Answered2 years ago
Is self-insuring for healthcare a viable option for expats in Thailand?
I would be interested to hear from anybody who has decided to self insure in Thailand. I am 67, married to a Thai national, speak Thai and willing to use public health care, as my partner does. Thanks in advance.
Answer summary
The conversation discusses the feasibility of self-insuring for healthcare in Thailand, especially for expats. Many participants share experiences about public and private healthcare options, noting that while public hospitals are more affordable, they may involve long wait times. Some expats choose to self-insure by setting aside savings for medical expenses, as health insurance often does not cover pre-existing conditions. Concerns about visa insurance requirements are also raised, with some participants noting that certain visa types, like retirement visas, may not require health insurance.
50 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Bernie *************
My question would be, don't you need insurance for your visa so how would self insurance work 🤔
J **************
@Bernie ************
o retirement visa dues not require insurance …yet
Paul ********
Interesting, so how does self insure work when getting a visa,
J **************
@Paul *******
most o visas do not require insuranceJ **************
Even public health care can cost money …Thai friends father had brain surgery that cost 200,000 baht. He had to go to the bank and borrow it against his farm.
Andy **********
I personally think the best thing to do is, if you have a decent amount of money put on one side, is to self insure, Thai insurance companies don't usually cover pre existing conditions, if possible just take out a good accident and critical illness cover, they can be bought as separate policies, being involved in a bad accident, or having a critical illness, that is what could cost you the most money.
Peter *******
@Andy *********
have seen many Accident policies but not found critical illness as a stand alone productAndy **********
@Peter ******
I have looked into yet คุ้มครอง 44 โรคร้ายแรง! AIA CI Plus รับเงินก้อนเมื่อตรวจพบ เจอจ่ายจบ เบี้ยเริ่มวันละ 9บ. รับความคุ้มครองสูงถึง 1,000,000บ. สนใจคลิกเลย! *****************************
Andy **********
@Peter ******
I get these messages almost everyday, I have meaning to look into it 🤔Peter *******
@Andy *********
thanks went on their website and a comparison site I use. Basically to get critical illness insurance you have to start before 65 with all the insurance companies.Andy **********
@Peter ******
that was just an example, maybe contact AIA and make enquiries.Peter *******
@Andy *********
thanks will look into it also but have been told in the past no stand alone policies other than accident.
Bigd **********
Had emergency foot surgery here, cost about $25 in hospital.
Eric ********
After considerable fun and games with private, public, insured and not hospital/health system in Thailand this older guy with pre existing and ongoing health issues simply cannot live with the system (the quality of care is often quite good, but the financial not so much) so I (born Australian) returned home (to Australia) where it is an order of magnitude better. (Eg the govt Medicare just provided anti cancer drugs for me labelled $10k for $20.)
Niall *******
I'm 60 with pre-existing conditions. Quoted $6,000 per year, excluding pre-existing conditions (which are the ones most likely to kill me).
Have set enough aside to hopefully cover at least one major illness/injury. Saving $6k per year, I can set aside 1 million Baht every 4 years for medical care in the future.
Have set enough aside to hopefully cover at least one major illness/injury. Saving $6k per year, I can set aside 1 million Baht every 4 years for medical care in the future.
Eric ********
Health is never absolutely guaranteed.. however if you have significant savings I think your call is the best one.
Peter *******
I guess that by public healthcare you mean Govt hospitals. As a foreigner they are not free but are considerably cheaper than Private Hospitals. Some Govt Hospitals are very good but generally are very busy so be prepared for long waits for certain treatments.
Dwayne ********
@Peter ******
yes, nothing is free here. The government hospitals use the same doctors as the private hospitals & clinics. Doctors are required to rotate within the hospital network. And other than certain clinics like Muslim ones, lots clinics are those doctors in rotation, own private clinics. Unlike with western countries greed, in Thailand they are here to heal all.
Add ******
@Peter ******
you are right. I am Thai who is thinking about retiring in Thailand. My family opts to be taken care of at the private hospitals as there is no long waits. My father had his hips replacement at Bamrungraj Hospital about 15 years ago for 700,000 baht and mom had hips replacement for 400,000 baht (I think) at Samitivej Hospital 2 years ago. Even though you are at private hospitals, I can see difference in pricing. I think it depends on where you go. If you goes to public hospitals, make sure you go early. And yes, it would be much cheaper. I have an insurance in Maryland and the wait for a new doctor is about 2-3 months. Now, I am in search for a primary care physician. I called several doctors and they said they did not take any more new patients. I never heard of that in Thailand. You will see a doctor and do not have to wait that long.Dwayne ********
Don’t have a partner but have a wife & we use ‘pay as you go’ healthcare. Works fine so far but the old dog eats up lots of money. Recently found you can’t put down an old animal with lots of health problems. In America, you’d just put a bullet in its head. Thailand we’re stuck with the burden.
George *******
@Dwayne *******
Normal in the States putting bullets in heads and not just animals.Dwayne ********
@George ******
if you no nothing real about another country, say nothing. It reflects on the entire country you come from.George *******
@Dwayne *******
Really, I know nothing about Thailand. Well how about living there from 1998 to 2009.Dwayne ********
@George ******
no, just animals is very humane. Cheaper than taking to a hospital & putting them to sleep. Been going on for hundreds of years.Americans don’t break laws by shooting people. Leave that to the illegals.
Jukka ********
@Dwayne *******
cops do
Paul *******
I am a 77 year old Australian living in Chiang Mai, Thailand for over ten years. I self insure for medical. I have a reserve in my bank account to cover at least one month hospital costs in a private hospital. If that proves insufficient, I would attempt tp fly back to Australia where my medical treatment would be free.
