Is private health insurance worth it for a long-term stay in Thailand?

[Kinnock]

I suspect my health insurance is not going to be good value, but it's a gamble either way.

 

When I left my job in Thailand, my company insurance stopped and as I was travelling to Korea for a new job (during COVID) I needed insurance.  As I planned to retire in Thailand I took a Thai/International health policy from MTL.

 

It has good coverage, no pre-existing exclusions and will run until I'm 90 .... if I live that long!  But it's costly at over 100,000 per year.

 

I'm reasonably fit, and have not used the policy once in 5 years.  To claim you need to be admitted, and I've not needed that.

 

So if I'd saved the premium in a decent savings scheme I'd now have a pot of 600,000 THB to cover any medical expenses.

 

[harryviking]

On 6/28/2025 at 11:24 AM, DezLez said:

Must be very special glasses at that price!

Gold frame?🙄

[sanooki]

On 6/30/2025 at 9:24 AM, edwardflory said:

A BIG Army hospital in Korat, several buildings.  Ask for info at the MAIN building where to register - take PP as they copy your PP photo on ID Card

OR

Google for address, any Taxi should know address.

Hey, thanks much for that info. I will check them out. Sorry for my slow response.

[TheFishman1]

Yes it’s absolutely worth it I can here 14 yrs ago I figured I would get it when I don’t need it so I need it I have it it was a very good premium as I remember or just to give you some examples how it help me out in beginning my insurance company would say for any operation I would pay $1000 and they would pay the rest that was in the very beginning now what they have is you have to pay $1000 in deductible and then they’ll pay 100% of any operation they pay 75% of Hospital bill bills they pay up to US$1000 on medication free  per calendar year they also pay I think it’s up to $400 for vaccines of any type they totally reimburse you and they pay up to $400 a year on your physical exam so if you spend like exactly $400 in physical exam they sent that back to you I’ve been great pleased with this insurance company a few years back I was walking on the sidewalk in a little truck hit me they jumped out of the truck they saw there was nobody wrapped and they jumped back in the truck and drove away well that was a femur bone fracture I forgot back then what it cost me my recall I was gonna say it was somewhere around 250 or 300,000 last April one of the out Islands and there was one rock on the beach that’s on that rock broke my other fracture for my other side they paid for two ambulances and Emergency ambulance boat and then they paid 100% of the Hospital bill well 14 months later the bone is healed but it was putting a little bit too long so it was irritating soft tissue so I had them replace it with one that wasn’t anywhere near my soft tissue and it said working fine once again they paid 100% of that so if you wanna live a comfortable life in Thailand and not  worry about your medical expenses I highly recommend it TIT

[JBChiangRai]

8 hours ago, Tazmo said:

JBChiangRai thanks for sharing your purchase.

Once you get what you want that’s the main thing, of course pricing comes into it.

But I wanted “ progressive lens” which costs more, hence the increased price that I paid. I did shop around and have used several Opticians in the past, but the price is right for the type of lenses that I have.

 

https://g.co/gemini/share/1ed564369958
 

The above is a breakdown of costing factors for glasses for the over 70’s.

I have bought several pairs of the attached photo for 1,200 baht each from GMEI Optical Store on AliExpress. All titanium memory frames, hi-index photochromic lenses, gold frame going brown, silver frame going black, lenses going pink, going purple and going blue in the sun.

 

Progressive lenses add up to another 1,500 baht.  You don’t need to pay Thai prices.

 

 

[WDSmart]

I'm 79 and have lived in Thailand for over 20 years. I have no healthcare insurance. 

I don't agree with everything posted above about Thai public hospitals, or at least have never experienced myself, they are:

• Limited choice of hospitals: Access is often restricted to specific public hospitals assigned by employers.

  • I've never experienced this. I live near a moderately large city, Phetchabun, and usually go to a private hospital there. I have gone to the local public hospital, but if I need anything major, I will go to a very large city, Phitsanulok, which is a 2-1/2 hour drive from Phetchabun. There are too public hospitals there, and both accept me as a patient.

