This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the best health insurance options for long-term expats in Thailand?
Health InsuranceRetirement VisaInsurance ClaimsExpat LifeHealth CoveragePre-existing ConditionsInsurance RecommendationsPacific CrossCignaAXA
Apr 23, 2025
a year ago
Bryan ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHealth Insurance. I’ve read a lot of posts on here. Long term retirement visa coverage. Not a short travel plan.
Seems like everyone is satisfied with all these companies until they file a claim.
So many poor reviews from ALL these companies. Either they refuse to pay claims or refuse to communicate with you, or the coverage/deductibles are just ludicrous.
Who do you put your trust in? Or is this just a roll of the dice?
Seems like everyone is satisfied with all these companies until they file a claim.
So many poor reviews from ALL these companies. Either they refuse to pay claims or refuse to communicate with you, or the coverage/deductibles are just ludicrous.
Who do you put your trust in? Or is this just a roll of the dice?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges and experiences expats face with health insurance in Thailand, particularly regarding long-term retirement visas. Many expats express concerns about the reliability and coverage of health insurance providers, citing numerous poor experiences when filing claims. While some recommend companies like Pacific Cross, Cigna, and AXA, others feel uncertain about trusting these companies due to high costs and significant deductibles. Key points include the necessity of comprehensive coverage for aging expats, the perceived scam-like nature of insurance requirements for visas, and the recommendation to consult experienced insurance brokers for assistance.
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.
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 Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Anna *********
Isn’t that the same with nearly all travel/health insurance Even extends to home and car insurance sadly
Tom *********
Talk to Eric Dohlon, he is an insurance broker, and very experienced. I am also certain he is 100% honest. So he can definitely advise you.
Fred *********
@Tom ********
The brokers may well be honest. But when you have some shyster in an office somewhere deciding your claim is invalid.That's always the issue.
Tom *********
@Fred ********
all an honest broker can do is give advice and let the guy decide. It depends on pre-existing problems, also I agree, about shysters in offices. But a good broker will know, which companies are dodgy.Reply to
Tom *********
Reply
Jim ********
I hear the same bad things about health insurance for older expats with pre-existing conditions. I have US health insurance with world wide coverage and will pay out of pocket then claim reimbursement through my US insurance. I see the retirement visa has an insurance requirement..how do you get by this with the situation I noted. It sounds like the whole insurance requirement is a scam.
Albert ********
I’ve had BCBS of Texas stiff a provider out of $800 and a year later the provider calls me and asks if I’d call BCBS to collect.
Bryan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Albert *******
I’ve heard that. From geo blue also…..Many stories. And sorry but that’s bullshit. It’s criminal in my opinion what they do. I’m not into government over reach But medical. Cable tv and cellphones need put in check. Just my opinion.Reply to
Bryan ******
Reply
Bryan ******
ORIGINAL POSTERThe issue at hand…..5 Star Pricing……1 Star Service. They ll take the money….but not pay out. Or make it VERY difficult for you
Or deductibles so high you are better to go without insurance and pay out of pocket.
Insurance should step in when in your time of need and take care of things. Not turn your experience into a stressful shit show making excuses as to why they WONT pay.
ALL of these companies are the same. Poor reviews on all of them. Very poor customer service. High rates.
And when it’s a Reimbursement type deal….no one cares. Hospital had their money so they won’t help. Insurance had no one after them so they can take their time and do whatever they want. You’re in foreign countries so NO law will help you. This is a huge scam I believe.
Thank you all for the input and information.
Or deductibles so high you are better to go without insurance and pay out of pocket.
Insurance should step in when in your time of need and take care of things. Not turn your experience into a stressful shit show making excuses as to why they WONT pay.
ALL of these companies are the same. Poor reviews on all of them. Very poor customer service. High rates.
And when it’s a Reimbursement type deal….no one cares. Hospital had their money so they won’t help. Insurance had no one after them so they can take their time and do whatever they want. You’re in foreign countries so NO law will help you. This is a huge scam I believe.
Thank you all for the input and information.
John *********
Beware of annual price increases way above the inflation rate.
Steven *********
Following
Patricia *******
Because of my age insurance is rather unaffordable in spite of great health and no issues!
Randall *******
Given that they all refused to cover preexisting conditions without crazy premiums, and the fact we're in usa half the year, I put my trust in the overall affordability of doctors and am doing without thai insurance
Shane ********
Highly recommend talking to
@Tenzing ******************
****************************************
experienced expat insurance brokers and great reviews over a decadeMary ********
Thai insurance is Essentially a government enforced Scam. Carry the absolute minimum with the highest deductible possible. Assume you will have to self insure. Just get what you need to get your Visa renewed.
Debbie ***********
We dealt with Yorick Karl from AA Insurance brokers and ended up choosing Pacific Cross. He was extremely helpful and answered all my questions...and believe me, I had lots! We haven't had any claims yet so I can't comment on that issue.
Max **********
Keep health insurance in your own country. Any major hospital costs go back, for minor charges wear the costs. So far it has saved me I can’t get insurance here because over 70.
