Orlando Harmon
Thailand is a popular destination for expats, retirees, and travellers due to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and stunning scenery. If you're considering a move to Thailand, it's important to understand the healthcare system and how to get medical insurance. The Thai government has made it compulsory for expats and retirees to have private healthcare cover and proof of insurance may be required when applying for a long-term visa. For those moving to Thailand for work, there is more flexibility as you may be able to access public or private healthcare through your employer. However, it's still recommended to have expat health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage for any medical needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance Companies | AXA, Pacific Cross Health, Luma, SafetyWing, Cigna Global, Siam Commercial Bank |
| Coverage | Inpatient and outpatient services, maternity leave, dental procedures, cancer care, tropical diseases, COVID-19 |
| Additional Benefits | Virtual doctor service, second medical opinion, evacuation and repatriation services, Telehealth service, family discount, tax deduction, annual check-ups, consultations with specialists, online portals |
| Cost | Varies, with SafetyWing at $50 per month, and Siam Commercial Bank at $300 per year |
| Requirements | Foreign nationals must have insurance to access publicly funded Thai healthcare; retirees must have private healthcare cover and may need to provide proof of insurance for a long-term, non-immigrant visa |
| Emergency Services | Emergency number is 1669; 1155 is an emergency number for foreigners |
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What You'll Learn
Private vs public healthcare
Thailand's healthcare system includes both private and public healthcare settings. The Thai healthcare system functions at multiple levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The country has earned a reputation for providing high-quality medical care, particularly in private hospitals in major urban centres, while also ensuring basic healthcare access for its entire population through a comprehensive public system.
Private Healthcare in Thailand
Private hospitals in Thailand offer several advantages, but they do come with a high price tag. Private hospital treatment is generally more expensive than public hospitals, but it is still more affordable than equivalent services in Western countries. Private hospitals, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities, often match or exceed international standards, with many holding Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Private hospitals in Bangkok maintain around 60% of all available hospital beds. These private institutions offer shorter waiting times and newer medical equipment to patients. While there is no guarantee you will have a doctor who speaks English or another foreign language during a visit to a public facility, in private settings, many staff members are multilingual and interpreter services can be provided.
Public Healthcare in Thailand
Public hospitals are a highly recommended option if you are looking for cost-effective medical treatment in Thailand. These hospitals typically offer more affordable rates compared to private hospitals. The public healthcare system in Thailand is funded by the Department of Medical Services and the Ministry of Public Health. However, public hospitals in Thailand do have some drawbacks, such as problematic waiting times. One thing to note is that public hospitals often face a large number of patients on a daily basis, which can result in long wait times before seeing a doctor. Public dental clinics provide basic services at low costs, but they may have long waiting times and limited availability of advanced treatments.
Insurance
If you don’t plan on getting a job in Thailand – if you’re retiring there, for example – then you’ll need private healthcare cover. This has been made compulsory by the Thai government, and you may need to provide proof that you have health insurance to apply for a long-term, non-immigrant visa. If you’ve got a job in Thailand, there’s a bit more flexibility. It’s no longer mandatory to have health insurance to enter the country, and you can access the public (and sometimes private) healthcare system via your employer. Those working legally in Thailand can enrol in the Social Security system, which provides basic coverage at public hospitals.
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Telehealth services
Thailand has become something of a medical tourist destination due to its high-quality private healthcare, which is still comparatively cheaper than equivalent services in the US and Western Europe. Most expats prefer private healthcare for reasons such as better facilities, shorter waiting times, and more English-speaking staff.
AXA, a popular health insurance provider in Thailand, offers Telehealth services to its customers. AXA's Telehealth service allows customers to meet with a doctor online without having to make advance payments. The doctor can then send any necessary prescriptions to the patient, who can collect their medication from a participating pharmacy. This service is available to customers with OPD benefits and is applicable in the Bangkok area. AXA also offers an extensive network of leading hospitals and clinics nationwide.
AXA's Virtual Doctor service allows users to speak to a real doctor over the phone or by video, with consultations available in a number of languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. This can be particularly useful for those who find it difficult to communicate with local doctors at Thai medical facilities. AXA also provides a Mind Health service, which connects users to qualified psychologists, wherever they are.
