Health Insurance in Thailand

Health Insurance in Thailand

Health insurance in Thailand is important. We saw this with Covid. When you retire in Thailand you need to ensure that you have proper medical aid cover or a valid credit card in the event of an accident. If you do not have either you are not going to be admitted to a hospital.

Health Insurance in Thailand

Note that the local government hospital might also not wish to carry the liability. For expats in Thailand healthcare is important and you will become ill with a change in pace in your life as well as a changed environment. Check with your local expat clubs for more information and assistance.

There are a number of insurance companies which offer healthcare insurance. These are are a few of the most popular companies in Thailand with expats:

  • AIA – These are used mainly by those employed by the government
  • Thai Health Insurance – Not heard of an expat using them as yet
  • Bupa – The most common expat insurance in Thailand with loads of options
  • ThaiLife – Depending on your age they will sell life cover with accident insurance included.

Most times you can contact your local expat club in Thailand and they would normally have negotiated a contract with a medical aid company. Many will do group insurance which lowers the monthly premium for its members. This is usually you best bet. As an example the expat club in Pattaya does this however it is limited to those under 59 ½ years of age or younger and does not cover anyone aged 65 or over. If you have a pre-existing condition then you need to list this. If it is accepted then you can always argue later about the coverage. Don’t hide any pre-existing conditions.

Medical fees vary in Thailand however the listing below are the average prices for dental care in Thailand. Medical care and hospital care also differ by location and procedure.

Typical Dental Costs:

Procedure Typical price (Thai baht)
Check up Free
Crown 5,000 – 18,000 per tooth
Dentures 12,000
Filling 300 – 600
Implants 50,000 – 60,000 per tooth
Root canal (incisor) 3,000
Root canal (premolar) 4,000
Root canal (molar) 6,000 – 8,000
Scale and polish 500 – 800
Scale with airflow 1,000 – 1,200
Laser whitening 5,000
X-ray 100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital Procedure Costs:

Procedure : United States India Thailand Singapore
Coronary Angioplasty 31,000-70,000 $ 11,000 $ 13,000 $ 13,000 $
Heart Bypass 66,000-150,000 $ 10,000 $ 12,000 $ 20,000 $
Hip Replacement 22,000-53,000 $ 9,000 $ 12,000 $ 12,000 $
Gastric Bypass 33,000-58,000 $ 11,000 $ 13,000 $ 13,000 $

Note that many US and UK medical aids are only for use in your home country. It will not cover anything outside of your country. Also note that Thai hospitals most times you need to pay first then claim from the insurance. BUPA being the exception when I last used it. Always ensure that you have proper medical coverage when in Thailand as you never know when the next accident occurs as traffic accidents are very common.

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Author: Richard Jones

If you are going to retire in Thailand then always search for a law firm to assist you with not only your Thai visa but also bringing your goods into Thailand. Customs can be difficult and complicated however with a retirement it is best to search for a law firm that can offer a full service option. The information contained on our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For further information, please contact us.