• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
International Citizens Insurance
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    ▼
    • International Health Insurance Plans
      ▼
      • Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies
      • Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      ▼
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
      • Expat insurance for Brazilian Citizens Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      ▼
      • Travel Medical Insurance Plans
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
  • Group Plans
    ▼
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Missionary Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
    • School Groups
    • Top 10 Group Health Insurance Companies
  • Insurance Companies
    ▼
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      ▼
      • Cigna Close Care
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
      • Cigna Healthguard
    • GeoBlue
      ▼
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Navigator Student Health Insurance
      • Voyager Travel Medical Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • Integra Global
    • International Medical Group
      ▼
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • GlobalFusion Health Insurance Plan
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      ▼
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners
      ▼
      • Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage
      • RoundTrip Cancellation Insurance for U.S. Residents
      • Wander Frequent Traveler Plus
    • Trawick International
      ▼
      • SafeTreker Travel Insurance Plan
    • Unisure Group
    • William Russell Insurance
      ▼
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      ▼
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    ▼
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    ▲
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Understanding Health Insurance in South America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      ▼
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      ▲
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      ▼
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      ▼
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      ▼
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Resources
    ▼
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • Seniors Travel Insurance
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      ▼
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Request a free international health care quote

Or call for a quote:
877-758-4881
+44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance

Medical and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

Request a Quote
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    • International Health Insurance Plans
      • Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies
      • Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
      • Expat insurance for Brazilian Citizens Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      • Travel Medical Insurance Plans
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
  • Group Plans
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Missionary Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
    • School Groups
    • Top 10 Group Health Insurance Companies
  • Insurance Companies
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      • Cigna Close Care
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
      • Cigna Healthguard
    • GeoBlue
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Navigator Student Health Insurance
      • Voyager Travel Medical Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • Integra Global
    • International Medical Group
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • GlobalFusion Health Insurance Plan
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners
      • Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage
      • RoundTrip Cancellation Insurance for U.S. Residents
      • Wander Frequent Traveler Plus
    • Trawick International
      • SafeTreker Travel Insurance Plan
    • Unisure Group
    • William Russell Insurance
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Understanding Health Insurance in South America
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Resources
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • Seniors Travel Insurance
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Home > International Plans > Global Health Insurance > Health Insurance Plans in Asia > Health Insurance in Thailand

Health Insurance in Thailand for Foreigners

expat husband and wife hiking around thailand

What You Need to Know About Expat Health Insurance in Thailand

expat husband and wife hiking around thailandThailand is a popular destination for travelers and expats alike. The low cost of living, beautiful weather, delicious food, and large, supportive digital nomad community make the decision to relocate to Thailand an easy one. But safety and health are still important, so having comprehensive health insurance in Thailand is essential. Recently, it has also become mandatory.

As of 2021, all visitors to Thailand, whether short or long term, are required to hold travel or international medical insurance that includes COVID-19 and has minimum coverage of $100,000. We have both travel and global plans that will cover the Thai government’s insurance requirements. Contact us to receive a quote for insurance that best suits your particular needs.

You will find health insurance gives significant peace of mind while you travel in the Land of Smiles. Infectious diseases, traffic accidents, and foodborne illnesses are common in Thailand. The country also offers many high-risk adventure sports, boating trips, and regional excursions. Understanding your health insurance options in Thailand will give you the greatest peace of mind as you start to explore your new home country.

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers and expats alike. The low cost of living, beautiful weather, delicious food, and large, supportive digital nomad community make the decision to relocate to Thailand an easy one. But safety and health are still important, so having comprehensive health insurance in Thailand is essential. Recently, it has also become mandatory.

As of 2021, all visitors to Thailand, whether short or long term, are required to hold travel or international medical insurance that includes COVID-19 and has minimum coverage of $100,000. We have both travel and global plans that will cover the Thai government’s insurance requirements. Contact us to receive a quote for insurance that best suits your particular needs.

You will find health insurance gives significant peace of mind while you travel in the Land of Smiles. Infectious diseases, traffic accidents, and foodborne illnesses are common in Thailand. The country also offers many high-risk adventure sports, boating trips, and regional excursions. Understanding your health insurance options in Thailand will give you the greatest peace of mind as you start to explore your new home country.

female expat working on laptop in thailand

In general, Thailand has high-quality healthcare. An estimated 99.5% of the population has access to the country’s universal health care program which has been in effect since 2002. In major centers like Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Chiang Mai there are excellent facilities and English-speaking staff.

