What are the options for affordable health insurance for long-term visitors in Thailand?

Aug 27, 2024
3 months ago
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’ve posted before about health insurance for long term visitors (not Travel Insurance). Previously found annual policy for around $3000 USD and now one for $2500, but can’t seem to find anything cheaper or as comprehensive, although these are pretty much only for catastrophic coverage. Anyone find anything more reasonable that provides similar coverage? TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the search for affordable health insurance options for long-term visitors in Thailand, emphasizing the challenge of finding comprehensive plans at reasonable prices. Several commenters suggest various insurance providers such as Cigna Global and Pacific Cross, mentioning that costs depend on factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and deductible choices. They also highlight the possibility of paying out-of-pocket for routine care, which is generally inexpensive in Thailand. The conversation explores different coverage types and encourages personalized quotes based on individual needs.
Sam *********
i see a lot of AXA agents. is it not possible to go direct and if so why would i use an agent for inxurance?
Peter ****************
@Sam ********
Well, not 100% sure ofcourse, but if they sell a lot of insurances of one company, most of the times they can talk a bit to them. The insurance company sometimes don't want to lose that broker 🤷‍♂️ But y'r right, it sometimes only can help a little bit.
Ralph *******
Talk to a broker.
Ralph *******
It depends on so many factors! Age, existing medical conditions mainly.
Anne *******
Depends on your age.
Christopher ***********
My experience was that the cheaper companies insisted upon excluding my pre-existing conditions (even those from 40 years ago with no treatment being necessary since). Cigna Global regarded such as ‘resolved’ therefore no exclusions apply. However, their Silver Plan is $565.48 USD = 19,000 Thai baht per month. $750 USD deductible applies.
Paul *******
Are you looking for something to solely to satisfy Thai immigration or looking for something to both Thai immigration and cover you in case of ill health?

There are much cheaper option for the former. (Off hand my policy is < $400 per year. ) They're not terribly good for the latter but healthcare cost in Thailand is super cheap compared to the US anyway.
Brian ***********
Wr life insurance all my friends use them brilliant mark freeman based in phuket
Peter ****************
@Brian **********
I got that one too and in the beginning 2,5-3 years ago positive stories. Lately they are a lot stricter.
Bob **********
Paul *********
Alex will hook you up with a good plan.
Paul *********
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Andy ***********
Mine is Axa inpatient only with $750 deductable / costs 80k baht … they have recently fully paid for surgery
Peter ****************
@Andy **********
Think you mean "INpatient" ? Because outpatient bills almost cost nothing in most cases.
Andy ***********
@Pe***
- the trouble is stuff like MRI is outpatient .. i also had spinal tap injections as outpatient …. Very expensive
Andy ***********
Yes - i will correct
Peter ****************
Coverage/paying out, is 'the key' over here. I pay 16,700฿ quarterly (So which is about 2.025$ a year at 68 for 2,5 year now). And thank god I not needed them. Hope so for the next 10 years 🤞BUT I think best to look for recent reviews on most known, like Cigna, Pacific cross, AXA, AIA, April etc.
Michael *******
I pay B42k p.a after 4 years no claims with Pacific Cross they are well regarded and found them to be spot on in all dealings with them a number of friends have claims experience which has also been good, incl a gall stone op……
Todd *********
@Michael ******
so 168,000 baht down the drain so far. Tough call whether to self insure or not
Michael *******
Yip done the math, I don’t really have a home option if I need serious hospitalization, UK is f**cked and not fair to burden family and wipe out their inheritance - two night stay here after a fight with a gate cost me B120k 5 years ago
Jeffrey **********
I simply pay cash
Marty *********
The cost of the plan will also depend on the deductible. Choosing a higher deductible will lower the cost. Routine care is very inexpensive in Thailand. Pay for this out of pocket. My plan deductible is $1,200 and in 7 years have never had a medical bill more than $600 and that was only once and included 2 nights in a private room.
James *********
Check out geo blue. But if you’re looking for something like check ups and prescriptions you’re probably best paying out of pocket. What exactly are you wanting covered?
ChÆse **********
I’m not sure if you have to be American to use them, but have you looked at Cigna Global plans? They seem reasonable and you can adjust coverage, deductible, and co-pay amounts to suit your needs. They are primarily for overseas coverage, but USA coverage can be added as an option that doesn’t seem to raise the price significantly.
Julane *******
@ChÆse *********
It's not for Americans only. It's a global coverage, but if you add coverage for the USA, the price skyrockets about 50%.

I've used them for 10 years, while living in different countries. Very reliable.
John ******
@Julane ******
want to confirm. Am European living in Thailand Cigna global already ten years. No experience with paying for hospitals. Never claimed
Julane *******
@John *****
I've had some claims, and they were quickly paid, after submitting online. It's also possible to get a reauthorization in advance so Cigna pays directly to the hospital. They also cover some routine annual health screenings.
James *********
@Julane ******
"Ballpark" yearly cost?
Julane *******
@James ********
61 yrs, zero deductible. Slightly over $3000 usd per year.
James *********
@Julane ******
Thank you🙏
Paul ***************
The pricing for expat health insurance can vary widely. It depends on the level of benefits you need, the number of people to be insured, each individual's age, and any pre-existing medical conditions.

Additionally, the quality of the insurance provider plays a significant role; domestic insurance tends to offer lower benefits and costs less, while international plans generally cost more due to their extensive benefits, broader coverage, and wider geographic scope.

The best approach is to obtain a personalized quotation based on your specific needs. For more information, please visit my website:

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Mark ********
Take a look at AA Insurance Brokers. Marcello sorted mine. He is very good.
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