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What is the average cost of health insurance for expats living in Thailand on a retirement visa?

health insuranceThailandretirement visaNON-O visaexpat livinginsurance costsmedical coveragePacific CrossAXApersonal accident insurance
Oct 30, 2023
a year ago
Julie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can someone tell me approximately how much it costs for health insurance per year to live in Thailand on a retirement visa? Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The cost of health insurance in Thailand for expats, particularly those on a retirement visa (NON-O), can vary significantly based on factors such as age, type of coverage, and specific health needs. Generally, quotes range from around 26,000 THB to over 250,000 THB per year. Although health insurance is not mandatory for NON-O visa holders, it is recommended for those concerned about potential high medical expenses, especially in case of major accidents or serious health issues. Among the suggested providers are Pacific Cross and AXA, with options for large deductibles to lower premiums. Many expats have shared personal experiences regarding costs and coverage, indicating that negotiations on quotes are common, and pricing can often be improved over time.
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Stephen ************
26,000 baht for 1 year

Must be in Thailand to purchase

I checked all the exclusions and it’s a great policy

Do get ripped off by highly polished sales people
a year ago
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David *********
Depending on coverage and your age it can range from 40,000 THB to over 250,000 THB per year
a year ago
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Stephen ************
Talk to Alex

Mentioned my name and he will take care of you…. Nothing in it for me but he was a great guy to deal with

Happy to help 👍
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Stephen ***********
 haha. Referrals always carry a commission.

Otherwise the " mention my name "....ching- ching
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@Steve *********
Who rattled your cage??

You have some serious issues

Reckon you could cause an argument with your own shadow 😂😂 jog on !
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Stephen ***********
 Just resent predators scaring people into buying insurance they don't NEED, for commissions you WANT.
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@Steve *********
 you still here you clown I thought you were told to jog on 😴

What are you better known as by the neighbours the

“Village Idiot” 😂😂😂
a year ago
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Stephen ************
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Steve **********
@David ********
 I haven't spent 40,000 out of pocket in 20 years.

A typ visit (Dr, test, meds) 500 to 800 baht
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@Steve *********
Just when your minding your own business walking down a street and an uninsured drunk Thai driver runs into you

You can not sue him he has no money and your in a serious bad way in hospital

I would add a few 0000’s onto the 800 baht

Then you might just wake up and smell the coffee 😂😂😂
a year ago
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Steve **********
Stephen Hunt-Leigh yes and a meteor 'may' fall insurance company fine print and ambiguity on previous conditions tie up insured at there expense for years until the insures interst are no longer cost effective.

Many movies and books written. Insur Co's are like banks....you Pay. They don't.

Bigest cultpret is Met- Life.
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@Steve *********
Oh well…. Good luck walking on the sidewalk 🙏
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Stephen ***********
 the typical ( even the the atypical ) insurance salesman, carries in his pocket the " but what if, remember the flood of Noah ", or " that meteor on the news ", simply wants his commission.
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@Steve *********
You obviously have issues with insurance companies

Have a good day my friend 👍
a year ago
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Stephen ************
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David *********
@Steve *********
 The person wanted to know the cost of medical insurance for a year. Not what you my spend yourself without insurance. Read the previous request which I answered
a year ago
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Steve **********
@David ********
 yes I was disputing cost, rather than disillusion.

Insur Co's are a scam in a country with such good and inexpensive care
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Sharron *******
Iam 76 I am sure it will be harder to get any insurance I am afraid?
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@David ********
Or depending how vulnerable you are to being ripped off

I got my policy for 26,000 baht (I’m 66 yrs young)and the coverage was excellent compared to more expensive policies

And yes I did check the exclusions and nothing was relevant
a year ago
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Tom *******
@Stephen ***********
 who’s your insurers if you don’t mind me asking? I’m looking to buy one soon as I approach my 60th birthday. TIA.
a year ago
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Stephen ************
@Tom ******
SBC insurance
a year ago
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Stephen ************
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Christopher ***********
Many ex-pats who are entitled to free healthcare in their home Countries have no healthcare plan. They believe they could always return home for treatment. However, that isn’t always possible if involved in a serious accident or suffer a stroke for example. Don’t forget there is such thing as Personal Accident Insurance and, of course, motor insurance would pay for your hospital treatment in the case of a Road Traffic Accident.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Christopher **********
 you sound like an insurance salesman

Been here 20 years know many expats...most 'out of pocket'...big accident, you get thai rate..but haven't heard of any, other than salesman looking for commission's.

This isn't US, don't get sucked in by insur agents driving better cars and declaring everything a pre existing cond.

Their line is:

.

Ya, but what if ??
a year ago
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Christopher ***********
@Steve *********
 I know what you mean Steve! I have no cover because I was diagnosed with and received treatment for raised blood pressure in 1986. I don’t drive/ride and leave that to the Mrs. If I could, I would take the advice of Marty Pollard and cover the big risks only and reduce my premium via large excess/deductible.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Christopher **********
 have had high BP fir decades, as has anyone over 60. Take OTC pills that control easily. Meditation works wonders.

Dont know if HBP termed a pre- existing cond.