• Long wait times: Public hospitals can be overcrowded, which results in extended wait times for appointments, treatments, and surgeries.

  • I agree totally with this. The waiting time, especially for any prescribed medication, is very, very long. When I go to a public hospital, I just expect to spend the entire day there. 

• Language barriers: In smaller cities or rural areas, finding English-speaking staff can be difficult, leading to communication challenges.

  • I've never experienced this. I suspect (not know for sure), but when I make an appointment or just show up, they assign me to an English-speaking doctor. They are very proficient in English.

• Out-of-pocket costs for non-working expats: Retirees and non-working expats are often required to pay for public healthcare services themselves.

  • I am charged a fee, but it is very low (less than 2,000 baht for the entire visit, which includes all the tests). However, some of the medications can be expensive. However, the entire visit, including medications, would be much, much less than going to a private hospital. 

This has been my experience over the 20 years I've lived here. 

  

[crazykopite]

I asked that 20 years ago, had a few quotes, and nearly needed heart surgery 20 years later, only been for the Covid jabs, and the odd well man clinic jabs were free, and WMC was 1,200 baht each visit (once a year) so I've worked it out had I paid the insurance I would of spent  2.4 million thai baht having said that I have a million baht for emergency I also have " Do Not Recusitate" I've had a good innings id rather the money go to my grandkids. My estranged wife broke her fibula and tibia, took her to the government hospital, private room, full operation, all medications, 3 months of hospital visits, cost  220,000 baht.

[Thingamabob]

At 83 years old, and having lived permanently in Thailand since 1984, apart from a relatively short spell in Taiwan, no health insurance and no problems. Have instructed family to under no circumstances to seek medical treatment as and when I become terminally ill. Just keep me going at home on painkillers until I expire.

[bwanajohn]

I had my gallbladder removed a couple months ago in McCormick Hospital excellent service.two nights in ward

Cost under 75,000 baht.

Fancy hospitals wanted up to 3 times that amount...often same surgeons etc working in different hospitals

[ericbj]

The short answer to the question is "No!"

 

On condition that :-
You are young or youthful, and not approaching senility;
You are aware of, and follow, the requirements of healthy living;
You are averse to taking unnecessary risks; and
You have available sufficient liquid assets to self-insure.

 

You may still wish to take out accident-only, inpatient-only insurance in view of the fact that accidents, such as on the roads, can arise from the carelessness of others.

[Thingamabob]

83 years old, enlarged prostate but otherwise ok. No health insurance. If and when I become terminally ill I have told my Thai family under no circumstances to seek medical help. Just keep me at home, on painkillers if necessary, until I expire.

[shackleton]

No if you are over 75 years old plus have Pre -existing conditions 😱

[kwilco]

On 6/27/2025 at 9:52 AM, Sales Team said:

 

Thailand has long been a top destination for expats and digital nomads seeking a high quality of life, with its affordable living costs. While the country offers both public and private healthcare options, many expats opt for private health insurance for peace of mind, better care, and flexibility, especially for those planning to stay long-term.

Understanding the healthcare system in Thailand

Thailand boasts a strong healthcare system, combining public and private options. While the public healthcare system offers affordable care, expats often face a few notable challenges, which include:

• Limited choice of hospitals: Access is often restricted to specific public hospitals assigned by employers.

• Long wait times: Public hospitals can be overcrowded, which results in extended wait times for appointments, treatments, and surgeries.

• Language barriers: In smaller cities or rural areas, finding English-speaking staff can be difficult, leading to communication challenges.

• Out-of-pocket costs for non-working expats: Retirees and non-working expats are often required to pay for public healthcare services themselves.

While public healthcare is inexpensive, it does not provide the flexibility, convenience, or personal care that private healthcare offers. That’s where private health insurance steps in.

The long-term cost of private health insurance

For expats in Thailand, understanding the cost of private health insurance is essential. Health insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, health, and the level of coverage. On average:

• Basic individual plans (covering inpatient or emergency care only) cost between 20,000 and 50,000 Baht annually (approximately US$540 to 1,350).

