Expat essential: 12 reasons why Insurance in Thailand is a no-brainer!

[CharlieH]

 

 

 

Thailand is renowned for its high-quality healthcare. With advanced medical facilities and skilled professionals, the country provides exceptional care through both public and private sectors. Universal health coverage ensures essential health services for all citizens. However, foreigners and expats require private insurance for quality healthcare access.

Many private hospitals offer world-class services. This makes accessing premium healthcare affordable through insurance plans. Without insurance, the financial burden of medical treatments can be significant.

For expats and travellers, Cigna’s international insurance plans offer extensive coverage. These plans are ideal for those frequently moving or living abroad. By investing in insurance through Cigna, you secure quality healthcare and financial protection in Thailand.

The reasons why insurance in Thailand is important

PHOTO: Scott Graham, Unsplash

1. Quality healthcare access

Thailand boasts high-quality hospitals, many certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI). These institutions offer exceptional care, specifically in private facilities. Expats and medical tourists are often drawn to these hospitals. Insurance in Thailand becomes crucial because private hospitals are preferred due to their superior standards and advanced medical technology.

Medical tourism thrives in Thailand, attracting patients globally with state-of-the-drawing facilities and affordable treatment costs. For instance, an MRI scan costs about 9,600 baht, while a hip replacement is approximately 390,000 baht Foreigners and expats in Thailand often require private insurance to access these high-quality services.

2. Financial security

Insurance in Thailand provides crucial financial security, addressing various health risks. Traffic accidents, affecting thousands annually, can lead to significant medical expenses without proper coverage. Cigna’s insurance plans offer thorough protection against such unforeseen costs.

Additionally, Thailand’s tropical diseases like dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria impose financial burdens. With Cigna’s insurance, these costs are manageable, reducing the economic impact on households.

Expats in Thailand, requiring a more Western medical experience, benefit significantly from insurance. Cigna’s plans cater specifically to these needs, ensuring reliable access to private hospitals and advanced medical technology.

Cigna’s coverage extends across various medical services, ensuring top-tier care. Investing in such insurance means access to state-of-the-drawing facilities without bearing the full financial burden.

3. Chronic illness management

Insurance in Thailand plays a significant role in managing critical illnesses and chronic illnesses. Despite the country’s policies for chronic disease management, disparities exist among various health insurance schemes. Cigna’s insurance plans address these gaps by ensuring access to essential health services.

A dedicated case manager from Cigna assists with personalised advice and support, ensuring coordinated healthcare and treatment plans. Regular calls are scheduled to monitor and evaluate your condition. Tailored treatment plans, created to meet your individual needs, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

4. Emergency medical care

Insurance in Thailand offers vital financial protection for unexpected medical emergencies. Without coverage, high medical costs strain personal finances. Access to quality care becomes a challenge, specifically during emergencies when swift response is crucial.

Allergy and accident risks in Thailand, including food reactions and adventure activities, often result in emergency situations. Insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring immediate access to necessary treatments. In emergencies, insurance facilitates quick access to emergency services, such as ambulance transport and emergency room care, mitigating risks and enhancing recovery chances.

5. Coverage for expatriates

Insurance in Thailand becomes crucial for expatriates managing life in a new country. Cigna provides extensive plans catering to various needs.

Infectious diseases	Thailand is prone to infectious diseases like dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria. With Cigna’s insurance plans, costly treatments for such diseases are covered.
Traffic accident	With Thailand’s high traffic accident rates, obtaining insurance with Cigna ensures coverage for any medical expenses resulting from an accident.
Foodborne illness	Foodborne illnesses are common and can incur significant medical costs. Insurance from Cigna offers financial protection against these unexpected expenses.
High-risk adventure sports	Thailand’s adventure sports increase injury risks. Cigna’s insurance plans cover medical attention needed due to accidents from high-risk activities.
Private hospital care	Expatriates prefer private hospitals due to their trained staff and better hygiene standards. Cigna’s insurance facilitates access to these hospitals, ensuring superior care.
Tailored plans	Cigna offers tailored plans addressing unique expatriate needs. Chronic illness management, emergency care, and access to specialists are important elements covered.
Financial protection	Expatriates gain financial protection against health-related expenses. Cigna’s plans cover ambulance services, treatments, and specialised care.

Choosing an insurance plan from Cigna ensures expatriates in Thailand receive thorough coverage and peace of mind.

6. Maternity and newborn care

Financial protection is provided by insurance in Thailand, specifically for maternity and newborn care. Many insurance companies offer coverage for pregnancy complications, which include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm labour, placenta previa, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Insurance Thailand plans often include crucial newborn care, covering congenital conditions, lab work, health checks, vaccinations, and doctor’s visits. Cigna ensures that your child’s early healthcare needs are met without causing financial strain.

Waiting periods are common in most insurance plans before maternity benefits become effective. Therefore, it’s essential to apply for coverage before pregnancy to avoid unexpected expenses. Cigna’s maternity insurance also emphasises applying early to maximise benefits.

