10 Reasons Why Expats in Thailand Should Have Comprehensive Health Insurance

[CharlieH]

 

 

Moving to Thailand is a dream for many expats, but navigating healthcare can be tricky. With unique health risks, high private hospital costs, and visa requirements, securing quality health insurance is a smart choice for a smooth experience in Thailand. Here are 10 reasons why having health insurance is a must for expats.

1. Navigating Tropical Health Risks in Thailand

Thailand’s tropical climate means you’re more likely to encounter health risks like dengue fever and respiratory issues from pollution. Conditions like skin infections can also worsen due to humidity. With comprehensive health insurance, you’ll have coverage for these unique risks, giving you access to the right care when needed.

2. Private Hospital Costs More

Thailand offers top-notch private hospitals, but without insurance, costs can add up fast. A basic consultation might set you back 1,500–3,000 THB, and more serious treatments can go into the tens of thousands. Health insurance helps cover these expenses, making quality care affordable and accessible.

 

3. Public Healthcare Limitations

While affordable, Thailand’s public healthcare system primarily serves locals and may not meet expat expectations. Long wait times and limited English-speaking staff can make public hospitals challenging. Private insurance ensures you can choose private facilities with faster service and English-speaking medical teams.

4. Limited-time 10% Discount for Lifetime

Cigna is offering an exclusive 10% discount on health plans this month, making it easier to get the coverage you need.

 

T&Cs apply*

 

5. Protecting Your Family’s Health Abroad

For expats with families, insurance offers peace of mind, covering everything from regular doctor visits to emergencies. With a family health plan, you can rest easy knowing everyone’s health is protected.

6. Access to Quality Medical Facilities

With insurance, you have access to Thailand’s best private hospitals, like Bumrungrad International and Bangkok Hospital, known for advanced technology and English-speaking staff. This makes managing your health needs easier and more comfortable.

7. Emergency Medical Evacuation

If an emergency strikes, evacuation might be necessary, especially in remote areas. Costs can exceed $100,000 (about 3.6 million THB), but insurance with evacuation coverage removes the financial stress, letting you get the specialised care you need.

8. Preventive Healthcare to Stay Ahead of Health Risks

Insurance often includes preventive care like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, helping you stay proactive about your health.

 

9. Mental Health Resources

Adjusting to a new country can bring on stress or anxiety. Many health plans include mental health support, such as counselling or therapy, so you can care for your emotional well-being while settling in.

10. Long-Term Health Costs as an Expat

Healthcare expenses can add up over time. With health insurance, you’re protected from the financial strain of long-term treatments and chronic condition management, keeping you financially secure.

Bonus reason: Meeting Visa Requirements

Certain Thai visas, like the retirement visa, require health insurance. Meeting these requirements not only ensures your visa eligibility but also gives you essential coverage.

Take action now: Don’t risk your health in Thailand.

Cigna’s expat health plans are tailored for Thailand, supporting you as you adjust to life abroad. Here’s how Cigna can help:

• Visa Requirements: Cigna plans meet Thailand’s health insurance requirements for long-stay visas.

• Top-tier Hospitals: Gain access to top facilities, like Bumrungrad International, with English-speaking staff and high standards of care.

• Mental Health Support: Coverage for counselling or therapy to promote emotional well-being.

• Long-term Financial Security: Covering everything from prescription meds to emergencies, Cigna provides financial stability.

Choosing Cigna ensures you’re prepared for routine and unexpected healthcare needs, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy your new life in Thailand.

 

T&Cs apply*

 

*Cigna Healthcare reserves the right to amend or withdraw a promotion at any time without notice. This promotion ends on November 30th, 2024. This 10% discount will apply for the lifetime of the policy and is only eligible to new Cigna Global Individual customers. The discount may only be applied by a sales agent and cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer, except the 10% discount given to policies paid annually in full. If you choose to pay your policy annually in full, your 10% discount will be applied after the 10% annual discount has been applied. Only Cigna Global Individual Policies are eligible for the 10% discount. A minimum purchase value of $2000 for policies based in Europe is applicable. Policies based in the rest of the world require a minimum purchase value of $3000 to be eligible. 

 

Summary of original article by The Thaiger

[Thingamabob]

On 11/6/2024 at 6:38 PM, CharlieH said:

 

 

Moving to Thailand is a dream for many expats, but navigating healthcare can be tricky. With unique health risks, high private hospital costs, and visa requirements, securing quality health insurance is a smart choice for a smooth experience in Thailand. Here are 10 reasons why having health insurance is a must for expats.

1. Navigating Tropical Health Risks in Thailand

Thailand’s tropical climate means you’re more likely to encounter health risks like dengue fever and respiratory issues from pollution. Conditions like skin infections can also worsen due to humidity. With comprehensive health insurance, you’ll have coverage for these unique risks, giving you access to the right care when needed.

2. Private Hospital Costs More

Thailand offers top-notch private hospitals, but without insurance, costs can add up fast. A basic consultation might set you back 1,500–3,000 THB, and more serious treatments can go into the tens of thousands. Health insurance helps cover these expenses, making quality care affordable and accessible.

