The table below provides a snapshot of the cover available from the top 6 international medical insurers.
Please bear in mind that the type of cover, level of cover and excess is dependent on the plan and the option.
Clicking on ‘get a quote' will take you directly to the site of the insurer.
Best for
expats & families
Best for younger clients
Best for
expats & families
Best for younger clients
Silver, Gold and Platinum with optional modules.
Global Select/Fusion/Hopper, Patriot America (Silver, Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum).
Essential Care, Essential Care Plus, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Elite Plan.
Core, Core M1, Core M1 and M2,Core M1, M2 and M3.
Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige and Prestige Plus.
First Class Plus, First Class Business Class and Visa Economy.
$1,000,000 to $3,000,000 per year.
$5,000,000 to $8,000,00 lifetime per individual.
Bronze: $1,500,000 Silver: $2,500,000 Gold: $4,500,000.
Annual maximum: GBP 1,000,000.
$1,200,000 to $4,800,000.
$1,000 to $7,500,000.
All nationalities, all ages.
U.S. and non U.S. citizens up to age 74.
All nationalities, all ages, as long as you sign up prior to age 70.
No minimum entry age. Max age is 79.
All nationalities, ages 18-70.
Minimum age of 6 weeks to a maximum of 75 years. Children under 7 must be insured by an adult who is also insured under the same policy.
Worldwide or worldwide excluding the U.S.
Worldwide excluding China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore & Taiwan.
Worldwide, but you can exclude U.S. to save money.
Worldwide
Worldwide, or you can exclude the U.S.
Treatment area limit option is not available to residents in Singapore.
Up to 3 months of home country coverage.
12 months. Up to 6 months for U.S. citizens.
Flexible.
Some
Can choose.
Unclear.
Included
Included
Bronze only if post-hospital treatment. Silver and Gold both covered.
100%
Included but not in Standard Plan.
Included
Included (routine health checks, vaccinations, etc.)
Covered on all plans except Bronze. Better plan equates to higher allowance.
Not in Bronze. Included in Silver and Gold.
Can include; depends on plan selected.
Included, but not in Standard Plan.
Excluded
Semi-private or private rooms, depending on plan.
Included: semi-private and private rooms.
Included in all plans; amount depends on plan.
100%
Included
Hospital cash allowance $750.00 to $1,000; depends on plan chosen.
Included
Included
Included
Paid in full
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included in Silver and Gold plans only.
100%
Included
Included
Accidental included in all plans. Additional services have 3-24 month coverage waiting period.
Full cover, with some excess depending on plan option.
Routine dental treatment (6 month continuous policy waiting period) in Gold only. In-patient emergency restorative dental treatment included. Out-patient emergency dental treatment. depends on plan.
Accident-related dental treatment; Dental treatment that is required in hospital after a serious accident is paid in full; can include dental and vision in add on modules
Included in Prestige Plus only.Comprehensive and Essential will pay for dental treatment due to accidental cause and TCM treatment.
Excluded (except as necessitated by accidental injuries to sound and natural teeth).
Included at 100% for Platinum plan, limits on other plans.
Check-ups and materials covered under most plans.
Not specified
Can include vision in add on modules
Included in Comprehensive, Prestige and Prestige Plus.
Not specified.
To be reviewed pending results of underwriting; certain special exclusions may be added to your plan.
Included in Silver-Platinum. Platinum provides full cover, otherwise, approx $5,000 per period of coverage up to a $50,000 life-time maximum after 24 months continuous coverage.
Not specified
May cover depending on circumstances.
There are options to cover pre-existing conditions.
Excluded
10 month cover wait period. Different coverage for Bronze, Gold and Silver.
Included in Platinum Plan, otherwise, an optional add-on is available.
Included in all plans except Essential Care; Coverage depends on plan.
Maternity may be available depending on plan; a 12 month cover waiting period applies.
Included in Prestige and Prestige Plus only.
Excluded
100% paid for Platinum, $10,000 Gold, $5,000 Silver.
Covered under Gold, Plus & Platinum on Global Select/Fusion after 12 months continuous cover.
Covered under the Elite plan only, not the essential plan. 24-month continuous cover required.
Not covered under Core plan but is covered under Core Cover & M1, Core Cover M1 and M2; and Core Cover M1, M2 and M3.
Not included in Standard plan.
Excluded
Paid in full.
