Job Discussion Forums

brewsterbudgen · Joined: 29 Apr 2005 Posts: 43 Location: Bangkok

I'm coming to Bangkok from UK in September to take the CELTA at ECC and hopefully find work in Thailand or, possibly China, afterwards.

I know I will need some form of insurance, principally medical insurance. I've had quotes for medical insurers (BUPA International, Morgan Price, William Russell etc.) with prices ranging from �1,300 to �500 per annum. My preferred choice at the moment is for Preferred Medical Ltd who offer a "teacher's policy" at �690 for the Silver cover.

However, I have also found many travel insurance policies that will provide cover for a year (single trip - i.e. no return to the UK during the year). Costs range from �500 to �200 per annum. As well as medical "emergency" cover up to �10 million, they also include insurance for baggage loss, cash, tickets etc.

My question: is a travel insurance policy sufficient or should you take out specific medical insurance (and a separate travel insurance for loss etc.)?

Thanks

Brewster

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Hi Brewster:

I'd love to help you out, but this is a topic I know very little about.

Maybe somebody else will jump in here and rescue both of us?

I've been living without insurance (yikes!) for years.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:38 am Post subject:

Unfortunately, insurance tends to be an area often neglected by people in our profession. Most people seem to get away with it when they are younger - but it's not something to ignore as you get a little older.

I use KW Batten out of the UK - and know several other people who have had very good experiences with them.

On the bottom third of this page http://phuketdelight.com/medical.htm are links to a couple decent companies. You'll have to do e-mail to work with Batten though. But their contact person is super reliable - her e-mail address is on the same page.

I've filed claims with Batten from Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Taiwan - with never a problem.

wix · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 250 Location: Earth

Purchasing online is a good way to go for insurance. The company doesn't have to pay commission and avoids other costs which results in cheaper prices. Have a look at World Nomads.