15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Thailand

"Compare hospital costs for same procedure. Use hospital web sites to review medical bios of their doctors. Consultations are inexpensive and a good way to evaluate doctors. Use private hospitals for faster service and less waiting times. Check availability of 3rd party billing for in-patient procedures," remarked one expat living in Bangkok.

"Healthcare services in Thailand are generally of a high quality and are widely available. The public healthcare system is comprehensive and covers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Thailand have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Thailand often use the public healthcare system, as it is generally more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats may opt for private healthcare, as it can provide more personalized care and shorter waiting times," said one expat living in Thailand.

"Unfortunately, there is very limited quality health care options in this immediate area. There are a few clinics but with very bad reputations. There is one reputable hospital in Krabi town (about a half hour away) called Krabi Nakharin International Hospital. On the other hand, Bangkok as some of the 10 ten hospitals in the world. Bumrungrad International being the preferred as they actually have a wing with English speaking doctors," mentioned one expat in Ao Nang (Krabi).

"As noted, I do not have health insurance because the cost of walk-in care is unbelievably cheap. Additionally, most doctors, particularly at hospitals, are western-trained, so the level of service is just as good as the States," wrote an expat living in Chiang Mai.

"Medical services in Thailand are generally of a high quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of treatments and services. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a range of services from general medical care to specialist treatments. Many of the larger hospitals are equipped with modern medical technology and offer a range of services from general check-ups to complex surgeries. In addition, there are a number of private clinics and medical centers that offer a variety of treatments and services. The cost of medical care in Thailand is generally lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical treatment," said an expat in Thailand.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Thailand can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Generally, public healthcare is more affordable than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage and access to higher quality care. Additionally, some employers may offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of coverage," remarked one expat living in Thailand.

"We have private health insurance and I would not change it for the world. I have the option of using any PRIVATE HOSPITAL OR DOCTOR I wish, anywhere in the world. The way it works, if I have something major happen, I contact my insurance company and they then make arrangements to pay the hospital of my choice directly. My policy also has a FREE VIP second opinion for any major medical diagnosis. For me this is the peace of mind that I need. I can have my case reviewed by an American doctor to confirm what is my best option. I have a $1000 deductible and it covers me anywhere in the world including the United States at a cost of about 60% less than what I was paying when living in the US. If anyone is interested in more details, please feel free to reach out to me," said one expat living in Ao Nang (Krabi).

"The quality and reputation in this immediate area is not good. But the best nearby hospital is about a half hour drive located in Krabi Town. Krabi Nakharin International Hospital has English speaking doctors and where you would want to go. 911 is the standard emergency number but 1669 is specifically for an ambulance," commented one expat who moved to Ao Nang (Krabi).

"Emergency services in Thailand are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call the national emergency number 1669 to request an ambulance. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location. The ambulance will be staffed with medical personnel who can provide basic medical care and transport you to the nearest hospital," said one expat.

"There are many private hospitals close in Bangkok; I use four ranging in distances of about 1 to 10 kilometers. Bangkok Medical Center; Bumrungrad; Mayo; and Vibhavadi. ER services so far have been very good and inexpensive. Traffic is a problem, so I have taken a taxi when possible to save time. Hospital care has been professional and more user friendly than US. I always use private, if available, for faster service," remarked one expat in Bangkok.

"Dentist - 5 minutes away - private care (wonderful woman dentist) - YES all services - Dentist was very good and painless - Private woman owned business in Chiang Mai (down from the Holiday Inn)," remarked one expat living in Chiang Mai.

"I have not needed to travel outside of Bangkok to see specialists or for serious health issues," commented one expat living in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Thailand is renowned for having some of the best medical care in the world, with many of the major cities having a great selection of medical specialists. Bangkok is the country's largest city and is home to some of the most advanced medical facilities, including top-notch private hospitals, some with international accreditation. Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, has also become an established medical hub, boasting a range of internationally certified physicians and an array of treatments and surgeries. Phuket, in the south of the country, is known for specializing in cosmetic and plastic surgery, as well as a range of general practitioners and specialists. Other cities and areas with a good selection of specialists include Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Hat Yai," wrote one expat.

"For major events, Bangkok offers some of the best hospitals in the world. It is important to have international health insurance geared toward expats so you can use these facilities. Major events are still quite expensive," commented one expat who moved to Ao Nang (Krabi).

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Thailand. Many pharmacies in Thailand carry a wide variety of medications, including those that require a prescription. However, it is important to note that some medications may not be available in Thailand, so it is best to check with a local pharmacist before travelling. Additionally, some medications may require a doctor's prescription in order to be purchased in Thailand," said one expat living in Thailand.

"So far all the meds I have needed are available locally; if not in drug stores then at the hospitals. Some are available without prescription while others are not; not sure why? Non generics are just as expensive as in the US," mentioned one expat in Bangkok.

"Closest hospital is about 3 miles, do not have current info on it. There are 2 private hospitals that are like staying in a 5 star hotel not far away," said an expat in Bangkok.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Thailand are generally of a high quality. Medical staff in Thailand are highly trained and experienced, offering services that are both effective and compassionate. Many of the hospitals in the country are highly esteemed and equipped with modern medical technology and facilities. In addition, many of Thailand's medical professionals speak excellent English, making the experience more accessible to expats and foreign visitors," commented one expat living in Thailand.

"It is now a law in Thailand that all expats have health insurance. This is a fairly new requirement that many people are not aware of. If you are legally working in Thailand you will be paying 5% of your income to the social security system and this will allow you to use the government hospitals. I personally do not recommend this route as the public hospital options are nothing like the standards in the US. They include long waits, over packed hospitals, questionable sanitary conditions, family or friends will need to help you with cleaning, bathing, and food, shared rooms with up 50 people. Most expats will purchase an international health insurance policy that will cover them at any PRIVATE hospital. There are 4 times the amount of beds in the private hospitals and the service, standards, and equipment will be up to the standards most expats would expect," mentioned one expat in Ao Nang (Krabi).

"Yes, foreigners living in Thailand have access to public healthcare. The quality of care is generally good, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. The cost of care is also relatively low compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, it is important to note that some services may not be covered by public healthcare, so it is important to check with your local healthcare provider before seeking treatment," commented one expat who moved to Thailand.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Thailand. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of many healthcare facilities and the suspension of non-essential services. As a result, access to healthcare has been limited, with many people having to wait longer than usual for appointments and treatments. The government has also implemented a universal health insurance scheme to help cover the costs of medical care for those who are unable to afford it. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Thailand has been able to respond quickly and effectively to the pandemic, providing timely and quality care to those in need," commented one expat who moved to Thailand.

"None so far- I am free of COVID but the system is well in place to deal with the situation," said one expat.