Health Insurance in Thailand

Health Insurance
in Thailand

With over 15 years of facilitating foreigners’ relocation in Thailand, you can trust us with your health and safety.

Is healthcare free
in Thailand?

Thailand’s healthcare system is generally of high quality, the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Medical Services funds state health care. Thai residents with a Universal Coverage Health certificate get treatment entirely free of charge, apart from on Saturdays when a charge is assessed.

Is health insurance required in Thailand?

Everyone traveling to Thailand must now have health insurance as well as travel insurance that includes $10,000 USD at least in medical coverage or an equivalent amount. Additionally, it must cover COVID-19. The majority of health insurance policies satisfy this criterion.

Is health insurance expensive in Thailand?

According to the 2019 edition of Pacific Prime’s Cost of Health Insurance Report, In Thailand, the average IPMI premium for individuals was USD $2,728. This number includes premiums for a range of different plans and coverage criteria, as well as ages.

Foreigners’ Health Insurance in Thailand

There are a variety of reasons why medical insurance for foreigners in Thailand is not just a good idea, but a critical one to consider. While hospital care in Thailand is relatively inexpensive in comparison to Western, especially American, standards, any major inpatient treatment, such as surgery or cancer therapy, maybe exorbitantly costly in a top-notch hospital, quickly putting a burden on your resources. Additionally, retired expats must now provide proof of health insurance in order to be eligible for annual retirement extensions.

Is it better to get a foreign or a Thai insurance policy?

When you arrive in Thailand for the first time, you may already be covered by comprehensive travel or medical insurance in your country. Expats seeking a long-stay non-immigrant visa (O-A) from their home country must provide proof of health insurance coverage covering the bearer for a minimum of 40,000 Baht ($1340) outpatient and 400,000 Baht ($13,400) inpatient expenses. This coverage may be issued by an insurer in your home country or in Thailand.

However, it is important to remember that once you arrive in Thailand to get your annual extension at an immigration office, it must be from an authorized Thai insurance provider, which is something to keep in mind if you are contemplating buying a new policy before coming.

What is the procedure for obtaining your policy?

If you are already in Thailand, the simplest alternative is to see an insurance broker and have them handle all the effort for you; they will call ahead to schedule an appointment and inform you of the papers they need. Every town has an insurance broker, and if you live in an area popular with visitors and expatriates, you should have no trouble finding one who knows English. Alternatively, you may visit the websites of the aforementioned businesses and utilize their online quotation request tool to get a price after entering your information, and then select the one that provides the greatest value. When selecting a policy, use caution and do not immediately choose for the lowest option; instead, carefully read the small print, especially the exclusions. Additionally, examine the insurer’s reputation, since many will do all possible to avoid paying any claim, valid or not. It’s now very simple to do due diligence on businesses, thanks to the popularity of internet review sites.

Inclusions in Insurance Policies

Health Insurance in Thailand for expats and natives residing in Thailand may include, but is not restricted to the following

Coverage for inpatient and outpatient care is extensive.
Comprehensive coverage for cancer treatments
Complete coverage for newly diagnosed chronic illnesses
Options for dental, maternity, and health examinations
If disclosed and approved, pre-existing conditions may be covered.
Renewal assurance
Numerous possibilities for foreign coverage
Protection against congenital abnormalities

Exclusions from Insurance Policies

It’s critical to examine each policy’s exclusions since the majority of plans include a lengthy list of them in the small “is here mentioned”. And after you have your policy in place, it is critical to constantly be aware of what is and is not covered to avoid financial ruin. Among the most frequent exclusions are the following:

If you submit any incorrect information while applying for your insurance, your policy will be declared null and invalid. Any unreported pre-existing medical problems, your insurance will also be canceled.
Only a few plans will protect you in the event of a motorbike accident. With these unfortunately frequent occurrences in Thailand and their costly consequences, never assume you are covered for such situations without first checking with the insurance provider. Even those that do cover you will only compensate you if you had a valid Thai motorbike license or international driving permit, were wearing a helmet, had not consumed any alcohol, and could demonstrate your innocence. If you’re going away to drive a lot, it makes sense to get a separate insurance for this.
If your insurance is aware that you are a heavy drinker, you may expect the insurer to hire a private investigator to discover this truth and deny any claim promptly. Likewise, they will not compensate you if you were even slightly intoxicated at the time of the event.
Any damages incurred as a result of a natural catastrophe or an act of terrorism will be excluded from coverage.
Generally, any injuries or losses incurred as a consequence of “risk activities” like as rock climbing, aquatic sports, or even cycling are not covered. This may extend to all sports, although regulations differ, so verify before applying if you plan to contribute in some kind of sport or activity.

Contact us

ATa Services can help you by putting you in contact with the best insurance brokers in Thailand. 100’s of expats already trust us!

+66 (0) 2168 4900

insurance@ata-services.com