Health insurance cost in Thailand for expats – update
No one likes thinking about health insurance. But if you’re an expat in Thailand, it’s one of those things you need to have sorted.
Maybe you move to Thailand because the sun is warmer, or because you’re chasing your dream job, or because you want to spend your retirement days by the ocean. Whatever the reason, you don’t move here to sit in a hospital waiting room, watching the numbers on a medical bill climb higher than a rooftop bar tab.
But the reality is, it could happen. And when it does, you’ll want to be covered. Medical inflation is rising, and in 2025, skipping insurance could cost you more than ever before.
So, how much does health insurance for expats actually cost in 2025? And how do you make sure you’re not overpaying? Here’s what you need to know.
Do expats need health insurance in Thailand?
Health insurance isn’t a mandatory requirement for all expats in Thailand, but certain visa holders must have it. These include:
- Retirement visa or Non-Immigrant Visa O-A (Long-Stay): You need insurance that covers at least 400,000 baht (around US$11,600) for inpatient care and 40,000 baht (around US$1,100) for outpatient care.
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa: You need at least US$50,000 in coverage, social security benefits that cover treatment in Thailand, or a US$100,000 deposit held for at least 12 months.
For everyone else, it’s optional. But should you have it? Absolutely.
Thailand might be known for affordable but high-quality healthcare compared to the US or UK, which is why it’s a popular medical tourism destination. But ‘affordable’ doesn’t mean cheap when things go wrong. When something unexpected happens, costs can still add up quickly.
A quick hospital visit for food poisoning? Manageable. A serious motorbike accident? That’s when the bills can get brutal. And if you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness like a heart condition, you’re looking at years of ongoing medical costs.
No one plans to get sick or injured, but it can happen to anyone at any time. And the best time to get insurance is before you need it.
How much does health insurance cost for expats?
According to Pacific Prime, an award-winning insurance broker, health insurance for expats in Thailand costs around US$4,695 per year for individuals and US$11,683 per year for families. However, those numbers can change depending on several key factors, including your age, health history, the level of coverage, and whether you choose a local Thai insurer or a larger international provider.
For example, Pacific Prime crunched the numbers for a 37-year-old male expat and found that annual premiums range from US$1,532 to US$7,462, based on quotes from 11 different insurers. That’s a huge range, so let’s break it down:
- Basic inpatient-only plans (cover hospital stays but not doctor visits) cost US$1,532 to US$3,071 per year.
- Inpatient + outpatient plans (includes doctor visits, check-ups, and prescriptions) jump from US$2,618 to US$6,216 per year.
- Comprehensive plans (inpatient, outpatient, maternity, wellness, dental, and more) range from US$4,408 to US$7,462 per year.
A basic inpatient plan will cover you in an emergency, but if you want access to top hospitals like Bumrungrad, Samitivej, or Bangkok Hospital for routine care, you’ll need a more extensive plan.
What is the new co-payment rule in Thailand?
Thailand has just introduced a co-payment rule for health insurance on March 20, 2025. With this new rule, some policy holders will need to cover part of their medical expenses if they frequently claim for minor health issues. The goal is to keep insurance affordable in the long run.
How does it work?
The new rule applies to new policies and renewals. You’ll need to co-pay if:
- You file three claims for minor health issues (like flu or stomach problems) that total twice your annual premium.
- You submit three general illness claims that add up to four times your annual premium.
If you hit either threshold, you’ll pay 30% of your medical costs the next year. Hit both, and that number jumps to 50%. Major surgeries and serious illnesses won’t be affected.
In order to ease the transition, insurance companies in Thailand are expected to offer more flexible packages and collaborate with hospitals to make treatments more affordable.
How to choose the best health insurance in Thailand
There are dozens of insurance providers in Thailand, but the easiest way to find the right plan is through a broker like Pacific Prime Thailand. They compare different plans, help you understand the fine print, and make sure you’re getting the best deal for your budget and needs.
Pacific Prime works with top insurance providers like AXA, Cigna, Luma, and April Group, so whether you want a low-cost plan or all-inclusive coverage, they’ll match you with the best option. Plus, they can walk you through all the new rules so you don’t get hit with unexpected costs later.
Another big advantage of using a broker like Pacific Prime is that you can avoid nasty surprises. Many expats assume their insurance covers everything, only to find out too late that they’re on the hook for certain treatments or pre-existing conditions. Brokers make sure you’re aware of all exclusions and potential out-of-pocket costs upfront. They also assist with claims, helping you deal with hospitals and insurers if you ever need to use your coverage.
To compare plans and find the best coverage for your needs, contact Pacific Prime Thailand for a free quote.
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