Included. Coverage amount depends on plan.
Included all plans.
100% Must be pre-approved by Bupa Global.
Included all plans.
Unlimited
$0 -$10,000 depending on the plan.
$100 to $10,000, 50% waived within PPO network.
Depends on plan.
Depends on plan.
Depends on plan.
Depends on plan
Lifetime renewable.
Before age 65. After 65, up to age 74/79/or no restriction depending on plan.
Lifetime renewable as long as you join prior to age 70.
Lifetime renewable.
Automatic renewal.
Lifetime renewable
14-day money back guarantee.
15-day free look period with full refund.
30-day money back guarantee.
One month’s prior notice.
100% of the trip cost.
14-day free look with full refund
Available or Cigna will help find a provider.
Your choice of doctors or use of PPO.
Your choice depending on plan.
Your doctor of choice within network.
Your doctor of choice within network.
Available or Pacific Cross will help you find a provider
Cigna
IMG Global
Neuron LLC
Bupa
IEMAS International Medical Assistance Service
Pacific Cross
Cigna
Sirius International
Allianz Group and AGF underwrites its Global plans.
Bupa
American Modern Home Insurance Company.
Pacific Cross
A (A.M. Best)
A (A.M. Best)
AA (Standard and Poor)
B++ (A.M. Best)
A (A.M. Best)
A+ – BBB Rating System
Good international plan for individuals living abroad. Senior-friendly. Flexible plans help lower costs on non-essential cover items, but deductible can be high on lower plans & country coverage is weaker than top competitors.
High industry rating and renowned for good customer service/paying out. Flexible plans for all ages, singles and families. Available worldwide. Recommended option for expats seeking cover when in their home country too. US Coverage included .
Renowned for Good customer service and reliable payouts. Good option for expats (not over 70), though international health insurance plans do not provide cover in the USA.
Excellent on best plans, average on lower plans. Somewhat expensive with ad-ons and home country coverage. Trusted brand reputation.
Simplistic cover . Two plans available: IPMI International private medical insurance, or travel insurance. IPMI offers better coverage for medical. Doctor’s visits and wellness checkups not included as standard.
Worldwide health insurance cover with lots of exclusions except on the most expensive plans. Largely targeted at those with residency in Thailand who travel<./p>
This table is subject to copyright ©. No copying or reproduction of this table is allowed without written consent.
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So you've compared the policies of the top companies, but before you choose a plan, let's be clear on what international health insurance in Thailand really means.
First up, it isn't travel insurance. If you need that, go here.
This is comprehensive medical cover for expats, and for those who work from country to country.
It differs in that the policies provide better cover, not the measly amounts offered by local insurance, which might be okay for local cover, but not for the top hospitals with the best medical care, and certainly not for when visiting other countries where medical costs are higher, or when visiting your home country.
International medical insurance in Thailand provides broad, continuous cover, and flexibility on aspects such as returning home for considerable periods of time, and specific health conditions.
Why All Expats On Long-Stay Will Need Health Insurance
You may have heard the rumblings recently regarding a new rule set to come in this July (2019).
All foreigners, aged 50 and above, living in Thailand on a long-stay visa will have to buy health insurance.
The new regulation will require expats on the long-stay Non-Immigrant O-A visa (retirement) to have health insurance that provides 40,000 THB coverage for outpatient treatment and 400,000 THB for inpatient.
The reason for this is quite simple: the treasury claim that in 2018 foreigners racked up 308 million Baht in unpaid medical bills. So going forward those with a long-stay visa will have to produce proof of their health insurance for their visa renewal.
Aside from this forthcoming mandatory requirement, let's face it, you really should have great cover anyway.
Get a quote using the companies in the table listed above. For the record, I'm with Cigna.
So let's get to grips with the policy cover that make for a good health insurance plan in Thailand – for you personally.
By this I mean that not everyone has the same requirements. You don't want to pay for inclusions you don't need, but similarly you don't want to shortchange yourself and end up not covered should the worst happen.
So let's start with the top ten key considerations when choosing a policy.
Don't end up like this dude!
10 ‘Must Consider' Points When Choosing International Health Insurance
1. Company Reputation
This is arguably the most important consideration. You don't want to get ripped off, period. So it is best to go with a bigger company with a proven track record of coverage, rather than one with dirt-cheap rates and a handful of dubious personal testimonies.
