TL;DR:Private hospitals can bill insurers directly if your policy covers the care, the hospital is in the insurer’s network, and pre‑authorization/GOP is issued; emergencies may require a deposit until confirmation.
Most private hospitals in Thailand will bill your insurer directly (cashless) only if three conditions are met: your policy covers the treatment, the hospital is within the insurer’s network or has a direct-billing agreement, and the insurer issues pre‑authorization or a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) before non‑emergency admission. Emergency stabilisation is always provided, but if pre‑authorization cannot be obtained immediately the hospital commonly asks for a refundable cash deposit or credit‑card guarantee until the insurer confirms payment. Outpatient or minor procedures are less consistently covered by direct billing, so you must check your plan’s cashless scope with the insurer. Before treatment, present your insurance card/ID, confirm network status with both hospital and insurer, and obtain written GOP for inpatient care. For official guidance see major hospitals/insurers such as Bumrungrad’s patient payment info and Pacific Cross claim procedures.
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