How to choose an expatriate health insurance for Thailand?

The best type of insurance for expatriate in Thailand will depend on your needs and preferences. A combination of both your public social security insurance and an additional private insurance scheme should cover you for any emergencies that can happen, and ensure you are comfortable and well taken care of.

If you don’t want the extra money, don’t mind waiting for a doctor’s visit, and are otherwise healthy, you may easily continue with your public insurance scheme. Thailand’s public healthcare system is far from awful. The physicians are skilled and well-trained, and the country’s public healthcare system is regarded as one of the finest in the world, having been named to the 2019 list of nations with the greatest healthcare systems by Thai media.

Thailand’s national health insurance for expatriate covers:

In an emergency, you can seek care at another public hospital, pay in advance, and then be repaid by Social Security.

You will also be covered for maternity and sick leave. You will be paid 50% of your regular income for up to 90 days after giving birth. Only valid for your second pregnancy.
In addition to your employer’s “sick days,” you will be paid 50% of your pay for up to 180 days of sick leave every year. This can be prolonged to 356 days for more severe illnesses, such as cancer.

Concerning dental insurance:

Thailand’s national medical insurance for expatriate program only covers a limited amount for dental bills, which is frequently insufficient to cover checkups and minor operations. You will have to pay for any more significant dental procedures yourself or obtain a private health insurance plan that includes dental care.

Private health insurance policies (both domestic and foreign) cover medical care, prescription medicine, ambulance expenses, maternity, and hospitalization, among other things. The enhancement is that you may get treatment in either public or private hospitals in Thailand, as well as pick your own medical personnel.

Furthermore, foreign health insurance providers cover emergency evacuation or repatriation. Assume you are an American expat residing in Thailand who wishes to undergo medical care in a hospital in the United States. A domestic insurance company will not pay the expense of evacuation, however an international health insurance plan would. Another important consideration for expat retirees in Thailand is that many local insurance providers would omit coverage or refuse to offer policies to elderly persons.

1. Domestic private insurance: If you want greater convenience, the ability to pick your own physicians and hospitals, a better experience if you require medical care, and you don’t mind paying a little more, then Thai private health insurance is for you. However, because many firms eliminate coverage for anyone over the age of 65, this may not be advantageous for retirees.

2. International health insurance: If you want a broader range of health insurance, not just in Thailand but also abroad, you can select a comprehensive international health insurance plan, which is often the best insurance for expatriate who travel between their country of residence and their home country.

Several factors influence the cost of a health insurance coverage.Seniors typically pay more for medical insurance than younger generations.
The benefit of having your own insurance for expatriate is that you may tailor it to your own needs. The more coverage you have, the higher the cost of the policy.

How many persons are covered by your plan?

Your monthly costs will climb if you include family members. Regardless of whether you purchase a domestic or international plan. In contrast, public health insurance is based on your income.
You do not need to pay anything more because the money is deducted immediately from your paycheck in the form of social security contributions (5% of the salary).

If you work in Thailand in a typical employer-employee relationship, you will be entitled to participate in the national social security system. This implies that your company is liable for contributing a percentage of your wages to the government-run health-care program.

In Thailand, government-administered health insurance has two significant advantages. The first is that your employer handles all of your paperwork and administration. The second benefit is that it may be an excellent method to save money. The plan is quite affordable, and having your health care coverage taken care of automatically is a great benefit!

The monthly fee is capped at 750 Thai Baht and is calculated as 5% of your total pay. The advantages include both medical care and the medication used in treatment.

While this may be less expensive, users may not have access to the same doctors as those with foreign private medical insurance. Consider the type of care you want to get. You may want to consider purchasing private medical insurance for expatriate.

Is Self-Employed Eligible for Public Insurance in Thailand?

Self-employed people are also eligible for social security coverage if they enlist freely and pay their premiums.

Expats who have local insurance or social security can only use public hospitals. Expats with private health insurance can be treated in both public and private hospitals.

The quality of care provided in Thailand’s public hospitals varies. There are frequently large lineups, a limited number of support workers, and medical consultations are brief. The patient is responsible for their own food and personal hygiene in almost all institutions.

As a result, it’s not surprising that many expats supplement their coverage or opt for complete expat health insurance in Thailand. Expats with private health insurance in Thailand may be assured of receiving the greatest medical care in the country’s leading private hospitals.

One of the most significant advantages of a global medical plan is the ability to obtain treatment in any nation of your choosing. So, if you can’t find a doctor in Thailand who meets your criteria, you can seek treatment from a specialist in another nation and still be covered by your insurance.

An foreign health insurance plan, which includes emergency evacuation or repatriation, is the best option. The insurance for expatriate will cover evacuation charges, so you won’t have to worry about that.