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What are the best health and travel insurance options for a 6-month stay in Thailand?
Health InsuranceTravel InsuranceThailandUK ExpatsLong-term Travel InsuranceVisaExpat LivingInsurance Providers
Oct 7, 2024
2 years ago
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWill be spending 6 months in Thailand (Oct 24-Mar 25) what do you other guys in there 60's do about health/travel insurance. Can't find travel insurance in the UK to cover that length of time. Any suggestions....
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion focuses on health and travel insurance options for UK expats over 60 years old planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months from October 2024 to March 2025. Several participants share their experiences and recommend various providers such as Staysure, SafetyWing, and Columbus Travel Insurance, while some caution about cover limits (mostly 30 to 60 days) in standard travel policies. Others suggest considering local Thai insurance options, which could be more effective for long stays and often less expensive. There are debates on whether insurance is necessary given the affordability of healthcare in Thailand. Overall, the takeaway is to thoroughly shop around for suitable long-term insurance to ensure adequate coverage during their stay.
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Michael ********
Purchase directly from the major insurance companies, specifically through their Thailand branch. They can provide a quote for 6month or 12 month.
They cater to expats & retires.
Top 10:
AIA Thailand
Muang Thai Life Assurance
Allianz Ayudhya
AXA Thailand
Bupa Health Insurance (Aetna Thailand)
Cigna Thailand
Thai Life Insurance
Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance
Generali Thailand
Pacific Cross Health Insurance
They cater to expats & retires.
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Top 10:
AIA Thailand
Muang Thai Life Assurance
Allianz Ayudhya
AXA Thailand
Bupa Health Insurance (Aetna Thailand)
Cigna Thailand
Thai Life Insurance
Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance
Generali Thailand
Pacific Cross Health Insurance
David *******
@Michael *******
policy is good for GBP 16K of medical cover. Usually reimbursement also not up front payment. No real peace of mind. Treatment of some conditions can cost £50 to £100k plus repatriation or international air ambulance. The Thai policy would likely be insufficient for many situations. I have access to cash to insure myself. If the worst happens I can put my hands on more than AXA would provideMark *********
@Michael *******
thanksMichael ********
BCC email all top providers at once, explaining your requirements & duration of stay.
Remember BCC the email, you send.
Emails:
Remember BCC the email, you send.
Emails:
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Reply to
Michael ********
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Yorick ******
AA insurance brokers can help you! Reach out to us and we’ll get back in a flash
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Peter ********
My partner and myself are coming to Thailand for a month next year, we are both over 80 years old and have a few health issues, we live in Spain and find it almost impossible to get travel insurance for our holiday
Rob *********
Amex platinum ultimate (Australian) give up to 6 months if you buy your ticket with it. $450 annual fee but you get $450 travel credit annually. There are exclusions of course but I have used card insurance before in Thailand and it saved me with a bike accident this year.
Kevin ******
I used Tugo in Canada and paid 1400 usd for 6 month
Neil *******
I am 64 with pre existing health conditions from U.K. I took insurance policy for 59 days with pre existing health conditions.
I used Travel Insurance Saver.
Not cheap
In my case cheaper than Staysure and Avanti.
Just a suggestion for you.
I used Travel Insurance Saver.
Not cheap
In my case cheaper than Staysure and Avanti.
Just a suggestion for you.
Barbara *********
Haven't found any that dcost thousands. So don't get any. I Do 180 days India .
Trisha *******
My husband and I from UK used Brokersure. Annual multi trip policy max 90 days per trip, world wide excluding USA.
I have health issues high blood pressure, asthma so these were noted on our policy. We are both over 60 premium was £723, shop around as we were quoted £1,300 with another company.
I have health issues high blood pressure, asthma so these were noted on our policy. We are both over 60 premium was £723, shop around as we were quoted £1,300 with another company.
Peter ********
@Trisha ******
Hi just contacted Brokersure and they will not insure us as we do not live in the UK, we are both Spanish Residents.Thanks. xxxx
Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Francis ******
Good luck
Jim ******
Your best option is your airline travel insurance for accident and emergencies.
Robert **********
If you are accident prone or have poor health, then yes, get insurance. If you are like me and most other people on the planet, pharmacies have everything you need and hospitals are world class and cheap.
Andrew *********
Insurance apart from goverments banks and tax the biggest rip off going . Use investments if you need treatment
Martin *********
It’s So Easy travel insurance. Mine is £110 a month for 7 months but I’m over 70 with high BP etc. can also extend cover whilst in Thailand too.
Peter *********
Following
Tony *************
I only use my 45 days on my home insurance, and then I just stay healthy for the rest of the time.
