Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
See how expats save on healthcare costs in Thailand with affordable treatment, insurance, and quality private hospitals.
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like cardiac surgery and diagnostic imaging. Routine medical care is also much cheaper, often costing 50-75% less.
Expats can further save with affordable health insurance, with plans starting at just US$60 per month. This makes Thailand an appealing option for expats and medical tourists who want excellent care without the high costs of places like the United States or Europe.
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| Topic (Click to skip to section) | Description |
|---|---|
| Healthcare costs in Western countries | Western healthcare systems are often expensive, with high premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and long waiting times, making healthcare unaffordable for many. |
| Healthcare costs in Thailand | Thailand offers affordable, high-quality healthcare, with major savings compared to Western countries for treatments like surgeries, IVF, and diagnostic imaging. |
| How expats can save on healthcare in Thailand compared to Western countries | Expats in Thailand can save significantly on healthcare expenses, with treatments like surgeries and general care costing a fraction of what they would in the West. |
| How Cigna Health Insurance helps expats save more | Cigna provides affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans for expats, covering hospital stays, outpatient care, and more, ensuring peace of mind at lower costs. |
Healthcare costs in Western countries
Expats moving from Western countries to Thailand often face high healthcare costs in their home countries. Here are some of the main reasons for these high costs:
High insurance premiums
Health insurance premiums in Western countries are among the highest in the world.
- United States: The average cost of healthcare is US$12,474 per person, the highest globally. Insurance premiums for individuals can exceed $400 per month, and family plans are even more expensive. Even employer-sponsored plans require large employee contributions.
- Switzerland: Basic health insurance premiums range from CHF 300 to 400 (US$330 to 440) per month, making it one of the priciest systems worldwide.
- Canada: While public healthcare covers many services, private insurance is often needed for additional coverage, raising overall costs.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Western healthcare systems often have high out-of-pocket costs for consultations, treatments, and procedures.
- United States: Without insurance, a procedure like an appendectomy can cost around $33,000. Even with insurance, deductibles and co-pays can add up to thousands of dollars annually.
- United Kingdom: The NHS offers free care, but services like dental care and prescriptions require out-of-pocket payments. Private healthcare for faster access can also be expensive.
- Germany: While healthcare is comprehensive, additional private insurance or direct payments are often needed for services like dental care or advanced treatments.
Long waiting times
Public healthcare systems in many Western countries have long waiting times for non-emergency treatments due to high demand and limited resources.
- Canada: Patients can wait months for elective surgeries or specialist appointments, with some surgeries taking over a year to schedule.
- United Kingdom: NHS patients often experience delays of several months for non-urgent procedures like cataract surgery or hip replacements.
- Australia: Public healthcare waiting times for non-critical treatments lead many people to choose private health insurance for faster service.
These high costs and delays make Thailand’s affordable and efficient healthcare system an attractive option for expats looking for quality care at much lower prices.
Healthcare costs in Thailand
Thailand is known for its affordable and high-quality healthcare system, attracting both expatriates and medical tourists. Here’s a look at how healthcare costs in Thailand compare to those in Western countries:
Affordable medical care
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries. Routine check-ups, treatments, and surgeries all cost significantly less:
- Surgical procedures: Cardiac surgeries in Thailand cost between US$15,000 and US$35,000, while the same procedures in the U.S. can cost US$70,000 to US$200,000, saving up to 80%.
- Fertility treatments: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) costs US$4,500 to US$7,700 in Thailand, compared to over US$20,000 in Western countries.
- Cancer treatments: Cancer treatments range from US$2,000 to US$130,900 in Thailand, while similar treatments in Western countries often exceed US$100,000.
- Diagnostic imaging: An MRI scan costs about US$190 in Thailand, compared to an average of US$2,611 in the U.S.
- General medical services: Routine care and dental services in Thailand are typically 50-75% cheaper than in places like the U.S. or Australia.
Private healthcare
Private hospitals in Thailand offer world-class care at much lower costs than in Western countries:
- Quality standards: Many private hospitals in Thailand are internationally accredited, ensuring high standards of care and safety for patients.
- Cost efficiency: Despite offering modern equipment and highly trained staff (many with overseas experience), private hospitals charge much less. For example, a hospital stay costs US$100-US$200 per night in Thailand, compared to US$1,000-US$2,000 per night in the U.S.
- Minimal waiting times: Private hospitals in Thailand offer quick access to specialists and procedures, unlike the long wait times often found in public healthcare systems in Western countries.
No need for expensive health insurance
While health insurance is recommended, the low cost of healthcare in Thailand means that expensive insurance plans are not necessary:
- Affordable insurance plans: Private health insurance premiums start at around 2,000 Thai baht (US$60) per month. These plans often cover hospital stays, outpatient care, and other essential services.
- Out-of-pocket affordability: Many expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for routine care due to its low cost. For example, a doctor’s consultation might cost US$20-US$50 without insurance, and even major treatments are affordable without needing extensive coverage.
