thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the key considerations for health insurance while living or traveling in Thailand?

Health InsuranceThailandMedical CareExpat LifeTravel InsuranceEmergency ServicesVisa Tips
Jul 28, 2025
3 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I made a BIG BIG MISTAKE . Been here one month on DTV. Was in Dansai Loei Isaan. Slipped on wet path, fell. Excruciating agony Right hip. Cannot move leg. In hospital, waiting for MRI to open up tomorrow, to rule out hip fracture.

Didn’t think anything could happen to me. Briefly checked insurance rates but got confused frustrated, and bored.

If I can dodge a bullet and walk out of here, first thing I’ll do is get insurance. I have insurance in the US. Covers only emergencies. Takes hours to submit claim, months later, they might pay.

The day before I was just thinking, everything in Isaan wants to kill you. Ran into Giant spider, snake while hiking. Food wants to kill you, roads want to kill you. Didn’t think a little rain woiuld get me.

Small suggestion, get insurance.
5,784
views
49
likes
149
all likes
49
replies
1
images
26
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience of a serious accident in Thailand, highlighting the importance of securing health insurance while living or traveling abroad. After a fall resulted in hospitalization and significant medical expenses, they expressed regret over not having proper insurance coverage beforehand. The community provided various recommendations for affordable health insurance options and stressed the need for insurance to avoid hefty out-of-pocket costs in case of emergencies.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
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
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Epilogue: result of fall and hospital bill. Dodged a bullet. No fracture. Still can’t put weight on leg, using walker.

Hospital bill. Two separate X-rays. 1 MRI. Two ambulance rides to and from MRI. IV. Multiple meds thru IV, for pain and anti inflammatory. One night in hospital in Private room, in Private hospital. Many meals. Three separate meeting with Orthopedic Doc about 10 minutes each. Take away meds for pain and swelling.
*****
THB. Maybe be reimbursed by bluecross insurance for emergency services. Great care.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Abdulghani ******
The public hospitals are and extremely affordable almost free, if someone cannot afford treatment in public hospitals then frankly should not travel and home, therefore I don’t see any value of medical insurance. Pay out of pocket private hospital or public hospitals
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Toni *******
@Abdulghani *****
 almost free? Years ago i had an infection in my leg, could barely walk. At bangkok hospital we noticed i was lacking outpatient cover, so, 1 blood sample after the doctor came to look at the leg for 1minute, got 20tabs of antibiotics and 10painkiller, 8000thb, no clear diagnostic they didnt even take the CRP (the doctor didnt even know what it is when i asked how high, since antibiotics)
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Usually, Banks and credit cards provide an insurance up to 90 days. So if you were here only for 1 month, your bank could help you, if you used the related card to book the flight. No?
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Greg ********
Wouldn't go without it
3 days ago
Like
Reply
John *********
Common sense when on holidays
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
If anyone on this thread would like an honest and informed discussion about health insurance and hospital costs and what is available for which visa type, please feel free to send me a DM or contact our website

***********************************
Affordable Health & Life Insurance in Thailand | Thai Health Services - AIA Authorized Agent
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Roxana ******
This is not Australia...🤣
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Lena *******
@Roxana *****
 Thank God. That's why we're here.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lena *******
Reply
Charles **********
Written by an insurance agent for sure lol
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Traveling with no insurance is crazy. You're lucky, imagine if you would've been in a road accident. Also something you can't ignore in Thailand. Could land you in big trouble, both physically and financially.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Double check with your us insurance, maybe it covers emergencies abroad
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********
🥱
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Qi ********
You forgot the seasonal open burning with ashes flying everywhere - it will get you too in respiratory problems. Insurance is non-negotiable.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Brad *********
Get a quote from Luma Travel or expat insurance. Prices vary by age but they are a regional insurer so many facilities are familiar with them and at least on their travel insurance plans they say they direct pay anything over $1k USD.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
DTV_Be*******
Stay away from HISO hospitals and clinics use Thai govt hospitals the price difference is huge

Good luck
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Sheila *****
My US health insurance covered an emergency hospital visit.

While I was on a short trip.

I went to Bumrungrad in Bangkok.

The paperwork they gave me was easy to submit to my US based health insurance to refund me.

My travel insurance covered everything else outside the hospital visit as your US based health insurance is considered your primary.

Pay everything with the same credit card so you can easily track all the expenses.

And yes

Always get insurance coverage

Make sure to have health insurance, travel insurance anytime you are outside of where your primary insurance coverage is etc

I also keep an annual plan with a medical evacuation company

So in case need arises I can always be medically transported via medical transport plane to hospital at home country etc
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Paul *********
Always make sure I’m insured even though I’m insured with Amex it covers only 183 days so it runs out half way here as it starts mid year so I just get covered now for each trip as it’s cheaper to get cover from home
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Toni *******
@Paul ********
 i had amex platinum years ago, if I remember correct their policy insisted that your trip is a roundtrip within those days, if you go with oneway flight and something happens (even within the 183days) its not covered? Same in my Finnish credit cards
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Paul *********
@Toni ******
 always book round trips it’s cheaper even if I’m here 6 months
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *********
Reply
Robin *********
Not having health insurance is an American thing I never understood
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Stefan ********
@Robin ********
 This isn't an American thing. 99% of travelers/expats I talked to have no insurance for different reasons, expensive, waste of money etc etc. I personally wouldn't even consider it but hey.