Bruce ********
I moved here in January and got signed up with Pacific Cross. I’ve heard pros and cons for them and so many others. I know some people who stick with Travel Insurance and others with nothing, just paying OOP and/or rarely ill. I customized my policy based on my health history and expectations along with the low cost for outpatient & prescriptions.
Suraphong *******
Hi. I just sent you a DM please take a look when you have a chance. Thx- 🙏
Dave **********
@Suraphong ******
contact Me too pleaseReply to
Dave **********
Reply
Mel ******
Also plan to be dropped or priced out as you age or make any large claims
John ********
You cannot trust any of them they are all over priced unfortunately
Gerald ********
I am with Pacific cross, had cataract surgery about 6 months ago they paid for everything except the lens as it's classed as artificial???. The only thing that wasn't good was the hospital at first they quoted me a price then I said ok my health insurance will pay and gave them my card then funny old thing the price increase from 60,000 up to I think it was around 80,000. But then the insurance company had a talk with them and it went back down to 60,000. I had to pay the first 40,000 in any year so I had to pay 40,000. I had to pay and claim back the first fee then the next few visits the insurance company paid then the last visit I had to pay again and claim all the fees I paid this was the hospital not Pacific cross fault
Laurie ***************
@Gerald *******
i’ve only had Pacific Cross 4 months – got into a horrible bike accident. 15 days in the hospital, orthopedic surgeon to fix my ankles, wound treatments…Pacific Cross has been fantastic! Paid almost everything. 👌🏻Albert ********
@Gerald *******
I’ve been talking to a Pacific Cross agent. He said the cover emergency, accidents, and pre-existing. I’m looking at the Maxima + up to their best Ultimate + plan. James Long is the agent I’m talking with. I’m still skeptical since it’s seems so affordable and covers pre-existingGerald ********
@Albert *******
I told them from the start my pre-existing conditions and age 68 now and the price was around 45,000 with a 40,000 payment I have to pay for anything first then they cover the rest, like most there is a wait period for certain conditions like my cataract it was 12 months.if you pay out the 40,000 then you don't pay that until the start of the next year.Bryan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Albert *******
that’s my concern. So many stories from people about the big name companies talked about here…..how the insurance wouldn’t pay. Force them to go to certain hospitals. Wouldn’t pay for needed tests. Or procedures until after a lengthy background was performed on them. Any reasons to deny claims. That’s NOT how insurance is supposed to work.Reply to
Bryan ******
Reply
Tore *********
I would indeed not cheap out on health insurance. After extensive research I was left choosing between AXA and Cigna.
Cigna probably the better one, but I went for AXA inpatient only. Basically to insure against the really expensive stuff.
Cigna probably the better one, but I went for AXA inpatient only. Basically to insure against the really expensive stuff.
Ken *******
@Tore ********
have you had any claims with them?Reply to
Ken *******
Reply
Jody ********
Bryan Rado.....my 1st go to person is
Great resource.
@Robert ********
. He's been my insurance agent x last 2 years.Great resource.
Charles **********
CIGNA has been excellent for me
Robert ************
@Charles *********
do they pay the claims? Or do they look for something too deny your payment? Do they pay directly too the hospital? Or do you have too pay first then get reimbursed? Do they insure people with pre existing conditions?Charles **********
@Robert ***********
wow too many questions. They’ve been excellent for me. Send me a PM and you can call me.Robert ************
@Charles *********
thanksReply to
Robert ************
Reply
Stephen ********
@Charles *********
so far. They tripled my premiums after a birthday despite never claiming. Said I reached 'a higher risk pool'. I cancelled of courseAaron *********
@Stephen *******
did you get cheaper cover elsewhere?Stephen ********
@Aaron ********
I didnt look. Decided to pay as I go. Some big bills but better than paying insurers commissions and overheads with low certainty of claims ever being paid.Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Marco *******
Depends on how long you plan to stay out of your home country. If you're moving abroad semi-permanently/permanently, you'll want comprehensive international health insurance. You'll need the better benefits like cancer treatment and coverage for preexisting conditions as you get older.
You'll need to get on a plan before you get too old. Once you are insured, you can stay insured for life. But if you wait until you're older then you may not get accepted.
I use this company for my comprehensive international health insurance. They are founded by expats and focus on expats. They work with something like 50+ different insurers, so they'll always find you the best value policy with a reputable insurer that fits your budget.
You'll need to get on a plan before you get too old. Once you are insured, you can stay insured for life. But if you wait until you're older then you may not get accepted.
I use this company for my comprehensive international health insurance. They are founded by expats and focus on expats. They work with something like 50+ different insurers, so they'll always find you the best value policy with a reputable insurer that fits your budget.
****************************************************
Reply to
Marco *******
Reply
73 comments
a year ago
89 comments
a year ago
9 comments
a year ago
9 comments
2 years ago
185 comments
2 years ago
42 comments
2 years ago
32 comments
2 years ago
15 comments
2 years ago
75 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
29 comments
2 years ago
29 comments
2 years ago
41 comments
2 years ago
8 comments
2 years ago
22 comments
3 years ago
14 comments
3 years ago
30 comments
3 years ago
26 comments
4 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
32 comments
4 years ago
22 comments
4 years ago
27 comments
4 years ago
23 comments
4 years ago
21 comments
5 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.