Living in Thailand as expats can be an exciting experience. However, expats must be prepared for the ups and downs of life in this tropical country. They must have some preparations, such as the best health insurance for expats in Thailand, to face the uncertainties.
Having medical insurance with comprehensive protection will give a piece of mind for expats. Therefore, they can focus on their job and enjoy their life without worrying about future medical costs in a foreign country.
Best Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand: The Options
The best health insurance for expats in Thailand comes in several options. However, the best health insurance option for one expat may not be suitable for another.
1. Local Private Insurance: Excellent for Most Expats
Local insurance companies and banks in Thailand offer health insurance for expats. The medical coverage offered by these local insurance companies is slightly different from that offered in the US.
However, it is a good enough protection for any expats in the country. It is the best health insurance for expats in Thailand who want to get domestic medical protection or who plan to stay for a long period in this country.
Having local health insurance allows expats to get medical treatments from Thailand’s public and private hospitals. They only need to show the insurance card to the hospital’s staff to get the treatment.
Below are several points about local medical insurance:
- It is only eligible for expats younger than 75 years old.
- The insured can get medical treatment from in-network facilities easily.
- The insured must pay medical costs upfront if they get medical treatment from out-network facilities. Later on, they can file a claim to the insurance company to get the reimbursement.
2. International Private Insurance: The Best Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand
Many expats in Thailand choose to purchase health insurance from international insurance companies. They think that this health insurance is the best health insurance for Expats in Thailand.
Insurance companies and expats often call it expat health insurance. This medical insurance provides global health coverage. Therefore, expats can get medical treatment whenever they are, not only in Thailand.
This health insurance is perfect for expats who frequently travel abroad or want to have easy access to medical treatment when they go back to their home country. Below are some key points about expat health insurance:
- It generally offers higher coverage limits compared to those of local health insurance.
- It enables expats to have medical treatment from top-tier hospitals in Bangkok and other Thailand cities.
- Financial advisors recommend expats apply for this insurance before they are 55 years old to get lower health insurance rates.
3. Travel Insurance: Best Short-Term Health Insurance for Expats
Regular health insurance may not be suitable for expats who plan to stay in Thailand for a short period. The best medical insurance for them is travel insurance. It is a short-term insurance which coverage ranging from a few weeks to a couple of years.
Travel insurance generally covers illnesses and accidents that require immediate care. However, expats must apply for this insurance while they are still in their home countries
4. Social Security: Only for Employed Expats in Thailand
Some expats in Thailand get health insurance via social security. Those who have social security numbers are generally expats with legal employee status in this country.
The in-network facility of this insurance consists of public hospitals. Expats who have social security numbers can get medical treatment in Thailand’s public hospitals simply by telling the medical staff their social security numbers.
Social security holders can choose to get medical treatment from one of the 43 public hospitals in Bangkok. However, social security holders may get less satisfying medical services.
5. Group Insurance: Best Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand with Families
Group insurance is great for expats with a family of three or more. It is also suitable for expats who run a company in the country and want to provide health insurance for themselves and their expat workers.
Best Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand: Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies in Thailand offer expat health insurance. Below are insurance companies with the best medical insurance for expats in Thailand.
1. Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers the best health insurance for expats in Thailand and the locals. This company has flexible health insurance plans with various benefits. Therefore, expats can customize their health insurance based on their needs.
2. Dhipaya Insurance
Dhipaya Insurance is a local private insurance company with seven decades of experience in the business. This experience has made the company capable of providing the best insurance for expats in Thailand. Its health insurance has comprehensive benefits and is easy to use.
3. AXA Insurance
Another international insurance company that offers the best health insurance for expats in Thailand is AXA Insurance. Its health insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses. Moreover, AXA Insurance also offers optional benefits.
4. Luma Health Insurance
Luma Health Insurance has the best health insurance for expats in Thailand, particularly expat families. The health insurance from this company is also perfect for expats who frequently travel to SEA because it provides access to the best hospitals in SEA.
5. William Russel
William Russel also provides the best health insurance for expats in Thailand. This global medical insurance provider has a huge network of hospitals around the world. In addition, its health insurance plans include comprehensive cancer coverage.
6. Geo Blue
Geo Blue health insurance is the best health insurance for expats in Thailand. It is particularly the best for US citizens living in Thailand. Expats who want to get premium benefits will not have difficulties finding them in Geo Blue Health Insurance.
The best health insurance in Thailand depends on the expat’s conditions. Expats who plan to live in Thailand for long period will get maximum benefits from health insurance provided by local insurance and international insurance companies.
However, expats who plan to live in Thailand for short period will get the best benefits from travel insurance. To get the best health insurance, expats in Thailand must purchase it from the best insurance company in the country.