Answered2 years ago

What are the health insurance options for Australians retiring with diabetes in Pattaya?

Health Insurance Retirement in Thailand Diabetes Management Medical Costs Visa Information Expat Health Care

Teagan ********

asked Apr 22, 2025

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Retirement advise for Australians. 

My mum and her partner are wanting to retire in Pattaya. 

Both have diabetes, one has been in hospital for an extended period in Aus at least once a year if not more. How likely is insurance going to be to cover them ? If they do , what sort of costs would they be looking at ? 

Without insurance how much would say a month long stay in hospital cost? 

They know they’d have to travel back for diabetes medications due to cost in Thailand but any other information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer summary

A user seeks advice on health insurance options for their parents, both with diabetes, planning to retire in Pattaya, Thailand. Comments indicate that getting insurance may be challenging due to pre-existing conditions, especially diabetes, which is often not covered. Costs for insurance can be high, with examples of monthly premiums around $453. The costs for a month-long hospital stay vary widely, but private hospital care is noted as expensive. Government hospitals offer more affordable options, but care and comfort may vary. Diabetes medications are available in Thailand, though they might need to travel back for more cost-effective supplies.

23 repliesnewest first

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Frankie *****

With sugar n salt in so many dishes and plenty of cheap but unhealthy foods in Thailand .. er .. be elective of your meal options

2 years ago

Yorick ******

AA Insurance Brokers can assist you, reach to us at

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and of the insurance specialists will get back to you!

2 years ago

Baz *********

I wouldn't recommend living in Thailand with ongoing health issues especially anything likely to require an extended hospital stay..

Insurance will be extremely difficult to get and even if you find something it will be very expensive

Thailand has great medical private hospital care but it's not cheap especially for extended hospital stays..

They should consider perhaps just longer stays of a couple of months each year covered by a good travel insurance policy.

2 years ago

Ralph *******

You would have to ask some insurance companies. No point asking here because everyone’s case is different.

2 years ago

Christopher ***********

Sorry to say but diabetes and extended periods of hospitalisation don’t sound good if wanting to retire in Thailand. Having said that, Government Hospitals provide very economical treatment although you wouldn’t want to stay on a public ward. Private rooms are available in Government Hospitals for 1,000 baht = 47 Australian Dollars per day (excluding treatment).

2 years ago

Shane ********

Speak to an insurance broker like

@Tenzing ******************

they can help you find coverage options, however very unlikely to find insurance that would cover pre-existing diabetes

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2 years ago

Tom *********

I have type 2 diabetes, and my insurance is inpatient only. So I visit the Diabetes Dr every few months, at my cost. Otherwise it's watch the diet, get plenty of exercise, drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, and keep the insulin handy. Medication is readily available.

2 years ago

Peter *********

Medisafe Pharmacy Bangkok

2 years ago

Peter *********

You can get diabetes medication in Thailand...

You be surprised what medication they have..

As far as Pre Existing..

Good luck on that...

I have been down this path with many different Brokers way to expensive...

You can get a retirement visa with out health insurance.

You can purchase from Pharmaceutical company and they deliver 2 days...

2 years ago

Sharron *******

Just today a fairly healthy man said he pays $453.00 a month for health insurance. It cost a lot as you get older, and they do not cover exiting condition. So diabetes would not be covered.

2 years ago

Judy *******

Most insurances won't cover pre-existing conditions and anything classed as associated with the diabetes. That will cover a lot of conditions

It's impossible to say what a month stay in hospital will cost as it will depend on the reason for hospitalisation, medicines, tests etc

2 years ago