Dear readers of Wochenblitz,
Today, I would like to share my personal experience — and at the same time emphasize how important it is to have a competent insurance advisor who can provide reliable support. It is especially helpful when this advisor speaks your native language.
In my case, that person is Matthias Hochlenert from Global Insurance Broker. Thanks to his excellent connections with the medical insurance provider Pacific Cross, he has repeatedly achieved remarkable results for me.
I have been his client for more than ten years and have taken out all my insurance policies through him — always to my complete satisfaction.
My current medical case
Recently, I once again realized how valuable Mr. Hochlenert’s support is. Without his assistance and the close cooperation with Pacific Cross’s medical department, I would not have been able to resolve my current issue.
My health insurance policy excludes outpatient treatments and requires an annual deductible of 40,000 Baht for hospital stays.
For several years, I have suffered from severe acid reflux. About three years ago, a gastroscopy revealed that my reflux valve at the end of the esophagus no longer closed properly. Surgery was recommended at that time, but since I was managing reasonably well with the medication Miracid, I postponed the operation.
For over three years, I took Miracid every morning and evening. While the heartburn disappeared, my overall well-being gradually declined. I attributed this to my age (I will turn 68 in three months).
About six weeks ago, a doctor friend advised me to stop taking Miracid immediately after explaining its potential long-term side effects. Since then, I’ve felt much better — but the heartburn returned worse than ever. Remedies like baking soda and warm water only brought temporary relief. Eventually, I decided to undergo the long-overdue surgery to repair the reflux valve.
The road to surgery
I had a full blood test done (cost: 4,500 Baht) and went to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. The attending doctor, who was also to perform the surgery, ordered a repeat gastroscopy (30,000 Baht), which was conducted the next day.
During the follow-up consultation, the doctor told me to stop taking Aspirin 81, which I use as a blood thinner, and said that the insurance approval for the surgery would likely arrive within a week. I therefore assumed the operation could take place soon.
Since I live near Surin, I drove the roughly 550 kilometers back home — hoping to finally be rid of my heartburn a week later.
Two days later, the hospital called: before the operation, I needed to undergo an additional test in Bangkok, costing 48,000 Baht. Although this was still considered outpatient treatment, I agreed and would have had to pay upfront.
Shortly after, another call came: before that test, I would need a consultation with a specialist. I suggested scheduling both on the same day, but was told that was not possible for organizational reasons.
When I asked if the consultation was absolutely necessary, I was told the specialist had to decide whether surgery or medical treatment was more appropriate. That made no sense to me — I had deliberately stopped medication to seek a lasting solution.
Furthermore, if the surgery were canceled, I would not be reimbursed for the 83,000 Baht I was supposed to pay in advance. I therefore decided not to proceed with the additional tests in Bangkok and to wait for further developments.
Valuable support from my insurance advisor
Throughout this entire process, Matthias Hochlenert handled all communication with Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. That was a huge relief for me, as I always ended up speaking to different staff members, and their English accents were often hard to understand.
His dedication went far beyond what could normally be expected — and for that, I would like to express my sincere gratitude.
I traveled internationally for work throughout my career, but when it comes to medical matters, I quickly reach my limits in English. That’s why it’s so important to have someone who takes care of things, explains, translates, and mediates.
Many thanks to Mr. Hochlenert and to Global Insurance Broker for their outstanding service and personal assistance.
This letter is simply meant to share my positive experiences and show others how important a trustworthy insurance advisor can be. Comments or “corrections” are not necessary. And if a small typo slipped through, please forgive me.
With that said, I wish all readers good health!
🙂 Werner Wolf