7. Preventive care

Insurance in Thailand plays an important role in ensuring access to preventive care. Your health plan covers essential screenings and check-ups, significantly reducing future health complications. Cigna’s insurance plans focus on providing thorough preventive care services. You’ll benefit from regular health assessments, catching potential issues early.

Cigna’s preventive care package includes vaccinations and routine tests. These services help maintain your health by preventing diseases before they start. By engaging in preventive care, you’ll enjoy a higher quality of life and a longer lifespan. Ensure your well-being with Cigna’s comprehensive coverage—secure, reliable, and responsive.

8. Prescription medication

Universal health coverage in Thailand ensures 99.5% of residents access prescription medication. This coverage, including Cigna’s plans, offers affordable medical treatments for you. Expanding health insurance coverage with medical benefits increases access to primary care medicines. This makes prescription drugs more affordable and easily available.

Thailand’s healthcare system is cost-effective. Medical procedures and medications often cost significantly less compared to other countries. Cigna’s thorough insurance plans benefit from this affordability. Thailand manufactures many pharmaceutical drugs, lowering costs. Prescription medications become more accessible and affordable for you through insurance.

9. Peace of mind

Insurance in Thailand gives unparalleled peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know your health and finances are protected against potential mishaps. Cigna’s thorough plans ensure you’re covered for a wide range of scenarios. These include preventive care, chronic illnesses, and mental health services. You can enjoy Thailand’s beautiful beaches and adventurous activities without constant worry.

Knowing you’re insured against road accidents, which claim over 24,000 lives annually in Thailand, greatly reduces stress. Cigna ensures prompt medical attention and covers associated expenses. You can also safeguard yourself against common issues like food poisoning. Insurance Thailand provides the financial assistance needed during unexpected illnesses, ensuring you receive the best medical care.

PHOTO: Lesly Juarez, Unsplash

10. Customisable

Insurance in Thailand is known for its flexibility. Customisable insurance plans allow you to adjust coverage based on your unique needs. Cigna, a prominent provider, offers various options to ensure thorough protection for different scenarios. You can choose plans covering preventive care, mental health services, and chronic illnesses.

Various packages emphasise mental health support, recognising its growing importance. Customisable options ensure early intervention and treatment without incurring high costs. Given Thailand’s excellent medical facilities, these tailored plans can help access quality care.

Expatriates benefit significantly from customisable insurance. Tailored plans meet specific coverage requirements for visa renewals, making it easier for expatriates to stay compliant. Employers can also provide customised plans to enhance workforce productivity and reduce absenteeism.

11. Older care

Insurance in Thailand plays a crucial role in older people. Cigna’s plans ensure thorough coverage for the senior, offering preventive, curative, and palliative care. Through universal health coverage, implemented in 2002, access to quality healthcare is guaranteed for all senior Thai citizens.

Financial protection is one of the primary benefits. Cigna’s insurance plans reduce the financial strain associated with frequent medical needs. This protection is essential to prevent the risk of impoverishment due to high healthcare expenses, common among them.

12. Legal and administrative support

Utilising insurance in Thailand provides essential legal and administrative support. Navigating Thailand’s healthcare system can be complex, specifically for expats. Securing thorough insurance, such as Cigna’s plans, helps streamline this process.

Insurance companies, including Cigna, guide you through local legal requirements. Long-term visa applicants need proof of health coverage. Cigna ensures compliance with these requirements, easing the visa application process.

Administrative tasks, including hospital paperwork, can be daunting. Cigna’s services cover these administrative aspects, enabling you to focus on recovery rather than bureaucracy. Their team assists with claims, hospital admissions and other formalities.

Why choose Cigna? Unmatched coverage in Thailand

Overview of Plans

• Silver Plan: Offers essential inpatient and day-patient coverage. Ideal for those seeking essential health security.
• Gold Plan: Provides enhanced coverage limits and includes maternity care, catering to growing families.
• Platinum Plan: Features unlimited annual coverage, the top-tier choice for those who require extensive medical services.

Key Benefits

• Comprehensive Coverage: All plans cover major medical needs, including full cancer care and newborn care, ensuring peace of mind.
• Global Flexibility: Choose between worldwide coverage or excluding the USA, perfect for globe-trotting expatriates.

Tailored to Your Needs

Available Additional Modules

• Add outpatient care, dental and vision, or evacuation services to tailor your coverage to your lifestyle.

Core Hospitalisation Benefits

• Private Rooms: Guaranteed private room availability for comfort during hospital stays.
• High Coverage Limits: Up to 72,300,000 THB in the Gold Plan, ensuring you can receive top-tier medical treatments without financial worry.

Cigna’s Commitment to Expatriates

Why Expats Trust Cigna

• Trusted by expatriates worldwide for providing reliable, comprehensive health insurance plans that cater specifically to their needs in Thailand.

Seamless Customer Experience

• Easy online application and policy management are available through Cigna’s secure platform.
• Dedicated customer support to guide you through the coverage details and claims process.