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/
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