AXA's health insurance plans are designed to meet the needs of customers at different stages of their lives, with reasonable prices. The plans cover a range of benefits, including surgery and both in- and out-patient care. AXA also offers international medical insurance options to cover families for a variety of situations, from pregnancy and emergencies to dental check-ups and eye tests.
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Travel insurance
If you are a premium credit cardholder, certain cards such as Chase United or Delta Amex Gold may already provide travel insurance coverage for items like trip cancellations, delays, and lost luggage when you purchase your trip with the card. However, medical coverage may be limited to emergency/repatriation services to get you back to your home country. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the policy to understand what is covered, including pre-existing conditions.
If you are enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for an International Driving Permit, you may also want to consider purchasing additional insurance that covers healthcare and emergency evacuation. Travelex, for example, offers primary insurance policies, while many other providers offer secondary policies.
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Language barriers
Thailand has become a popular medical tourism destination due to its high-quality private healthcare, which is still cheaper than equivalent services in Western countries. However, language barriers can be a significant issue, particularly for immigrants and migrant workers from Myanmar. These language barriers can lead to lower access to healthcare services, ineffective communication, and increased use of emergency care.
In the cities of Hat Yai and Pattani in Southern Thailand, for example, migrants from Myanmar face challenges in understanding and adhering to COVID-19 protective behaviours and vaccination due to language and cultural barriers. Similarly, in Samut Sakhon, a large number of migrant workers from Myanmar have prompted the local hospital to recruit interpreters to ensure effective communication and improve medical conditions. The hospital now has a team of interpreters who explain medical procedures and prescription labels, assist mobile healthcare services, and facilitate communication between pharmacists and patients.
The resistance to using telemedicine, which has the potential to improve access to healthcare for the elderly and those in remote areas, can be attributed in part to the constant changes in health regulations and the lack of training and education among healthcare staff. Additionally, language barriers can extend beyond the healthcare setting, impacting immigrants' ability to understand and follow health-related regulations and policies.
To address these challenges, immigrant-friendly solutions such as providing professional interpreters, bilingual prescription labels, and encouraging culturally and linguistically sensitive education can improve the quality of care and increase access to healthcare services for those facing language barriers in Thailand. Furthermore, the utilisation of telemedicine and communication technologies can help bridge the language gap and enhance accessibility.
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Cost of insurance
The cost of insurance for Thailand depends on the type of insurance you require. AXA offers travel insurance for Thailand visitors, which includes health and personal accident insurance coverage, including COVID-19. The length of insurance can be up to 180 days, and the policy is effective immediately with no waiting period. AXA also offers global healthcare insurance for expats, with flexible plans to support expat professionals, families, and retirees. This insurance includes virtual doctor services, where you can speak to a doctor over the phone or by video, and a Mind Health service that connects you to qualified psychologists.
The cost of AXA's travel insurance plans is not specified, but it is described as "trusted and recommended" and "well-recognized." AXA also offers a range of online product packages for specific diseases, accidents, cancer, and tropical diseases, which can be purchased online for instant coverage.
For US citizens, the cost of travel insurance for a week-long trip to Thailand can range from $50 to $200, which is between 5% to 8% of the trip cost. There are also cheap trip insurance plans starting at $24 for a 15-day trip with a $1,000 trip cost. The GlobeHopper Senior plan is a popular option for older travelers, providing coverage of $1 million up to the age of 79 and $100,000 for travelers over 80. This plan includes $25,000 for emergency medical evacuation.
It is important to note that the cost of insurance can vary depending on several factors, such as age, trip duration, coverage maximum, and any additional options selected. It is recommended to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best plan for your needs.
Additionally, if you are moving to Thailand for work, you may not need to purchase separate health insurance as you can access the public and sometimes private healthcare system through your employer. However, if you are retiring in Thailand, the Thai government has made it compulsory to have private healthcare cover, and you may need to provide proof of health insurance to apply for a long-term, non-immigrant visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Some companies that offer medical insurance for expats in Thailand include AXA, Pacific Cross Health, Luma, SafetyWing, and Cigna Global.
Medical insurance for Thailand can provide you with extra protection during your visit. It can cover inpatient and outpatient services, maternity leave, dental procedures, and more. It can also provide access to English-speaking doctors, mental health services, and emergency evacuation and repatriation services.
The cost of health insurance in Thailand can vary. Some companies offer plans starting from around $50 per month, while others may charge around $300 per year. It is recommended to shop around and compare prices to find the best option for your needs.
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