Health Coverage Options & Medical Care in Bangkok Thailand
Anyone moving to Thailand should always make sure that they have adequate health insurance which will cover any illness or accident. It is vital because if you need medical attention and cannot prove that you have the funds to pay for it, you may be refused treatment. Thailand does not have universal or government-funded health insurance, though almost free (30 baht a year) basic health insurance is available to Thai nationals (foreigners are not eligible).
If you are in an accident and need emergency treatment, you will of course receive it, but it will be very costly. Your health insurance may be included as part of the package from your employer, but this varies from company to company.
There are a number of Thai and foreign insurance companies that insure individuals, families and businesses. But it is important to research thoroughly before signing with one company as there are many differences between Thai and foreign insurers and the insurance policies will be very different than you may be used to in your own country.
Both the premiums and the maximum cover allowances are lower with Thai companies (reflecting the lower costs in Thailand for treatment) and you will generally not receive much coverage outside of Thailand. If you want coverage for holidays outside the country, it is recommended that you buy temporary health insurance as many Thai companies cannot afford to pay for everyone’s medical bills abroad.
A big difference between Thai and foreign health insurance companies is that Thai providers review the insurance policy year by year and can refuse to cover you again when the policy runs out. Generally, most foreign companies do not review it every year and as long as your premiums are paid on time, they are required by law to cover you.
Outpatient care is generally not covered with many Thai policies as this is regarded as being very affordable and well below the minimum amount. Thai insurance companies investigate claims made within the first year and can withhold any payment which is related to a pre-existing condition. Because of this, it is well worth getting a full medical check-up before you start your policy as proof. Other exceptions include sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol or stress illnesses, injury while riding a motorcycle taxi and kidney dialysis and renal failure.
Finally, some Thai companies do not translate their policies into English so unless you can read Thai, you will have no idea what you are paying for. Foreign-based health insurance companies are accepted in Thailand.
The following is a table listing the best and most popular health insurance companies in Bangkok. The standard package is detailed with an overview of what is covered. For more information and the more comprehensive packages, visit each company’s website. The price for each premium will depend on each individual.
We recommend that you obtain an international health insurance quote via our global health coverage portal form:
| Name | What is covered and maximum payout | |
|---|---|---|
| AIA (American International Assurance) | In-Patient costs up to the value of 80,000 THB: – Accidents and Emergencies, Intensive Care and Theatre costs – Ambulance costs – Nursing Fees, Medical Expenses – Surgeons, Consultants, Anesthetists Fees – Prescribed Medicines and Drugs |
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| BUPA | In-Patient costs up to the value of 300,000 THB (with a payout for death): – Accidents and Emergencies, Intensive Care and Theatre costs – Ambulance costs – Nursing Fees, Medical Expenses – Surgeons, Consultants, Anesthetists Fees – Prescribed Medicines and Drugs -MRI and CT Scans – In-Patient X-Rays, Pathology tests and procedures – Oncology tests, drugs and consultant fees including cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapy – Medical repatriation – Pregnancy and childbirthOutpatients are not covered under these plans, there is a separate insurance for outpatient’s fees. |
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| Healthcare International | In-Patient costs up to the value of 500,000 THB: – Accidents and Emergencies, Intensive Care and Theatre costs – Ambulance costs – Nursing Fees, Medical Expenses – Surgeons, Consultants, Anesthetists Fees – Prescribed Medicines and Drugs -MRI and CT Scans – In-Patient X-Rays, Pathology tests and procedures – Oncology tests, drugs and consultant fees including cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapy – Medical repatriation – Pregnancy and childbirthOutpatients are not covered under these plans, there is a separate insurance for outpatient’s fees. |
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| NZI (New Zealand Insurance) | In-Patient costs up to the value of 80,000,000 THB: – Accidents and Emergencies, Intensive Care and Theatre costs – Nursing Fees, Medical Expenses – Surgeons, Consultants, Anesthetists Fees – Prescribed Medicines and Drugs -MRI and CT Scans – X-Rays, Pathology tests and procedures – Oncology tests, drugs and consultant fees including cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapyOut-Patient Treatment: – Primary consultations and treatment includes medical practitioners fees, prescribed medicines, drugs and dressings. – X-Rays, Pathology, tests and procedures – Out-Patient surgical operations – Oncology tests, drugs and consultants fees including cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapy – MRI and CT Scans |
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| William Russell | In-Patient costs up to the value of 500,000 THB: – Accidents and Emergencies, Intensive Care and Theatre costs – Ambulance costs – Nursing Fees, Medical Expenses – Surgeons, Consultants, Anesthetists Fees – Prescribed Medicines and Drugs -MRI and CT Scans – In-Patient X-Rays, Pathology tests and procedures – Oncology tests, drugs and consultant fees including cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapy – Full cover in over 184 countries around the world – Accident and emergency cover for travel outside the area of cover – Freedom to be treated anywhere within your area of cover – Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation – GP, hospitalization and specialist treatment – Complications of pregnancy – In-patient emergency dental treatment – 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Help-line Outpatients are not covered under these plans; there is a separate insurance for outpatient’s fees. |
Note that the above coverage details have probably changed since this was published. Complete the quote form for a customized quote to fit your needs