• Comprehensive individual plans (covering inpatient, outpatient, specialist visits, dental, and wellness care) range from 100,000 to 200,000 baht annually (approximately US$2,700 to 5,400).

• Family plans tend to be more expensive, with premiums averaging around US$11,683 annually, depending on the number of family members.

The cost increases with age, especially for those around retirement age, and may also depend on pre-existing conditions, coverage levels, and whether the plan is local or international. 

However, despite the costs, private health insurance in Thailand provides significant long-term benefits, particularly for those with chronic conditions or who anticipate needing specialist care.

The risks of going without private health insurance

 

Living in Thailand without private health insurance exposes you to substantial risks. While healthcare is generally affordable, the cost of private healthcare can quickly add up, especially for emergencies or major procedures. Here’s a look at the potential costs:

• A general doctor’s visit: 1,000 to 3,000 baht.

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

• Minor surgeries (e.g., mole removal, wound stitching): 5,000 to 15,000 baht.

• Major hospital stays or surgeries: 30,000 to 500,000 baht or more.

• Emergency evacuations: Air ambulance services can cost anywhere between 150,000 and 800,000 baht.

These costs can quickly become overwhelming if unexpected medical emergencies arise. Without health insurance, you may find yourself paying these bills out of pocket, putting significant strain on your finances.

Benefits of private health insurance for long-term stay in Thailand

Private health insurance offers numerous long-term benefits for expats in Thailand. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to invest in coverage:

1. Access to top-quality private hospitals and clinics: Private health insurance provides access to Thailand’s best private hospitals. These hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by qualified medical professionals who speak English.

2. Faster access to healthcare services: One of the key advantages of private healthcare is shorter wait times. Private hospitals offer quicker consultations, treatments, and surgeries, so you don’t have to wait for urgent care.

3. Comprehensive coverage: Private health insurance plans offer extensive coverage that includes inpatient and outpatient care, specialist consultations, surgeries, dental and optical care, maternity care, emergency services, and even medical evacuation.

4. Peace of mind: Private health insurance helps protect you from unexpected medical expenses. With the rising cost of healthcare, having private insurance gives you peace of mind.

5. Tailored plans for expats: Providers like Cigna offer flexible health insurance plans designed for expats. These plans allow you to customise coverage based on your needs.

6. Long-term security: For expats planning to live in Thailand for the long term, having health insurance ensures continuous access to care and protection.

How Cigna’s health insurance plans work in Thailand

Cigna offers a range of health insurance plans for expats in Thailand. Their plans cater to both short-term and long-term needs, providing flexibility and access to top-tier healthcare services. Some of Cigna’s plans include:

 

• Cigna Close Care: This plan is ideal for expats living mainly in Thailand. It offers access to top private hospitals in the country and provides 180 days of coverage in your home country or Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Singapore).

• Cigna Global Health: Perfect for frequent travellers, this plan offers three coverage options: Thailand/Asia, worldwide excluding the USA, or worldwide. All plans include emergency care and up to 21 days of coverage for short trips.

 

Cigna’s health insurance plans are known for their reliability and customer service. With direct billing at top hospitals in Thailand, the claim process is made simple, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Cigna offers 24/7 assistance for emergencies and medical evacuation services if needed.

 

 

 

Private health insurance in Thailand is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Because the cost of private healthcare can add up quickly, private health insurance ensures that you have access to high-quality care, faster service, and financial protection against unexpected medical expenses.

For expats, having comprehensive private health insurance is worth the price, especially for those planning to live in Thailand long-term. Providers like Cigna offer flexible plans tailored to the needs of expats, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have reliable healthcare coverage. 

 

 

 

Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger

 

How do you access the public healthcare system in Thailand?

[kwilco]

On 7/1/2025 at 6:04 AM, Kinnock said:

But it's costly at over 100,000 per year.

100000 WHAT per year?

[Lorry]

7 hours ago, kwilco said:

100000 WHAT per year?

Baht (you can figure this out if you read his whole post).