However, in more rural areas, health care services can be limited and are mostly run by volunteers. There are over 1 million village health volunteers throughout Thailand, and these volunteers have taken on even more responsibility in the health care system since the COVID pandemic. Throughout the country, the majority of first responders are volunteers, and fully equipped ambulances are only sent to a scene once volunteers have assessed the situation. Even in a large city like Bangkok, 65% of emergency cases are handled by volunteers.

Healthcare in Thailand and “Local Insurance” Options

Budget-conscious expats who are self-employed will likely have heard of “local private health insurance” as an option in Thailand. Local insurance is a form of private health insurance that’s sold by Thai companies and even banks to expats in Thailand. Advertisements are common in expat-targeted newspapers and magazines in Bangkok and other popular tourist destinations.

If you are obtaining a long-term Thai visa, you may be required to get insurance from a specific list of local insurers. Discuss this issue with your local visa consultant.

thailand doctor checking child's heartbeat

Local Thai Insurance for Internationals – Advantages

On the plus side, local insurance is often inexpensive and accessible. Using it is as simple as showing your insurance card to the hospital staff. Local hospitals are used to dealing with local insurance and they’ll take care of all your paperwork. This is no small thing in a country famous for its love of administration!

Patients are normally required to visit a hospital or clinic within their medical insurance company’s roster of approved partners, otherwise known as going to an “in-network” facility. If a patient has to use an out-of-network medical facility, they will have to pay upfront and submit a claim to their insurance provider.

Local Thai Insurance for Foreigners – Disadvantages

Local insurance can come with many exclusions. For instance, accidents that result from motorcycle rides are often not covered. That might not sound like a big deal before you move, but once you arrive you’ll soon see that virtually everyone in Thailand travels by motorcycle! Local insurance policies also carry claim limits.

Like many insurance policies, you get more coverage when you invest in a more expensive policy. However, knowing how much to purchase can be stressful if you aren’t familiar with the average cost of medical services at Thai hospitals. And finally, your local insurance policy may very well be written in Thai, which can be especially confusing in the middle of a health crisis.

For more information about Thailand's healthcare system, read: Understanding the Healthcare System in Thailand

Best Private International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Thailand

International health insurance plans in Thailand offer a few additional benefits over and above local medical insurance plans. They have global coverage, so you’ll stay protected anywhere in the world. Furthermore, they are more comprehensive and provide you with access to a wider variety of healthcare facilities and doctors.

For expatriates moving to Thailand, we would recommend two options for expat health insurance in Thailand.

First is the William Russell Insurance plan. William Russell is a leading global insurer with great service and benefits. They have a strong presence throughout Southeast Asia, ensuring you can get treatment in Thailand or adjacent countries.

thailand doctor with patient

The second suggested plan, primarily for US citizens living abroad, is GeoBlue Xplorer. This insurance for Americans living in Thailand offers similar benefits and services to the Cigna plan. GeoBlue Xplorer is offered in association with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America and comes with the excellent BCBS network of high-quality doctors and hospitals worldwide.

For more options, view our list of the best international health insurance companies.

If you’re an expat retiree, you may find it challenging to get local health insurance coverage in Thailand. Most local insurers exclude coverage or do not sell policies to senior citizens. In this case, it’s best to have international health insurance to cover your medical needs.

Best Global Medical Plan in Thailand for Expatriates From Any Nation

William Russell Health Insurance

William Russell Health Insurance

  • William Russell plans cover you internationally, both in the country you reside in and wherever you are traveling to (addons required for USA)
  • Their network includes 40,000 hospitals around the world.
  • Plans have comprehensive cancer coverage, including genome testing.
Plan Details
Get a Quote

Best Health Insurance in Thailand for US Citizens

GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Insurance

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

  • Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
  • Define your deductible and prescription benefits
  • For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

For visitors to Thailand, see: Safety and Travel Insurance Advice for Visitors to Thailand

Joining Thai Social Security as an Expat

If your work in Thailand involves a traditional employer-employee relationship, you’ll be eligible to enroll in the national social security program. This means that your employer is responsible for directing a portion of your pay into the government-administered health care program.

There are two huge advantages to government-administered health insurance in Thailand. The first is that your employer is taking care of the paperwork and administration on your behalf. The second is that it can be a great way to save costs. The plan is very economical and having your health care coverage seamlessly taken care of is a huge perk!

