Thai Expat Health Insurance

Health solutions for foreigners working in Thailand

Retirees

My health insurance renewal just increased in price. What are my options?

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One of the biggest issues facing health insurance customers, companies and brokers at the moment is having to deal with the rising cost of insurance premiums, particularly health insurance renewals with most companies increasing premiums by a minimum of 8% or more this year.

Renewing your health insurance may not be the most exciting thing to do, but it is crucial for your financial and physical well-being. The cost of healthcare continues to rise, and without insurance, you could be left with an enormous medical bill. So, if you’ve received a renewal notice for your health insurance policy, don’t let it sit in your inbox or on your desk.  Get it out and let’s start by looking at the reasons why you took insurance in the first place

Having health insurance is important for many reasons including:

  1. Protection against rising healthcare costs
  2. Financial security for you and your family
  3. Access to quality healthcare
  4. Meeting the requirements of your visa (e.g. In Thailand insurance is required for a number of visa classes)
  5. Maintaining your coverage (e.g. If you let your health insurance lapse, it can be difficult to get coverage again)

No one appreciates having to pay more than they did last year for the same level of coverage and this, coupled with other financial pressures causes most of us to panic and immediately start looking to other insurance companies for lower prices.  However, shifting to another company based on price is generally not a good idea (unless you have had a serious issue with your existing company).  In this blog, we will identify a number of options you may wish to consider before deciding to move from your existing insurance provider to another cheaper provider.   

Like it or not, the main reason health insurance premiums continue to increase is due to inflation and the rising costs of healthcare. Unfortunately, there is very little we can do about this. In 2022, the global inflation rate was measured at approximately 8.8%, with some countries experiencing even higher rates. In addition, the cost of healthcare has been increasing by an average of 5-7% annually in Thailand and worldwide.   This leads to higher costs for insurance providers, hospitals and healthcare facilities, all the way down to the premiums individual policyholders pay at the end of each year.

Additionally, as you enter a new age band, your premiums may increase as insurance companies take into account the higher risk associated with older individuals (Adults over age 65 are more likely to encounter diseases related to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or more advanced chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.)

It’s important to note that while the increase in premiums may be a tough pill to swallow, it’s a necessary step to ensure that you continue to have access to quality healthcare and financial protection. Without this, your insurance company might become insolvent and all the payments you have paid to ensure your health and security in the future gone with it. Having said that, let’s take a look at some options to maintain your insurance.

4 ways to reduce the cost of your premium:

1. Taking a higher deductible:

If you’re willing to assume a greater share of the financial risk associated with your healthcare, you can consider taking a plan with a higher deductible. This means you’ll be responsible for paying more out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in, but you may benefit from lower premiums.

2. Reduce your area of coverage:

Opting for coverage in a smaller area, such as just your country or region, may lower your premiums. However, be sure to carefully consider your healthcare needs and any potential risks before making this decision.

3. Paying annually instead of monthly or half-yearly:

Some insurance providers may offer discounts if you choose to pay your premiums annually instead of in monthly or half-yearly installments. This can help you save money over the long term and simplify your budgeting.

4. Taking a plan with lower overall benefits which still meets your needs:

Another option to consider is taking a plan with lower overall benefits that still meets your healthcare needs. By choosing a policy with less extensive coverage, you may be able to reduce your premiums without sacrificing essential benefits.

By exploring these options and working with your insurance provider to find a solution that meets your needs and budget, you can help reduce the financial burden of your health insurance premiums. Remember, however, that it’s crucial to maintain adequate coverage to protect your health and financial well-being in the long run.

In addition to why you should renew your health insurance, it is important to note what may happen if you don’t renew your policy.

What can happen if I don’t renew my insurance:

1. You may lose your no-claim rebate

If you have been eligible for a no-claim rebate and don’t renew your policy, you may lose the rebate that you would have received. This rebate is typically offered to customers who have not made any claims in the previous year and is a valuable benefit that can help reduce the cost of your premiums.

