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? 

[vukovar77]

Who wants to pay health insurance in LOS? It is costly and does not cover pre-existing conditions.

[Denim]

On 6/5/2025 at 12:13 PM, 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.

 

Good alternative is to have a credit card with a decent limit . This will bail you out in in emergency then you can pay it back over an extended period.

[iaminwa]

On 6/5/2025 at 1:13 PM, 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.

Yep, this is the Thai way of screwing Farangs, and the reason people are moving to Vietnam instead.

It is not just Health Insurance they screw the Farang over with - just look at the 30 - 40% increase in international school fees each year.

[shackleton]

On 6/5/2025 at 12:13 PM, 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.

 

On 6/5/2025 at 12:13 PM, 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.

Totally agree I was quoted a monthly sum far exceeded my pension 

Plus existing  conditions not accepted I have saved money on paying 

  cash cheaper when required now 75 years old not worth paying 

[Cat Boy]

Those who have treated in the past for any medical reasons will be excluded from coverage for any reason arising from that metabolic pathway. 

 

Example, those who may have had asthma, however briefly, in childhood, will be excluded from all and any coverage for the entire respiratory system, even where symptoms have not been experienced for decades. 

 

Failure to disclose past medical information, even from early childhood, will be treated as insurance fraud subject to civil and criminal action. 

 

Those who develop a long term condition whilst under coverage will be subject to non-renewal or immediate termination and/or investigation to determine prior ineligiblity followed by legal action by the insurer to regain previous reimbursements obtained unlawfully. 

 

Be assured the insurer will promptly cancel coverage upon the insured attaining a pre-determined age which will not be disclosed at the initiation of coverage. 

 

Self-insurace is the ONLY way one can be assured. 

 

Insurance companies do not profit by paying claims, only by offering low rates to employers and private citizens, only to then be scrutinised and denied 

[Cat Boy]

16 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

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

No, having not taken that mockery of coverage at 20% of monthly income, he's free to reserve a part of those funds for medical contingency (and earn interest invested wisely) and on lifestyle enhancements such as exercise, stress reduction, wellness and good nutrition. 

 

Its NOT a joke, and ofter those who have had to resort to "Go-Fund-Me", have been denied by their insurer, are ineligible for coverage outside of the country of nationality, or have failed to set aside funding in case of any emergency or other medical issues. 

[VocalNeal]

I am told Life Insurance companies here can offer health insurance and are cheaper. Whereas Health insurance companies cannot or do not offer life insurance . 

All because of different licences required for both.

 

[jayboy]

52 minutes ago, Cat Boy said:

Be assured the insurer will promptly cancel coverage upon the insured attaining a pre-determined age which will not be disclosed at the initiation of coverage. 

 

 

A widely held view, but in fact incorrect.

 

 

[Yellowtail]

The people that moan about insurance are typically the people have never had it, or that buy $20/month policies and are shocked when they can't go to Bumrungrad every time they sneeze. 

 

I had Cigna for about ten years, I used the heck out of it, and it was great. 

 

Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums, not paying claims. The premiums have to significantly exceed the cost of the claims. or the insurance company goes broke. 

 

 

[vukovar77]

47 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

The people that moan about insurance are typically the people have never had it, or that buy $20/month policies and are shocked when they can't go to Bumrungrad every time they sneeze. 

 

I had Cigna for about ten years, I used the heck out of it, and it was great. 

 

Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums, not paying claims. The premiums have to significantly exceed the cost of the claims. or the insurance company goes broke. 

 

 

Well, I am from the EU, and almost everybody has health insurance there. I have lived here 14 years and I have a pink ID card and can go in any state hospital here.For major issues, I can go to EU.I am 67 years old and insurance here is more than 800 USD per month which is not acceptable for me, cos they do not cover any pre-conditional issue. From my knowledge they brag about money people mostly do not have money or have a little bit. For major problems, I can go to Vietnam Da Nang Private Hospital as well, cos it is much cheaper and the same or better quality. Besides I have more than 1 million BHT in my accounts here for emergencies. I am fully aware that people over 50 are not savvy enough to pay so costly insurance here and they can save much more if they make their money funds.

[Yellowtail]

4 minutes ago, vukovar77 said:

Well, I am from the EU, and almost everybody has health insurance there. I have lived here 14 years and I have a pink ID card and can go in any state hospital here.For major issues, I can go to EU.I am 67 years old and insurance here is more than 800 USD per month which is not acceptable for me, cos they do not cover any pre-conditional issue. From my knowledge they brag about money people mostly do not have money or have a little bit. For major problems, I can go to Vietnam Da Nang Private Hospital as well, cos it is much cheaper and the same or better quality. Besides I have more than 1 million BHT in my accounts here for emergencies. I am fully aware that people over 50 are not savvy enough to pay so costly insurance here and they can save much more if they make their money funds.

So, you would fall into the category of I described as never having had insurance, yes? 

 

If one has a preexisting condition, they are not buying insurance, they are buying healthcare. If you can wait until after you have an accident to buy insurance, everyone would wait. 

 

Anyone can go to a government hospital here, with or without a pink ID. 

 

I no longer have medical insurance either, it just got too expensive, but I don't blame the insurance company. Even at $800 a month, you have a knee replaced, the insurance company is out a couple of years of premiums. 

 

 

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

The people that moan about insurance are typically the people have never had it, or that buy $20/month policies and are shocked when they can't go to Bumrungrad every time they sneeze. 

