Moving to Thailand as an expatriate is an exhilarating adventure, filled with vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. However, it’s crucial to familiarize oneself with the local healthcare system and consider expat health insurance to ensure access to quality medical care and peace of mind while exploring this beautiful country. Health Cover Now offers various international health insurance plans tailored to the specific needs of expats in Thailand. Whether you are required to have insurance under your visa category or not, the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive coverage is invaluable. Read the below Healthcare and Insurance Guide to Phuket, Thailand to learn more.
Understanding Health Insurance Options
Private health insurance in Thailand is available from both local and international insurance companies, each with its own set of coverage, claim limits, and exclusions. Expats should consider an International Private Medical Insurance policy (IPMI) , as they are typically governed by international law (UK, France , or the US) , are structured to support expats living abroad, offer guarantees of renewal, and don’t have the same limitations exclusions as local plans and travel insurance. (Read more on the difference between comprehensive IPMI and Travel Insurance here.)
Local Foreign Insurance Companies
Local insurance policies offered by international companies in Thailand present an alternative to IPMI cover, and are considered a budget option due to their exclusions, claim limits, and policy documents in Thai. Additionally, any claim disputes will fall under local laws. International policies (IPMI for expats) typically are domiciled and adjudicated under French, UK or US law giving policyholders greater protection if there is a major claim dispute. International policies will also guarantee your renewal while most local providers have an option of cancelling your policy at renewal. Coverage for pre-existing conditions is also limited with local insurers due to their stricter underwriting approach. Lastly local plans are not portable so if you decide top move to another country or your employees asks you to relocate you may be left uninsured , and having to go through a lengthy underwriting process again which may exclude recent conditions.
International Health Insurance Plans
Health Cover Now collaborates with renowned insurers such as Cigna, Allianz, Passport Card, AXA, Now Health, April Int., MSH, William Russel and others. These partnerships enable expats to find tailored plans accommodating their medical needs and budget constraints. Factors influencing plan costs include age, coverage benefits, geographical area, and deductible preferences. Remember, the 2 biggest advantages of an IPMI policy is that they offer guarantees of renewal and portability, if you decide to move to another country.
What about Travel Insurance
The main difference between travel insurance and IPMI is the length of the individual policies. Travel insurance covers you for a specific trip or period, whereas IPMI provides cover on an ongoing basis, and typically can be renewed every year with certain gurantees.
How Healthcare Works in Thailand
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health oversees healthcare, maintaining good quality, especially in urban areas. Public hospitals, numbering over 1,000, serve those covered by the social security scheme. Expats without insurance can access public healthcare but must pay the full bill, usually at a lower cost than private healthcare.
Health Cover Now can help you choose a health insurance plan that meets your specific needs, and this Healthcare and Insurance Guide to Phuket, Thailand will help you understand which facilities are accessible locally if you require medical care.
Options in Phuket for Medical Care
Private hospitals in Thailand, like the globally renowned Bumrungrad International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital, offer state-of-the-art facilities. Despite the value for money, medical costs can accumulate, emphasizing the importance of private health insurance for expats.
In Phuket, you can find many types of hospitals, such as government-run ones, private hospitals, and smaller clinics. When seeking medical care, foreigners need to think about language differences and cultural nuances which may impact their overall experience. We recommend choosing private hospitals that have English-speaking medical professionals or translators on staff. The below hospitals not only offer superior Western-style services but their quality of care is some of the best in the country. Some are also affiliated with top hospitals in Bangkok.
Here are some options for healthcare in Phuket:-
1. Siriroj International Hospital
Siriroj International Hospital is a private hospital, located on the Prince of Songkla University campus, blends academic excellence with excellent medical services. The hospital specializes on urology, cardiology, and ophthalmology and has cutting-edge equipment.
Website: https://www.phuketinternationalhospital.com/en/
Address:- 44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd Phuket 83000 Thailand
Phone: +66 76 361 888
Email: [email protected]
2. Bangkok Hospital – Phuket
Bangkok Hospital Phuket is a private hospital and a component of the renowned Bangkok Hospital Group, provides a wide range of medical treatments, including specialty departments for cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer. The hospital has cutting-edge facilities and a staff of highly trained medical specialists.
