The answer is not as simple as it may seem, because many factors influence the cost of expat health insurance in Thailand. But one thing is for sure: you should not overlook this coverage before you travel there.
Here are some explanations.
Why is it necessary to purchase health insurance in Thailand?
The insurance is mandatory to obtain certain visas
Taking out health insurance for Thailand is no longer questionable since 2019 for people over 50 years old requesting the issuance or extension of a long-stay visa.
It is mandatory, and the insurance taken out must meet specific criteria to be considered by the authorities:
- Coverage of 40,000 THB for ambulatory medicine
- Coverage of 400,000 THB for hospitalization
Affiliating to the local health insurance scheme is not enough for expats in Thailand
Residents in Thailand are required to join the local health insurance scheme.
But taking into account the weaknesses of this cover and those of the health system in the country, it has become normal for citizens from abroad to be treated in the private health centers of the large cities or the neighboring countries, better equipped and allowing a faster care.
This care and travel has a cost, which is why it is essential for expats to take out health insurance in addition to their local health insurance.
International insurance is highly recommended for travelers
The limitations of the Thai health care system are the same for travelers as for expats: evacuations are common in case of accident or illness occurring away from major cities, waiting times are long and the level of equipment of public institutions force one to turn to the private sector, with higher rates, especially in international clinics.
The risks of hospitalization, evacuation and repatriation justify the purchasing of health insurance for its cost.
Best way to find out how much expat health insurance in Thailand cost
What does the price of health insurance in Thailand depend on?
To understand how much expat health insurance in Thailand cost, you need to know that this price depends on several factors: including the level of guarantees covered, the number of insured persons and their age, their possible medical pre-existences, or the duration of the stay.
For expats, you should not forget to add the contributions to the local health insurance plan to your private insurance policy in order to get an idea of the total cost of the insurance.
Insurances attached to a credit card can be used in Thailand, but the protections covered are minimal, with important conditions and limits (caps and deductibles).
It is thus not an adequate solution, and it is preferable to turn to a specialized insurance company to be well covered in Thailand.
Use online comparators to know the cost of health insurance in Thailand for expats
Among the international coverage solutions available for a stay in Thailand, the “1st euro” insurance is one of the most widespread.
But in any case, it is almost impossible to know in advance the cost of health insurance in Thailand for expats without asking for a quote, considering the diversity of the marketed insurance plans out there, and the situation of each individual.
Therefore, to find out how much expat health insurance in Thailand cost, it is recommended to use an online comparison tool, which will allow you to obtain several quotes quickly and for free.
It will not only allow you to know precisely how much expat health insurance in Thailand cost, but also to compare the proposed insurance policies in order to choose the one that best suits your particular needs.
