What are the best health insurance recommendations and essential apps for expats moving to Phuket, Thailand?

Congrats on approval Phuket is great choice for DTV life.

For health insurance many US holders use Luma or Pacific Cross or AXA Thailand for emergency and hospital cover in Phuket. They have English support and work with Bangkok Hospital Phuket and private clinics. Choose plan with inpatient and accident cover and yearly limit at least one million baht. You can apply online after arrival and get card in few days.

For apps you need Grab for taxis and food plus Bolt also cheap in Phuket plus Line for chat plus Google Maps plus Wise for money. For QR pay most Thais use PromptPay but as foreigner you cannot get local QR pay without Thai bank. Once you have DTV you can open Bangkok Bank account with extra help and then use bank app to scan QR. Until then use card or cash and use True Money wallet as backup for some QR shops.

For full list of apps and insurance for DTV in Phuket you can read Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon. It has step by step for bank opening and best insurance plans for long stay.

Congrats on the visa! 🎉 I’d have a look at

@ ***********

e for health insurance options while you’re living in Thailand. Might be helpful

Hi, I’m an insurance advisor with Allianz Ayudhya in Thailand. I assist expats, retirees, DTV Visa holders, and foreigners living in Thailand with health insurance solutions and healthcare planning. Happy to help if you have any questions or need more information. Feel free to send me a message. 😊

Dm me

@Lady *************************************************

I’m an agent who also takes care of clients holding the DTV Visa. There are several plans available with different coverage options and prices.

I’d be happy to help you find a suitable one.

Did you do workstation or soft power and at what consulate?

Hi Monique,

I’d highly recommend reaching out to Richard Yates at

@Health ***********

. He’s the health insurance broker we worked with, and he was incredibly helpful when I was researching international health insurance last year. He has a great way of breaking down the technical jargon, explaining your options clearly, and making the entire process much easier to understand and navigate.

AXA

I use AIA, but can't recommend them anymore.

Congrats on your visa, Khun Monique! 🎉 Phuket is lovely! 🌴

I’m Praew (Ella) from AIA. I’ve worked with quite a few American clients and expat families here in Thailand, so I’d be happy to share some tips on health insurance and getting settled here.

Feel free to DM me anytime if you need a hand. Happy to help ka! Wishing you a smooth move to Thailand!

I use Safetywing for my health insurance. It covers regular doctor's visits, check ups, physical therapy, dental, mental health stuff. And it's valid worldwide, so you're covered when you do your visa renewal runs too.

You don't need pre-approval for stuff below $500 I think the limit is. I've made 10 claims so far and had zero issues.

Most US Health insurance companies DO DONT COVER YOU OUTSIDETHE US. There are a few a very few. I buy travel insurance just for Major health incidents. Dont know if the travel insurance is a scam as I've traveled 4 years and never used it. I still pay for my Home USA expensive insurance, because its required, I can't just start and stop insurance when I travel, only certain times of the year is open enrollment, Other countries have different rules. This is just for US Citizens.

Health insurance from your homecountry often includes repatriation and / or getting relatives to come to you in case of severe illness / accidents, but may not be possible to get as a longterm solution.

I use a health insurance from my home country.

For QR codes, use the app called TrueMoney.

Hi

@Monique *********

If you don’t find anything you like for a health insurance, do let me know.

I’m legally licensed an insurance agent with Allianz Thailand. We have some great plans depending on your lifestyle and budget.

DM me if you need my help.