2. Customer Service
You need your questions answered without any – excuse me – bullsh**. You don't want to get passed from department to department and get a “we'll call you back” when something critical has happened.
The company needs to be available for you when you need them. And you want staff to be professional and understanding of your needs.
You need multilingual (English-speaking) advisers offering 24/7 support.
You want action taken quickly. You want staff to be able to quickly comprehend what your situation is and understand the appropriate action required. You want a company that will allow a friend or family member to call on your behalf if you are unable to.
Some companies are better than others at customer service. So make sure you choose a company that can meet your needs. Yes, this usually does mean paying that bit more.
propose a risk. A passion for tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs could drive up your premium. Consider giving up before you get a quote 🙂
3. Your Lifestyle/Habits
Hey, we all have vices. Life is indeed more pleasurable with them. But try telling the insurance guys you smoke two packs and drink a bottle of whiskey a day … hmmmm.
When they find out, these pleasures will drive up the cost of your premium.
In the game of insurance, your personal habits, which could cause potential health hazards, are instrumental in the amount you will pay. So it might be wise to kick the smokes and bring down those monthly payments.
4. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Bad ticker? Had an accident you've had to claim insurance for previously?
Maybe there's an outside risk of spontaneous combustion that runs in the family since your great-great-great grandfather had a curse placed on him in Victorian times!
Of course, age always drives up a premium, and ill-health comes with age. You might be very healthy, which will lower your premium, but you will pay more the older you get because insurance companies fear frequent, expensive claims.
Ongoing conditions will drive up your premium. Consider pre-existing conditions when choosing a policy, and make comparisons on this basis if you think you could be a liability.
5. How Claims Will Be Handled
You need to cover your bill at the hospital immediately. You've just crocked your ankle on a bad pavement in Bangkok (a common occurrence for the unwary). You're on the phone trying to make your claim and it feels like you need to hire a secretary with all the documents that want emailed over.
We have all heard horror stories of insurance companies not paying claims in Thailand. So a big part of choosing the right policy is being able to get your help when you need it. That's why it's called insurance, doh!
Choose a company that handles claims in an effortless manner, no matter where you are. That means being able to call at 3 am from Nakhon Nowhere and get the thumbs up to have that leg seen to. Again, comparisons are important here.
6. Hospital Inclusion: Inpatient/Outpatient Care
There are a number of scenarios that can play out if you have an accident or become ill. You might like to consider what the most likely ones are.
How often have you been in hospital over the last decade? Are you more likely to have an accident that requires outpatient care than becoming ill that requires inpatient care.
This will help you decide on the level of coverage.
I'll never forget the first week my brother visited me in Thailand he cut his finger really badly while washing up. He is super healthy an unlikely to get so ill he needs to be hospitalized, but on this occasion he required some hefty outpatient care.
While we never plan on having an accident, it is always better to err on the side of caution in terms of hospital coverage. You do not want to fall prey to a hefty hospital bill. And Thailand isn't as safe as your home country.
Additional outpatient coverage is usually only a few dollars more, which is money well spent.
7. Home Country Coverage – Are Trips Back Home Covered?
Consider whether or not you'll need home country coverage.
You might need to leave Thailand for a few months, or be sent home unexpectedly from work. Your visa might expire, or you might need support from your immediate family and friends and need to fly out quickly.
It makes sense to get a policy that covers you while visiting home, or indeed other countries.
On a bleaker note, check to see if the insurance company will cover the cost of airfare if repatriation is required. You wouldn't want to saddle your already bereaved family with the bill of having to have your body flown home.
8. Dental Care and Vision
It is now commonplace for people to specifically travel to other countries for cheaper dental care.
While dental care is often cheap in Thailand, major dental surgery can still run you a heavy bill.
And eye care certainly isn't cheap in Thailand.
Most basic insurance policies don't cover either of these areas. These are niche areas of health insurance, so check the policy to see if a visit to an optometrist and dentist is covered.
9. Evacuation/Repatriation
In politically hostile environments, there could come a time when it gets too dangerous to remain, especially if you have kids.
No one likes considering the following, but it has to be done when you're considering the in's and out's of expat insurance.
Similarly, severe weather or a natural disaster could prompt a quick exit too.
Is this covered? Make sure you check. This tends to be covered under travel insurance, but some policies offer bolt ons for travel.