David *********
Try annual travel insurance. Com
John *********
I stay in
Thailand from October to April. I’m from the US, so my circumstances are similar, but not the same.
I have Medicare Advantage plan in the US and my plan will reimburse me for any emergency hospital visits. I have to pay in Thailand and submit the bill to Medicare when I arrive home. The plan states I cannot travel outside the United States for longer than 6 months each year. For all other medical expenses in Thailand I am self insured because I spend B5,000 or less each year. Works good for me.
Thailand from October to April. I’m from the US, so my circumstances are similar, but not the same.
I have Medicare Advantage plan in the US and my plan will reimburse me for any emergency hospital visits. I have to pay in Thailand and submit the bill to Medicare when I arrive home. The plan states I cannot travel outside the United States for longer than 6 months each year. For all other medical expenses in Thailand I am self insured because I spend B5,000 or less each year. Works good for me.
Frances ********
@John ********
that might work for me. I have an Advantage plan too. But Medicare is slowly but surely doing away with Advantage plans.Reply to
Frances ********
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Gordon *******
LV insurance do multi entry insurance, maximum 90 days each trip before you have to return to UK
Very difficult to get longer,most 45 days.
Nationwide do Insurance 100 days but obviously have to get Flex bank account.
Very difficult to get longer,most 45 days.
Nationwide do Insurance 100 days but obviously have to get Flex bank account.
Mark *******
There are a few that cover 180 days trip.
Last year paid about £440 for the 6 months.
Uk based .
Last year paid about £440 for the 6 months.
Uk based .
Slim ***
@Martin ********
it's like a cover fee to get into a club/bar, a fee you must pay for any trip you get insured care, in the US. With some insurance that might be $5 - 10 each visit. With other insurance it might be 200 - $1,000. Most plans have capped deductibles, so you only pay them till you reach your cap, say 1,000 - $8,000. It's always a good idea to compare different company's rates each, and every, year as new insurers are getting into the system and might have better rates.Steve *******
You can add on with Axa while in Thailand did this last year whilst in Hua Hin
Stephen **********
we went for 6mth stay sure was reasonable this year went through trailfinder was cheaper we are in our 60s
Dave *******
Really
So ********
I live in the Uk and I use Columbus Travel Insurance.
My last long trip to Thailand in 2022 lasted 5 months and Columbus covered it all. It is not cheap, expect around £400.
My last long trip to Thailand in 2022 lasted 5 months and Columbus covered it all. It is not cheap, expect around £400.
Laura ******
Safety wing do a good insurance
Cissi *********
@Frances *******
I have a friend who was in an accident in Thailand, broke his neck, had neuro-surgery, ambulance flight from an island to Bangkok etc. He had insurance that covered the costs of almost 2 million baht.I strongly advice to have an insurance that covers in case of an accident.
Also, a UK citizen is used to having NHS back home... (not easy to compare with deductible on Medicare in US).
Frances ********
@Cissi ********
Medicare is awful. I’m glad your friend had insurance! Sounds like it was definitely worth his 2million accident😱 hope he had a good recovery!Hugh **********
@Frances *******
do you have an advantage plan on top of your Medicare plan A and B?Frances ********
@Hugh *********
I do have a Supplemental Advantage Plan. I’ll re-read the stipulations in order to get the overseas/travel medical covered. When I did review it, there was something in it that wouldn’t work for me. It’s Anthem Blue Cross.Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Cissi *********
@Frances *******
yes he had, even though he can't exactly spin his head around anymore. 😉Frances ********
@Cissi ********
I’m sorry he had that trauma to go through on his Thailand trip😰Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Ian **********
Cigna “Close Care Policy”. It will cover you in the country that issued your Passport, and the country where you are living/domiciled.
Mark *********
Luma Asia , £500 for 6 months, every thing covered, 62 year old
John ****
@Mark ********
Luma is a broker not insurance coReply to
John ****
Reply
Allan *********
I've always been able to get 6 month trip insurance from the UK. Most recently from the post office.
Ralph *******
Try World Nomads.
Billy ******
I'm 74 and always use luma Health, a reputable Tgai company.
Paul ***************
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Bernd ********
AXA Germany. The cheapest and they pay in case of. Not sure AXA will insure non Germans
Ronald *********
Staysure in the UK should cover you, I use them for my 90 day visits.
CjandBrigitte **********
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%20insurance&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoZGg6bz8iAMV5KhmAh3kWzgXEAAYAiAGEgJBv_D_BwETractor *******
Who do you bank with . When we originally came here we came out with 6 months travel insurance with Nationwide also try staysure travel insurance.
Tractor *******
Colin Huxleywe paid extra in Feb for 6 months . Unless it’s changed since Feb ?
