Thailand is known for its excellent healthcare, especially in private hospitals. If you're an expat, you might be asking: is health insurance truly necessary?

Here are a few things to consider before making this important decision:

Public vs Private Healthcare

Thai citizens benefit from government healthcare schemes that provide access to basic services. Expats who are employed by a Thai company may be enrolled in the Social Security Scheme (SSS), but this is usually limited to certain hospitals and essential care only. If you want access to private hospitals, shorter waiting times and English-speaking staff, it is essential that you consider private health insurance.

Is Health Insurance Required?

Some visa types do require it. For instance, those applying for a retirement visa (O-A) must show proof of at least THB 400,000 coverage for inpatient treatment and THB 40,000 for outpatient care. The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa has its own set of minimum coverage requirements as well. Even if your visa doesn’t demand it, having insurance can make a big difference if anything unexpected happens.

What Does Health Insurance Cover?

There are two main types of private health insurance: inpatient-only and comprehensive. Inpatient coverage protects you in cases where hospital admission is needed. Comprehensive plans include outpatient visits, which can be helpful if you already have, or might develop, a long-term condition. While outpatient care is often affordable in Thailand, regular visits or ongoing treatment can still add up.

What If You Don’t Have Insurance?

Without insurance, you’ll need to pay for everything out of pocket. Even straightforward procedures or short hospital stays can become expensive. Major illnesses or accidents could result in bills that run into hundreds of thousands of baht, especially at international hospitals.

The Value of Being Covered

Having insurance means you’ll have access to care quickly and with less stress. You won’t need to delay treatment while you gather funds or worry about how to manage sudden costs, and you’ll also have support with claims. Many insurers even offer direct billing with private hospitals.

Where Do You Start?

If you’re unsure where to begin, AA Insurance Brokers can guide you. Our insurance experts will help you compare plans, explain what’s included, and make sure your policy is personalised to your needs and lifestyle. There’s no extra cost for using our service, and we’re here to support you through the entire process.