Medical emergencies in Thailand, receiving continued medical care in Thailand, and medical tourism are just some of the FMP-related inquiries I’ve received from local and traveling veterans in the year since publishing our last article on The VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP) coverage in Thailand. Though predominantly safe in the proclaimed “Land of Smiles, ” life happens, and it’s crucial to be covered “WHEN” it matters.
Don’t Wait. FMP registration is easy. However, receiving your FMP authorization letter could take months. Without your authorization letter and insurer, you are prone to paying 100% out-of-pocket fees at hospitals here, which are typically charged at double the rate for foreigners. Though reimbursable, out-of-pocket fees could take more than four months to be reimbursed and usually result in a lengthy and difficult reimbursement process. Learn more here.
Regardless of the length of your stay here in Thailand, having medical insurance and knowing where to receive medical care supported by your insurer is crucial when traveling. Our new research on FMP insurance in Thailand has shown that FMP insurance acceptance in Thailand is surprisingly growing! Hospitals in Thailand are increasingly weaving FMP insurance coverage into their services, each in its own distinctive way. The new information we gathered in this article would excitingly help you avoid out-of-pocket medical expenses during your stay in Thailand and present Thai-based U.S. veterans, and veterans interested in visiting Thailand with treatment options in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. Prepare for your visit, and learn how here!
Chiang Mai Most FMP Supported Province in Thailand
Veterans residing in , and visiting Chiang Mai are welcome to use FMP insurance at three locations across Chiang Mai, which currently has the most supported locations in Thailand. Locations in Chiang Mai include Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, Ingjai Clinic, and Chiangmai Ram Hospital.
- Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
- Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai is a world-class hospital and a part of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) Family, the largest private hospital group in Thailand. The hospital has a team of multilingual medical professionals who provide services across a range of specialties. Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai also accepts FMP insurance in cases where the final medical bill amounts to Ten Thousand Thai Baht or more, and the treatment is related to one or more of your service-connected conditions.
- Bangkok Hospital Chiang INTL. Insurance FMP Ph# 052089759 | 88/8-9 Moo 6 Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000
- Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai is a world-class hospital and a part of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) Family, the largest private hospital group in Thailand. The hospital has a team of multilingual medical professionals who provide services across a range of specialties. Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai also accepts FMP insurance in cases where the final medical bill amounts to Ten Thousand Thai Baht or more, and the treatment is related to one or more of your service-connected conditions.
- Ingjai Clinic
- Welcome to Ingjai Clinic! Ingjai Clinic is a mental health clinic nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai, dealing primarily with mental health conditions such as PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. Ingjai Clinic supports Tricare, International S.O.S., The Veteran Evaluation Services, and FMP insurance, and offers flexible medical solutions, including online counseling and the option to receive medication VIA mail.
- Veterans visiting the clinic can receive care from Dr.Ngamwong Jarusuraisin, a Psychiatrist and Family Medicine Specialist. Appointments can be scheduled in advance, or you can coordinate with the clinic to send information about your existing condition to receive medication.
- Ph# 0955655268 | 68/5 Moo 1, Thasala, Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000 |
ingjaiclinic@gmail.com
- Ph# 0955655268 | 68/5 Moo 1, Thasala, Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000 |
- Chiangmai Ram Hospital
- Established in 1993, and specializing in ophthalmology, dentistry, and neurology. Chiangmai Ram Hospital is a worthwhile option if you’re considering receiving medical care in Chiang Mai. Like other hospitals in this guide, your final medical bill must also be within the hospital’s prescribed threshold amount for both inpatient and outpatient cases in order for Chiangmai Ram to be able to bill FMP. Reach out to them at the contact details below to learn more.
- Ph# 053920300 | 8 Bunrueang Rit Road, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
- Established in 1993, and specializing in ophthalmology, dentistry, and neurology. Chiangmai Ram Hospital is a worthwhile option if you’re considering receiving medical care in Chiang Mai. Like other hospitals in this guide, your final medical bill must also be within the hospital’s prescribed threshold amount for both inpatient and outpatient cases in order for Chiangmai Ram to be able to bill FMP. Reach out to them at the contact details below to learn more.
Pattaya
- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya ( BHP )
- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP) has become a popular place for veterans living in Thailand and is well recommended. Like other Bangkok Hospital locations, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s medical staff offers multilingual medical support and a variety of specialized medical services.
- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya accepts FMP insurance; however, like other FMP-supported locations, all treatment must be related to one of the conditions listed on your FMP award letter. In cases where treatment is covered by FMP, BHP can directly bill FMP for both inpatient and outpatient services without a payment threshold.
