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What kind of insurance should I get before moving to Thailand if I have a health issue?

Insurance Travel Insurance Health Insurance Expats in Thailand Visa and Immigration Pre-existing Conditions in Health Insurance Living Abroad

Aug 15, 2025

3 days ago

Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all not a visa related but I'll try anyway.  I am leaving UK to move to Thailand soon and trying to get insurance here before coming.  I have the problem that they want a return flight to give me the insurance also have an under investigation health problem.  What does everyone do please ?  Thanks

Edit it looks like I found an insurance company that doesn’t require return date. Big cat insurance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat moving from the UK to Thailand is seeking insurance options despite a requirement for a return flight and pre-existing health conditions. The discussion highlights the differences between travel insurance and health insurance, suggesting that health insurance should be obtained upon arrival in Thailand. Participants recommend companies that do not require a return ticket, such as Big Cat Insurance and World Nomads, while emphasizing the potential challenges of obtaining coverage for pre-existing health issues.

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Maitin *******

Get annual travel insurance with repatriation. For the most part, high quality health care is cheap ( by American standards ). It's also possible to buy an accident policy in Thailand

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

Go home when you reach each individual trip limit?

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher **********

that wouldn’t be cost effective and anyway I am planning to live there most of the year. I have found something now but thanks

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Maitin *******

@Ishbel **********

I have no choice. I can't get health insurance here due to a health condition so it's very effective for me. I generally fly non rev. So the cost of the flight is very low. The repatriation coverage in my accident policy is really only if I need a flight nurse and to equipment to fly home. Once home, my health insurance covers everything.

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Maitin *******

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Maitin *******

@Christopher **********

mine is 90 days. I usually travel every 2-3 months back home. Family obligations or doctors. Not a big deal. Never have to file 90 day reporting... Lol

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Maitin *******

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Ralph *******

Have you tried World Nomads? They used to do one-way travel insurance; no need for a return ticket. Use them for cover while you travel then get health insurance in Thailand.

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks Ralph I will add to my list.

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Ishbel ***********

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John **********

There's a big difference between travel insurance and health insurance. Sounds like you would be better purchasing health insurance after you move to Thailand. Also be aware that if you have a preexisting issue it won't be covered

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Yes I think that won't be a problem as its not that bad.

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Nongnuch ********

@Ishbel **********

if it is "that bad" or not - that's not YOU who decides it, but a doctor or a hospital. If you conceal pre-existing conditions, every health insurance can kick you from the contract

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Nongnuch ********

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Paul *********

Get insurance when here . If you had dates , travel insurance would then ask if you are awaiting appointments , tests , prognosis etc . Been there done that & I was declined .

Anything pre existing in UK will be accessed by insurer in event of a claim .Every GP surgery has staff dealing with medical records & disclosure

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Sylvia ********

Uk insurance will only cover a fixed period, you need to apply for Thai annual cover on arrival. Most won't cover existing issues for a period of time, one or 2 years, some want list of medications and a full medical. Lots of choice but depends on age

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Ricky ********

Lots of opinions, happy to offer support as I work for an broker in Thailand

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks i might contact you when I am settled if thats ok.

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Ricky ********

@Ishbel **********

sounds good 👍

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Ricky ********

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Pete *******

You are confusing travel insurance with health insurance. Get your health insurance once you arrive in Thailand.

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Phil ********

If you're living here why not use Thai insurance?

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes i will try to get health insurance when i get there. it was just seeming a bit impossible to get travel insurance for the first couple of months, but i think i have now found a company to do that. Big Cat Travel Insurance

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Phil ********

@Ishbel **********

I have a family policy with these here.

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Phil ********

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David **********

Don't get health insurance they don't cover anything in your history

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

You said you are moving to Thailand. Is it travel or health insurance (or both) that you are wanting to apply for?

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher **********

hi thanks for your response it’s health insurance I will need

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

@Ishbel **********

Cigna Global processed my health insurance quote over the telephone in a very short time. They are only concerned with conditions you have actually been diagnosed with, how long ago and whether you are currently taking medication? My preexisting condition was regarded as resolved and disregarded. No exclusions applicable. Their Silver Plan was $565 USD per month at my age of 68.

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

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Baz *********

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Steve *********

What insurance company are you going through?

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Ishbel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ********

I tried a few different ones but I think what I will do is not tell them about the under investigation thing as can’t seem to get a quote

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Markie ******

@Ishbel **********

at your own risk.

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Markie ******

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Jason **********

Buy a refundable ticket or use onward ticket service

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David *********

@Jason *********

i wouldn’t buy onward ticket for insurance as if y make a claim they can easily check it and could consider it as false information

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Jason **********

@David ********

that's true since it's for insurance not worth the risk you are correct.

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Jason **********

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Keith *******

If you want holiday insurance they may need a flight number, otherwise it doesn't matter

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Graham ******

If you are applying for standard travel insurance they normally issue this from your departure date to your return date. You'll need something more specific to your travel plans.

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Graham ******

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