Whether you’re thinking of retiring to Thailand, or have been living in the Kingdom for a number of years, the subject of insurance will certainly need to be addressed at some point. The level of coverage you choose may well have an impact on your personal situation in years to come. It may even spell the difference between continuing your life in Thailand or migrating back to your home country for health reasons. It makes sense to choose a policy that will provide a lifetime renewal guarantee to secure your situation long term.
Thai health care, at private level, is among the best in the world. The hospitals are modern, well-equipped, the health professionals are competent, the waiting times are practically zero. Especially in the big cities like Bangkok, Chang Mai, and Pattaya, expats can expect a top rate health service with a policy that provides a wide coverage for in patient care and out patient appointments.
When considering Thai insurance for foreigners there are usually two options. If you are an employee working in Thailand then your employer is legally obligated to provide health insurance, although this policy will probably only cover the basic requirements for emergency treatments with serious conditions having policy limits that can be reached within the early stages of treatment. It makes sense to top up such a policy with a personal critical illness policy that will cover serious conditions with a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of critical or terminal illness. Some expats will opt for double insurance and hold two primary care polices, one from their employer, and the other personally acquired. The rationale being that if they lose their job or their contract expires, they will remain covered for basic primary in and out patient care.
Some foreigners may consider purchasing a no medical life insurance policy to protect their family and loved ones in the advent of loss of life. These polices have the advantage of not requiring medical evaluation, and like critical illness cover, afford a good top-up option for those looking for additional umbrella coverage above the limitations of their primary policies.
While a private group policy plan provided by an employer usually affords a wide range of coverage the downsides are a low limit on out patient care, the exclusion, usually, of pre-existing conditions, and the exclusion of coverage for other family members. A careful read of the policy wording will help you understand if the policy covers hospitalization for a reasonable rate and period, medical emergencies, accidents and other serious illnesses.
The best way to navigate your policy and fill gaps in coverage is to have a careful read of the policy wording and take out a separate policy that covers any gaps in coverage. Thai social security insurance is available for foreigners who have acquired citizenship or who are employed without a private group insurance policy, but having two health care policies in place is probably the most prudent way forward.