The cost works out to 5% of your gross salary and caps out at 750 Thai Baht a month. The benefits include both medical treatment and the medicine required for treatment.

While this can be cost-effective, subscribers may not be able to access the same doctors that they can with international private medical insurance. Consider what kind of care you would like to receive. You may wish to add on private international medical insurance.

Are Public Hospitals in Thailand Good?

Expats using local insurance or social security can access only public hospitals. Expats with private health insurance can be treated at private and public hospitals.

The standard of care in Thailand public hospitals varies. Frequently, there are long lines, limited support staff, and physician consultations are brief. In nearly all facilities, the patient is responsible for their own meals and personal hygiene.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that a significant portion of expats supplement their coverage or go entirely with comprehensive expat health insurance in Thailand. With private health insurance in Thailand, expats are sure to receive the best medical care in the best private hospitals in the country.

hospitals in thailand

One of the major benefits of a global medical plan is that you can actually receive treatment in any country of your choice. So if you can’t find a specialist that fits your needs in Thailand, you can be treated by a specialist in another country and still be covered by your insurance.

An international health insurance plan is the best option as it provides emergency evacuation or repatriation. This is the recommended insurance for Americans living in Thailand because it lets you receive medical treatment in the US in case you find the local healthcare insufficient for your needs. Evacuation costs will be covered by the international insurance plan, so you don’t have to worry about this part.

For more information about hospitals in Thailand, read: Hospitals in Thailand for Foreigners and Expats

Feel Secure With Comprehensive Private Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand

Expat health insurance plans in Thailand bring a greater level of comfort and care. A private health insurance plan gives access to private hospitals where trained staff will take care of your food and hygiene! With a private health plan, expats have access to an expansive worldwide provider network and can choose whichever doctor they want within the network.

Expat insurance in Thailand also provides a much broader level of coverage, so there is no need to worry about reaching your coverage limit after just a few days of care. Expats also have access to English-speaking support staff, preventative medicine programs similar to home, and second opinions in the case of an emergency.

There are several options for expat insurance in Thailand. Do your research and talk with one of our insurance experts to help you find the best plan for your specific needs and budget.

More to Read:

Chinese Health insurance for For

Health Insurance in China for Foreigners

Read More →
Health insurance for foreigners living in Malaysia

Health Insurance in Malaysia for Foreigners

Read More →

Hospitals in Thailand

Read More →
Thailand: Health and Travel Insurance

Thailand Visitors Travel Insurance

Read More →
Share this

Primary Sidebar

Search Website

Related Pages

  • Health Insurance in China for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Dubai
  • Health Insurance in India for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Indonesia
  • Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Malaysia for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in South Korea
  • Health Insurance in the Philippines
  • Health Insurance in Vietnam for Foreigners

International Citizens Insurance

Offering the best international health and travel insurance plans.

Pick a Plan


We Contact You

One of our expert international insurance brokers will respond to you promptly.

Request a Quote Today

Get a fast, free, expat insurance quote.

Request a Quote

Footer

Global Medical Plans

International Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier
IMG Global Medical
Now Health International
William Russell

Specialty Coverage

Overseas Health Insurance
US Citizens Abroad
US Health Insurance
Senior Travel Insurance
Visitors Insurance Coverage
Schengen Visa Insurance
Annual Multi Trip

Company Info

About Us
The Team
International Brokers
Testimonials
Agents / Affiliates

Customer Service

United States 877-758-4881
US Direct 617-500-6738
International +44 (20) 35450909
US Travel Insurance Association Member International Citizens Insurance Business Review

18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043 USA | info@internationalinsurance.com

Contact US | Privacy Policy | Licensing | Sitemap

Copyright © 2023, International Citizens Insurance, an International Citizens Group, Inc. company


Note: Covid-19, or Coronavirus, coverage is not included in all plans offered on this website. Please indicate your desire for this coverage when working with your agent.
International Citizens Insurance is a licensed agency providing guidance on international insurance plans. Select products and services listed on this site may not be available to citizens or residents of certain countries.
This site provides consolidated and summary descriptions of insurance plans, benefits, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. A certificate containing the complete certificate wording with all terms, conditions, and exclusions will be provided at the time of purchase or upon request. For additional advice and guidance, contact us for assistance.
International Citizens Insurance is a subsidiary of International Citizens Group, Inc. In the State of California, operating as International Citizens Insurance Agency. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 6005545.

By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies.