Health insurance for foreigners in Thailand

There are several reasons why health insurance for foreigners in Thailand is not only advisable but essential. While hospital treatments in Thailand are relatively inexpensive compared to Western countries, especially the US, serious inpatient treatments such as surgeries or cancer therapies in a top-tier hospital can be very expensive and quickly put a strain on finances. Furthermore, retired expats are now required to provide proof of health insurance to receive their annual pension renewal. Therefore, we will examine some key points to consider when choosing an insurance policy.

Foreign or Thai insurance policy?

You may already have comprehensive travel or health insurance from your home country when you first enter Thailand. However, foreigners applying for a long-term visa (Non-Immigrant OA) must provide proof of health insurance that covers outpatient treatment costs of at least 40,000 baht (US$1,340) and inpatient treatment costs of at least 400,000 baht (US$13,400). This insurance can be issued by an insurer in your home country or in Thailand. It is important to note, however, that the insurance you apply for annually at the Thai Immigration Bureau must be from an approved Thai insurer. Keep this in mind if you plan to purchase new insurance before your trip.

COVID-19 insurance

The COVID-19 outbreak prompted the Thai government to introduce new regulations. All travelers to Thailand, regardless of age, must present proof of health insurance upon arrival at the airport with coverage of at least US$100,000 for medical treatment, including COVID-19 treatment. The insurance must also be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Thailand. If your insurance does not meet these requirements, you will be denied entry. Therefore, be sure to carefully review your insurance policy before traveling. Just because your current insurance was sufficient for obtaining your visa from the embassy does not automatically mean it also covers COVID-19. If in doubt, contact your insurer to clarify.

Insurance coverage for the Non-Immigrant OA visa

As mentioned previously, insurance from your home country would likely have been sufficient for your initial visa application to enter Thailand. However, when applying for your one-year pension extension at the Thai Immigration Bureau, the insurance must be from an approved Thai insurer. Approved insurers include LMG, The Viriyah, Pacific Cross, Falcon, Thaivivat, AXA Insurance Thailand, Navakij, Dhipaya, Asia Insurance, Aetna, and Sompo Insurance.

You should take out your insurance in good time, as you will need to present all original documents when applying for renewal. The insurance must also cover at least 40,000 baht for outpatient treatment and 400,000 baht for inpatient treatment.

Note: Foreign nationals with a pension visa based on a Non-Immigrant O visa are not required by the immigration office to purchase health insurance.

Here's how to get your insurance policy

If you are already in Thailand, the easiest way to get insurance is to contact an insurance broker and have them handle the paperwork. Call ahead to schedule an appointment and find out what documents are needed. Insurance brokers are available in every Thai city, and in areas popular with tourists and expats, you're sure to find an English-speaking broker. Alternatively, you can visit the websites of the companies mentioned above and use their online tools to get a quote after entering your details and choose the provider that offers the best value. Be careful when choosing your policy and don't just go for the cheapest offer. Read the fine print carefully, especially the exclusions. Another important factor is the insurer's reputation, as many will do anything to avoid paying out claims, whether justified or not. Thanks to popular online review sites, it's quite easy to research companies these days.

Benefits of the insurance policy

Health insurance for foreigners and locals residing in Thailand can include, among other things, the following services:

  • High insurance coverage for inpatient and outpatient treatments
  • Full coverage of cancer treatment costs
  • Full insurance coverage for new chronic illnesses
  • Dental, pregnancy and health check options
  • Pre-existing medical conditions can be covered if they are disclosed and accepted.
  • Multiple international coverage options
  • Insurance coverage for congenital anomalies

    • Exclusions in the insurance policy

    It's important to pay attention to the exclusions of each policy, as most policies contain a long list of them, all buried in the fine print. Once you have your policy, you should always be aware of what is and isn't covered to avoid financial problems. Some of the most common exclusions include:

  • If false information is provided when applying for your insurance, your insurance will be invalid (even if you only notice this when making a claim).
  • If you have pre-existing medical conditions that you have not disclosed, your insurance coverage will also be void.
  • Very few insurance policies cover motorcycle accidents. Since these are unfortunately very common in Thailand and can have expensive consequences, you should never assume you are covered without first contacting your insurer. Even policies that do cover you will only pay out if you have a valid Thai motorcycle license or an international driving permit, were wearing a helmet, were not under the influence of alcohol, and can prove that you were not at fault for the accident. If you ride a motorcycle frequently, it is advisable to take out separate motorcycle insurance.
  • Anything related to alcohol or alcoholism. If you are an alcoholic or heavy drinker and this is known, you can expect the insurance company to hire a private investigator to uncover it. Any claims will then be immediately rejected. Even if you were only slightly intoxicated at the time of the incident, no payment will be made.
  • Damage caused by natural disasters (force majeure) or terrorist attacks is not covered.
  • Injuries or damage resulting from "dangerous activities" such as climbing, water sports, or cycling are generally not covered. This can even apply to any sport, although the insurance terms and conditions vary. Therefore, check before applying whether you intend to participate in sports or another activity.
  • Sexually transmitted infections are likely not covered by most insurance policies unless explicitly stated. HIV treatment can be particularly expensive; this is something to consider if you are sexually active.

    • Request a quote

    Although Thailand is generally a very safe country, unforeseen events can still occur, regardless of your precautions. It's worth taking the time to choose the right insurance policy, rather than simply opting for the cheapest option. Selecting the right insurance can be confusing. If in doubt, consult an insurance agent who can assist you every step of the way, ensuring a worry-free stay in Thailand. Since insurance is now mandatory for entry and visa extensions, every visitor to Thailand needs to consider this.

    You can get a quote for your health insurance in Thailand via the link below:

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