So hos policy is dirt cheap

[Lorry]

On 7/1/2025 at 12:04 PM, Kinnock said:

I suspect my health insurance is not going to be good value, but it's a gamble either way.

 

When I left my job in Thailand, my company insurance stopped and as I was travelling to Korea for a new job (during COVID) I needed insurance.  As I planned to retire in Thailand I took a Thai/International health policy from MTL.

 

It has good coverage, no pre-existing exclusions and will run until I'm 90 .... if I live that long!  But it's costly at over 100,000 per year.

 

I'm reasonably fit, and have not used the policy once in 5 years.  To claim you need to be admitted, and I've not needed that.

 

So if I'd saved the premium in a decent savings scheme I'd now have a pot of 600,000 THB to cover any medical expenses.

 

 

Which plan do you have,  seems not expensive at all.

[kwilco]

31 minutes ago, Lorry said:

 

Which plan do you have,  seems not expensive at all.

I've had various types of cover through work in Thailand over more tha 20 years, including the state healthcare - which worked well for me. however most employers only include the minimum cover, requiring employees to pay extra to get worthwhile cover. Because I'd been trated for skin cancers on the State system, many insurnce companies would take me on or cover that - which is actually pretty ridiculous. It's a bit like saying we'll insure you but only if you're not likely to get sick.

 

full cover for older people - e,g expats retirees is going to be in th region of 250,000 to 500,000 baht per year.

[lamyai3]

On 7/2/2025 at 8:00 PM, ericbj said:

You may still wish to take out accident-only, inpatient-only insurance in view of the fact that accidents, such as on the roads, can arise from the carelessness of others.

 

Any recommendations for these types of policy? 

[Kinnock]

8 hours ago, kwilco said:

100000 WHAT per year?

THB

[Kinnock]

57 minutes ago, Lorry said:

 

Which plan do you have,  seems not expensive at all.

It's the MTL Elite plan.

[kwilco]

19 minutes ago, Kinnock said:

It's the MTL Elite plan.

 

THe problem for most expats is they don't have sufficient cover - they don't anticipate wat they need.

THe truth is that once over 60 people become more and more of a drain of the local healthcare systems - and many require treatment for chronic illness - and about half the prople over 70 will get some form of cancer,

Oeople are living longer and getting more diseases - THai hospitals are almost totally without ethics - old expats admitted without insurance are given minimal treat until they conveniently waste away - with the right insurance they might live a full life for another decade or ore

[Stargeezr]

I got 60 days medical insurance from SMIG in Bangkok and it cost me 50 percent less than

the same insurance in Canada. i had a heart attack and the company paid my claim which was nearly 400 thousand baht.

 So yes get what ever insurance you can as the hospital I went to made sure i could afford to pay before they

admitted me. (private modern hospital)

[black tabby12345]

Not really.

Unlike first world"s universal healthcare scheme. it only covers the amount above certain lower limit.

 

In other words, for minor conditions, it doesn't'" help.

 

So each year, you will be dumping quite amount of money for nothing.

 

I would rather pay in cash in local university hospital each time when the need arises.

 

I don"t deny any other opinion though.

[shackleton]

On 7/1/2025 at 11:05 AM, msbkk said:

The only problem is that in a serious case it can cost several millions of Baht and few of us have this amount available in cash.

That sort of money must be for a real serious case can you give me a situation costing 7 million baht for a medical operation 

[Lorry]

6 minutes ago, shackleton said:

That sort of money must be for a real serious case can you give me a situation costing 7 million baht for a medical operation 

Motorcycle accident,  with brain injury and some broken bones

[ericbj]

12 hours ago, lamyai3 said:

 

Any recommendations for these types of policy? 

Not really able to make a recommendation as in several years with WRLife I have not had to make a claim.  Recently fractured an arm when falling backwards and hitting it against the edge of a metal storage box, but that was outpatient treatment only and not hugely expensive.  Last year had operations on leg veins to cure varicose ulcers.  Those were expensive, but outpatient only, and did not result from an accident, but more from aging (81 years now).

 

WRLife seem relatively modest in cost and my annual premium of just over 50K baht for 20K USD cover have not increased because of no claims.  For serious accidents 20K USD may not go very far.

