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Answered2 years ago

Should I choose travel insurance or medical insurance for my 5-month stay in Thailand?

James *********
asked Feb 27, 2025
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Medical vs travel insurance question for maximum 5 month stay.

I have just secured a 5 year DTV and arrive in Thailand next week. I plan on staying around 4-5 months before heading back to Europe for 2-4 weeks. Then back to Thailand and repeat this process.

Question, can I get travel insurance for the trip of 5 months, then do this again before I return for another 5 months or so stay, or do I need to purchase 12 months medical insurance.

I’m from the UK.

Thanks
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on whether they can obtain travel insurance for a total of 5 months while in Thailand as an expat on a DTV visa, and if they need to purchase 12 months of medical insurance instead. The comments provide insights on the differences between travel and medical insurance, suggesting that travel insurance might have restrictions on duration per trip. It's recommended to carefully check policy details, consider local insurance options in Thailand, and seek quotes from companies like AXA, CIGNA, and others.
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Peter *******
Peter *******
Your best bet is to ask a Broker as they know all details - I personally use AA which I've alwys found to be helpfull
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Gareth ********
Gareth ********
Had a lot of policies over the years. Usually 12 months and extendable up to a maximum of 24 months. Normally have to have been in the UK for 6 months out of the previous 12 (backpacker policies). Google is your friend more than a FB group though so do your own research.
Gary ********
Gary ********
I've heard a lot of good things about Safety wing ..check them out
Tabby ***************
Tabby ***************
@James ********
yes you can do 5 months at a time with AXA Thailand.

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James *********
James *********
OP
@Tabby **************
thanks Tabby, 140 days cover came out as this, pretty reasonable
James *********
James *********
OP
James *********
James *********
OP
Steve *******
Steve *******
Travel insurance, especially from the UK, tends to only cover you for 30 or 60 day trips out of the Country even though it'll be valid for 1 year. Carefully check the small print on the policy!
Ronald ******
Ronald ******
@Steve ******
i have barclays bank travel pack i enquired with them was 90 days now they do 120 i am see how muh it will cost near the time i am travelling
James *********
James *********
OP
@Ronald *****
im with Barclays too, how much was the 120 day upgrade?
Ronald ******
Ronald ******
@James ********
I don’t no but I will be phoning them near the time
Henrik *****
Henrik *****
When only staying 5 months a travelinsurance from your country of origin may be the best option.

Ask the insurancecompagny where you have other insurances.

A travel insurance will most likely also include repatriation to your homecountry, in case of severe illness, accident or dead, or can get family to come to you.
Lim ***********
Lim ***********
@Henrik ****
my travel insurance bought in Singapore is only valid for 30 continuous days of travel. If i get hospitalised on 32nd day, it is not a covered.
Phil ******
Phil ******
@James ********
really depends on you ie age health . Have you got 3 quotes for heath insurance yet.? If you want yearly medical insurance AXA, CIGNA and AIA here are recommended
James *********
James *********
OP
@Phil *****
thanks Phil, I have with Axa, Cigna but not AIA yet.

I went to a broker and they came back with a few different policies, one yearly which is very basic that for around £500 per year, a more substantial policy for £950 a year.

Just trying to work out whether I can do the travel insurance way as I mentioned or not yet…

I’m 43 and in good health generally.
Phil ******
Phil ******
@James ********
as I'm Aussie I'm not familiar with trave insurance companies. It was good to talk to a broker too.
Sylvia ********
Sylvia ********
There are long term holiday travel insurance for young people who go backpacking, but age could be the stumping block.
Sylvia ********
Sylvia ********
They are totally different as guess you are aware.

Travel insurance covers delays, lost property, and emergency treatment following a health issue or accident, also change of flights due to a family emergency.

Health insurance are generally for 12 months, only cover health. But in a different way, if you needed an op for example like hip replacement, cataract that wasn't urgent it's covered. Some health insurance also cover you as an outpatient and for dental care for extra premium. The premium therefore are alot more depending on any medical history, age etc. Read the small print too if riding a motorbike, mine only pays 50% of medical costs even as a passenger
James *********
James *********
OP
@Sylvia *******
thanks Sylvia, I hadn’t taken that into account!

Hopefully I can find a travel insurer for a 6 months policy as I’m 43 and generally in good health and won’t need outpatient cover, just incase of emergencies etc.

Well noted on the motorbike insurance, best make sure the bolt bikers take it easy.

Thanks again
Sylvia ********
Sylvia ********
@James ********
big problem with Bolt motorbike taxi, they don't carry a helmet for us so therefore I have no insurance cover at all read the small print very carefully
Michael ********
Michael ********
You need to check fine print on travel insurance they are all different a years travel insurance may only cover you for 60 travel days at a time.

Personally would look at getting local one in Thailand but up to you
James *********
James *********
OP
@Michael *******
local medical insurance policy you mean in Thailand?
Wayne *********
Wayne *********
@James ********
look up AXA insurance
Wayne *********
Wayne *********
James *********
James *********
OP
@Wayne ********
travel or health?
Ticha *****************
Ticha *****************
Travel insurance is always better choice if you can find provider with annual travel insurance that has no limite date of stay outside UK.

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