Have great relationship w/ hosp and Dr.

Have real conditions, but go monthly for Testo, abd B-12 inj. Could do myself but the 500 baht keeps me on terms with Dr. Once a year a blood test and ECG..about 1000 baht.

Any insur Co would claim BP or having had ECG implied pre-existing, to fight you need a lawyer etc.

Keep it simple. Stress causes 90% of ailments

Have no idea who Marty Polard is ?
a year ago
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Patrick ********
@Steve *********
a year ago
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Patrick ********
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Stephen ************
I bought one in Thailand just 3 weeks ago for 26,000 baht for 1 year.

The same company initially quoted 72,000 baht but after 1 month offered the same policy with the same insurance provider for 46,000 baht cheaper

Morale of the story don’t take the 1st price just keep telling them your still interested and ready to buy 😂😂
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Stephen ***********
 it tell you how much they make in comm, and how few Thai hospitals honor them. If they do, they just raise price, then deduct.

'Insur co's provide NO med service', just collect your money for their needs.

Go to the med provider and talk, negotiate, befriend....this is Thailand
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Stephen ***********
 read it carefully..see what's covered. Excluded, ask you Dr for real price .

* how long is a piece of string ?
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Marty *********
You’ve already been advised that you don’t need health insurance if you retire here on an O visa. I do have an insurance strategy though. I bought a 10 million baht policy from Pacific Cross with a 40,000 baht deductible. Health care is really inexpensive here and I have never spent as much as 40,000 baht in a year. A large deductible lowers the rate and I am getting an additional discount for not having made any claims. The insurance is there for a big health event such as an auto accident or a heart attack or whatever.
a year ago
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Anthony ****
@Marty ********
 did you consider other insurance companies that were a close second etc before going with pacific cross? Thx
a year ago
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Marty *********
@Anthony ***
 I watched a video of someone else that compared companies and and I chose Pacific Cross. I start the policy in 2018 and it was my first time buying insurance in over 30 years. I can’t say I am a sophisticated buyer. There are too many variables for each person to recommend a specific policy. As for the integrity of the company, there will always be people the love or hate a particular company. I have never made a claim so I can’t report on that except to say that I am getting a discount of about 20,000 baht for not having made a claim.
a year ago
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Mike ******
@Marty ********
 the secret is when you make a claim..you get discounts now..but what happens after a claim...50% in increase..please tell me..I do not no..
a year ago
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Mike ******
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Mark *********
@Marty ********
 Smart. My way of thinking too.
a year ago
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Steve **********
Gave you my views.

Many insurance agents out there....all doing what insur agents do .
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Wyn **********
Watch they tell you outpatient cover 1500 a day but their deductable is 300,000 annoying.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Wyn *********
 who is the proverbial " they " .

Every one says " they " tell you ?

Get the facts !, you have a cell....goggle
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Wyn *********
 depends totally on hospital. Never heard of 300k deductible.

Chiangmai has wonderful hospitals. But way of life...few need.
a year ago
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Wyn **********
@Steve *********
 Many of the big insurance companies have deductibles from
*****
to 1million baht but it's your choice.👍
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Wyn *********
 sounds like you sell insur.
a year ago
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Wyn **********
@Steve *********
 Nope
a year ago
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Wyn **********
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Steve **********
Been here 20 years, spent less in ' out of pocket ' in that charged for 1 month payment

Get to know Dr.

90% of meds are OTC

Obviously if you have a serious condition, in which case ' pre exist cond apply ' fix before coming.

Diet, weather, lack of stress will add ten years to your life
a year ago
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Steve **********
If you have Google, a good Pharmacist, and a Dr you can ask advice from.....your all set.

I don't pay attention to ailments, as stress escalates them. mai - pen - rai.

' The nicest thing about old age is:

It doesn't last long ! '
a year ago
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Danny *******
@Steve *********
 How do you ‘fix’ a preexisting condition?
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Danny ******
 if it a pre existing, it means it hasn't been addressed , address it !

You didn't say permanent condition.
a year ago
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Danny *******
@Steve *********
 Pre existing means a condition you’ve had before and could possibly have again. Think chronic conditions not broken bones. Arthritis, heart issues, diabetes, cancer that you recovered from, etc, Have you never had to deal with this on a health insurance level? It’s quite common.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Danny ******
 I know what preexisting is.

Are you a frustrated schoolteacher ?
a year ago
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Danny *******
@Steve *********
 You don’t sound like you do.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Danny ******
 check your hearing
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Steve **********
@Danny ******
 if doesn't hinder mobility. Learn to live with....many do

If preexisting. ie: need bypass, or stint. Fix before coming.
a year ago
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Danny *******
@Steve *********
 Doesn’t matter. If you had a heart issue in the past it will be considered a preexisting condition and not covered by most insurer in Thailand. I know from personal experience. I have Pacific Cross and anything I ever had was considered preexisting and excluded.
a year ago
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Chizel *******
@Danny ******
 there may be some coverage on previous injuries etc looks like it depends on timing of everything. From Pacific Cross;

"A pre-existing condition means any medical condition (including conditions that are a consequence of the said condition), which presents signs or symptoms in a period of 5 years prior to the first policy effective date that would cause a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment, or for which diagnosis, care or treatment was given before the policy effective date."
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Danny ******
 agree. All ( most ) men over 50 have elevated BP. It's for that reason most insur co's have no problem with calling everything as related to it. Therefore pre existing.