2. Pre-existing conditions may not be covered

If you have a pre-existing medical condition under your current plan and choose not to renew, you may not be covered for that condition under a new insurance policy with a new company. Insurance companies typically require a waiting period before covering pre-existing conditions, and if you let your policy lapse, it is unlikely your new company will extend that waiting period or cover you for any illness or injury that occured while you were under your previous plan.  It is generally best to continue with your existing provider if you have a waiting period on a particular condition or if you received treatment for an illness or injury over the time of your existing plan.

3. Vulnerability to predatory pricing strategies

While it’s important to consider the cost of your health insurance policy, it’s also crucial to be aware of predatory pricing strategies. Some insurance companies may deliberately keep their prices low to attract customers, only to raise them significantly after the initial policy term has expired. This practice can leave you vulnerable to unexpected price increases in the future and may not be a sustainable option for the long term.

As healthcare costs continue to rise, it’s important to resist making any rash decisions or change insurance providers without carefully considering all of your options. Try to find a solution that meets your needs and budget without sacrificing benefits. By exploring the different options presented earlier, and working with your insurance provider, you can help reduce the financial burden of your health insurance premiums.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your health insurance premiums may continue to increase as you age or if you experience a change in your health status. If you have a chronic condition or require ongoing medical treatment, you may need to adjust your coverage accordingly.

It’s a good idea to review your health insurance policy annually to ensure that you have the right coverage for your current needs and budget.

➤ Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our team here at Thai Expat Club. Thai Expat Club offers access to affordable health and medical insurance for foreigners living, visiting, working or retiring in Thailand.  We deal almost exclusively with reputable companies such as Aetna, April, Cigna, Luma and Pacific Cross for a higher range of benefits at affordable prices.  We help clients avoid the confusion which comes from not being able to speak the language or communicate satisfactorily with staff in Thai Insurance Companies.   Our service is FREE and we often save people money by offering a plan more closely matched to their lifestyle and budget.

Contact Thai Expat Club today and let us help you with your health insurance requirements.

Tel. 089-897-9437 or visit our website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

Health insurance for retirees in Thailand – Updated

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So you’ve made the decision to retire in Thailand and want to know your options regarding medical insurance.  You’ll be pleased to know that Thailand offers extremely high standards of medical care and is equipped to deliver even the most complex procedures.  However, in order to access these quality healthcare services, you’ll need private health insurance.

The good news is the costs are about half the amount you might pay for equivalent medical insurance in America, Australia or the UK.  There is also a range of options for health insurance plans starting with accident insurance for a mere $100 a year up to medical insurance with a full range of benefits at around $6,000 per year. Most of these health insurance policies are also international, meaning that your coverage extends to overseas travel or travel back to your home country for one to two months a year when you choose to return to catch up with family or friends.

Whilst health insurance for retirees is relatively affordable in Thailand it’s important to understand the restrictions insurance companies place on the starting age.  For example, people enrolling with Aetna before 60 or younger are guaranteed renewal for life and those enrolling between the ages 61 and 64 will be renewed to age 70.  If you are 65 yrs and miss the cut-off age for Aetna we offer options with our other insurance providers such as Cigna, Luma Health and Pacific Cross.   You can choose to include a deductible (meaning you pay any medical bills up to an agreed amount) which helps to offset the cost of the premium.  There are also discounts each year should you remain claim free in the previous 12 months which also helps offset your annual premium considerably.  However, it’s best to start your insurance before 70 years of age to keep premiums down.  It’s even better if you can start before 60 years of age to ensure any treatment or conditions you encounter in your 60s (while you are insured) continue to be covered by insurance as you enter your 70s, 80s and 90s.

While some insurance providers require a medical examination for new applicants 65 years and over (Pacific Cross requires a medical examination for new applicants 65 years of age and over), other companies such as Cigna and Luma usually require little more than a medical history or records of treatment.  Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that can be controlled, but not cured are considered “pre-existing conditions” and will not be covered, just as a private insurance provider would not cover them in your home country.  However, cases of acute medical treatment which occurred more than 5 years ago will generally be okay.

