Private Health Insurance in Thailand: Does the Protection Justify the Cost?

[CharlieH]

 

Thailand’s healthcare system offers a mix of public and private services. While public hospitals are affordable, many expats and long-term visitors opt for private health insurance to access faster care, better facilities, and a wider range of treatments.

But is it really worth it? This guide breaks down the real costs and the risks of going without coverage, so you can make an informed choice about protecting your health in Thailand.

Understanding the healthcare system in Thailand

Thailand has a well-established healthcare system, with both public and private providers. For expats, knowing how each system works is essential for making smart decisions about medical coverage.

 

Public healthcare: accessible but limited

Public hospitals in Thailand operate under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), mainly for Thai citizens. Expats who work in Thailand and contribute to the Social Security Scheme can access basic services, including emergency care, checkups, and some dental or maternity care.

However, the public system comes with limitations:

 

• Treatment is restricted to hospitals assigned by your employer.

• Long waiting times are common, especially in crowded facilities.

• English-speaking staff may be limited outside major cities.

• Non-working expats, retirees, and dependents typically must pay out of pocket.

 

Private healthcare: more access, more cost

Private hospitals in Thailand are known for their high standards, modern facilities, and English-speaking staff. Advantages include:

• Shorter wait times.

• Access to more specialised treatments and a broader network of providers.

• Better comfort and privacy during care.

The trade-off? Higher costs. A single hospital visit or emergency procedure can quickly become expensive without insurance.

 

The cost of private health insurance

 

 

If you’re living in Thailand, knowing the cost of private health insurance and what you get in return is key.

Typical premium ranges

 

• Basic plans (inpatient/emergency only): 20,000 to 50,000 baht/year (US$540 to $1,350).

• Comprehensive plans (inpatient, outpatient, dental, wellness): 100,000 to 200,000 baht/year (US$2,700 to $5,400).

• Family plans: Typically around US$11,683/year.

• International plans covering both Thailand and overseas care come at a premium.

 

Factors influencing your premium

• Age: Premiums increase significantly after age 60.

• Health history: Pre-existing conditions may raise costs or be excluded.

• Coverage level: Plans with more benefits cost more.

• Plan type: Individual vs. family, local vs. global.

• Add-ons: Dental, maternity, or mental health services will increase the price.

 

Plan types

• Individual: Just for you, either basic or comprehensive.

• Family: Covers multiple people at a discount.

• Local vs. international: International plans are more flexible, especially if you travel.

 

Despite the cost, private insurance can save you from much larger expenses in the long run, especially if you need complex treatment or hospitalisation. Click here for more details.

Risks of going without private health insurance

Living in Thailand without coverage might seem manageable, but it comes with serious risks. And these risks could turn into costs that can quickly deplete your savings if you're uninsured.

 

Financial impact

 

• Routine care may be affordable, but emergencies are not.

• A general visit to a private hospital costs 1,000 to 3,000 baht.

• Specialist consultations: 1,500 to 4,000 baht.

• Minor surgery: 5,000 to 15,000 baht.

• Major treatment: 30,000 to over 500,000 baht.

• Emergency care (like a heart attack): Over 1 million baht.

• Medical evacuation: 150,000 to 800,000 baht.

Key benefits of private health insurance in Thailand

For expats and Thai residents, private insurance brings peace of mind and better healthcare options.

Private plans give you access to Thailand’s top hospitals, clean, modern, and staffed with highly trained professionals. Private hospitals also offer quick access to GPs, specialists, and even surgery, so you get treated sooner.

 

Private plans go beyond basic care to include:

• Inpatient and outpatient services

• Surgery and specialist consultations

• Maternity, dental, and vision benefits

• Emergency evacuation

• Wellness and mental health options

 

Providers like Cigna allow you to tailor your coverage. Whether you’re a solo traveller, part of a family, or a frequent flyer, there’s a plan for you.

How Cigna’s health insurance plans work in Thailand

 

 

Cigna offers two major plan types tailored to the needs of expats and long-term visitors.

 

1. Cigna Close Care

• Ideal for expats living mainly in Thailand.

• Covers treatment at private hospitals within Thailand.

• Includes 180 days of care in your home country or Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Singapore).

2. Cigna Global Health

• Great for frequent travellers.

• Choose coverage across Asia, worldwide (excluding the USA), or worldwide (including the USA).

• Includes emergency care on short trips (up to 21 days) and 180-day coverage in your home country.

 

Optional add-ons

• Outpatient care

• Dental and vision

• Maternity coverage

• Medical evacuation

• Mental health support

Smooth claim process

• Use the Cigna Wellbeing app or online portal to file claims.

• Direct billing with private hospitals means less hassle.

• Local hotline support and pre-approval for treatments make the process efficient.

International coverage

• Emergency evacuations, including air ambulance or repatriation.

• 24/7 telehealth access.

• Meets visa requirements, including the US$100,000 medical coverage needed for long-term stays.

 

Thailand’s healthcare system gives you a choice between public affordability and private quality. While public care works for routine needs, the delays, language barriers, and access limits make private health insurance a smart move for most expats.

Cigna’s flexible plans provide tailored coverage, reliable service, and access to Thailand’s best hospitals. Whether you're in Thailand short-term or planning to stay for years, having the right coverage ensures your health and finances are protected.

 

[simon43]

I realise that this is an 'advertorial' and Cigna has a good reputation.  My concern with private medical insurance (based on my well-documented problems with another company), is whether or not they will pay up if a claim is made.

 

I do have private medical insurance, and I hope that I never have to use it.  In order to minimise the chance of a claim being refused, in the application I documented every accident and ailment that I had since the age of 5 years old!! (mumps, a minor motorbike accident, a minor cosmetic surgery etc). The insurer must have laughed at my documents, but at least they can't refuse claim on the basis of a pre-existing condition, (I only have 1 condition excluded, and that is BPH and associated problems - UTIs etc), but prostate cancer is covered.

 

Medical insurance can also be very expensive for older folk with pre-existing conditions.  Of course, an insurer would not want to insure someone with a heart condition against heart problems!  But for example, high blood pressure seems to be a catch-all for refusing a claim (well, perhaps not for a broken leg!).