Many expats worry that their pre-existing health conditions will prevent them from securing health insurance in their new home. This concern is common, especially given the high cost of medical care. However, there is good news, some health insurance providers, including Cigna, offer plans that cover pre-existing conditions, giving you the peace of mind you need to settle in comfortably abroad. 

This coverage helps protect your savings and ensures fast access to quality healthcare, making it a smart choice for long-term expats.

 

What Qualifies as Pre-Existing Conditions?

A pre-existing condition refers to any health problem that you had before your health insurance policy started. This includes any illness, injury, or medical issue that has been diagnosed or treated prior to the policy’s start date. Insurance providers use this term to refer to conditions that existed before you signed up for the plan, even if the condition happened a long time ago.

Common examples of pre-existing conditions include diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or even injuries that required past treatment. When applying for insurance, it’s crucial to disclose any health issues you’ve experienced, as this information will impact your coverage.

 

Why Don’t Insurance Plans Cover Pre-Existing Conditions Right Away?

 

When applying for health insurance, you may find that pre-existing conditions are often excluded from coverage initially. This is a common practice in the insurance industry, primarily to help manage risk and keep premiums affordable for everyone.

The main reason for this exclusion is the higher likelihood of future claims. If you have an existing health condition, the insurer anticipates you may need treatment for it, which increases the overall cost.

To balance this risk, many plans will exclude pre-existing conditions for a certain period after you sign up. Some insurance plans, often with simplified plans, exclude these conditions entirely.

 

How Do Expat Insurance Plans Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Expat health insurance providers take different approaches when it comes to covering pre-existing conditions. While most plans don’t cover these conditions right away, they offer options to manage them:

• Waiting Periods: Many plans will cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months. During this period, you can’t make claims for that specific condition, but once the waiting period ends, coverage for it may be provided.

• Premium Loading: Some insurers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions but charge higher premiums. This is called "premium loading." In some cases, the insurer may also limit the coverage or exclude certain treatments related to the condition.

• Medical History Review: Insurers may require a detailed medical history review, known as medical underwriting, before accepting you into a plan. Based on the review, they may determine if they will cover your pre-existing condition and if the waiting period or higher premium is necessary.

 

Cigna’s plans are designed to offer flexibility for expats, providing options for coverage of pre-existing conditions.

 

 

 

What to Look for in an Expat Health Insurance Plan

 

When selecting an expat health insurance plan, it’s important to consider the following:

• Clear Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: Ensure the plan clearly outlines what counts as a pre-existing condition, what is covered, and what is not.

• Waiting Period for Coverage: Many plans may cover pre-existing conditions, but only after a waiting period. It’s important to know how long this period lasts and whether the coverage is limited or complete after it ends.

• Flexibility in Coverage: Choose a plan that allows you to adjust coverage for specific needs, such as dental care, vision care, or chronic illness support.

• Access to Private Hospitals and Worldwide Coverage: It’s essential to have access to a network of private hospitals. Look for plans that offer private hospital networks and direct billing options, so you don’t need to worry about upfront payments.

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Why Cigna is a Trusted Choice for Expats

Cigna is one of the most trusted health insurance providers for expats. With over two centuries of experience, they have developed a strong reputation for supporting expats with comprehensive and flexible health plans. 

Here’s why Cigna stands out:

• Customisable Health Plans: Cigna’s plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of expats. When you apply, Cigna reviews your full medical history, providing coverage options based on your health and any pre-existing conditions you have.

• Global Network of Healthcare Providers: Cigna has a network of over 1.7 million hospitals, clinics, and doctors worldwide. This global coverage ensures that expats can receive quality care no matter where they are.

• Flexible Plans: Cigna offers multiple coverage options, from the standard Silver plan to the more comprehensive Platinum plan. Each plan is designed to give you the right level of coverage, including hospital visits, long-term care, and mental health support.

• Direct Billing: With Cigna’s direct billing system, you can avoid upfront payments when visiting private hospitals. They pay hospitals directly, making the process simple and hassle-free.

• 24/7 Support: Cigna offers reliable customer support, available around the clock. Whether you need assistance with claims or have questions about coverage, Cigna’s team is always available to help.

 

Living as an expat in Thailand comes with many benefits, but securing the right health insurance plan is essential for your wellbeing. For those with pre-existing conditions, don’t worry, you’re not left without options. 

 

Providers like Cigna offer flexible plans that can cover these conditions, with varying waiting periods or slightly higher premiums depending on your needs.

