Public Health Care in Thailand
Residents of Thailand are covered under a public government-funded healthcare system. The World Bank estimates 99.5% of the population have health protection coverage. The public plan is administered by the Department of Medical Services at the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).
If you are employed by a company in Thailand, you should be covered under the public plan. It is up to you to decide if you need to purchase additional coverage.
Once you start work, your employer will register you for Social Security contributions. A medical card will also be sent to you once you have made 3 months' worth of contributions. This enables you to have free medical treatment in Thailand.
Private Healthcare in Thailand
Despite the public coverage, about 10% of the population still purchase additional private medical coverage. There are excellent private hospitals in Thailand, but they can be expensive. Many expat packages will include private insurance so inquire with the hiring company before signing your contract. They are a common benefit of expat packages, so don't be afraid to bargain if healthcare is not initially included in your contract. In addition many local Thai contracts also offer private healthcare as a benefit.
Many hospitals require guarantee of payment or may expect you to pay upfront before they will start treatment for standard consultations, minor treatments, medication, or to make a down payment on major treatment and surgery.
Health Insurance Providers in Thailand
There are many insurance companies that offer travel and expat insurance, so spend some time comparing plans to determine which plan is best for you. Be sure to consider the length of time you will be abroad, the flexibility the plan provides as well as your budget and current health care needs.
Update 15/09/2013
Expatriate health insurance in Thailand
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Bangkok is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Thailand So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Thailand. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Thailand, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.