Thai Expat Club offers access to affordable health and medical insurance for foreigners living, visiting, working or retiring in Thailand.  We deal almost exclusively with reputable companies such as Aetna, April, Cigna, Luma and Pacific Cross for a higher range of benefits at affordable prices.  We help clients avoid the confusion which comes from not being able to speak the language or communicate satisfactorily with staff in Thai Insurance Companies.   Our service is FREE and we often save people money by offering a plan more closely matched to their lifestyle and budget.

Contact Thai Expat Club today and let us help you with your health insurance requirements.

Tel. 089-897-9437 or visit our website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

Useful Links

Medical Insurance in Thailand – Thai Retirement Helpers: Retiring in Thailand Made Easy (thailandretirementhelpers.com)

Health Insurance in Thailand – Thailand Retirement

What are the new insurance requirements for foreigners applying for the O-A retirement visa to live in Thailand?

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Last week Thai authorities announced a number of changes to the insurance requirements for foreigners applying for the Non-immigrant O-A (Long Stay) retirement visa. It seems some of the details are still being worked through, but most Thai Embassies have already begun implementing these changes (effective 1st October 2021) and many insurance companies in Thailand have already started updating their existing policies and developing new products in order to meet these requirements.

These rules differ depending on whether you are applying from your home country or whether you are already in Thailand renewing your visa. However, all foreigners applying for their first O-A retirement visa from overseas are now required to meet these new requirements. The new rules require applicants to maintain a health insurance policy that covers all kinds of medical treatment (both in-house patient and out-patient) including COVID-19 related treatment, with a minimum coverage of 3,000,000 THB, during the entire period of stay in Thailand. It seems the previous requirement to have Outpatient coverage of not less than 40,000 THB has either been upgraded or removed (This is a developing story – To be advised).

Foreigners currently residing in Thailand on an O-A retirement visa will be permitted to extend their visa under the old guidelines until the 31st of August 2022 (an insurance policy of 400,000 THB Inpatient coverage (including outpatient coverage of 40,000 THB). However, commencing 1st September 2022 onwards, ALL Long Stay Visa holders will be required to move to the new criteria – an insurance policy that provides 3 million THB Inpatient coverage which includes all kinds of medical treatment (both in-house patient and out-patient) including COVID-19.

At this stage, the easiest and most affordable solution for retirees applying from overseas is the LUMA Travel Pass. This plan already meets these minimum requirements and can be purchased online in 5 mins by any person aged 1-75 years of age. Although this insurance cannot be extended beyond 12 months this product is very affordable and offers a very convenient and accessible method to meet these requirements. Please see the following link…

Thai Travel Insurance – COVID insurance for expats traveling to Thailand

For persons already in Thailand and for persons 75 years and over, we offer a wide range of immigration compliant insurance products payable on an annual or monthly basis. These products come from a wide range of recognised companies including AETNA, AXA, April, Cigna, LMG, LUMA, Pacific Cross and Regency for Expats. Regardless of your age or health status, we offer a wide array of insurance options for families and retirees visiting or moving to Thailand.

Please contact Thai Expat Club / Health if you have any questions or require any further information regarding retirement or travel insurance for Thailand.

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

Website: https://thaiexpatclub.com/

Additional Links:

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Thai Expat Club makes no representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information. Information and opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. In particular, Thai Expat Club does not guarantee the accuracy of information related to immigration processes and requirements in this report nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of such information or opinions in this report. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions relating to visa transfers and migration to Thailand. All rights are reserved.
This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any person in any manner for any purpose without the permission of Thai Expat Club

Is now a good time to retire to Thailand (or should I wait for COVID-19 to be over)?

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One common question we receive from clients planning to retire to Thailand is whether or not “now” is a good time to travel and retire in Thailand, or should I wait until the pandemic is over. The answer is never a simple yes or no as each person comes from a different part of the world. Some clients are coming from the US, others are coming from the UK (including Eastern Europe), and a smaller number are from countries such as Australia.