 

 I suggest checking them out: https://www.wrlife.net/

and seek advice from anyone who has made claims.

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

1 hour ago, ericbj said:

Not really able to make a recommendation as in several years with WRLife I have not had to make a claim.  Recently fractured an arm when falling backwards and hitting it against the edge of a metal storage box, but that was outpatient treatment only and not hugely expensive.  Last year had operations on leg veins to cure varicose ulcers.  Those were expensive, but outpatient only, and did not result from an accident, but more from aging (81 years now).

 

WRLife seem relatively modest in cost and my annual premium of just over 50K baht for 20K USD cover have not increased because of no claims.  For serious accidents 20K USD may not go very far.

 

 I suggest checking them out: https://www.wrlife.net/

and seek advice from anyone who has made claims.

 

I would suggest obtaining verifiable third party information on WRLife's (the insurer, not the broker) audited financial statements to ensure that WRLife is a financially sound insurer with proper reserves for claims.

 

This is a better indicator of ability to pay claims than anecdotal evidence from other policyholders or information obtained from the company itself.

 

 

 

[pchansmorn]

On 6/28/2025 at 1:17 PM, Cat Boy said:

The short answer is "no", health insurance is not worth it for a long term stay in Thailand. 

 

The long answer has already been covered in previous identical posts. 

 

Namly,:

1) Denial of claims based on either pre-existing conditions (note, chronic conditions acquired whilst under coverage will subsequently be considered as pre-existing resulting in termination and non-renewal. 

2) Insurance puts a non-medical third party into the decision process for proper care between patients and doctors. That third party is solely motivated by profit, read: denial, or delay of treatment or minimizing to substandard inadequate treatment 

3) Aging out, at a certain age the cost of health is becomes expensive for the insured while the insurer will seek any possible way to get out from coverage and or cancel coverage. 

 

The only sure method to insure coverage is to take charge oneself, save and invest the money otherwise thrown away on insurance and provide your own safety network. 

If you are healthy, insurance is a waste of money. Save the money in case you get sick and make some interest on it.

[Scouse123]

Health Insurance: Not Just for the Sick or the Scared

 

At 63, I’m fully insured—and I sleep better for it.

 

That’s despite being a regular at the gym, walking most days, and generally taking better care of myself now than I did in my 40s.

 

But I’m also old enough to know that health isn’t just about how clean your diet is or how many steps you clock on your Fitbit.

 

The thing is, health insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. We all have different genetic baggage. Some of us are walking around with family histories like ticking time bombs—heart disease, cancers, strokes—while others come from lines of good fortune or luck, who lived to 100 on a diet of whisky and sarcasm. It’s a total lottery.

 

Yes, the young and invincible often scoff at insurance. We've all heard the classic: “They never pay out anyway!”

 

But dig a little deeper, and it’s usually down to something like non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions. Insurers won’t shout that bit from the rooftops, but it’s there in the small print.

 

And while Aunty Madge might’ve made it to 103 on 60 smokes a day and a diet of condensed milk and biscuits, that doesn’t mean the rest of us will.

 

Life throws curveballs. A freak accident, a dodgy scan, a slipped disc from lifting your suitcase wrong—and suddenly you're five-star private hospital material with a six-figure bill.

 

I  have narrowly missed death twice, once on a broken JetSki in Pattaya, and I tried to swim to shore. I misjudged just how far it was; I was rescued by a German man on a sailboat. I have never been so happy to see another human being.

 

The other occasion was when an eighteen-wheeler took a corner at speed in Siem Reap and missed me by millimetres, my hair stood on end, and I shook for about 10 minutes—unforeseeable incidents.

 

Health insurance doesn’t guarantee anything, but it does buy peace of mind. And in this part of the world, that’s not a bad trade-off.

[Scouse123]

3 hours ago, pchansmorn said:

If you are healthy, insurance is a waste of money. Save the money in case you get sick and make some interest on it.

 

Sorry,

 

But a massive generalisation on something as important as health insurance.