What You Need to Know About Expat Health Insurance in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for travelers and expats alike. The low cost of living, beautiful weather, delicious food, and large, supportive digital nomad community make the decision to relocate to Thailand an easy one. But safety and health are still important, so having comprehensive health insurance in Thailand is essential. Contact us to receive a quote for insurance that best suits your particular needs.
You will find health insurance gives significant peace of mind while you travel in the Land of Smiles. Infectious diseases, traffic accidents, and foodborne illnesses are common in Thailand. The country also offers many high-risk adventure sports, boating trips, and regional excursions. Understanding your health insurance options in Thailand will give you the greatest peace of mind as you start to explore your new home country.
Thailand is a popular destination for travelers and expats alike. The low cost of living, beautiful weather, delicious food, and large, supportive digital nomad community make the decision to relocate to Thailand an easy one. But safety and health are still important, so having comprehensive health insurance in Thailand is essential. Contact us to receive a quote for insurance that best suits your particular needs.
You will find health insurance gives significant peace of mind while you travel in the Land of Smiles. Infectious diseases, traffic accidents, and foodborne illnesses are common in Thailand. The country also offers many high-risk adventure sports, boating trips, and regional excursions. Understanding your health insurance options in Thailand will give you the greatest peace of mind as you start to explore your new home country.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
In general, Thailand has high-quality healthcare. An estimated 99.5% of the population has access to the country’s universal health care program which has been in effect since 2002. In major centers like Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Chiang Mai there are excellent facilities and English-speaking staff.
However, in more rural areas, health care services can be limited and are mostly run by volunteers. There are over 1 million village health volunteers throughout Thailand, and these volunteers have taken on even more responsibility in the health care system since the COVID pandemic. Throughout the country, the majority of first responders are volunteers, and fully equipped ambulances are only sent to a scene once volunteers have assessed the situation. Even in a large city like Bangkok, 65% of emergency cases are handled by volunteers.
Healthcare in Thailand and “Local Insurance” Options
Budget-conscious expats who are self-employed will likely have heard of “local private health insurance” as an option in Thailand. Local insurance is a form of private health insurance that’s sold by Thai companies and even banks to expats in Thailand. Advertisements are common in expat-targeted newspapers and magazines in Bangkok and other popular tourist destinations.
If you are obtaining a long-term Thai visa, you may be required to get insurance from a specific list of local insurers. Discuss this issue with your local visa consultant.
Local Thai Insurance for Internationals – Advantages
On the plus side, local insurance is often inexpensive and accessible. Using it is as simple as showing your insurance card to the hospital staff. Local hospitals are used to dealing with local insurance and they’ll take care of all your paperwork. This is no small thing in a country famous for its love of administration!
Patients are normally required to visit a hospital or clinic within their medical insurance company’s roster of approved partners, otherwise known as going to an “in-network” facility. If a patient has to use an out-of-network medical facility, they will have to pay upfront and submit a claim to their insurance provider.
Local Thai Insurance for Foreigners – Disadvantages
Local insurance can come with many exclusions. For instance, accidents that result from motorcycle rides are often not covered. That might not sound like a big deal before you move, but once you arrive you’ll soon see that virtually everyone in Thailand travels by motorcycle! Local insurance policies also carry claim limits.
Like many insurance policies, you get more coverage when you invest in a more expensive policy. However, knowing how much to purchase can be stressful if you aren’t familiar with the average cost of medical services at Thai hospitals. And finally, your local insurance policy may very well be written in Thai, which can be especially confusing in the middle of a health crisis.
For more information about Thailand's healthcare system, read: Understanding the Healthcare System in Thailand
Best Private International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Thailand
International health insurance plans in Thailand offer a few additional benefits over and above local medical insurance plans. They have global coverage, so you’ll stay protected anywhere in the world. Furthermore, they are more comprehensive and provide you with access to a wider variety of healthcare facilities and doctors.
For expatriates moving to Thailand, we would recommend two options for expat health insurance in Thailand.
First is the William Russell Insurance plan. William Russell is a leading global insurer with great service and benefits. They have a strong presence throughout Southeast Asia, ensuring you can get treatment in Thailand or adjacent countries.
The second suggested plan, primarily for US citizens living abroad, is GeoBlue Xplorer. This insurance for Americans living in Thailand offers similar benefits and services to the Cigna plan. GeoBlue Xplorer is offered in association with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America and comes with the excellent BCBS network of high-quality doctors and hospitals worldwide.
For more options, view our list of the best international health insurance companies.
If you’re an expat retiree, you may find it challenging to get local health insurance coverage in Thailand. Most local insurers exclude coverage or do not sell policies to senior citizens. In this case, it’s best to have international health insurance to cover your medical needs.
Best Global Medical Plan in Thailand for Expatriates From Any Nation
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Best Health Insurance in Thailand for US Citizens
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
For visitors to Thailand, see: Safety and Travel Insurance Advice for Visitors to Thailand
Joining Thai Social Security as an Expat
If your work in Thailand involves a traditional employer-employee relationship, you’ll be eligible to enroll in the national social security program. This means that your employer is responsible for directing a portion of your pay into the government-administered health care program.
There are two huge advantages to government-administered health insurance in Thailand. The first is that your employer is taking care of the paperwork and administration on your behalf. The second is that it can be a great way to save costs. The plan is very economical and having your health care coverage seamlessly taken care of is a huge perk!
The cost works out to 5% of your gross salary and caps out at 750 Thai Baht a month. The benefits include both medical treatment and the medicine required for treatment.
While this can be cost-effective, subscribers may not be able to access the same doctors that they can with international private medical insurance. Consider what kind of care you would like to receive. You may wish to add on private international medical insurance.
Are Public Hospitals in Thailand Good?
Expats using local insurance or social security can access only public hospitals. Expats with private health insurance can be treated at private and public hospitals.
The standard of care in Thailand public hospitals varies. Frequently, there are long lines, limited support staff, and physician consultations are brief. In nearly all facilities, the patient is responsible for their own meals and personal hygiene.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that a significant portion of expats supplement their coverage or go entirely with comprehensive expat health insurance in Thailand. With private health insurance in Thailand, expats are sure to receive the best medical care in the best private hospitals in the country.
One of the major benefits of a global medical plan is that you can actually receive treatment in any country of your choice. So if you can’t find a specialist that fits your needs in Thailand, you can be treated by a specialist in another country and still be covered by your insurance.
An international health insurance plan is the best option as it provides emergency evacuation or repatriation. This is the recommended insurance for Americans living in Thailand because it lets you receive medical treatment in the US in case you find the local healthcare insufficient for your needs. Evacuation costs will be covered by the international insurance plan, so you don’t have to worry about this part.
For more information about hospitals in Thailand, read: Hospitals in Thailand for Foreigners and Expats
Feel Secure With Comprehensive Private Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand
Expat health insurance plans in Thailand bring a greater level of comfort and care. A private health insurance plan gives access to private hospitals where trained staff will take care of your food and hygiene! With a private health plan, expats have access to an expansive worldwide provider network and can choose whichever doctor they want within the network.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Expat insurance in Thailand also provides a much broader level of coverage, so there is no need to worry about reaching your coverage limit after just a few days of care. Expats also have access to English-speaking support staff, preventative medicine programs similar to home, and second opinions in the case of an emergency.
There are several options for expat insurance in Thailand. Do your research and talk with one of our insurance experts to help you find the best plan for your specific needs and budget.
Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