 

3. Public Healthcare Limitations

While affordable, Thailand’s public healthcare system primarily serves locals and may not meet expat expectations. Long wait times and limited English-speaking staff can make public hospitals challenging. Private insurance ensures you can choose private facilities with faster service and English-speaking medical teams.

4. Limited-time 10% Discount for Lifetime

Cigna is offering an exclusive 10% discount on health plans this month, making it easier to get the coverage you need.

 

T&Cs apply*

 

5. Protecting Your Family’s Health Abroad

For expats with families, insurance offers peace of mind, covering everything from regular doctor visits to emergencies. With a family health plan, you can rest easy knowing everyone’s health is protected.

6. Access to Quality Medical Facilities

With insurance, you have access to Thailand’s best private hospitals, like Bumrungrad International and Bangkok Hospital, known for advanced technology and English-speaking staff. This makes managing your health needs easier and more comfortable.

7. Emergency Medical Evacuation

If an emergency strikes, evacuation might be necessary, especially in remote areas. Costs can exceed $100,000 (about 3.6 million THB), but insurance with evacuation coverage removes the financial stress, letting you get the specialised care you need.

8. Preventive Healthcare to Stay Ahead of Health Risks

Insurance often includes preventive care like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, helping you stay proactive about your health.

 

9. Mental Health Resources

Adjusting to a new country can bring on stress or anxiety. Many health plans include mental health support, such as counselling or therapy, so you can care for your emotional well-being while settling in.

10. Long-Term Health Costs as an Expat

Healthcare expenses can add up over time. With health insurance, you’re protected from the financial strain of long-term treatments and chronic condition management, keeping you financially secure.

Bonus reason: Meeting Visa Requirements

Certain Thai visas, like the retirement visa, require health insurance. Meeting these requirements not only ensures your visa eligibility but also gives you essential coverage.

Take action now: Don’t risk your health in Thailand.

Cigna’s expat health plans are tailored for Thailand, supporting you as you adjust to life abroad. Here’s how Cigna can help:

• Visa Requirements: Cigna plans meet Thailand’s health insurance requirements for long-stay visas.

• Top-tier Hospitals: Gain access to top facilities, like Bumrungrad International, with English-speaking staff and high standards of care.

• Mental Health Support: Coverage for counselling or therapy to promote emotional well-being.

• Long-term Financial Security: Covering everything from prescription meds to emergencies, Cigna provides financial stability.

Choosing Cigna ensures you’re prepared for routine and unexpected healthcare needs, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy your new life in Thailand.

 

T&Cs apply*

 

*Cigna Healthcare reserves the right to amend or withdraw a promotion at any time without notice. This promotion ends on November 30th, 2024. This 10% discount will apply for the lifetime of the policy and is only eligible to new Cigna Global Individual customers. The discount may only be applied by a sales agent and cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer, except the 10% discount given to policies paid annually in full. If you choose to pay your policy annually in full, your 10% discount will be applied after the 10% annual discount has been applied. Only Cigna Global Individual Policies are eligible for the 10% discount. A minimum purchase value of $2000 for policies based in Europe is applicable. Policies based in the rest of the world require a minimum purchase value of $3000 to be eligible. 

 

Summary of original article by The Thaiger

Yet another piece pushing the insurance business. At 83 years old the insurance companies are no longer interested in me or my premium payments. Not a problem for me as I have already agreed with my Thai wife, my partner for over 40 years, that when my time comes, either through illness or old age, I will not bie taken anywhere near a hospital. I will stay at home living as comfortably as possible until I expire. Younger people may take a different view. I would only advise you to think long and hard before committing money to an insurance policy which you may never need.

[jayceenik]

4 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Yet another piece pushing the insurance business. At 83 years old the insurance companies are no longer interested in me or my premium payments. Not a problem for me as I have already agreed with my Thai wife, my partner for over 40 years, that when my time comes, either through illness or old age, I will not bie taken anywhere near a hospital. I will stay at home living as comfortably as possible until I expire. Younger people may take a different view. I would only advise you to think long and hard before committing money to an insurance policy which you may never need.

I'm about your age. I have no health insurance since I retired in LOS at age 50.

I too would rather go away in our home.

Most important, I have a Living Will. In Thai and English on the TH govt aprouved form that you can download on the Net.

Make sure you have one. You only need two TH witnesses.

I told my wife I want my $$$ to go to her after I die and not to waste on expensive care to prolong my life of a little time if it comes to that 

 

 

 

[Thingamabob]

4 minutes ago, jayceenik said:

I'm about your age. I have no health insurance since I retired in LOS at age 50.

I too would rather go away in our home.

Most important, I have a Living Will. In Thai and English on the TH govt aprouved form that you can download on the Net.

Make sure you have one. You only need two TH witnesses.

I told my wife I want my $$$ to go to her after I die and not to waste on expensive care to prolong my life of a little time if it comes to that 

 

 

 

Well said, and thanks for your advice ref the living will.

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

4 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

I would only advise you to think long and hard before committing money to an insurance policy which you may never need.

Thank you for saying this. I'm in full agreement, though I'm about 30 yrs younger than you. No hospitals for me and no more dealing with insur co's. We'll see what my pain threshold is...

[NickyLouie]

Thai insurance companies don't' pay out but def love to take the money every year