- Ph# 038 259 999 | Bangkok Hospital Pattaya 301 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road, Km. 143, Banglamung, Chonburi, Thailand 20150
Bangkok
- Bangkok Hospital Bangkok
- Although Bangkok has some of Thailand’s most renowned medical facilities, we could only find one hospital in the capital that accepts FMP insurance.
- Bangkok Hospital Bangkok, established in 1972, is one of the oldest and most renowned in this guide. Bangkok Hospital’s global standard and high-quality reputation especially follow it at their Bangkok headquarters. The hospital is known for its high-quality, customer-focused medical care and specialties in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
- Bangkok Hospital Bangkok accepts FMP insurance only in Inpatient cases. For all outpatient cases, the hospital advises paying upfront and claiming the cost with FMP for reimbursement. As standard with all FMP-supported locations, treatment must be related to one or more of the service-connected disabilities listed in your FMP authorization letter.
- Ph# 02 310 3000 | 2 Soi Phetchaburi 47 Yaek 10, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
Qualifying & Registering for FMP
Veterans with a Service Connected Disability rating of zero percent or higher and living or traveling outside The United States qualify for FMP Insurance.
“FMP will pay for health care services, medications, and durable medical equipment for service-connected conditions and conditions associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected condition. VA may authorize foreign medical services for any condition if you are participating in the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program.”
Department of Veteran Affairs – FMP Program
It’s important to note that all veterans receiving medical care through FMP should be prepared to cover any out-of-pocket costs in case any part of your treatment or medicine administered is not covered , and that all cases involving cosmetic procedures and non – USFDA approved medications are not supported.
See the VA’s list of examples of Non – Covered Medical Procedures
- Care that isn’t accepted by VA or the U.S. medical community (including experimental treatments and medicines that aren’t approved by the FDA)
- Long-term care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, mental health facilities, or adult day health centers
- Non-medical home care or companion services
- Medical equipment with deluxe or luxury features (such as a queen- or king-sized bed, remote controls, or a stair-climbing wheelchair)
- Health club, spa, or exercise program memberships
- Family planning services and sterilization
- Travel costs
- Costs for paying bills (like postage, late charges, or check-cashing fees)
- Charges for services, treatments, or supplies that you don’t have to pay by law
Registration
To register, simply complete the listed form and mail it to the location below. I also advise you to send a copy of the completed form to FMP VIA email at Hac.fmp@va.gov to inform them and help streamline the registration process. To follow up on your FMP registration and authorization , you can also reach FMP at their phone number +1 877-345-8179
- VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care Foreign Medical Program (FMP) P.O. Box 469061 Denver, CO 80246-9061
FMP Reimbursement
As mentioned above, and as I’m sure all veterans reading this are aware – getting reimbursed from the VA is a burdensome process. FMP allows a window of two years to claim your medical bills after visiting your treatment facility. To ensure your claim is processed timely, ensure with the hospital and your provider that all medical bills, statements, records, and other related documents are written in English, as FMP has stated that claims needing translation take longer to process. Additionally, be sure to submit all payment receipts and supporting documentation together with the listed claim cover sheet. Documents can be received VIA mail at the above mentioned address and email at hac.fmp@va.gov.
Documents to Include in your Reimbursement Claim
- VA Form 10 – 7959F – 2
- An itemized billing statement from your provider. (Make sure the statement includes your provider’s full name and medical title, office address, billing address, and phone number. The statement should also include a list of the health conditions you got care for and the dates you got that care.)
- Proof that you paid the provider.
- Any more supporting documents you need for certain types of care
Moving forward , we’re looking towards updating this guide as the Foreign Medical Program continues to implement improvements for veterans , and providers , and as more hospitals all over Thailand begin to accepts FMP insurance.
Increased acceptance of FMP insurance in Thailand could be a very big WIN for veterans residing in , and visiting Thailand. You can join this effort by simply commenting your interest in the FMP program and the current Thai province your located in , or are interested in visiting. Some Popular locations currently lacking little or no FMP supported locations include Phuket , Bangkok , and Pattaya. You could also forward this article to FMP at hac.fmp@va.gov. and inform them of your interest in FMP coordinating with providers to bring more FMP supported locations to Thailand. Copy and paste this message in an email to participate.
“Greetings , I’m a veteran visiting ( or living ) In ___ Thailand. I came across this article and would like to make known my interest in seeing more FMP coverage in Thailand“
Written by Elijah Williams
For Inquiries contact me at elijahkeyshawn647@gmail.com, or
at Phone Number( Thai +66633056819, U.S / +1 803 993 9578 )
