Many expats think they can return to their home country to receive free medical treatment in the event of illness or accident. However, there are times when an emergency occurs (e.g. motorcycle accident, cancer, stroke or heart attack) which runs into millions of baht and it is impossible to return. The cost of healthcare is growing at an alarming rate. Having health insurance ensures you will be able to access top medical care, return home to your family and avoid crippling medical costs.

If you work legally in Thailand, you may be covered by social security. This cover means free government treatment with long queues, limited medication and rushed doctor visits. The quality of care also varies considerably. Private health insurance allows you to gain access to the top hospitals in Thailand and avoid the local hospital network. Having private insurance means you can choose your own hospital, access quality care, and produce your insurance card letting your insurance company take care of the rest.

Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions (like diabetes and hypertension) that exist at the time you apply for medical insurance. In most instances they are not generally covered. However, Individuals with pre-existing conditions have the option of applying for a Full Medical Underwriting with one of our providers whereby coverage for some or all of these conditions may be included.

Other providers may ask for a medical report from persons aged 60 years or over at the time of applying but ours do not. The insurance companies we use do not ask for a medical check-up prior to admission to their insurance programs. Completion of the application and your signature on the declaration is generally all that is required.

Out-patient coverage is less expensive and means you are treated in hospital, then discharged and you take your medicine home. In-patient treatment is more expensive and involves a stay in the hospital for surgery or observation. Most people choose to insure for inpatient only as the premium for outpatients is more expensive and paying for outpatient’s treatment yourself when you visit a doctor often works out cheaper in the long run.

Medical insurance in Thailand is still relatively affordable varying from a few thousand baht to tens of hundreds of baht annually. The total amount is dependent on the level of coverage you're after and additional benefits you might want included in your policy. Private hospitals in Thailand are especially first-rate and often employ staff that have been educated in Western countries. Private health insurance is the best option as it provides access to excellent standards of medical care and great peace of mind knowing that your family and savings are protected should you become ill.