International health insurance for expat families in Thailand

Thailand has both government and private hospitals. While government hospitals come with a charge for foreigners, it’s usually significantly cheaper compared to other countries.³

The standard of healthcare in Thailand’s government hospitals is often very high as Thai doctors are well trained. Many are specialists in areas including fertility, oncology and cardiology, and they often practise in both public and private hospitals.²

The level of treatment you can receive is of high-quality thanks to the high level of medical expertise within the country.²

However, with the public healthcare system you may experience longer wait times, more crowded facilities and restrictions in treatment.²

If you choose to use the private medical system, then you’ll have access to high-end facilities that are usually located in and around the main cities.² Treatment also comes at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries, making Thailand a popular destination for medical tourism.²

Most private hospitals usually have an international liaison officer who can help you with your insurance policy.⁴

This depends on which type of visa you have. If you have a Non-Immigrant O-A (retirement) Visa, then you need comprehensive health insurance coverage.⁵

While it’s not a legal requirement to have health insurance for other visas, many expat families opt for private health insurance to make sure their family is covered.  

Particularly if your family tends to travel often, global health insurance is a popular choice as you and your loved ones are covered worldwide.

No, the UK and Thailand don’t have reciprocal healthcare agreements. This means you can’t use the Global Health Insurance Card in Thailand.⁴

Thailand has a private and public healthcare system that you and your family can access, depending on your circumstances.

Thailand’s public healthcare system for expat families

To use Thailand’s public healthcare system for free, or at a low cost depending on which services you need, you must be registered to work with a company based in the country. You’ll then pay 5% of your salary through the Social Security Scheme, which funds the country’s public healthcare system.¹ 

This will give you cover at a medical facility and is where you can access free treatment.²

However, this cover is exclusive to you — your family won't be covered for everything through your salary contributions. Only:

Pregnancy care expenses.

• Childbirth allowance: this is a ฿15,000 payment once your child is born.
• Maternity leave - paid at 50% of the mother’s annual earnings for 90 days. To be eligible, she must have contributed for at least five months within the 15 months prior to the birth.
• Child allowance: a monthly payment of ฿600 per child, up to six years of age. Up to three children are eligible and is only given to people who have paid social security contributions for at least one year within the three years before claiming.⁶

While you and your family could access highly trained specialists that also work in the private system, using the public healthcare system in Thailand can come with long wait times, sub-standard facilities, language barriers and limitations in treatment.²

Thailand’s private healthcare system for expat families

Thailand’s private healthcare system is ranked one of the best in the world.⁷ Many people travel to the country to access this high standard of care at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.

Benefits of private medical care in Thailand include:

• access to specialist care and treatment
• minimal wait times
• world-class facilities and equipment
• high standards of care at a competitive price
• English-speaking services.⁴

Expat families in Thailand tend to opt for private health insurance so they can access these services, regardless of their visa or work status.

Particularly, global health insurance gives access to these benefits both in Thailand and worldwide, unlike private health insurance which is generally country specific.

Your global health insurance can include maternity services, depending on which type of cover you choose. When researching, make sure to add maternity care to your cover.

For pre-existing conditions, it’s best to speak with your global health insurance provider.

Yes, expat children can access the healthcare system in Thailand, but they’re generally not eligible for free access, which is available to Thai citizens.⁴

If you’re a parent that pays into the Social Security Scheme, then your children may be covered, but this comes with restrictions in treatment and which hospitals you can use.²

Due to these restrictions, it’s generally recommended that expat families opt for private health insurance to ensure they can access a high standard of medical care, whenever and wherever they need it.⁸

You can either opt for private health insurance, which is usually country specific. Or you can choose global health insurance, which covers your family worldwide.² This is beneficial for expat families who tend to travel frequently.

You also have the option to use the private system without insurance. You’d have to pay upfront, which could become costly, depending on the circumstances.²

Dial 191 for an ambulance.

If you use a private hospital, you should be able to access help when using your health insurance. Many private hospitals in Thailand require a payment guarantee before treatment, so make sure you contact your insurance company as soon as possible.⁹

This depends on whether you choose the public or private healthcare system. The cost of healthcare can vary from very affordable to extremely expensive — so it depends on which treatment is needed.

Because of this financial risk, it’s generally recommended that you invest in private health insurance to make sure you’re covered for any costs that might arise.⁸