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

9 months 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

1,234

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Heather *******

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

9 months 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

9 months 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

9 months ago

Kool *******

@John *********

that's not true at all.

9 months 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.

9 months 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.

9 months ago

Steve ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you to everyone for your replies, much appreciated.

9 months ago

Richard *********

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

9 months ago

Sarah ******

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

9 months ago

Galenus ******

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

9 months ago

Ady ******

@Robert ********

can help

9 months 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.

9 months ago

Reply to

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

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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

44 comments