Is it worth getting health insurance in Thailand 'living' here on a tourist visa?

[jacksprecht99]

I'm from the US and currently paying 12,000thb month over there. I've had it for years and years.

Looking to potentially switch over to Thai/worldwide insurance. I'm Male 40. 

I've been reading up on it. Seems that it doesn't cover quite a lot (one of my main concerns switching away from my long term insurance in the US, preexisting conditions etc), and if you do use a lot, they will increase the premiums, so it really isn't something that you can actually use without later paying for it.

Would it make sense to just self insure? I've been in and out of Thailand for 4 years now, and I've used hospitals in BKK, and up until now I've just pay out of pocket. Wondering if it would make sense, if premiums are just going to go through the roof as one ages. 

Assuming insurance is a good idea, any recommendations for popular ones that may have been vetted by others?

Edited April 16, 2020 by jacksprecht99
typo

[Puchaiyank]

You planning on getting sick while in Thailand?

 

Numerous clinics around with doctors who do a good job and the expense is small.

[bwpage3]

It all depends on the critically of any sickness or accident.

 

Some here have mentioned  bills in the millions of baht.

[scubascuba3]

It depends how much time you spend in Thailand, travel insurance is more cost effective if you have shorter trips, usually under 50 they allow travel insurance for up to 18 months, i used to regularly buy 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months.

 

Health insurance is much more expensive and a mine field

[Peter Denis]

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

It depends how much time you spend in Thailand, travel insurance is more cost effective if you have shorter trips, usually under 50 they allow travel insurance for up to 18 months, i used to regularly buy 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months.

 

Health insurance is much more expensive and a mine field

Good advice!

When you are well-covered in your home-country, travel-insurance will be worthwhile for any serious illness or accident you might encounter.  Make sure when subscribing that your policy  covers re-patriation with a minimal deductable.

[lopburi3]

8 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

You planning on getting sick while in Thailand?

 

Numerous clinics around with doctors who do a good job and the expense is small.

Most of which serve up a cocktail of medications that may or may not have any relationship to what ails you.  Most competent doctors work in hospital OPD - not in clinics.   Would also not recommend change to a Thai insurance plan for the reasons stated in OP.  Would think long and hard before ending current coverage as 12k does not sound that excessive for US coverage.  

[Sheryl]

I don't know what you mean by "it" as there are dozens of possible policies.

 

A good international expat policy gives great coverage. By international I mean issued by an international compant not a Thai company.

 

You should definitely not be here uninsured. Whether to get a travel polucy as opposed to full policy depends on how much time you expect to spend in Thailand and how readily you can return to the US for non emergency care.

 

At your age unless you have major pre-existing conditions there are a large number of options.

 

Contact a good broker experienced in expat health insurance. AA is recommended  www.aainsure.net