I pay as I go. My bp meds are about 200 bah baht. a month, B-12 and testo shots are 500 total.

Haven't needed anything else in 20 years.

Do get blood test and ECG yearly..but never a problem.

Thai Insur Marketing now approaching US intensity......foolishness, even my Dr shakes his head.
a year ago
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Danny *******
@Steve *********
 That’s my point. It can’t be fixed to the point of covered by insurance. You are screwed if you can’t pay out of pocket. I usually can by I had to have a pacemaker while in the US this year. Medicare paid $80,000! Pacific Cross would have paid nothing since I had a Afib condition on my records that had never caused a problem or required any treatment in the past. My good luck I was in the States.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Danny ******
 yes.. if you have a serious health issue. Your better staying home.

Many friends here have had hip and knee replacements done here, but if internal....?
a year ago
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Danny *******
@Steve *********
 Right. I've been here 15 years, but they won't even cover a sinus infection because I've had some in the past (who hasn't). I had RA some 40 years ago and have been in remission ever since ... nope not cover any arthritis. I have a thyroid goiter, non-cancerous and biopsied several times. Nothing from it for 25 years ... nope can't cover any thyroid issues. The insurance is worthless unless i get a brain tumor.
a year ago
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Danny *******
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Steve ********
@Steve *********
 Don't know so much about the diet! Much Thai food is very unhealthy, especially fried street food with added sugar served with white rice. Diabetes II here we come!
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Steve *******
 Io find diet great, lost all extra weight, excersize, no stress.

If you don't like Thai food. Why retire here.

Yes plenty of farang food, but it's making Thais UN- healthy.
a year ago
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Steve ********
@Steve *********
 Who said I don't like Thai food? Perhaps read what I said before flapping your gums and then tell me why diabetes II is so prevalent amongst Thai people
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Steve *******
 it's not !

But flapping gums is a symptom in itself. And don't want to be near it.
a year ago
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Andrew *******
@Steve *********
 diabetes is increasing in all se Asian countries ....possibly because they are consuming more sugar and eating western food
a year ago
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Alain ********
@Andrew ******
 like beverages sold in the 7Eleven: they have a very high sugar rate.... more than European beverages
a year ago
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Steve ********
@Steve *********
 Stop kidding yourself

******************************************************
*****
266/#:~:text=Like%20other%20countries%20in%20the,rates%2C%20and%20an%20aging%20society.
a year ago
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Steve ********
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Graham *******
A quote from last year with copay, can be used for comparison, need to get accurate quote!
a year ago
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Remy ********
Hi Graham, excellent, and a good start; what was the age indicated for this quotation pls?
a year ago
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Graham *******
@Remy *******
 60
a year ago
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Remy ********
@Graham ******
 , thank you very much👍
a year ago
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Remy ********
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Johan ********
Not mandatory for Non-O retirement. Rates depends on age and coverage.

This site compares many plans:
*********************************************


Check WR Life also.
a year ago
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Graham *******
@Johan *******
 I used your link, my opinion is that these quotes are far, far, far to low!
a year ago
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Fernando ********
@Johan *******
 Health Insurance is a requirement if applying for Non-O visa from Australia
a year ago
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Johan ********
@Fernando *******
 Not mandatory if you apply when you come here.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Fernando *******
 then better off with O-X or LTR.
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Rob **********
It depends on so many things if you are a bit more specific you might get some better answers. You can try AXA or Pacific Cross for starters, but way to many variables to answer a generic question.
a year ago
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Julie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob *********
 sorry. I thought it was mandatory to move there. I guess the basic cover that will allow me to move there.
a year ago
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Rob **********
@Julie *****
 health insurance is mandatory if you are on a OA visa, but otherwise it is entirely up to you, but I would recommend you do. Again any cover you choose would be based on your age, preexisting conditions, deductible, what level you require, your budget etc.
a year ago
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Rob **********
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Jeffrey ************
Too many variables....
a year ago
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Neil *********
Julie it depends on a lot of factors including your budget and the type you want.
a year ago
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Neil *********
It’s ok if you want dm me I’ll look into for you. I’m a U.K. financial advisor who lives and works here in Bangkok
a year ago
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Julie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil ********
 ok thanks.
a year ago
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Neil *********
@Julie *****
 no problem it can be a minefield I know lol
a year ago
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Neil *********
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Julie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil ********
 I thought it was required to move there
a year ago
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Rob **********
@Julie *****
 only required if you are on a OA visa, otherwise not mandatory but highly recommended.
a year ago
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Neil *********
@Julie *****
 yes but the costs on which provider you choose vary depending what type of policy you require. A cheap one or an international comprehensive one etc
a year ago
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Julie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil ********
 ok what would I be looking at with the two different ones. Sorry for being so vague but I’m not sure what the requirements are.
a year ago
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Julie ******
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