To help, we thought it might be useful to put together a list of pros and cons received as feedback from overseas visitors arriving here in quarantine from those countries. Hopefully, the feedback we received will help guide your decision making and address any concerns you might have about traveling or not traveling to Thailand at this time.

Pros

  1. Thailand is recognized as #1 in Asia (and #2 behind Australia globally) as one of the best countries in the world for their response to the COVID-19 epidemic. The Thai government has reportedly managed to contain the virus much better than other countries and with very low death rates (Thailand Business News). Something to consider if concerned about Thailand’s management of the crisis.
  2. Visas are still available for tourists to travel or retire to Thailand. Many other neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have either closed their borders to tourists or have very restricted entry. Latin American countries, such as Brazil, Ecuador, and Columbia, do not allow US tourists full stop. Unless you are a national from one of these countries, Thailand may be one of the few countries currently open to you as a foreigner seeking to retire.
  3. You currently do not need to have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to gain entry. This is likely to change soon given the likelihood that vaccination may well become a mandatory requirement to board an aircraft.  Whether or not it becomes a compulsory requirement in applying for a visa is yet to be seen. However, in terms of vaccination, it seems likely there will be more conditions placed on air travel in the future, rather than fewer restrictions.  Another reason why now might be a better time to travel than later.

Cons

  1. The paperwork.  Yes, there is a mound of paperwork and processes to go through including applying for a Certificate of Entry, Applying for Insurance, evidence of savings, evidence of income, booking a flight, negative COVID-19 test, and a doctor’s certificate 72 hrs before your flight. Communicating by email with the Thai embassy and all the different agencies involved is undoubtedly a challenge. This is unlikely to change in the short term and the introduction of the vaccine is only likely to add more paperwork in the future to what is already a time-consuming process. 
  2. You’ll miss the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.  Yes, this may be so but recognize that the first people to be vaccinated in your country will be front-line health care workers, hotel quarantine staff, followed by people in aged care, the elderly, and others at risk. It may be another 12 months before the vaccine is offered to the general population. If you are delaying plans to travel to Thailand simply to ensure you are in the queue for the vaccine, then you may be in for a long wait. Also, it is entirely probable that once the vaccine is rolled out that you will be able to purchase the vaccine in Thailand (Thailand will start rolling out the first 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca for emergency use this month). It’s quite probable you may end up with better access to the vaccine in Thailand on a paid-for basis than what might be possible in your own country.
  3. Risk management (I could pick up COVID-19 on the journey). You may think that traveling is dangerous and it’s safer to remain in your home country for the time being. For now, staying indoors, wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and distancing yourself from other people seems like the safest option. That may be true to some extent but it’s well known that transmission happens more easily in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation versus outdoors where the fresh air disperses the virus particles and people are more easily able to distance themselves from each other. If you’re in the US or the UK, you may be at a greater risk of exposure to the virus in your own country than being outdoors in Thailand.  It’s also important to realize that “you may leave your country behind but that doesn’t mean you also get to leave your fears behind.” To mitigate these risks you may choose to purchase a first-class ticket (for more personal space and less contact with other flyers and flight attendants who are attending to other passengers), stay at a more expensive hotel that provides a VIP taxi for one person from the airport, and find accommodation which allows 1 hour of outdoor activity each day by yourself, so as not to expose yourself to other travelers who could potentially be carrying the virus. It is agreed that now is not the time to travel to Thailand on the cheap but as pointed out earlier, Thailand is #1 in Asia for managing the COVID-19 epidemic and #2 in the world behind Australia so a high level of monitoring is provided once you enter the country, go through the airport and continue to quarantine. At least the risks can be mitigated and the price you are prepared to pay can reduce your exposure.  Whether or not you are prepared to pay more to mitigate the risks will differ greatly depending on your financial situation. This level of peace of mind may end up costing you more in the short term but this is unlikely to change soon. Not at least until a large percentage of the world has been vaccinated and worldwide travel returns to some kind of normality.

