9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health insurance typically includes is key.
Top health issues that health insurance can solve for expats in Thailand
Here are the top health issues insurance plans for expats in Thailand often cover and why they’re essential for your peace of mind:
- Routine medical care
- Emergency medical services
- Hospitalisation
- Chronic conditions
- Maternity care
- Dental and vision care
- Mental health services
- Prescription medications
- Specialist consultations
1. Routine medical care
Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are crucial for maintaining your health in Thailand. These services are often the first line of defence against illnesses and help detect conditions early.
Thailand’s tropical climate can expose you to illnesses like dengue fever or respiratory infections, making routine care even more important. Most expat insurance plans ensure these essential services are covered, including annual physicals and screenings tailored to your age and risk factors.
2. Emergency medical services
Accidents and sudden illnesses happen when you least expect them. Ambulance services and emergency room visits can be expensive if you’re paying out of pocket.
In Thailand, private hospitals like Bumrungrad International in Bangkok offer world-class emergency care, but the costs reflect that quality. Insurance ensures you’re not caught off guard by a hefty bill after an emergency.
3. Hospitalisation
Hospital stays for surgeries or severe illnesses can quickly become a financial burden. In Thailand, private hospital rooms can cost anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 baht per night, excluding treatments and medications.
Expat health insurance covers inpatient care, including surgeries, specialist consultations, and even post-operative rehabilitation. This coverage provides peace of mind for both planned and unexpected medical situations.
4. Chronic conditions
Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma often require ongoing treatment, specialist consultations, and medications. Without insurance, managing these conditions in Thailand can be costly, especially in private hospitals.
Expat insurance plans often include coverage for regular consultations, lab work, and medications for chronic conditions. This support ensures you can maintain your health without financial stress, even in a foreign country.
5. Maternity care
If you’re planning to start a family in Thailand, maternity coverage is a must. Costs for prenatal care, ultrasounds, and delivery can range from 30,000 to 100,000 baht, depending on the hospital.
Many expat insurance plans cover maternity care, including prenatal check-ups, delivery, and postnatal care. Some policies even offer coverage for your newborn’s initial medical needs, ensuring your family starts on the right foot.
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6. Dental and vision care
Dental and vision care are often overlooked but crucial for maintaining overall health. Treatments like fillings, root canals, or new eyeglasses can be surprisingly expensive without insurance.
Expat insurance plans frequently include coverage for dental check-ups, cleaning, and treatments. Vision care benefits often cover eye exams and corrective lenses, helping you stay on top of your needs.
7. Mental health services
Moving to a new country can take a toll on your mental health. The stress of adapting to a new environment or being far from family can lead to anxiety or depression.
Modern insurance plans now recognise mental health as a critical aspect of overall well-being. Coverage often includes therapy, counselling, and psychiatric consultations. With mental health awareness on the rise, these services are becoming more accessible for expats in Thailand.
8. Prescription medications
Medications for chronic conditions or temporary illnesses can quickly become costly. In Thailand, imported prescription drugs are especially expensive compared to local alternatives.
Most expat insurance plans cover prescribed medications, ensuring you get the treatment you need without financial strain. This benefit is particularly useful for those managing ongoing health issues.
9. Specialist consultations
Sometimes, you need expert advice for specific health concerns. Whether it’s a cardiologist, dermatologist, or orthopaedic specialist, access to expert care is essential.
Insurance plans for expats often include specialist consultations, making it easier to see the right doctor when needed. Thailand’s private hospitals house some of the best specialists in the region, giving you access to high-quality care.
How Cigna helps expats stay covered
Cigna’s global health insurance plans are tailored to meet the needs of expats living in Thailand. Whether you need routine medical care, specialist consultations, or coverage for chronic conditions, their plans have you covered.
Key benefits include:
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care: Including hospital stays, surgeries, and specialist visits.
- Maternity benefits: Covering prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Dental and vision support: Routine check-ups and corrective treatments.
- Mental health support: Therapy and counselling included in select plans.
- Access to top-tier hospitals: Such as Bumrungrad International, Samitivej, and Bangkok Hospital.
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T&Cs apply*
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*Cigna Healthcare reserves the right to amend or withdraw a promotion at any time without notice. This discount will apply for the lifetime of the policy and is only eligible to new Cigna Global Individual customers. The discount may only be applied by a sales agent and cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer, except the 10% discount given to policies paid annually in full. If you choose to pay your policy annually in full, your 10% discount will be applied after the 10% annual discount has been applied. Only Cigna Global Individual Policies are eligible for the 10% discount. A minimum purchase value of $2000 for policies based in Europe is applicable. Policies based in the rest of the world require a minimum purchase value of $3000 to be eligible.