1200 euros a year standard price. This is also what I pay, but it's very cheap compared to what a hospital can charge patients for a treatment/procedure
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Robin *********
@Stefan *******
 99% ? must be a special kind of people you hang around with 😉 No seriously, that number seems a bit high to me. I only know a few who are that irresponsable. I am no friend of insurances, but health should be protected.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Stefan ********
@Robin ********
 I don't hang around much lol, but I used to (or when I still do, sometimes) and that conversation comes up, people don't have insurance.

Ok, that number is high but I'm sure the reality isn't low either haha
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stefan ********
Reply
Anton ********************
@Robin ********
 the prices of a insurance in the US is like a monthly wage in Europe
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Robin *********
@Anton *******************
 Doubt it is more than the 1200€ I pay
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anton ********************
@Robin ********
 1200€ for a year? That’s darn expensive.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anton ********************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Stop spreading negative and false information about Isaan! Thank you
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 838 I love Isaan. Been coming here long time, beautiful. But not the safest place. Many many drunk drivers, mixed with super dark front widow tinting and rain. Not the safest combination. And zero building codes.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Todd *********
PAy as you go is very reasonable in Thailand.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Successful***********
@Todd ********
 details please?
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Richie-Rich ********
SuccessfullinMalaysia I paid £9000 for my appendix removal. Eugh.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
SuccessfullinMalaysia you simply pay cash/card for the services
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Allan ******
@Todd ********
 a good theory until something serious happens.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Allan *****
 a great theory for anyone who has money and is healthy
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Allan ******
@Todd ********
 until something serious happens. I think the people that have money have insurance.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Allan *****
 you think wrong
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Expat ******
Contact this office. Has good options.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I recommend genki.world for insurance.

On boarding is the most straightforward and its a true nomad insurance where you can nominate your home country (recommended that its one where you have government insurance as they only cover 90 days in your "home")
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 892 I've had Genki for almost a year. It has great coverage BUT be aware if it is not a hospitalization, you need to pay out of pocket and it will take around 2 months to be repaid. Just make sure you have disposable income you can forget for awhile. Also it's quite expensive. I would only suggest it to really nomadic people. If you are in a country long enough, go local, don't go Genki.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Genki is a nomad insurance which supports every single country except 90 days for the country you designate as home - where you must take out a local plan or use national insurance
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Andrew ********
Ok anonymous
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Derek *****
Also, regular accident insurance is pretty cheap. Check roojai.com
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Derek ****
 can you use this with DTV? I tried AIA and was told I needed a work permit
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Derek *****
******************************************************


- this is the accident insurance I went with.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Derek *****
I have a policy without a work permit — and filed a claim once for when I needed to get stitches. I’ve never looked into the fine print but I have not had any issues yet. I also use them for motorcycle insurance too and nothing but great things from other foreigners
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Thomas *********
Anonymous participant 966 following!
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Thomas *********
Reply
Derek *****
That’s sucks - hope it’s not too bad. Go to a public hospital if you need to save some cash —it won’t cost much if it’s just a cast needed and no surgery. Stay safe!
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Anonymous ******************
School boy error get correct insurance before you travel also it will cost you now as you have a injury and have to inform insurance company or any insurance is void
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
What travel insurance providers are recommended for Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) holders?
3 comments
25 days ago
What international health insurance options do expats recommend for living in Thailand?
19 comments
3 months ago
What local health insurance options are recommended for expats living in Thailand?
7 comments
5 months ago
What are the best private health insurance options for expats in Thailand based on personal experiences?
73 comments
5 months ago
What are the best health and accident insurance options for foreigners in Bangkok, Thailand?
15 comments
6 months ago
What health insurance options are recommended for expats in Thailand?
9 comments
9 months ago
What health insurance options are available for expats with tourist visas in Thailand?
9 comments
10 months ago
What type of insurance should a 70-year-old consider when visiting Thailand for three months?
69 comments
10 months ago
What are the options and considerations for insurance when living or traveling in Thailand?
185 comments
10 months ago
What is the best health insurance option for expats in Thailand who need coverage for minor illnesses and hospitalization?
42 comments
a year ago
What are the best health insurance options for expats living in Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
What are the best health insurance options for expats living in Thailand?
25 comments
a year ago
What insurance companies in Thailand have a good reputation for helping after motorcycle accidents?
59 comments
a year ago
What are some recommended health insurance options for expats moving to Thailand?
73 comments
a year ago
Is buying medical insurance in Thailand a good idea for expats?
14 comments
a year ago
What is the best medical insurance option for expats in Thailand?
29 comments
a year ago
What health insurance options do expats recommend for Thailand that provide full coverage for visa applications?
41 comments
2 years ago
Why is travel insurance important for expats in Thailand, particularly after a medical emergency?
215 comments
2 years ago
What should expats know about health insurance in Thailand?
22 comments
2 years ago
What are some recommendations for affordable travel insurance options for expatriates in Thailand?
9 comments
2 years ago
Should I self-insure for medical expenses when moving to Thailand with pre-existing conditions?
25 comments
3 years ago
What travel insurance options are recommended for a 2-month stay in Thailand, especially for motorbike accidents and coverage in Cambodia?
6 comments
3 years ago
What are some recommendations for health insurance for expats retiring in Thailand?
26 comments
3 years ago
What health insurance and travel insurance are recommended for expats living in Thailand?
20 comments
4 years ago
What is the best option for obtaining local medical insurance for motorcycle accidents in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.