We recognize that whether you choose to retire to Thailand at this time or delay your plans until the world recovers from COVID-19 is very much a personal decision, but hopefully, the pros and cons laid out above have provided several key factors to consider. From someone on the ground, it seems quite clear that the likelihood of things returning to normal within the next 12 months is very small. Experts agree that it will be years before travel returns to anything near the normality it was in February 2020 when the virus first started to take its grip. 

Whatever you decide to do, you can count on Thai Expat Club/Health for help and support when it comes to getting the right health insurance plan to match your personal needs. 

If you have questions or require any further information, you can contact Thai Expat Club/Health by telephone or WhatsApp at +66 89-897-9435. 

Wishing you good health and safe travels.

Links:

https://www.thailand-business-news.com/health/79522-thailand-ranks-2nd-world-best-country-for-recovering-from-covid-19-epidemic.html
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/health/82409-thailand-approves-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine-for-emergency-use.html

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Thai Expat Club makes no representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of the information or opinions in this report. Information and opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions relating to travel to Thailand. All rights are reserved.

Applying for a Retirement Visa for Thailand during COVID-19

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If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely interested in traveling to Thailand over the COVID-19 period and wondering what visa option is best for you. Particularly if you’re considering applying for a retirement visa from your home country, then this is for you.

After visiting the Thai Embassy website, you will discover that there are a number of visa options available, including the standard ‘O’ category retirement visa for persons over 50 years of age. The requirements are pretty much the same as previously published except for one additional insurance requirement – applicants now need to have health insurance to cover a minimum of 100,000 USD which includes coverage for COVID-19. This is in addition to the previous requirement to have health insurance which includes a minimum 400,000 THB for Inpatient and 40,000 THB coverage for Outpatient visits.

Procedures for Non-Thai nationals who wish to obtain long stay visa (Non-Immigrant Category O-A)

One of the main issues is that if you apply for the retirement visa from your home country you will need to pay for 12 months of health insurance upfront to obtain an insurance policy that meets the above requirements. The process of obtaining insurance usually takes 10-14 days. You must then present your insurance coverage certificate to the Thai embassy in your home country in order to obtain the Certificate of Entry (COE). As well, you will need to have confirmed booking at an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Facility, and a booking on a repatriation flight which might not be available from your country for another month or so. Even then flights may be cancelled, and a new booking required after you have applied for your visa. All of this affects the amount of time your insurance policy remains valid after you have paid the premium and submitted the insurance certificate to the embassy to obtain your COE. The longer it takes for you to acquire the visa and COE in your home country, the less time you will have remaining on your insurance policy.

So, getting back to the question of whether it’s better to apply for an O-A retirement visa in your home country or after you arrive in Thailand. Provided you are 50-74 years of age, one option is to apply for a Tourist Visa from your home country first (60 days + 30 days extendable) or Special Tourist Visa (If available) then apply for the retirement visa after you arrive in Thailand.

For a Tourist Visa, you only need to have a 90-day travel insurance policy which you can easily purchase by going to our website https://thaitravelinsurance.com/travel-plans/. This policy (Luma Thailand Pass), for persons 1-74 years of age, includes cover for COVID-19 to $100,000 USD and meets the Thai government requirements for both the Tourist and Retirement visa. It can be issued in 5 minutes which is a huge advantage over other forms of insurance coverage. It is also well known to Thai Embassies and so is readily accepted.

Once in Thailand, you can apply for a 3-month non-O visa, then the 1-year retirement visa extension through any number of visa agents here. Also, once you have decided on the most appropriate visa for your extended stay, you are welcome to contact us again and purchase a full comprehensive in-country insurance policy (The Luma Thailand Pass cannot be extended) to cover the length of your new visa as required by the Thai government. It seems the government has relaxed on an earlier requirement to start the process of applying for a 90-day non-immigrant visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. I would encourage you to do your own research but the visa agents we discussed this option with, inform us that it is indeed possible.

