to pay bills.

[JamesWest]

How about everyone being responsible for themselves and the governments of every country in the world especially the USA and UK can go take a hike. Don't tread on me.

[Homer]

... I know also that raises a separate question about the ongoing ability of some people to stay.....next would be means testing of ex pats. If you wait a while I'm sure that this will be proposed by the government

The 800k/income requirement IS a means test, unless we have different definitions for that phrase.

[Homer]

I would love to see an affordable catastrophic type insurance made available and be conposiary if you chose to be an expat living abroad, not just Thailand.
.

Affordable catastrophic health insurance for older people is an oxymoron, unless the insurer can print money.

[BOZ]

True in a way Homer, but I worked with Matt at AA and found that there are many levels of insurance available that are very reasonable when compared to USA prices... Lesser level of coverage lowers the price..... Have some level of insurance for your own and family's protection... That is my point....

[Homer]

That is my point....

With which I agree.