Health Insurance FAQ
Check out the most frequently asked questions about health insurance.
Is Health Insurance a Requirement For Expats in Thailand?
Health insurance is now required for foreigners aged 50 and more seeking a long-term stay in Thailand under the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay 1 year) and Non-Immigrant Visa “O-X” (Long Stay 10 years).
The new law mandates that the applicant or visa holder must have health insurance that covers outpatient medical costs of at least 40,000 baht and inpatient medical costs of at least 400,000 baht. Domestic or foreign insurers may offer policies but the total cost of foreign policies must not be less than the total cost of Thai policies.
Visa Types Requiring Health Insurance
Non-Immigrant O-A Visa
Health insurance isn’t optional for Thailand’s retirement visas. This visa type requires coverage of no less than 40,000 THB for outpatient care and a minimum of 400,000 THB for inpatient care. Nevertheless, it remains optional for marriage visas.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
Expats holding a Long-Term Resident Visa need a policy with coverage of not less than $50,000. An alternative could be maintaining a bank balance of $100,000 for 12 consecutive months.
Thailand Elite Card
Possession of health insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for expats holding a Thailand Elite Card visa.
By requiring international retirees to have health insurance, they can be assured that they will be cared for if they become ill or have an accident. This measure, on the other hand, was put in place to prevent foreigners from evading hospital fees by fleeing the country.
Key Points
- Health insurance for foreigners over the age of 50 is a mandatory requirement.
- Retired Expats must now show proof of health insurance to be able to qualify for yearly retirement extension.
- Selecting the policy that best meets your needs rather than the cheapest deal will save you time and money in the long term.
Does Low-Cost Health Insurance in Thailand Adequate for Unexpected Medical Expenses?
If you are looking for low-cost health insurance in Thailand that will cover emergency hospital bills, we recommend focusing on plans that provide extensive in-patient treatment coverage and not so much outpatient treatment coverage. Getting more in-patient coverage will ensure that you can afford in-patient treatment if you have a serious medical problem. Many Expats prefer to choose this type of plan to give them the extra peace of mind and security need when the unexpected happens.
How Can Expats Pay For Health Insurance Premiums?
Here are several simple and convenient payment options that will be allowed in all Thai hospitals:
Credit or Debit Card – Using our online payment facility for credit and debit cards, you can pay for your health insurance in Thailand quickly and securely.
Online Banking Transfer – Using your online banking app you transfer the entire amount anytime and anywhere.
Rabbit Line Pay – If you have a Rabbit Line Pay account, you can pay for your Thai health insurance policy with a credit or debit card linked to your account.
QR Payment – QR payment is available through the 2C2P platform for a quick and easy transaction.
Instalment Plans – Health insurance in Thailand can be paid for in instalments for foreigners with a Thai bank account, assuming you have an account with a participating bank.
Compare various health insurance policies in Thailand and choose the one that best meets your needs and fits your budget.
How Can Health Insurance Help You As an Expat Living In Thailand?
The primary benefit of medical insurance in Thailand is the coverage for serious illnesses that necessitate hospitalisation, but you will also benefit from several other benefits such as a network of leading hospitals in Thailand accepting direct payments from your insurer, annual coverage, tax-deductible, no medical examination required and a 15-day free cancellation option.
Whatever type of Thai health insurance policy you choose, you will receive all of the benefits listed above and more. If you are planning a trip to another country, you can also review travel and personal accident insurance policies, which can also include Expat medical insurance.
Financial Protection Important
Getting treated in Thailand, particularly in private hospitals, often results in lofty bills. It’s here that health insurance steps in, bearing most, if not all expenditures linked to your medical treatment. Therefore, even in cases of unforeseen medical emergencies or chronic illnesses, you’re spared from biting the bullet of financial burden.
Gateway to Quality Healthcare
Health facilities in Thailand are globally recognised for their exceptional standard, particularly private hospitals. However, these institutions often come with a heftier price tag for their services. If you’re backed by a reliable health insurance policy, you can shake off worries about the cost and focus on receiving the best available medical care.
Emergency Medical Evacuation Assurance
A grave medical emergency may require your evacuation to major city hubs like Bangkok or Phuket, equipped with state-of-the-drawing medical facilities. Your health insurance gears up to shoulder such costs, ensuring your well-being takes precedence over geographical boundaries and resultant expenses.
In Thailand, health insurance provides diverse, continuous coverage as well as flexable.
What Factors Causes Your Health Insurance Premiums to Change?
Digging into the dynamics of health insurance premiums, there’s a handful of factors influencing their variations. Capturing these variables paints a clearer picture of the potential shifts in your bottom line.
Impact of Medical Inflation
Next on the list, is medical inflation. The soaring healthcare costs and overall inflation apply upward pressure on your premiums. It’s a necessary stride for insurance providers such as Cigna, ensuring that they interpret their financial capacity appropriately for claim settlements.
Geographic Considerations
The place where you reside also weighs in. Depending on the prevalent health issues in your area, the cost varies. Densely populated areas with chronic diseases can drive your premiums upwards.
Your Medical History
An indispensable part of the puzzle is your medical history. Frequent visits to the doctor or pricey treatments for chronic conditions can lead to steeper insurance premiums. Cigna, for instance, places a great emphasis on understanding your pre-existing health circumstances to adjust its offerings optimally.
Plan Category
Last, but not the least, the category of your insurance plan. Here, the rule is simple – The broader the cover, the higher the cost. With Cigna’s various offerings to cater to individual needs, you’ll find a range of costs and coverages to choose from.
Knowing these variables at play can help you anticipate changes to your health insurance premiums. It allows for informed decisions when choosing the right policy, further strengthening your protection against medical contingencies. Recall, the right choice balances cost, coverage, and your unique health context.
What Medical Conditions Does Health Insurance in Thailand Cover?
Cancer, coronary disease, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, viral encephalitis, kidney disease, liver failure, Parkinson’s disease, and brain aneurysms are among the conditions that providers cover for both locals and Expats. In Thailand, health insurance usually excludes chronic, genetic diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, or congenital defects.
It is also important to keep in mind if you have a pre-existing condition before purchasing private health insurance in Thailand, as your coverage will not cover the cost of any future medical treatment related to this condition.