Thai Expat Health makes it EASY for foreigners to obtain the certificate of insurance required to meet the Thai government’s entry requirement (insurance covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD). We have assisted many clients to receive their certificate of insurance in the FASTEST possible time with a MINIMUM of fuss. Our service is provided FREE of charge and you benefit from our personalized help and experience.
Note that there are a large number of applications in the system at the moment, so please submit your application early to avoid delays.

Contact Thai Expat Club/Health if you have any questions or require any further information

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Thai Expat Club makes no representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information. Information and opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. In particular, Thai Expat Club does not guarantee the accuracy of information related to immigration processes and requirements in this report nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of such information or opinions in this report. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions relating to visa transfers and migration to Thailand. All rights are reserved.

This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any person in any manner for any purpose without the permission of Thai Expat Club.

How long does it take to get COVID insurance to enter Thailand?

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A question commonly received from people planning to travel to Thailand is “How long does it take to get insurance for COVID-19 in Thailand?”. Most people asking this question are weighing up the pros and cons of traveling to Thailand at this time or are in the early phases of applying to the Thai Embassy in their home country for a Certificate of Entry. While the insurance policy is usually the least expensive part of the process compared to the cost of the flight and the 14-day hotel quarantine, without understanding the process it can still be a somewhat time-consuming and frustrating experience. Hopefully, this explanation will provide some clarity over why it takes time to issue insurance for COVID-19 and some things you can do to help speed things along.

For most people, the average time is around 10 – 14 days from the time the client emails an application to us, responds to additional questions from the insurance company (underwriting department), signs an offer letter, pays for the policy, and is finally issued a certificate of insurance. Persons aged 65 years and over may face additional delays due to the need for a Physician’s Examination Report. Visting your doctor and obtaining this report can easily extend the process beyond 10 days or more. Although payment from overseas can take up to 5 days to arrive, in most cases the insurance company will issue the policy based on a copy of the bank transfer as evidence of payment before it physically arrives in the bank account. The lengthiest part of this process is usually the period where the insurance company’s underwriting department is assessing the application. Applications with a signed copy of the applicant’s passport and more complete responses on the application form will almost certainly receive a faster turnaround.

The application process can often be made faster depending on how accurately you complete the insurance application, whether you remember to attach a signed copy of the picture page of your passport (required by the insurance company to match your identity with the policy) and how quickly you respond to requests for further information from the insurance company.

Once the policy is paid for, most insurance companies will email you the Certificate of Insurance (with the policy number) which shows that the “Health insurance policy includes treatment and medical expenses in relation to COVID-19 with a minimum coverage of 100,000 USD”. This insurance statement is sufficient to present to the Thai Embassy in your country of departure in order to obtain the Certificate of Entry and the go-ahead to book your seat on the next available flight. The original insurance policy and card are generally sent via post a week to 10 days later but are generally not required by the embassy for the Certificate of Entry.

Hopefully, this overview has provided a better understanding of the requirements at each stage while you are applying for your COVID insurance policy. Also, the following diagram from the Civil Aviation of Thailand (CAAT) presents a broader snapshot of the documents required in the stages from Pre-departure through to Arrival and is aimed at helping make the process clearer and less daunting for foreigners contemplating an application to enter Thailand.

Thai Expat Health makes it EASY for foreigners to obtain the certificate of insurance required to meet the Thai government’s entry requirement (insurance covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD). We have assisted many clients to receive their certificate of insurance in the FASTEST possible time with a MINIMUM of fuss. Our service is provided FREE of charge and you benefit from our personalized help and experience. Note that there is a large number of applications in the system at the moment, so please submit your application early to avoid delays.

Please contact Thai Expat Club / Health if you have any questions or require any further information

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

Website: https://thaiexpathealth.com/

Additional Links:

https://www.caat.or.th/en/archives/51895