Website:- https://www.phukethospital.com/
Address:- 2/1 Hongyok Utis Road, Muang District, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.
Phone:- +66 (0) 7625 4425
Email:- [email protected]
3. Dibuk Hospital – Part of Bangkok Duist Medical Services
Dibuk Hospital is a private healthcare center that specializes in tailored patient care. The hospital offers treatments in a variety of specialties, including internal medicine, dermatology, and radiology, and takes a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Website:- https://www.dibukhospital.com/hospital-profile/
Address:- No. 89/8-9 Village No. 2, Chaofa Road, Wichit Subdistrict Mueang Phuket
Phone:- 076 298 298, 076 609 050
Email:- [email protected]
4. Mission Hospital Phuket
Mission Hospital Phuket specializes in primary care, emergency medicine, and general surgery, with a dedicated team of caring medical professionals. This non-profit hospital has been serving the local community since 1940, providing high-quality treatment at reasonable prices.
Website:- https://mission-hospital.org/en/
Address:- W94R+P8G, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phone:- +6676237220
Email:- [email protected]
Additional Benefits
Dental Coverage:- Comprehensive international health insurance plans can include dental coverage, encompassing routine check-ups and major procedures. Prioritize well-being by recognizing the role of dental and vision care in overall health.
Maternity and Family Coverage:- Expats planning families in Thailand should prioritize maternity coverage, encompassing prenatal care, delivery expenses, and coverage for the newborn. Health Cover Now recommends plans understanding the unique needs of expat families. It is critical to inquire well in advance as all policies have waiting periods ranging from 10 – 24 months.
Preventive Care and Wellness Programs:- Look for plans offering preventive care benefits such as vaccinations, regular health check-ups, traditional Chinese medicine and wellness programs. Proactive healthcare measures contribute to long-term well-being.
Pre-existing Conditions: While expats with pre-existing conditions may face coverage limitations, alternative solutions include plans with exclusions, moratoriums, or coverage with loading. Understanding these terms aids in choosing an appropriate plan is vital and Health Cover Now can assist you in selecting a specific insurer that may offer full coverage of you pre-existing condition.
Second Opinion: If you’re faced with a difficult medical decision, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. Many overseas health insurance policies include the expense of a second opinion, giving you more confidence in your medical decisions.
Emergency Evacuation Plan: If you’re in a rural area or distant from advanced medical facilities, having an emergency medical evacuation plan in place can save your life. Ensure that your insurance covers this risk, and also seek further clarification on the mechanics of this benefit.
Tips for Healthcare in Thailand for Expats
Preparation is key for expats navigating healthcare in Thailand. Some tips include maintaining emergency contact information, carrying essential medical records, researching local medical facilities, learning basic medical phrases in the local language, understanding the claim process, staying informed about local regulations, seeking second opinions when necessary, and having an emergency evacuation plan in remote areas. (Check out our website for additional information on mitigating risks whilst abroad)
Health Cover Now’s service proportion includes assisting you with claims concerns, inpatient hospital admissions, and critical incident management that may necessitate an evacuation to Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
Retirees Seeking International Healthcare
Retirees planning to settle in Thailand should prioritize health insurance, but there are several limiting factor that may impact your ability to find suitable health cover like your age and whether you have pre-existing conditions. Health Cover Now can help you find specialty providers who cater to retirees and have higher age accessibility criteria.
Conclusion
In summary, expats who visit or live in Thailand can benefit from health insurance plans that are tailored to their specific needs. Health Cover Now provides a variety of plans that ensure global coverage and help throughout the insurance journey.
Choosing an experienced and knowledgeable insurance broker is a critical step in assessing and obtaining a policy, as your family’s health and the investment you make to safeguard it are among the most important considerations you will need to make when moving abroad. Thailand is an excellent place to live, work, and retire, with a fascinating culture, incredible food selections, and picture-perfect weather. Give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by looking into your insurance options today.
Thanks for reading our Healthcare and Insurance Guide to Phuket, Thailand. Contact Health Cover Now today to book an appointment to discuss international medical insurance. Email:- [email protected]