 

 

 

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A friend of mine circ 65yo just had his insurance go up 38% lucky him, been with them over 10 years, for those under 10 years their premiums go up 100%, got to love insurance companies 

16 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

A friend of mine circ 65yo just had his insurance go up 38% lucky him, been with them over 10 years, for those under 10 years their premiums go up 100%, got to love insurance companies 

Premiums with WRLIFE are fixed. They don't go up.

Preconditions are covered.

22 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

A friend of mine circ 65yo just had his insurance go up 38% lucky him, been with them over 10 years, for those under 10 years their premiums go up 100%, got to love insurance companies 

When I applied at LOCAL THAI health insurance provider, I was told, no waiting period for minimal pre-existing conditions. I developed arthitis in my knee. Started to pain a lot.  I called my provider explained the situation , answer " You should have filled in an Pre  existing condition when I filled in the application.  I asked the initial agent about that "Pre existing Conditions and was informed, DO NOT WORRY, IF IT IS YOUR FIRST TIME CLAIM, IT WILL BE COVERED!

 

BULLOX!

 

17 minutes ago, Snowbird 7 said:

When I applied at LOCAL THAI health insurance provider, I was told, no waiting period for minimal pre-existing conditions. I developed arthitis in my knee. Started to pain a lot.  I called my provider explained the situation , answer " You should have filled in an Pre  existing condition when I filled in the application.  I asked the initial agent about that "Pre existing Conditions and was informed, DO NOT WORRY, IF IT IS YOUR FIRST TIME CLAIM, IT WILL BE COVERED!

 

BULLOX!

 

They are all claimable but don't get any compensation.  And fixed premiums forever without increases are umbelievable IMHO - but then I am an American and my health insurance premiums just like the younger folks, increase 13+ percent last year and next year will increase another  13+ percent.   I have been reading that many Americans have had to drop their health insurance as it is becoming too costly.  The govt pays 72% of my premium and I pay the other 28% so for my family coverage the total is 8700 USD  per month next year!  I personally have been insured for 60 years without ever filing a claim for myself; seems like I should be getting paid instead of having to continue to pay.

I'm not an expert in this area, but my understanding is they are not. However, that all depends on your required medical checkup and your contract.

52 minutes ago, Snowbird 7 said:

When I applied at LOCAL THAI health insurance provider, I was told, no waiting period for minimal pre-existing conditions. I developed arthitis in my knee. Started to pain a lot.  I called my provider explained the situation , answer " You should have filled in an Pre  existing condition when I filled in the application.  I asked the initial agent about that "Pre existing Conditions and was informed, DO NOT WORRY, IF IT IS YOUR FIRST TIME CLAIM, IT WILL BE COVERED!

 

BULLOX!

 

Yes, dont rely on agents but the contract only

Clear your fault 

30 minutes ago, Presnock said:

They are all claimable but don't get any compensation.  And fixed premiums forever without increases are umbelievable IMHO - but then I am an American and my health insurance premiums just like the younger folks, increase 13+ percent last year and next year will increase another  13+ percent.   I have been reading that many Americans have had to drop their health insurance as it is becoming too costly.  The govt pays 72% of my premium and I pay the other 28% so for my family coverage the total is 8700 USD  per month next year!  I personally have been insured for 60 years without ever filing a claim for myself; seems like I should be getting paid instead of having to continue to pay.

You're wrong.

Instead of spouting wrong things.....why not apply for a quotation with

WRLIFE.

Again: premiums are fixed.

Again: preconditions are covered.

It's not about beliefs but facts, not make facts.

After getting your quotation you can send me your apologies.

25 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

You're wrong.

Instead of spouting wrong things.....why not apply for a quotation with

WRLIFE.

Again: premiums are fixed.

Again: preconditions are covered.

It's not about beliefs but facts, not make facts.

After getting your quotation you can send me your apologies.

That doesn't cause alarm bells with you?

 

The problem with insurers is when they suddenly bump up premiums or deny claims at a certain age you have nowhere to go

40 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

You're wrong.

Instead of spouting wrong things.....why not apply for a quotation with

WRLIFE.

Again: premiums are fixed.

Again: preconditions are covered.

It's not about beliefs but facts, not make facts.

After getting your quotation you can send me your ap

 

41 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

You're wrong.

Instead of spouting wrong things.....why not apply for a quotation with

WRLIFE.

Again: premiums are fixed.

Again: preconditions are covered.

It's not about beliefs but facts, not make facts.

After getting your quotation you can send me your apologies.

It must be in writing You have a link? 

42 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

You're wrong.

Instead of spouting wrong things.....why not apply for a quotation with

WRLIFE.

Again: premiums are fixed.

Again: preconditions are covered.

It's not about beliefs but facts, not make facts.

