Health Insurance for families and children in Thailand: What to choose
Planning to raise a family in Thailand? Here’s how to choose the right health insurance for both the kids and the parents
It’s easy to put off health insurance in Thailand when it’s just you (though you really shouldn’t). You feel fine, the costs seem manageable, and the risk feels low. But that changes the moment your family comes into the picture, especially when you have a child. Suddenly, you’re not only thinking about hospital bills, but also comfort, quick access to care, and making sure your loved one doesn’t have to wait in pain.
Family health insurance gives you the confidence that when something happens, you’ll be able to get the treatment you need, as soon as you need it, and in a Thai hospital you trust. The question is: with so many plans out there, which one actually makes sense for your family?
You can compare plans yourself, or, like many people, just get Pacific Prime Thailand to help and skip the headache. But before you do any of that, it helps to know what you’re even looking for. Because not every plan is made for families, and not every family needs the same plan.
Everything you need to know about family health insurance in Thailand
| Section | Description |
| What does family health insurance offer? | Family health insurance in Thailand usually covers both parents and dependent children for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care under a single plan. |
| What to look for in a family health insurance plan | Depending on what your family needs, you might want inpatient and outpatient care, optional dental and vision benefits, maternity and newborn coverage, hospital networks, direct billing, international coverage, and emergency evacuation. |
| Additional benefits | Some plans include wellness checks, vaccination programmes, and even telemedicine, which can be especially useful for younger kids. |
| Child-only insurance | It’s possible to buy insurance just for your child, but there are a few things to consider regarding cost and eligibility. |
| What to expect to pay | Pricing depends on where you live, how much cover you want, and factors like lifestyle, family health history, and how many people are insured. |
| Common mistakes to avoid | Rushing into a plan without checking for waiting periods, hospital limits, or exclusions can leave families underprotected. |
| How to compare plans | With so many options out there, comparing plans and speaking with an advisor like Pacific Prime can help you find coverage that actually fits your family’s lifestyle. |
What does family health insurance offer?
Family health insurance, as the name suggests, covers your whole family. This may include you, your spouse, and any dependent children under 18 who are living with you. Rather than paying separate premiums for each person, you’ll typically pay one monthly premium that covers everyone under the plan.
Some companies in Thailand offer family health insurance as part of their employee benefits. But if you’re not covered (or if your spouse and children are left out), you might want to explore your options.
What’s included in a plan will depend on the insurer, but it generally covers inpatient care, outpatient care, and emergency services. Most providers give you flexibility to choose from several coverage levels. Pacific Prime Thailand, for instance, works with insurers like AXA, Allianz, LUMA, Pacific Cross, and April to tailor plans to your specific needs.
Here’s what to look for in a family health insurance plan
1. Inpatient and outpatient coverage
Inpatient coverage pays for hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency treatment. On the other hand, outpatient coverage includes visits to the doctor, diagnostics, and follow-up care. You want to make sure both are covered since children often need outpatient care more than adults.
2. Dental and vision
These are typically optional. If your children need regular dental cleanings or wear glasses, it’s worth including these benefits.
3. Maternity and newborn benefits
If you’re planning to grow your family, you may consider including maternity plans. Make sure to ask about waiting periods and what care is included for both mother and baby. Some plans offer full coverage from prenatal visits through delivery and newborn care.
4. Hospital network and direct billing
Make sure your preferred hospitals are covered. Many providers work with top Thai hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, MedPark Hospital, and BNH Hospital. These hospitals are known to offer world-class care with English-speaking doctors. However, some plans may only allow treatment at selected facilities. You might also want to consider direct billing so you can avoid paying upfront and filing claims later.
5. International coverage
If your family travels or splits time between countries, a plan with regional or global coverage can be useful. Pacific Prime can help compare local plans with international ones based on your lifestyle.
6. Emergency evacuation
Emergency evacuation is particularly important if you live outside of big cities in Thailand, like Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.
Additional benefits you can ask about
Every family is different. Some families only need basic protection, while others want full coverage. Depending on your insurer, you might be able to add:
- Vaccination programmes, which are essential for younger children
- Wellness checks, which may not be included in basic plans
- Telemedicine, for virtual doctor consultations
Can you get insurance just for your child?
Yes, you can. Some families choose to insure only their children, especially when the parents already have coverage through work or another policy. Keep in mind, though, that standalone child policies might be more expensive on a per-person basis than a bundled family plan.
In addition, insurers may require one parent to be insured under the same provider, even if on a different policy.
What should you actually expect to pay?
Insuring the whole family is often more affordable compared to buying separate individual policies for each family member. The truth is, there’s no single price tag for family health insurance in Thailand. What you’ll pay depends on a mix of factors, some of which are under your control, and some that aren’t.
Premiums are usually calculated based on things like health history, lifestyle, where you live, and the level of coverage you choose. For example, a family living in Bangkok with two young children might pay more than a couple in Chiang Mai with no kids, simply because hospital rates in the capital tend to be higher.
Insurance companies also look at:
- Your health background: Pre-existing conditions, family medical history, and even how active you and your family are can all play a role in setting your premium.
- Nicotine use: Smoking or vaping can result in higher premiums. Some insurers even ask about past smoking habits.
- The plan itself: A policy that covers dental, maternity, outpatient visits, and international travel will cost more than a basic emergency-only plan.
- Who’s covered: The more family members you add to your family health cover, the more you’ll need to pay.
One trick to lower your premium is to raise your deductible. This is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. Just make sure that number is realistic, so you’re not caught off guard later.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many expat families in Thailand rush into a health insurance plan without checking the details. One of the most common mistakes is focusing entirely on price. Although a cheaper plan might look appealing, it could leave out essential benefits like outpatient care or restrict you to a limited list of hospitals.
Another detail that often gets overlooked is the waiting period. Keep in mind that benefits like maternity coverage or dental care don’t start immediately. In some cases, you may need to wait several months or even a year before you can make a claim.
Furthermore, you might want to pay close attention to what the policy doesn’t include. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded at the start, and certain types of care, such as developmental therapy for children or mental health support, may not be covered unless specifically added.
Finally, it’s smart to review your policy at renewal time to make sure it still fits. Remember, as your children grow, their needs change.
Now is the time to make the right choice
Choosing health insurance for your family isn’t something to rush. It’s worth taking the time to compare plans, ask the right questions, and think carefully about what kind of support you want for the years ahead.
That’s where a bit of expert guidance goes a long way. With over 25 years of experience, more than 500,000 clients worldwide, and a team that understands the local system inside out, Pacific Prime Thailand helps families find insurance that actually fits. Their advisors can walk you through your options, explain the fine print, and help you make a decision with confidence.
Few things in life are more important than family. And with the right support, you can make sure yours is protected, wherever life takes you.
To speak with an advisor or get a free quote, visit Pacific Prime Thailand.
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