Why more retirees in Thailand are switching to long-term health insurance

[CharlieH]

 

As the number of retirees in Thailand grows, so does the demand for reliable health coverage. Short-term insurance plans may seem convenient at first, but they often fall short when it comes to continued, long-term medical needs. That’s why many retirees are now choosing comprehensive health insurance that provides real peace of mind.

The problem with short-term health insurance

Short-term plans may be cheaper, but they come with major limitations:

• Limited coverage: These plans typically do not cover specialist care, advanced diagnostics, or hospital stays. This means retirees could face big bills for essential treatments.

• High out-of-pocket costs: With less covered by the insurer, retirees often pay a lot themselves, especially if they need ongoing care.

• No support for chronic conditions: Health issues like diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure usually aren’t covered under short-term plans, making it harder to manage long-term health.

• Risk of large expenses: In the event of a serious illness or emergency, retirees on short-term plans could face major financial setbacks.

For those living on a fixed income, these risks can make retirement in Thailand unnecessarily stressful.

The benefits of long-term health insurance

Long-term plans offer much broader protection and better value in the long run:

• Full coverage for outpatient and inpatient care: From regular check-ups to hospital stays, these plans cover a wide range of medical services.

• Access to top hospitals and clinics: Retirees can get treated at leading hospitals across Thailand without worrying about upfront payments.

• Ongoing support: Chronic conditions are covered, along with preventive care and emergency services, helping retirees maintain a healthy, independent life.

• Financial protection: These plans reduce the risk of surprise bills, offering stability and meeting requirements for Thailand’s retirement visa.

To reap the benefits of a long-term plan, choose a reputable insurance provider such as Cigna. Click here for more details.

Why Cigna is a reliable option for retirees

Cigna offers expat-friendly health insurance plans that are ideal for retirees in Thailand. Here's what makes them stand out:

• Customisable plans: Cigna gives retirees the flexibility to tailor coverage based on personal needs and budget.

• Access to premium hospitals: Coverage includes leading medical facilities such as Bumrungrad International and Bangkok Hospital, all of which are held to international standards.

• 24/7 support: With round-the-clock customer service and telemedicine options, Cigna ensures retirees can get help anytime, from anywhere.

 

Whether it’s managing a chronic condition or ensuring you’re covered for emergencies, Cigna helps take the stress out of retirement healthcare.

 

 

 

Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger 

[newbee2022]

On 5/30/2025 at 1:52 PM, CharlieH said:

 

As the number of retirees in Thailand grows, so does the demand for reliable health coverage. Short-term insurance plans may seem convenient at first, but they often fall short when it comes to continued, long-term medical needs. That’s why many retirees are now choosing comprehensive health insurance that provides real peace of mind.

The problem with short-term health insurance

Short-term plans may be cheaper, but they come with major limitations:

• Limited coverage: These plans typically do not cover specialist care, advanced diagnostics, or hospital stays. This means retirees could face big bills for essential treatments.

• High out-of-pocket costs: With less covered by the insurer, retirees often pay a lot themselves, especially if they need ongoing care.

• No support for chronic conditions: Health issues like diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure usually aren’t covered under short-term plans, making it harder to manage long-term health.

• Risk of large expenses: In the event of a serious illness or emergency, retirees on short-term plans could face major financial setbacks.

For those living on a fixed income, these risks can make retirement in Thailand unnecessarily stressful.

The benefits of long-term health insurance

Long-term plans offer much broader protection and better value in the long run:

• Full coverage for outpatient and inpatient care: From regular check-ups to hospital stays, these plans cover a wide range of medical services.

• Access to top hospitals and clinics: Retirees can get treated at leading hospitals across Thailand without worrying about upfront payments.

• Ongoing support: Chronic conditions are covered, along with preventive care and emergency services, helping retirees maintain a healthy, independent life.

• Financial protection: These plans reduce the risk of surprise bills, offering stability and meeting requirements for Thailand’s retirement visa.

To reap the benefits of a long-term plan, choose a reputable insurance provider such as Cigna. Click here for more details.

Why Cigna is a reliable option for retirees

Cigna offers expat-friendly health insurance plans that are ideal for retirees in Thailand. Here's what makes them stand out:

• Customisable plans: Cigna gives retirees the flexibility to tailor coverage based on personal needs and budget.

• Access to premium hospitals: Coverage includes leading medical facilities such as Bumrungrad International and Bangkok Hospital, all of which are held to international standards.

• 24/7 support: With round-the-clock customer service and telemedicine options, Cigna ensures retirees can get help anytime, from anywhere.

 

Whether it’s managing a chronic condition or ensuring you’re covered for emergencies, Cigna helps take the stress out of retirement healthcare.

 

 

 

Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger 

In general I agree.

And there are a lot of insurers on the market.

A quotation is advisable.

[DTL2014]

fed up with the cheap first year premiums and then steep rises ....save your premiums and pay for medial expenses as and when needed.

[Anthony mellows]

3 hours ago, DTL2014 said:

fed up with the cheap first year premiums and then steep rises ....save your premiums and pay for medial expenses as and when needed.

Too right.I got a good first year offer, then after 3 years they put the annual charge up 25%.Never had a claim either.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

4 hours ago, DTL2014 said:

fed up with the cheap first year premiums and then steep rises ....save your premiums and pay for medial expenses as and when needed.

Agree.  Plus put 20-50K aside each year and build up a pool of funds. Before long you have enough to cover most things - or at least a big enough deposit to cover an emergency, while you pull more into Thailand to pay it off.  50K a year sounds great - but the premiums go way higher as you age - and if you make a claim the premiums accelerate even more.  PS - get a newer bike/car and get 1st class insurance with medical coverage (max 200K for a bike) in case of an accident - way cheaper than standard medical insurance and more likely to be what you need an emergency hospital for anyway.  

[rickudon]

When i first came to Thailand 15 years ago, i got a quote - about 20% of my monthly income..... haven't bothered since.

[Bohemianfish]

Then for Americans, there's consideration of how much Medicare supplemental insurance to get. It can get costly with all the different options and then whether you will ever use it. But some of the supplemental is well worth it for long-term care. Conundrum. 

[KhunHeineken]

23 hours ago, rickudon said:

When i first came to Thailand 15 years ago, i got a quote - about 20% of my monthly income..... haven't bothered since.

Are you going to rely on Go Fund Me one day?