Thailand’s combination of affordable healthcare and high-quality services makes it an ideal choice for expatriates and medical tourists seeking care at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries.
How expats can save on healthcare in Thailand compared to Western countries
Annual savings breakdown
Expats in Thailand can save a lot on healthcare compared to living in Western countries. Here’s a comparison of typical healthcare costs:
- Surgical procedures: Cardiac surgeries in Thailand cost between US$15,000 and US$35,000, while the same procedures in the U.S. cost US$70,000 to US$200,000. This means expats can save up to US$55,000 per procedure.
- Diagnostic imaging: An MRI scan costs about US$190 in Thailand, compared to US$2,611 in the U.S., saving around US$2,421 per scan.
- General healthcare services: Routine care and dental services are 50-75% cheaper in Thailand. For example, a dental filling might cost US$20 in Thailand versus US$100 in the U.S., saving US$80 per procedure.
Access to quality care
Expats in Thailand can get high-quality medical care for a much lower cost than in their home countries:
- Private hospitals: Many private hospitals in Thailand are internationally accredited, offering modern facilities and skilled doctors. These hospitals provide fast access to specialists and treatments, without the long waiting times common in public healthcare systems in Western countries.
- Advanced treatments: Thailand offers advanced treatments like cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic procedures, and cancer care, all at a much lower cost than in Western countries.
- Multilingual staff: Private hospitals often have staff who speak multiple languages, making it easier for expats who don’t speak Thai fluently.
Cigna health insurance
Cigna offers affordable health insurance plans for expats in Thailand, helping them save on healthcare costs while ensuring reliable coverage:
- Affordable premiums: Cigna’s health insurance plans start at around 2,000 Thai baht (US$60) per month, much cheaper than the average premiums in Western countries.
- Comprehensive coverage: These plans cover important services like hospital stays, outpatient care, and access to trusted hospitals across Thailand. Cigna often offers discounts and promotions to make their plans more affordable.
- Global network: Cigna’s global network lets expats get medical care not only in Thailand but also abroad, providing peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected medical costs.
How Cigna Health Insurance Helps Expats Save More
Cigna Health Insurance is a top provider of health insurance for expats, offering affordable plans and access to high-quality healthcare in Thailand. Here’s how Cigna helps expats save on healthcare costs while ensuring they get the care they need:
Comprehensive coverage
Cigna offers expats in Thailand access to private hospitals known for their modern facilities and short wait times:
- Access to private hospitals: Cigna’s plans cover treatments at private hospitals, ensuring fast, quality care without high out-of-pocket costs.
- Global healthcare network: Cigna’s global network allows expats to get medical care in Thailand and abroad, perfect for those who travel often or return home temporarily.
- Customisable coverage: With annual benefit limits from $500,000 to unlimited, Cigna protects expats from unexpected high medical costs.
Tailored plans
Cigna provides flexible health insurance plans designed to meet the needs of expats:
- Plan options: Expats can choose from Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans based on their healthcare needs and budget. These plans cover inpatient care, outpatient services, maternity care, and wellness benefits.
- Optional add-ons: Expats can add coverage for dental and vision care, medical evacuation, and mother-and-baby care, ensuring the plan fits their needs.
- Coverage for all ages: Cigna offers plans for people of all ages, including retirees over 75, making it a good choice for many expats.
Preventive care
Cigna emphasises preventive care to help expats stay healthy and avoid costly health issues in the future:
- Routine checkups: Many of Cigna’s plans cover annual checkups and screenings, helping detect health issues early.
- Wellness benefits: Some plans offer services like nutrition counselling and fitness programmes to encourage healthy living.
- Vaccinations and paediatric care: For families, Cigna covers vaccinations and routine checkups for children, ensuring full preventive care.
Additional benefits
Cigna offers several extra features to support expats:
- 24/7 customer support: Cigna provides around-the-clock assistance with claims and coverage questions, making the experience smoother for policyholders.
- Emergency medical evacuations: If specialised treatment is needed and not available locally, Cigna covers emergency evacuations to the nearest appropriate facility.
With comprehensive coverage, customisable plans, and preventive care benefits at affordable prices, Cigna helps expats in Thailand save on healthcare costs while ensuring they have access to quality care and peace of mind.
Expats in Thailand can save a lot on healthcare compared to Western countries. Medical procedures like surgeries and diagnostic imaging are much cheaper, and routine care, including dental services, costs a fraction of what it does in places like the U.S. or Europe. Thailand has high-quality private hospitals with fast access to specialists and advanced treatments.
Starting at just US$60 per month, health insurance plans offer great coverage at a lower price than in the West. Cigna’s plans also include preventive care, wellness benefits, and global coverage. This mix of low costs and quality care makes Thailand a top choice for expats. For more information on healthcare costs in Thailand, check out Is healthcare in Thailand really cheaper than in the West?
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