As mentioned previously, if you get sick and you need out from your country of residence, you need to know you will get the assistance you need.
Moreover, if you die abroad and you want to be buried or cremated back home, you'll need cover for that.
10. Maternity Plans
Maternity brings with it numerous requirements that can be costly when living abroad. But will the costs outweigh paying extra on your policy?
You will need regular visits to the doctor, a mid-wife, perhaps specific advise from a nutritionist, coverage for any wages you may lose from not being able to work, and of course the big moment of birth.
Everyone would like such extensive coverage, but maternity plans are typically NOT covered in basic plans but included on higher, more expensive plans.
Some companies cover for maternity issues better than others, and some will be able to tailor different bolt-ons for you.
If maternity cover is what you need, it may be worth weighing up what it will cost you in cash in Thailand over paying a higher insurance premium.
Last Updated on
Troup Dresser says
I’m a 73 year old American living in Thailand with a Thai wife who’s been getting retirement visas for many years. Now, I understand that I must have Health Insurance to secure my next visa in September 2019. I live here in Prachuap Khiri Khan full time and want to stay. If I get really sick I’m inclined to go back to the US and get help from the US Veterans’ Administration. I’m a disabled veteran and get my medical help there for life. What I would like is the least expensive Health Care Plan I can get to qualify for a retirement visa. So, what have you got?
Jun 16, 2019 at 3:56 pm
TheThailandLife says
Hi Troup, I haven’t personally got anything, but please see the table above and grab a quote from the suggested companies. Cigna usually work out pretty well for expats.
Jun 17, 2019 at 4:00 am
James E says
It also depends on whether you want actual coverage or just the minimum to satisfy Immigration. I’ve seen some 40K/400K policies for not much. Check out Thai Visa Protect they’ve got a 1.2MBaht plan that includes medivac and offers numerous discounts for getting a higher deductible. For me, at 65, I could get that plan with 300KBaht deductible for about US$750/year. If you want actual coverage then the plans TTL shows are probably the way to go although at a much higher premium.
Jun 17, 2019 at 8:43 am
kelvin says
The new requirement is only for Non O-A visa = this is a visa that you apply for in the USA
A non O visa is the one you get in Thailand
Each year you renew your Visa and so check in your passport what type you have
Dont worry!!!
Jun 17, 2019 at 11:27 am
Kelvin Bamfield says
At the moment the cover only applies to Visa O-A and that is normally issued in your country before coming to Thailand
The other Visa is the X visa and this is for the investment of 3 million baht
So far these are the only Visa’s that will require health care insurance –
No need to speculate until there are changes as in Thailand there is always Plan B
May 20, 2019 at 9:33 am
Kelvin Bamfield says
At the expat club where I go every Sunday, you can get an insurance discount with club membership. Also, you can load the policy by requesting that you pay excess should something happen. ie agree to pay 40K or so if there is a claim.
Also, I understand that somewhere in all this there will be a provision for “well healed” retirees that have a few million in the bank and agree that they will not be a burden on the Thai hospital system.
The system does need a serious overhaul and maybe a “means” test should be applied. ie. You own a condo or 2 and so no rent, one produces income?, pension income, interest earned in the bank = calculated to see what you need to stump up each year for an “extension of stay” then the applicable insurance policy attached (good luck with that one as pre-existing and age are a huge factor)
Also, the hospitals were all asked to forward their costs for procedures and medical drugs, etc. to the Government. Many did not and now are taking action to stop or protract the need to report. All in all, this may not eventuate in July and may be amended and there are too many Rumsfeld known unknowns.
TIT- just wait
May 18, 2019 at 10:34 am
Robert Booth says
I currently have international medical insurance for impatient only. If i add outpatient care then my medical insurance will rocket and get far more cover than the 40,000baht required.
Is there somewhere where i can just get the 40,000 cover required to fulfil the new government requirements.
Thanks.
May 17, 2019 at 9:49 am
TheThailandLife says
Can you not ask your current insurance company to provide a bespoke outpatient care for the required amount. It shouldn’t work out too expensively at just 40k THB. I’m not sure if they will accept coverage for separate things from different insurers. I mean it shouldn’t be a problem but it could be a bit “over their head” down at immigration.