 

12 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I no longer have medical insurance either, it just got too expensive, but I don't blame the insurance company. Even at $800 a month, you have a knee replaced, the insurance company is out a couple of years of premiums. 

 

Good troll post

[Yellowtail]

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

 

 

Good troll post

How so? 

 

This is what I said, you clipped it: 

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

The people that moan about insurance are typically the people have never had it, or that buy $20/month policies and are shocked when they can't go to Bumrungrad every time they sneeze. 

 

I had Cigna for about ten years, I used the heck out of it, and it was great. 

 

Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums, not paying claims. The premiums have to significantly exceed the cost of the claims. or the insurance company goes broke. 

 

 

And: 

16 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

So, you would fall into the category of I described as never having had insurance, yes? 

 

If one has a preexisting condition, they are not buying insurance, they are buying healthcare. If you can wait until after you have an accident to buy insurance, everyone would wait. 

 

Anyone can go to a government hospital here, with or without a pink ID. 

 

I no longer have medical insurance either, it just got too expensive, but I don't blame the insurance company. Even at $800 a month, you have a knee replaced, the insurance company is out a couple of years of premiums. 

 

 

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.  

[CallumWK]

9 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

How so? 

 

This is what I said, you clipped it: 

And: 

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.  

 

You belittle other posters that they don't have insurance, and blame the insurance companies for it, because they can't afford it.

 

Then reveal that you don't have insurance yourself because you can't afford it.

 

I regret already that I wasted time, by clicking on show this post, and know you are in my ignore list for all the good reasons.

 

 

 

[Yellowtail]

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

 

You belittle other posters that they don't have insurance, and blame the insurance companies for it, because they can't afford it.

People expecting to pay less for insurance than the insurance company will likely have to pay out are a bit foolish. Pointing out how someone's foolishness is not the same as belittling them. 

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

Then reveal that you don't have insurance yourself because you can't afford it.

I had insurance for 20 years in Thailand, and it was great. I don't have in now because it got too expensive, not because I can't afford it. 

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

I regret already that I wasted time, by clicking on show this post, and know you are in my ignore list for all the good reasons.

I don't doubt that, knife to a gunfight and whatnot. 

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

 

 

 

Thanks, and go with God brother! 

[ThreeCardMonte]

38 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

 

Good troll post

Actually, your post is a troll post.

 

You sound like a “Go fund me” type of guy. 

[CallumWK]

18 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Actually, your post is a troll post.

 

You sound like a “Go fund me” type of guy. 

 

Nope, I'm not a skint MAGA supporter living in a Thai apartment

[ThreeCardMonte]

3 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Nope, I'm not a skint MAGA supporter loving in a Thai apartment

So much for the theory that leftist are educated and intelligent.

 

Proven here on a hourly basis.

[Yellowtail]

3 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Nope, I'm not a skint MAGA supporter loving in a Thai apartment

No, you're a skint leftist living (wishing he was loving) in a Thai fan-room,

[KhunHeineken]

4 hours ago, Cat Boy said:

No, having not taken that mockery of coverage at 20% of monthly income, he's free to reserve a part of those funds for medical contingency (and earn interest invested wisely) and on lifestyle enhancements such as exercise, stress reduction, wellness and good nutrition. 

 

Its NOT a joke, and ofter those who have had to resort to "Go-Fund-Me", have been denied by their insurer, are ineligible for coverage outside of the country of nationality, or have failed to set aside funding in case of any emergency or other medical issues. 

Do you have any idea how much a medivac costs? 

 

As an Australian, it's over $200,000AUD. 

 

Your theory is an injury or illness will happen in the distant future, AFTER the member/s have had time to save premiums, and the member/s are still able to afford treatment, but you can not guarantee such an injury or illness does not happen next week, and the member/s already have some money to pay.

 

Emergency medical treatment here can ruin you financially and / or you die, because you can't pay.

 

You are right, it's not a joke.  There is no free medical for foreigners in Thailand.  You can pay and live, but go back to your home country broke, or be unable to pay and die, or be insured and have piece of mind.  I am insured. 

 

As for the grand idea of "I will just fly back to my home country for free treatment" that's fine for something like cancer, but if an airline does not deem you "fit to fly" you are stuck in the Thai medical system where you are facing the decision above.  Lose your life savings and live, and that's if one has enough savings to cover the cost, or if unable to pay, you die. 

 

If uninsured, you roll the dice. 

[WDSmart]

Or, you could just go to a government hospital and receive treatments for free or a very, very low cost. 

[vukovar77]

5 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Do you have any idea how much a medivac costs? 

 

As an Australian, it's over $200,000AUD. 

 

Your theory is an injury or illness will happen in the distant future, AFTER the member/s have had time to save premiums, and the member/s are still able to afford treatment, but you can not guarantee such an injury or illness does not happen next week, and the member/s already have some money to pay.

 

Emergency medical treatment here can ruin you financially and / or you die, because you can't pay.

 

You are right, it's not a joke.  There is no free medical for foreigners in Thailand.  You can pay and live, but go back to your home country broke, or be unable to pay and die, or be insured and have piece of mind.  I am insured. 

 

As for the grand idea of "I will just fly back to my home country for free treatment" that's fine for something like cancer, but if an airline does not deem you "fit to fly" you are stuck in the Thai medical system where you are facing the decision above.  Lose your life savings and live, and that's if one has enough savings to cover the cost, or if unable to pay, you die. 

 

If uninsured, you roll the dice. 

Or go to the state hospital and pay a reasonable price until you can go to your country! Nobody can take your life savings if you are clever.