Guide to Choosing the Best Health Insurance for Retirees in Thailand

[CharlieH]

 

 

Featuring a collection of sunfilled beaches, majestic palaces, and historical temples, Thailand has placed itself at the top of every retiree’s bucket list as the dream destination. Meanwhile, retirees should consider securing health insurance in Thailand to protect themselves wherever their journeys take them.

Why is Health Insurance Essential for Retirees in Thailand?

The obvious perk of having a comprehensive health insurance plan is that it can settle your medical bills through reimbursement or direct billing, so you don’t risk paying pricey medical bills out-of-pocket when unexpected accidents or illnesses strike.

This is particularly important for expat retirees as foreigners do not qualify for Thailand’s public health insurance scheme, so health insurance plays a crucial role in opening up a gateway to access top-notch private medical services.

Many consulates require health insurance coverage for your destination for visa issuance, and Thailand is no exception. You need to secure health insurance and submit relevant policy documents to show that you have fulfilled the minimum requirements for a successful application.

 

Health Insurance Requirements For Visa Application
Non-Immigrant O Visa	Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X Visas
In-patient Coverage: THB ฿40,000 (USD $1,140) Out-patient Coverage: THB ฿400,000 (USD $11,400)	COVID-19 with a total sum of no less than THB ฿3,000,000 (USD $100,000) per policy year for the entire duration of stay in Thailand

What Are the Core Coverages that Retirees in Thailand Should Look For?

International Coverage: Traveling around the neighboring countries is very likely for most retirees. If you already have plans to do this, it is wise to have coverage not only for Thailand but anywhere in the world.

Medical Coverage: This benefit typically includes inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, prescription drugs, and preventive treatments.

Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage: This coverage provides crucial protection in medical emergencies abroad. It covers the costs of transporting the insured to the nearest suitable medical facility or back to their home country for treatment.

Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: This extends insurance protection to health issues that existed before the policy's start date, ensuring continuity of care for chronic conditions or past illnesses.

Top Health Insurance Recommendations for Retirees in Thailand

The best medical benefit insurance providers for retirees in Thailand include Cigna, VUMI, GeoBlue, AXA, IMG, Luma, LMG, Allianz, April International, AIA, Pacific Cross, Thaivivat, MSIG, Morgan Price, HealthCare International, NOW Health, Optimum Global, and William Russell.

While it seems there are a lot of companies to look through, Pacific Prime has a dedicated online quote system that can find and compare all health insurance plans in the market offered by all of the trusted insurance companies mentioned above.

Tips and Considerations When Securing Health Insurance in Thailand

Buy Insurance When You Are Healthy

It can be difficult for one to get coverage for pre-existing conditions, so it is recommended to buy insurance before common physical conditions at older ages such as arthritis arise. Although you can expect premiums to go up as you claim for chronic diseases, you are still guaranteed coverage for costly treatments.

Compare Plans from Multiple Insurers

As retirees, you have to rely on your savings for a living. It is important to secure a cost-effective plan to ensure that you pay only for what you may need. Research and compare plans from various insurers to find one that fits best with your budget.

There could be some smaller, lesser-known insurers that offer more affordable yet adequate coverage for your unique healthcare needs than larger, well-known insurers. 

Consider Working with an Insurance Broker

One of the benefits you get from working with a broker is you can receive unbiased advice on plan recommendations and price comparisons. Brokers, as an intermediary, do not work for a particular insurer so we have the advantage of providing you potential options across worldwide insurers.

Moreover, no extra costs will be incurred. Broker’s plans are sold at market price or even lower. Without paying a single penny, you will have your inquiries promptly addressed, and your claims process assisted. They are always on their clients’ side when dealing with insurers.

Pacific Prime as Your Broker of Choice

Retirees in Thailand need to secure comprehensive health insurance not only to protect their physical, mental, and financial well-being, but also to meet the minimum requirements of visa application. 

Finding the right health insurance by yourself could be overwhelming with all the available plans you can find on the Internet. This is where a reputed broker like Pacific Prime can help.

Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience providing expat retirees with tailored health insurance solutions to ensure every one of them is going to have a seamless experience abroad.  If you need health insurance in Thailand, our team of specialists is happy to support your insurance journey.

Should you have further questions, get in touch with us today!

 

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Secure your health, and enjoy your retirement! 

#HealthcareAbroad #Pacific Prime