Colin ********
It changed 1st May, 120 day max, plus costs gone up, it's causing myself and friends many problems.
PM me if you would like to know some alternatives I've found so far.
(I'll try and send Nationwide changes attachment, also you'll find it on Google).
PM me if you would like to know some alternatives I've found so far.
(I'll try and send Nationwide changes attachment, also you'll find it on Google).
Paul ********
@Colin *******
This is correct. I stopped using their VIP ( forgot the name) account when they stopped paying 3% interest on up to £3k years ago. Last month reopened the same account just for the inclusive car breakdown and travel insurance and within weeks the monthly fee has gone up significantly! I didn't know they had changed to Aviva and they only insured for up to four months.
I will probably cancel after my months holiday in November.
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Colin ********
Nationwide have changed their insurers to Aviva, who will now only insure for a maximum of 120 days.
Reply to
Colin ********
Reply
Heather ******
We use holidaysafe travel insurance
Julian ********
@Heather *****
thanks Heather just tried them and saved £200 on my cheapest quote 😁Reply to
Julian ********
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Kevin ********
Saga, not a great deal of money but mine was less than 6 months and I have been travelling around Asia...in my 60's no existing health issues. It didnt cover scuba diving below a certain depth, so took out additional with DAN Europe, which covers me world wide.
Michael *******
@Kevin *******
i used saga. Would only do 60 day max. Worst company ever ! Never again!Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Ady ******
@Robert ********
can helpNeil ******
Travel insurance will likely not cover you for 6 months. They are usually limited to less time in a country than that.
John *******
@Neil *****
I got insurance last April/May from Staysure, 56 days, everything over 30 days is expensive.Steve *******
@Neil *****
True. Most of them in the UK are only 30 days at a time out of the CountryReply to
Steve *******
Reply
Fia *****
6 months for travel or work here?
If for work, I suggest to get a good insurance plan.
If for work, I suggest to get a good insurance plan.
Bob *********
Waste of money. 10k USD in a bank account available via debit card is all you need
Trevor *************
@Bob ********
my last major dealings with a Thai hospital ran me just over £50,000 after a near fatal car accident. Your $10k isn't going to last many nights in ICU, trust me.Christian ***********
@Trevor ************
correct! There are some people who obviously think they know.. But actually know very little. First question the medics ask you is are you insured and that determines which hospital you go too.. Or if you get taken there at all..Reply to
Christian ***********
Reply
Sum *****
@Bob ********
100kFrank ******
@Bob ********
agree self insured is best wayReply to
Frank ******
Reply
Frances ********
Medical care facilities are excellent and inexpensive. Pharmacies are very reasonable and can diagnose and sell prescription drugs. Unless you have a condition you’re concerned about flaring up, I wouldn’t worry about insurance for 6 months. Insurance probably costs more than if you just pay for care if need be.
Christian ***********
@Frances *******
bad advice! You are talking rubbish. And have absolutely no idea.I git hospitalised with severe bacterial infection could have come from food (im very careful with food and travel to Thailand many times and spend a lot of time there. My partner is a Thai chef so we know.
But that being rushed in to hospital by ambulance cost over £200..plus pharmacy next day. A motor accident or emergency repatriation... How much do think that would cost!? 🙄
Frances ********
@Christian **********
I’m not talking rubbish because I’m talking about what works for me; not you. You are right, I know absolutely nothing about your bacterial infections. I’d be very relieved if I only had to pay 200 for an ambulance. In the US it would be double that and more. At any rate, your health care choices with whatever your conditions are, are your business. My choices are mine and work very well for me. I have enough money to cover any problem I might encounter in Thailand. And I’d gladly spend it there for the superior care😅Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Dave ********
@Frances *******
Really bad advice. One trip on uneven pavements and you’d be looking at tens of thousands of pounds. Get insuredAndy **********
there are some good inexpensive accident insurance policies available in Thailand, and also critical illness insurance, they are the two things that could potentially cost you a lot of money, everything else you could just self insure, those two policies I mentioned was between ฿6000 and ฿7000 each, for 12 months of cover.
