Thailand’s healthcare system includes a universal system that gives all citizens access to low-cost medical care. Mainly funded by taxes, free or low-cost medical treatment is offered at government hospitals and health centers.
Expats with work permits are also entitled to access to the public healthcare system. A distinction is made here between the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) or 30-baht program, the Social Security Scheme (SSS) and the Cicil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS). The scheme usually includes the following services: Check-ups, medical consultations with general practitioners or specialists, hospitalization and prescription drugs.
Special regulations apply to foreigners in the Thai healthcare system: they can use the state healthcare services, but usually must pay for them, which is why many foreigners choose to take out private health insurance. This also gives them access to private hospitals and clinics, which often have shorter waiting times and different standards.
In order to obtain a residence permit in Thailand, foreigners must provide proof of valid health insurance. This insurance must provide comprehensive cover, including inpatient and outpatient treatment. Without this insurance cover, a residence permit will usually be refused.
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Private health insurance can be useful in various situations. In state hospitals, there are often long waiting times, whilst private health insurance enables faster access to specialists and medical professionals. More comfortable accommodation is also usually possible, as insured persons are entitled to private rooms that offer more comfort and privacy. In addition, priority treatment with a wider range of services and facilities is often available, as private service providers usually have modern facilities and better trained staff.
In Thailand’s public healthcare system, dental and eye care are often not fully covered. While basic treatments may be included, public insurance does not cover all necessary or specialized services. As a result, many people need supplementary insurance to cover gaps in care.
The costs vary greatly depending on the chosen plan and provider. Costs of health insurance in Thailand vary: local health insurance can be purchased from around THB 1,000 to 3,000 (approx. EUR 30 to 90) per month, while international health insurance can often cost between EUR 100 and 300 or more per month, depending on individual needs and coverage.
When choosing between local and international health insurance, individual needs, frequency of travel outside Thailand and available budget should be considered. International health insurance is especially recommended in case you need to be covered for return trips and visits to Germany.
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PassportCard insurance is relevant if you are planning a long-term stay in Thailand lasting longer than 3 months. It should also be noted that PassportCard is only available up to the age of 64.
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Generally German health insurance offers no or only very limited cover for people living in Thailand. It is therefore necessary to take out private health insurance in order to receive full and prompt medical care.
The cost of health insurance in Thailand varies: For Thai citizens, health insurance is largely free, for eligible foreign residents (with appropriate employment contracts or residence permits) the amounts are very low.
The cost of private health insurance in Thailand can vary greatly. The price depends on several factors, such as age, state of health, scope of cover or insurance provider. The cost of health insurance in Thailand can range from around 20,000 to 50,000 baht (approx. 500 to 1,300 euros) per year. For more comprehensive policies with higher insurance cover, the costs can be between 100,000 and 200,000 baht (approx. 2,600 to 5,200 euros) per year.
It is not mandatory to have international health insurance when moving to Thailand, but it is highly recommended. Health insurance with certain cover may be required, especially when applying for a visa. For pensioners in particular, it should be noted that proof of insurance with certain minimum requirements must be provided for a visa. On the other hand, healthcare is also significantly cheaper, faster and more comprehensive with appropriate international health insurance. It can be particularly useful for expats to have comprehensive cover for visits to their home country.
Families moving to Thailand have various health insurance options, including public insurance through the social security system and private insurance from providers such as Bupa, Aetna and local Thai insurers. Many private insurance companies offer special family policies, which are cheaper overall and cover all family members under one policy. Supplementary insurance for specific needs such as dental treatment and maternity is also available. It is important that the particular needs of all co-insured persons are considered and that Thailand health insurance is taken out accordingly.
As a German pensioner planning to retire in Thailand, you should first contact your German health insurance company to clarify your insurance cover abroad. Proof of health insurance that meets certain minimum requirements is required for the retirement visa in Thailand. It is recommended that you take out private health insurance as this offers more comprehensive cover and faster access to medical facilities. Providers such as PassportCard offer benefits such as direct billing and worldwide cover but are only relevant up to the age of 64. Regular reviews and adjustments to the insurance policy are important to ensure that it continues to meet your needs and fulfills all legal requirements for retirees in Thailand health insurance.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is extremely important to disclose this when applying for health insurance. Concealing pre-existing conditions can lead to claims being rejected or the insurance policy being invalidated. There are special insurance plans that also cover pre-existing conditions, but premiums may be higher or waiting periods for cover may apply. Make sure that the insurance policy you choose covers all relevant pre-existing conditions and that all terms and conditions are clearly set out to ensure you are adequately covered should the need arise.
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