This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are some recommendations for medical insurance for a 68-year-old US citizen with hypertension and cholesterol issues in Thailand?
Medical InsuranceHealth Insurance for ExpatsPre-existing ConditionsHypertensionCholesterol MedicationsInsurance Providers in ThailandSelf-InsuranceCost of Medications in Thailand
Jun 4, 2025
a year ago
Phoebe *****
ORIGINAL POSTERAny recommendations to get medical insurance for 68 yr old US citizen with meds to control high blood pressure and cholesterol? 🙏🏽
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around obtaining medical insurance for a 68-year-old US expat with controlled hypertension and cholesterol. Participants suggest various strategies, including contacting brokers like Blue Cross or Pacific Cross, as well as considering the exclusions commonly associated with pre-existing conditions. Some advise potential self-insurance due to the high cost of premiums versus the lower costs of medications in Thailand. It's noted that generics are inexpensive and available, with many opting to pay out-of-pocket for pre-existing medications.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Phil ******
Pheobe try a broker or Blue Cross I think
Ian **********
Possible to obtain health insurance but preconditions are likely to attract "exclusions" from the insurance provider - after all, they are in the risk business.
Janis ********
Southern Cross or Medicare private done us with same problem
Sue **********
no
Stephen *********
Try pacific cross
Gerald ********
@Stephen ********
That's who I am with with much the same age and condition plus enlarged phosphateReply to
Gerald ********
Reply
Steve ********
Just put a million baht aside for medical expenses.
Tony **********
Be cautious of excluded coverage. Almost anything cardiac, kidney, blood or liver related will most likely be excluded. Medications here are very inexpensive. About 30% of USA for equivalent generics. You'll might consider tucking the $500 a month you're likely to spend in premiums away and self insure.
Larry ********
The increase in premium to cover those meds, would likely be more than paying out of pocket for them here in Thailand, as long as you OK with generics. I too take meds for HBP and cholesterol, and despite that we have expensive international insurance, decided to foot the bill ourselves for meds for anything pre-existing.
Phoebe *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Larry *******
thank you, so I can get med ins & not cover anything related to the pre-existing HBP & cholest?Larry ********
@Phoebe ****
We are in our upper 50's, and I had at least a few pre-existing conditions, some of which I had excluded to keep the premium realistic, and this included my HBP & Cholesterol meds. These meds where horrendously expensive in Singapore, but where under a 3rd of the cost here. Maybe even a quarter of the cost. All available OTC without prescription, but I did get a letter from my doctor before I relocated. So, long story short, I allowed my HBP & cholesterol cover to be excluded from my insurance. Just requires you to disclose to your insurer, and they will have a rider that will exclude it. If they can cover it, for not much more than out of pocket, I'd have paid up, but for me the difference in cost was wide. Good luck 👍Phoebe *****
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Phoebe *****
Reply
Arpan ******
If you are in Chiangmai, then I know a really good agent
Phoebe *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Arpan *****
yes I am in Chiang Mai at the momentReply to
Phoebe *****
Reply
Karl *******
Carnivore diet
Andy **********
@Karl ******
While that might (or might not) address medical concerns, it doesn't change medical history one iota. High blood pressure can lead to irreversible damage, and so it's often treated as a life long chronic illness, in that you will always be prone to high blood pressure requiring medication or an unusual change in diet.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Extremely hard…..you will need a super high deductible because of the hypertension.
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
21 comments
a year ago
19 comments
a year ago
25 comments
a year ago
73 comments
a year ago
71 comments
a year ago
89 comments
a year ago
15 comments
2 years ago
115 comments
2 years ago
75 comments
2 years ago
20 comments
2 years ago
19 comments
2 years ago
29 comments
2 years ago
What health insurance advice should a 66-year-old expat consider for living in Thailand permanently?
22 comments
3 years ago
72 comments
3 years ago
5 comments
3 years ago
15 comments
3 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
17 comments
3 years ago
30 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
3 years ago
26 comments
4 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
11 comments
4 years ago
13 comments
4 years ago
19 comments
4 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.