Ralph *******
@Frances *******
Car accident, motorbike accident? Smashed up and in hospital needing major surgery? Plus unexpected medical conditions. Not ‘inexpensive’
Ivan *********
@Ralph ******
don't forget heartaches strokes can happen to anyone anytimeRalph *******
@Ivan ********
Yes, especially us older travellers.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Jeffrey **********
@Ralph ******
Motor vehicles have their own required medical insuranceFrances ********
@Ralph ******
I follow a YouTube blogger who brought his 73 yr old mother to Thailand. She fell and broke her hip. Surgery, hip replacement, private room/private hospital, rehab $12k. He feels $12k would have been almost the deductible with Medicare. Could be right. With Medicare, I paid $800 for an ER trip with excruciating back pain. I got a low back Xray and a pain shot in the butt.Srini ******
@Frances *******
Sounds about right. Healthcare in the US is ridiculous. I pay $800 to Kaiser every month for poor service. In Thailand or India i can get top notch care and get seen right away.Frances ********
@Srini *****
Amen! You got that right!!Martin *********
@Frances *******
I don’t understand this “deductible“ thing.  Seems to be an American issue.Frances ********
@Martin ********
it is. You have coverage MINUS what your deductible is. In my ER case a number of years ago, I threw out my back. Had a friend drive me to the ER. the hospital billed the insurance company $6k (for one xray and one shot and one dr to pat my low back and announce “ it’s pretty tight back there”. I got billed my “out of pocket” or “deductible” $600. Then a few days later I got another bill for $200 for the X-ray.Andy **********
@Frances *******
I think the point Ralph Tyson was trying to make, and also what I was thinking, okay yes you could pay for a minor accident, such as a broken hip like you said, or I know someone that paid for a broken leg, with a titanium plate $6000 usd, but what if it was a really serious accident, where you get mangled! and spend months in hospital?? Or you have a heart attack and need heart surgery?? Or even cancer (cancer is more for someone living in Thailand rather than going on holiday I understand that) but my point is, a good accident insurance policy in Thailand, is not expensive, and also a critical illness policy, I get messages on my phone everyday, from AXA and AIA offering policies from ฿9 a day 😂Ralph *******
@Frances *******
Hmm? I very much doubt the veracity of this.Frances ********
@Ralph ******
ok. Doubt all you want. I’ve got the records, the credit card receipt. I know what I got and what I paid. I will choose medical treatment in Bangkok any day. I already told the ophthalmologist I will be back end of this year for cataract surgery vs the debacle and expense of US. He laughed and big smile said “I don’t blame you at all”. Anyway, I had a wonderful experience, my friend had even better experience and we will definitely make Thailand our “go to” for care🙏😊Ralph *******
@Frances *******
I wasn’t doubting you, I was doubting the blogger’s claim.Frances ********
@Ralph ******
oh! lol’. Ok, his name is “No Time 2Be Sad”. Chuck and his wife Paige moved to Thailand several years ago. You should look his channel up and search for the videos about his mom’s surgery. It happened maybe a year ago or less. His reporting was pretty good.Reply to
Frances ********
Reply
Andrew *********
Surely if you are a uk resident you can get insurance.
Just go onto compare the market on google
Just go onto compare the market on google
Liam ***********
@Andrew ********
not trueMartin *********
@Andrew ********
30 day limit on all policiesIan *******
@Martin ********
backpacker policy? We got one through insure and go previouslyAndrew *********
John ********
@Andrew ********
how much and what do you get for your moneyAndrew *********
John ********
@Andrew ********
is this for 30 days at a time or for a full year .as I cant find anyone to cover m and I have no problemsSteve *******
@Andrew ********
You'll get a 'travel insurance policy' valid for 1 year but read the small print, it'll most likely only cover you for up to 30 days at a time out of the Country, some cover for 60 days. Ive never found a travel insurance policy to cover 1 year out of the Country. Always had to buy specific health insurance.Andrew *********
@Steve ******
single trip policy 365 daysBernie *************
@Andrew ********
30 or 60 days maximum per tripAndrew *********
@Steve ******
bullshitSteve *******
@Andrew ********
It's not BS. Ive never found a 'travel insurance' policy for more than 60 days out of Country, only health insurance policies.Andrew *********
@Steve ******
backpackers policySteve *******
@Andrew ********
😂😂😂 That's age restricted. The OP is in his 60's.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
Note sure this is the best one ... but to give you an idea / example of something people are using. For residents in Germany there are better alternatives. I would assume for the UK, too.
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Brian *******
cigna does insurance beware they are useless and are hard to cancel with and keep charging you after you cancel
Sean ********
Never use an American insurance company.
Brian *******
@Sean *******
it was the british version...Sean ********
@Brian ******
Yes, but it's still an American company - thy don't see healthcare as some way to assist in prolonging human health. Insurance has nothing to do with healthcare.Reply to
Sean ********
Reply
Leonard ******
@Brian ******
yes this happened to me but I eventually obtained a refundBrian *******
@Leonard *****
i loved the fact i had to call american number to be transferred to britian, and their list of hospitals was limited unlike what the sales guy claimed..Reply to
Brian *******
Reply
Dave **********
Following with interest
Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
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