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Can expats use public hospitals in Thailand without private medical insurance?

Visa Types Public Health Services Medical Insurance in Thailand Government Hospitals Marriage Visa NON-O Visa Healthcare Access

Feb 1, 2024

2 years ago

Steve ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

My Thai wife of 12 years and I intend moving to Thailand later this year but the medical insurance is prohibitive, will the right visa allow me to use public hospitals or is there an alternative to private medical insurance. 

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Steve

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the use of public hospitals in Thailand by expats, particularly those on a marriage visa or NON-O visa. While there is no insurance requirement for the marriage visa, expats still have to pay for services at government hospitals, often at a higher rate than Thai citizens. Participants shared insights on the cost of healthcare, experiences with hospital services, and alternatives to private health insurance.

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Heather *******

Are you in the UK ? If so take a look at Gowalkabout

2 years ago

John ********

You can go to any government hospital, you will pay 25% more than the thai people and as you have a thai wife you should take her with you as most thai nurses don't speak English

2 years ago

John **********

You may not want to use public hospitals if you ever visit one. The medical care is good but you will have to pay for it. Want a basic single room, pay more. Want food? Rely on someone feeding you. Want to be seen quickly? Go private. Basically get what you pay for

2 years ago

Kool *******

@John *********

that's not true at all.

2 years ago

CjandBrigitte **********

@Kool ******

Very accurate by John Stanners. Had a Frarang friend that experienced this first hand a couple of weeks ago. General ward where family members sleep under the bed, care and feed them. Upgrade to a private room is a option, but that you have to pay extra for.

2 years ago

Reply to

CjandBrigitte **********

Stuart ***********

Unsure if I read your question correctly, but if you apply for a non o retirement visa inside Thailand you do not need to buy medical insurance and it is easier to apply for than the marriage visa. You then choose and pay for whatever hospital treatment you subsequently need.

2 years ago

Steve ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you to everyone for your replies, much appreciated.

2 years ago

Richard *********

Nope; no insurance you pay although government hospitals are way cheaper than international ones.

2 years ago

Sarah ******

Of course, you can use Government hospitals as long as you pay. Not everyone can get private health cover! :)

2 years ago

Galenus ******

If you look for Health Insurance, go for a quotation: Wrlife

2 years ago

Ady ******

@Robert ********

can help

2 years ago

Brandon ************

A marriage visa and subsequent extension has no insurance requirement. No visa will give you the same rights to use a hospital under social security that Thais receive.

You're welcome to go to any hospital you want and pay their prices.

2 years ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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What health insurance options are available for a 67-year-old with pre-existing conditions applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

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