Kim ***********
@Paul ******
I like it. Good strategy. I couldn't get any cover with an insurance company I had confidence in. I remember Warren Buffett's strategy regarding insurance. He said if you banked your premium each month you would come out way ahead. I put AUD$100 into.an account each month so I end up with a reserve like you plus like you. A flight home if it's serious for free cover.
Paul *******
@Kim **********
Great idea.
Victor *******
@Paul ******
, following
Wayne *******
@Paul ******
Dangerous game as I found out last year. Had a very significant fracture that Im still on physio for 14 months on. Needed surgery and luckily I got a 'fit to fly' certificate to go back to England otherwise I would have been goosed! Once I end up living in Thailand Im gonna make sure Im covered FULLY and been quoted aroud 5000 baht a month which I will deduct from my condo rental, so in effect instead of living in Pattaya for 15k - 20k, I'll live Na Jomtien or even Bang Saray for 10 - 15k
My health is way more important than a snazzy gaff 😆
J **************
@Wayne ******
I made two claims (both at 140,000 baht) one was approved immediately…the other evidently was a preexisting condition discovered years ago in USA.Paul *******
@Wayne ******
I am 8787 with many serious pre existing conditions including heart and diabetes. Who will give me insurance at an acceptable cost?Paul *******
Trevor ***********
@Paul ******
nobodyPeter *******
@Wayne ******
welcome to pm meWayne *******
@Paul ******
Im not sure as obviously I only checked for myself. I also wouldnt know how it works as a new client at your age. Im 57 so maybe I will benefit somehow moving forward annually financially whereas someone like yourself may get hit with a high premium, but I really dont know. I eailed them and the chap I conversed with told me what I wrote above
I can PM you the email address if you like?
Peter *******
@Wayne ******
the only problem there is if you have any pre-existing conditions you will not be fully covered. Also as you get older ie over 70 5000 a month will not be enough to cover your big toe without significant deductionsJ **************
@Peter ******
you have to know the limits of any policy here…the only complaints I’ve heard about them is a patient who bought their cheapest policy and blew past his limits.Peter *******
@J *************
thanks I know about them. Hope you haven't had to make claim. Strongly advise doing a lot of research on them.J **************
@Peter ******
I use WR life, but I would advise you to use an expats group search function to hear about all the others.Peter *******
@J *************
would you mind sharing a link?J **************
@Peter ******
yes and many others like it …I have one exclusion that is permanentPeter *******
@J *************
is that available in Thailand?J **************
@Peter ******
I’m 71 and pay 35,000 baht every six months for the nest I patient plan.
Joseph *******
@Wayne ******
Just keep in mind there are few if any consumer protection laws in Thailand. And for that rare lawsuit that actually succeeds, the payout is often way less than compensable.Peter *******
@Wayne ******
just be aware there are companies that are not licensed for insurance in Thailand or the country they claim to be from. Their premiums are cheap but when they refuse to honour claims you have no recourse.Wayne *******
@Peter ******
I have a pre existing condition and I spoke with them about the potential price increases. Im happy with everythingActivity
20 joined20
people
Related
25What is the importance of obtaining a Yellow House Registration Book in Thailand for expats applying for Non-O visas?
1.4k131310d
What are the visa options for a day trip from Thailand to Laos via the Friendship Bridge?
1.3k9183mo
What are the options for extending a Non-O visa for marriage in Thailand?
4k28583mo
What type of visa do I need for a 1-year stay in Thailand?
8.2k2704mo
What are the challenges in obtaining Thai health insurance for a retiree over 50 with a history of cancer?
988295mo
What is the best visa option and affordable living recommendations for a US expat with 80% VA disability planning to retire in Thailand?
2.6k9555mo
Is a TM30 sufficient for opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non O visa or is a certificate of residence required?
7.2k321487mo
Why do people prefer the 3-month non-O visa over the 1-year non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?
4.2k38359mo
What are the options and requirements for obtaining a marriage visa in Thailand?
1.8k13151y
Will Emirates allow boarding without an onward flight for a Non-Immigrant O visa?
3.5k25341y
What experiences have others had when applying for a visa using dental plans in Thailand?
610422y
Can I change my health insurance after obtaining it for a Thai bank account while applying for a Non-O visa?
3.6k30332y
Can I study Thai on a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand?
3.6k28322y
What do I need to apply for a DTV visa for medical treatment in Thailand?
1.9k1712y
What is a cost-effective health plan for expats on a Non-O Visa in Thailand?
4.4k33432y
What are the options and considerations for insurance when living or traveling in Thailand?
21.2k1852142y
How do expats in Thailand choose a local bank for their accounts?
5.1k38443y
What visa do I need to buy a car in Thailand as an expat?
5.7k43463y
What is the name of the 5-year visa for over 50 individuals that is not a retirement visa in Thailand?
6.9k71383y
What are some recommendations for health insurance for expats retiring in Thailand?
3.5k26314y
What are the options for extending a NON-O Visa or applying for a new NON-O Visa in Thailand for expats with Thai children?
777295y
What does 'government welfare' mean for health insurance requirements for expats in Thailand?
1.4k10105y
Can I apply for a 60-day extension based on marriage and then a 1-year extension in Thailand?
2.6k22186y
What are some affordable COVID-19 insurance options in Thailand for foreign skilled workers?
5.9k48626y
What are the options for extending a marriage visa in Thailand without leaving the country?
5.4k56238y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served