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The Ultimate Guide to International Health Insurance: Considerations, Companies, Policies & Pricing

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.

Plan Options

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.

Policy Maximum (coverage)

$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.

Eligibility

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.

Coverage Area

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.

Home Country Coverage

Up to 3 months of home country coverage.

12 months. Up to 6 months for U.S. citizens.

Flexible.

Some

Can choose.

Unclear.

Doctor Visits

Included

Included

Bronze only if post-hospital treatment. Silver and Gold both covered.

100%

Included but not in Standard Plan.

Included

Wellness Checkups

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

Hospitalisation

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.

Intensive Care

Included

Included

Included

Paid in full

Included

Included

Prescriptions

Included

Included

Included in Silver and Gold plans only.

100%

Included

Included

Dental

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).

Vision

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.

PreExisting

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

Maternity

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

Mental Health

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

Evacuation / Repatriation

Paid in full.

Included. Coverage amount depends on plan.

Included all plans.

100% Must be pre-approved by Bupa Global.

Included all plans.

Unlimited

Deductible

$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

Renewable

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

Cancellation

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

PPO Network

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

Administrator

Cigna

IMG Global

Neuron LLC

Bupa

IEMAS International Medical Assistance Service

Pacific Cross

Under writing

Cigna

Sirius International

Allianz Group and AGF underwrites its Global plans.

Bupa

American Modern Home Insurance Company.

Pacific Cross

Rating

A (A.M. Best)

A (A.M. Best)

AA (Standard and Poor)

B++ (A.M. Best)

A (A.M. Best)

A+ – BBB Rating System

Review / Best For

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.

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.

Now that's cleared up, it's time to get to grips with the attributes 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.

international health insurance

10 ‘Must Consider' Points When Choosing International Health Insurance

1. Company reputation

This is arguably the most important consideration in terms of the deal. You don't want to get ripped off, period. In this case, it's probably best you 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 – bullshit. You don't want to get dodged on critical issues. The company needs to be available on a regular basis, preferably 7 days a week. 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. You want staff to know what your situation may be, and allowances for a family member or close friend to phone on your behalf in emergencies. Some companies are better than others at customer service – get your needs met.

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, they'll drive up your premium costs for access, and you will be asked if you use tobacco products. 

In the game of insurance, your personal habits, which could cause potential health hazards, propose a risk. A passion for tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs could drive up your premium. Consider giving up before you get a quote 🙂

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4. Pre-existing medical conditions

Bad ticker? Had an accident you've had to claim insurance from previously? Maybe there's an outside risk of spontaneous combustion that's run in the family since your great-great-great grandfather had a curse placed on him in Victorian times!

Of course, age always drives up premiums.?? The point is, how does the company know you're not going to lay frequent expensive claims that'll run them into the ground?

Ongoing conditions drive up your premiums, and your buddies at the insurance offices won't willingly cough up if you're a liability. 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 messed up your ankle on a bad paver in Bangkok (a common occurrence for the unwary). You're on the phone trying to extract your claim.  So, how's that working for you?

We have all heard horror stories of insurance companies not paying claims in Thailand.  SO a big part of the deal is being able to get your help when you need it.  That's why it's called insurance.

Get a company that handles claims in an effortless manner, no matter where you are. That means being able to call at 3am 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's are a number of scenarios that can play out once you've damaged yourself overseas. You might like to consider what the most likely ones are.

Are you the kind of person who often has to stay in a hospital (not saying you are a hypochondria, but…), or are you a less intensive Mr (or Ms) Bump type who just needs a bandage and off you toddle?

It is important to minimize your exposure if you have the unfortunate event of landing in hospital in a foreign country. While we never plan on 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.

The same rule applies for outpatient care if we need to see a local doctor in a foreign country. You cannot plan when you are going to need a doctor, so be sure you have sufficient coverage. Most times, additional coverage is only a few dollars more, which is money well spent.

7. Home country coverage – do they cover trips back home, and for how long?

Always investigate 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. 

On a bleaker note, check to see if the insurance company will cover the cost of airfare if the worst happens. 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

There's so many people who travel specifically to other countries because they assume that their dental care is cheaper. It's true. Well, mostly true…

Some folks are more canny in the assistance they receive than others are. Let's face it, you're still reading this because you want to be clued in.

Dental care is often cheap in Thailand, but eye care isn't, and most basic insurance policies don't cover either of these matters.

There are niches of health insurance that cater for specific needs, who have specific contacts with optometrists and dentists in order to cover your costs. Check your policy carefully to see if these two potentially expensive things are 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/natural disaster could prompt a quick exit too. Is this covered? Make sure you check. This tends to come under travel insurance, but some policies offer bolt ons for travel, or upsells as they are called.

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

A lot of things can happen in regards to maternity: Regular visits to the doctor, specific advise from nutritionists, staying at the hospital, being covered for any wages you may lose from not being able to work, and of course the big moment of birth.

Everyone likes to be covered in these cases, and perhaps maternity is your particular reason for receiving health insurance and care.  Maternity plans are typically NOT covered in basic plans but are covered in higher premium plans. 

Some companies cover for maternity issues better than others. Some may charge an extra premium.  Some may only deal in maternity. I'd tell you to do your research, but I've already done it for you in the table below :).

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  2. 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.
    Reply

    • 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.
      Reply

  3. 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.
    Reply

    • 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.
      Reply

  5. 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.
    Reply

    • 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.
      Reply

      • 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.
        Reply

        • 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.
          Reply

          • 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.
            Reply

            • 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.
              Reply

    • 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.
      Reply

      • 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.
        Reply

    • 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.
      Reply

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