May 17, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Kelvin Bamfield says
it’s 400,000 baht not 40,000 baht
May 20, 2019 at 9:34 am
TheThailandLife says
Bt40,000 coverage for outpatient treatment and Bt400,000 for inpatient.
May 20, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Jon Grah says
A recent rule may require health insurance or travel insurance for those wanting to obtain a non-immigrant O-A long stay retirement visa (not to be confused with non-O). I imagine you have already received an uptick in search traffic.
Can you make sure your list is up to date, with an emphasis on those over 50 years old (and even 70) who need cover to meet the new requirements?
May 16, 2019 at 11:38 am
TheThailandLife says
Hi Jon, the post is updated regarding the forthcoming requirements, but the final legislation has not been put in place and won’t be until July. Do check out Cigna for an over 50s quote.
May 17, 2019 at 1:12 am
Kelvin Bamfield says
So far this is O-A visa – but expect more that will cover O-Visa later
May 17, 2019 at 9:23 am
TheThailandLife says
I think you’re right. I can see this covering all Non Immigrant O visa types in the future.
May 17, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Dave in Udon says
A newspaper article on the proposed med insurance requirement for O-A visa extenders…
https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2018/12/23/thailand-healthcare-insurance-foreigners-thai-cabinet-immigration-visa-extensions-expats-medical-conditions/
This article is more specific than that of The Nation. Govt Cabinet approval is needed, not that of the legislature. Specifically for O-A, but I question when Non-O will follow. Cabinet approval seems more like a sure thing…
Internet searches will quickly reveal that kiosks have been set up at airport and land border crossings for Tourist visa holders to buy med insurance. I can’t find an official source to verify that it’s required, but the fact remains that the investment was made to effectively make it so.
Now, if it were only so easy for those of us here many years, possibly with disqualifying ailments, and aged 75++.
I ran across this link to the Thai General Insurance Asian mentioned in the above article:
https://longstay.tgia.org/
It lists some Thai and also int’l companies whose offerings will just satisfy the proposed requirements. Some will accept new enrollees up to age 100. In my case for age 78, the premiums are abt 110,000 B.
In The Thailand Life article are listed 6 recommended companies, of which one, Cigna, will accept enrollees up to age 100. It’s coverage is much more robust at just under twice the cost. There is also a rather expensive add-on for OPD, which I would decline in favor of a cheaper option of bank “accident insurance” from SCB or Bkk Bank.
Nevertheless, this TGIA website answers the doubt in my mind as to whether the govt would present a solution to this O-A med insur quandary, and it appears the insurance people have done so in a very unexpected but satisfactory way…
Mar 24, 2019 at 8:39 am
TheThailandLife says
I think at some point it is inevitable because of the rising cost to the healthcare system of those who are unable to afford care. What I object to is being presented with a list of companies that you have to purchase from, because clearly there is a commission/kickback scheme going on here and that’s anti-competitive and no doubt serves the interests of those in government positions who have shares in the said companies. Why not just introduce a basic government healthcare scheme that all expats/retirees purchase as standard, and then if people want top notch private care they can pay out for that if they want.
Mar 25, 2019 at 5:13 am
James E says
What? Are you new here? Something, at once, so obviously logical, workable, solving the perceived problem, and good for all parties involved has about as much chance of happening as a snowball fight on Songkran. (Although if you could pull that off you’d make enough money to buy all the health insurance you need.)
Mar 25, 2019 at 10:52 pm
TheThailandLife says
It did snow once in Chiang Rai, so anything can happen: https://www.thethailandlife.com/snow-thailand 🙂
Mar 26, 2019 at 6:34 pm
Kelvin Bamfield says
yes this will be interesting as one shoe dont fit all
plus after the election there is some issue about the popular vote versus the seats won – so who will govern?
the insurance for expats and travelers will become a reality – but in what form? Age, pre existing, etc. will all come into play
having talked with many hospitals here the same story appears in that the hospitals are left with many debts run up by foreigners as if there is an emergency then the hospital is required to fix the injured party to a safe point where they can be transferred – if not then the hospital has to wear the bill
whatever you do always have travel insurance!!!
Mar 29, 2019 at 12:35 pm
James E says
It will be interesting to see if the rules will take into account any existing overseas coverage not from a Thai company. Here in the US it is possible for retirees to get a Medicare replacement policy (called Medicare Advantage) for little or no additional premium. Most of these policies will cover overseas emergency care up to the point where the patient is stable enough to be transported home. It’s possible to add a MedEvac policy to this coverage for much less than the cost of additional health care coverage for just Thailand. I’m afraid this is going to open a can of worms that will be difficult to enforce, almost impossible to police, and end up driving even well-heeled retirees away due to the additional layer of bureaucracy that will have to be dealt with.
Mar 29, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Carina Steyl says
Hi Peter, I’ve done some research but it seems that most companies want a lump sum upfront. Any idea which insurance companies offer monthly payments?
Dec 13, 2018 at 7:07 pm
TheThailandLife says
Really? Which companies? Try a quote from Cigna.
Dec 13, 2018 at 7:26 pm
Thoma says
I used the Health Insurance Chart you provided to receive a few quotes based upon my current age (67.) The lowest to come back was $380.00 a month. Was wondering if any of your followers in the same age range (if any) might have a provider providing lower rates for service their happy with. Thanks.
Nov 24, 2018 at 4:34 am
Vic Rollins says
I’m in a similar situation to Thoma. 66 with wife (not Thai) and 8 yo son. Outpatient ad hoc care and meds are affordable and paying $300-$400 US / month is steep. Does anyone have experience with minimal inpatient care cover for accident and major illness? I have seen policies in the range of $1,000+/- per year for guys my age but not sure if any are OK.
I’m seriously in the market as we enter a new year. Best of luck to all.
Dec 30, 2018 at 9:28 am
JC says
Hi,
Very good article. Can somebody give me some heads-up. I am planning to retire in Thailand soon. I am now 56 years old. I know that it’s all related to personal circumstances. But I would like to know I which cost range I have to think. Who can provide me some numbers? Cost per month please.
Mar 11, 2018 at 5:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Hi JC, as you note, all circumstances are different so it’s hard to say what the monthly cost would be. It also depends on how comprehensive you want your cover. If you click here you can go to Cigna and get an instant quote based on your circumstances that will give you a rough idea of what you’d be looking at.
Mar 12, 2018 at 4:37 pm
Reg says
Just what I was looking for. I’m getting quotes now, starting with Cigna which seems the easiest. At my age, 71, I’m not expecting it to be cheap though!
Nov 02, 2016 at 11:54 am
TheThailandLife says
That’s the best way Reg. The quotes can vary quite a bit depending on individual requirements.
Nov 02, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Joe says
Hi Reg I am not quite as old as you but would love to hear what your quotes were as I am planning on moving to Thailand in the next 2 years.
Nov 14, 2016 at 3:43 am
AC says
Thank you for your article. Is there a “local insurance” just for Thailand ?
I need cover just for hospitalisation, no life insurance or other add on.
I am 55 years old, and will be retiring in Thailand in 2017.
May 29, 2016 at 9:30 am
TheThailandLife says
Hi AC, policies generally offer international cover to some degree, but the issue with this is that the cover offered is usually not enough for more expensive countries. For example, I previously had Bupa Thailand cover for my daughter, which was fine inside Thailand, but if say we travelled to Singapore, I’d have to take out extra cover or additional travel insurance because the cover was calculated on Thai hospital costs and as such wouldn’t be enough to cover a hospital bill in Singapore. In fact, once I had bolted on the add ons, the local policy wasn’t much cheaper than the GlobalFusion International plan on a worldwide policy. This one is very affordable on the Bronze and silver plans, and if you take some excess of say $250 it gets much cheaper. This way you will have cover in all countries. Here’s the link to the quote page. Let me know if you have any questions.
May 29, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Joe Johnson says
If you consider these worldwide plans affordable you could probably afford to retire in a more developed country. keep in mind that most looking to retire in Thailand are doing so because they haven’t enough assets to retire in the U.S. or similar. Personally, most of these plans would absorb 1/3 of my monthly retirement income excluding savings. I’m sure many are in the same boat when looking at Thailand for retirement.
Oct 26, 2016 at 2:53 am
TheThailandLife says
I agree it can get expensive, but some are actually quite affordable because the market is very competitive now. The price is dependent on how comprehensive you want your coverage and any existing conditions you have, etc. It will also depend on factors like whether you require coverage for visiting back home and for for how long. Those looking at staying the majority of the year in Thailand for the foreseeable future won’t need as many add ons and quotes will naturally be cheaper.