After getting your quotation you can send me your apologies.

Link?

18 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Link?

Go for a quotation 

22 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

 

It must be in writing You have a link? 

Go for a quotation 

27 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Link?

 

On 8/8/2025 at 3:54 PM, scubascuba3 said:

got to love insurance companies 

They're businesses, not charities, they charge according to their risk.  

7 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Premiums with WRLIFE are fixed. They don't go up.

Preconditions are covered.

...for which the policy holder pays an appropriate premium, it does not cover pre-existings  FOC!

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

All insurers are potential cheaters.

No more so than "all policy holders" are.   At least all insurers are regulated which is more than can be said for those making dubious claims on their policies.

2 hours ago, Snowbird 7 said:

When I applied at LOCAL THAI health insurance provider, I was told, no waiting period for minimal pre-existing conditions. I developed arthitis in my knee. Started to pain a lot.  I called my provider explained the situation , answer " You should have filled in an Pre  existing condition when I filled in the application.  I asked the initial agent about that "Pre existing Conditions and was informed, DO NOT WORRY, IF IT IS YOUR FIRST TIME CLAIM, IT WILL BE COVERED!

 

BULLOX!

 

That was your own fault for accepting what a commission-based salesman told you without reading the actual policy terms.

2 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No more so than "all policy holders" are.   At least all insurers are regulated which is more than can be said for those making dubious claims on their policies.

So where is your point?

1 minute ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That was your own fault for accepting what a commission-based salesman told you without reading the actual policy terms.

Yes, therefore my advice: go for a quotation and read the policy carefully, even the small prints.

7 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Premiums with WRLIFE are fixed. They don't go up.

Preconditions are covered.

Actually if you read their information any year you have a claim your rate increases 3%.  

57 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

That doesn't cause alarm bells with you?

 

The problem with insurers is when they suddenly bump up premiums or deny claims at a certain age you have nowhere to go

No, that is a problem with policy holders, not insurers, insurers, as private businesses, have no obligation to take on any risk it deems uneconomic. 

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

 read the policy carefully, even the small prints.

There is no "small prints" [sic].

25 minutes ago, rwill said:

Actually if you read their information any year you have a claim your rate increases 3%.  

It previously stated "they DONT go up if you DONT make any claims" 

51 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

 

Thanks.  

Of course,  Pre-existing illnesses are covered, they cheat you anyway, billing you at an unreasonable fantasy amount, which has no limits, since the companies are not really interested in such customers😁

39 minutes ago, Presnock said:

That is correct, I was told when I asked on this forum and mentioned what I learned - I have yet to or speak with any health insurance rep that beats my current US insurer - possibly in cost but no where near the equal coverage worldwide but even in the cost I haven't experienced any cheaper - I am 78 years old - no ailments, no existing health issues other than age.  I have unlimited coverage, anywhere in world including the USA for family of 3 and costs just under 1000 USD a month.

Your coverage - retired U.S. federal employee - has ZERO, absolutely nothing to do with this thread.  We are talking about health insurance available to the average expat in Thailand, which yours is not, obviously.

 

Congrats, you have excellent health insurance - no need to remind us in every other post about it.  
 

 

21 minutes ago, TimBKK said:

Your coverage - retired U.S. federal employee - has ZERO, absolutely nothing to do with this thread.  We are talking about health insurance available to the average expat in Thailand, which yours is not, obviously.

 

Congrats, you have excellent health insurance - no need to remind us in every other post about it.  
 

 

It is health insurance and like other health insurances increases every year...as the US govt, especially today, looks for ways to save some money, they are looking at these benefits too so they may not last as long.  Just within the last few months there was talk of dropping the govt portion of the insurance and possible using a voucher system where depending on yearly health insurance claims, affected the amount one could get.  Just like things here change, one needs to be aware of what COULD eventually affect one's own finances.  I am always aware and not trying to belittle anyone else.  I have contacted several of the international insurers recently about their policies and costs to me if I was to change or if circumstances in the US indicated I needed to change.

Regards health insurance pertaining to WRLife.

 

27th July after not answering my wife calls/msg's a neighbour were called who found me unconscious in the house.  Spent 7 nights in ICU at Suranaree Hospital, Korat and 5 days in general Ward. 

 

Owing to hospital being part public & private had to settle the bill with them (WRLife will deal direct with hospitals)

Released from hospital 10th August, claim submitted 13th August, additional info requested/suppled 14th August.

 

10am today e-mailed by WRLife monies will be in bank shortly.

 

Pay quarterly, had my 70th birthday in the ICU cannot fault WRLife, friend had lifesaving operation and WRLife paid hospital direct and he is 73.