Choosing the best health insurance for ex-pats in Thailand requires understanding the system and the offered types. All might differ from those in your original country, but it is not complicated: rest assured. Moreover, you may not need to pay all costs to receive excellent benefits given by health insurance. Here is what you must know!
Types of Health Insurance in Thailand for Expats
Although not mandatory, health insurance is recommended in the country. Compared to the United States, medical treatments are more affordable; however, it is always more convenient if you do not add another expense in life. There are two types that you are allowed to choose, as below:
1. Thailand Public Health Insurance
Thailand’s public insurance is accessible to everyone working in the country by contributing to the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). The contribution is deducted approximately 5% of an ex-pat or a resident’s monthly salary. It will be transferred to the social security scheme of Thailand.
Through it, you can visit a hospital assigned as your sole public healthcare provider. If you choose another hospital other than the suggested one, you will not receive free treatment and must pay the cost out of your own money.
- The Advantages
There are several reasons why public insurance is the best health insurance for ex-pats in Thailand. Firstly, all medical treatments shall be free of cost at the hospital assigned to you. But remember, you must bring your ID and share your Social Security Number (SSN).
Moreover, there will be no additional cost; the coverage comes from your contribution deducted from your salary. Furthermore, you do not need to question the quality of the medical services. All doctors in public hospitals are exceptionally skilled and certified. You are in good hands.
- The Disadvantages
Public insurance entails quite tightly to your employment. Thus, you may lose your healthcare if your status changes to unemployed. In addition, there might be less exclusivity in hospitals due to the crowded waiting lists. In other words, you may need to work on your patience.
Furthermore, you might need to be prepared for the absence of coverage if your preferred specialist or general practitioner moves out of your assigned hospital. It will be difficult, especially if you are already comfortable with the doctor mentioned.
- What Does It Cover?
There are several benefits that this best health insurance for ex-pats in Thailand will cover, namely nursing care, ambulance fee, rehabilitation, hospitalization, health promotion, lab works and x-rays, medical examination and treatment, and prescription medicine.
Social Security will offer reimbursement if you must receive urgent treatment, not in your assigned hospital. In addition, maternity shall also be covered by receiving approximately 50% of your salary within 90 days after child delivery.
Moreover, you will get a similar treatment for sickness leave, around 180 days of the sick days your employer has given to you. Furthermore, dental coverage is going to be your benefit. However, the free cost is restricted to general check-ups and minor procedures. If you need an expert, you might need to pay yourself.
2. Thailand Private Health Insurance
It is possible for ex-pats to receive health insurance if their status is currently unemployed in Thailand, which is by applying for private one. You can also choose private insurance even if you can apply for a public one, especially if you want other exclusive treatments or to get exclusivity in private hospitals.
You might need to accept a different way of receiving insurance. After getting medical treatment, you must pay the cost upfront and apply for reimbursement afterward. Regardless, this is the perfect type for those who want to get more privacy and exclusivity.
- The Advantages
Thailand’s private health insurance is preferable amongst travelers due to its excellent services and privacy. In other words, you do not need to wait like others for medical facilities. Two primary options are offered for private insurance: domestic and international.
The domestic plan allows you to receive coverage, yet it is limited. You may only use medical facilities for free within Thailand. If you demand coverage abroad, you will not get anything. On the other hand, the international plan will offer you coverage even outside Thailand. So, the plan is the best health insurance for ex-pats in Thailand for flexibility.
- The Disadvantages
Due to its exclusivity, the cost of Thailand health insurance is higher than the public one. But compared to the ones from western countries, what is offered in Thailand is considerably cheaper. However, you will have shorter waiting times and face medical staffs that can communicate in English with you.
Which One is The Best?
The best way to choose health insurance is according to your preferences and needs. Public insurance should be enough for you if you do not mind waiting times with good quality medical services. There is even no necessity to pay any additional cost.
However, you may need to choose an international private insurance plan to receive exclusivity and flexibility.
You can add any other specific medical service without waiting times and can receive coverage even though you are not in Thailand. But you need to be willing to pay higher than the public one.
How Much Does It Cost?
For public health insurance, the cost depends on your salary because Social Security will only need to deduct around 5% of your income.
However, other factors affect your insurance cost, such as age, the amount of coverage you need, how many dependents are in your insurance plan, and which plan you choose.
Which Health Insurance Will You Choose?
You are the only one who can decide on the best health insurance for ex-pats in Thailand. Private health insurance is the best if you want more exclusivity and flexibility. You may choose the public one if you do not want to pay additional costs.
The best one should be according to your needs so that the benefits will be more excellent and maximized.