We do have to accept though that as we age medical insurance gets more expensive, and as a retiree in a country like Thailand it is a necessary expense. There are tons of nightmare stories of those holed up in a Thai hospital, unable to leave because they can’t pay the bill — and ten the person’s family ends up with the financial burden.
I’m a complete wuss when it comes to being sick and hate nothing more than government hospitals. I’d rather sacrifice some other luxuries and have great cover so if I am sick it is in comfort and in the hands of competent medical staff. Try a quote from Cigna here as they tend to have reasonable options.
Oct 26, 2016 at 9:03 am
Joe Johnson says
You brought up another point I’d like to query you on. I did get a quote from Cigna and one of the questions asked was where do you plan on residing in retirement. I responded Thailand and the premium was still around $500 for decent coverage, with no dental or vision. Seems a bit of a rip off if that premium only relates to care in Thailand which is a fraction of the cost of care in the U.S.. Also, in relation to this question can you tell me how competent the Dr.s are in Thailand for critical care matters, say cancer or open heart surgery. My wife, who is Thai, seems to think the Dr.’s there are just as good if not better, something I find hard to believe.
Oct 27, 2016 at 2:23 am
TheThailandLife says
It’s never going to be cheap, but That wouldn’t just relate to care in Thailand, I’m sure. It would be international; so when you visit back home and other countries. The question regarding where you are residing does determine the cost, and residing in Thailand means the cost will be higher on all insurance plans. For example, my life insurance premium is more expensive in Thailand than the UK. When I queried this I was told that I have more chance of dying in Thailand than in the UK; more chance of death, illness, accident, etc. Second and third world countries are cheaper to live in, but with that comes a higher risk of illness and death. With some tweaks you can probably get that quote down. Forget the dental coverage; I pay for mine and it’s very reasonable compared with back home.
In terms of your wife’s opinion, I’d tend to agree. The top doctors in Thailand generally study abroad; most certainly when it comes to cancer and open heart surgery. My wife recently had to go for a breast cancer check on a lump she had and the facilities and level of attentiveness was just as efficient as what I’d seen my mother have done in the UK. Of course, you’re always going to come across a bit of “Thainess” now and again when dealing with any organisation here, but that comes with the territory. My daughter was born here in a private hospital too and, without going into detail, if it wasn’t for the doctor recognizing some serious problems on our final pre-term checkup and rushing my wife in for emergency cesarean, she and my daughter may not be here now.
Oct 28, 2016 at 9:59 pm
Paul says
Hello, I am not sure where to put this question as it is about mental healthcare in Thailand. From what I’ve read the major cities have mental hospitals and out patient treatment centers for therapy and for medicine. My question. In Thailand, does family have the legal right to petition a court to force someone to take medicine for a psychotic episode if their previous medicine stops working or if patient believes that medicine is not needed? In Philippines, family can step in. But it is based in mental hospitals in the PI, not a robust out patient treatment system there.
Jul 05, 2016 at 8:08 pm
TheThailandLife says
I’m not sure about petitioning a court to make a person take their medicine, but far as I know, a family can have a family member sectioned if that person is a threat to the safety of the family or themselves. I would assume a police report would be needed as evidence of the person’s threatening behaviour.
Jul 06, 2016 at 5:24 pm
john clayton says
Agree with AC, need only local cover in Thailand, no maternity etc, Has anyoone any experience of finding any local companies?
Mar 22, 2019 at 9:22 am
Dave in Udon says
Hi AC,
I just contacted Cigna using the link in this blog. Was pleasantly surprised that they would deal with me at age 78.
The first plan presented was called Local Choice or something like that, meaning Thailand coverage only. The quote for my age was $507/mo. This can be reduced considerably right there online by paying qtrly or annually, and by increasing deductible and co-pay on the spot. Nice website. I got the quote down to $4995 annually.
Many thanks to the author here…!
Mar 23, 2019 at 7:23 pm
Ken says
Very useful.. Thank you.
Apr 06, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Steve says
Cheers for this, it’s all a minefield to me. I’m 54 with wife and child and looking for family cover. So you recommend IMG?
Apr 06, 2016 at 12:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Hey Steve, yes, or Cigna. I am in a similar position to you. I know these health insurance policies can be a hell of a lot of info to take in, so feel free to give me a shout with any questions you have.
Apr 06, 2016 at 2:38 pm