Thailand health insurance solutions for long-term visitors
Thailand is a top travel destination in Asia and a popular destination for digital nomads looking to work remotely as they explore everything the country has to offer. Digital nomads and long-term visitors with long-stay visas can secure private health insurance to fulfil the visa requirements.
Why long-term visitors need health insurance in Thailand
Health insurance is vital for long-term visitors in Thailand since foreigners typically do not qualify for Thailand’s public health insurance schemes available to locals. Expats and digital nomads should secure private health insurance for access to private healthcare facilities.
For long-term visitors, especially those who do not speak Thai, access to the country’s private healthcare sector is more than just a quality issue. In addition to providing better services and being more well-equipped, private facilities are more likely to have English-speaking staff to cater specifically for tourist’s and expats’ needs.
What to consider when getting health insurance in Thailand
As a long-term visitor to Thailand securing health insurance, there are several key factors to keep in mind when looking for a plan that satisfies your needs and requirements. Cost, coverage, benefits, and deductible / copayment options are key factors to keep in mind.
Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when securing your private health insurance plan:
Cost
Cost is an important factor when looking for private health insurance. Be sure to look for plans that offer deductible and copayment options to effectively manage the cost of your health insurance in Thailand.
Due to Thailand’s healthcare adopting a dual pricing system which allows healthcare services to charge foreigners in the country more than locals, it is highly recommended that expats, digital nomads, and long-term travellers secure their policy to avoid out-of-pocket payments that can add up to be a significant amount.
Coverage
Getting a policy with the right coverage that suits your needs and requirements is vital in ensuring that you are well protected. Benefits such as medical evacuations are highly recommended especially for digital expats staying in more remote areas due to the best private hospitals being located in major hubs and tourist attractions such as:
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Phuket
- Pattaya
- Koh Samui
- Hua Hin
Visa requirements
If you are applying for Thailand’s Non-Immigrant Visa Category O, a Non-Immigrant Visa Category O-A, or a Non-Immigrant Visa Category O-X, it is important to note that there may be health insurance requirements.
Here are the health insurance requirements for Thailand’s non-immigrant visas:
- Non-Immigrant Visa “O-X” (Long Stay): The total sum of the insured must be no less than THB ฿3,000,000 (USD 100,000) per policy year.
Cost of health insurance in Thailand for long-term visitors
Cost is an important factor to consider when securing private health insurance in Thailand. According to our Cost of Health Insurance Report 2023, the average cost for international health insurance in Thailand is USD 3,594 per year.
For those looking for family policies, the average cost for a family international health insurance policy in Thailand is approximately USD 11,683.
Long-term visitors in Thailand need to secure a comprehensive health insurance policy to combat Thailand’s dual pricing system which allows healthcare providers to charge foreigners more when seeking healthcare services.
When buying health insurance in Thailand, foreigners don’t need to open a local bank account in Thailand. However, it is preferred by certain insurance providers, as such, long travellers to Thailand may consider opening a bank account in Thailand for convenience’s sake.
Securing a plan that is right for you can be a lot of work, from conducting your research to comparing plans and benefits. This is where Pacific Prime can help.
With over two decades of experience in the industry as a global health insurance broker, we can leverage our partnerships with top insurers in Thailand to help you find an international health insurance plan that suits your needs, requirements, and most importantly, your budget.
Contact us today to get free advice and an obligation-free quote.
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