Health Insurance in Thailand for Expats and Locals

The cost of health insurance in Thailand varies significantly, starting at just a few thousand Baht per year for basic health coverage and going up to over 200,000 THB annually for the most comprehensive medical insurance plans. Factors influencing the cost include your age, the type of health insurance coverage you select, and the insurance provider.

The cost of medical treatments in Thailand varies widely depending on the type of treatment and the hospital you choose, ranging from a few hundred to millions of Thai Baht. Extended hospital stays can significantly increase costs.

Here’s an overview of estimated costs for hospital room rates and common medical treatments:

Estimated Hospital Room Rates (per night):

Rates include meals and hospital fees for standard rooms in private hospitals.

• Bangkok: 4,000 – 10,000 THB
• Phuket: 5,000 – 8,000 THB
• Chiang Mai: 4,000 – 7,000 THB
• Chonburi (Pattaya): 2,500 – 5,000 THB
• Nonthaburi: 5,400 – 8,450 THB
• Krabi: 3,000 – 4,000 THB

Note: VIP suites will cost significantly more. These rates cover hospitalization only and exclude specific medical treatments.

Estimated Costs for Common Medical Treatments

• Accident requiring a plaster or cast: 1,500 – 8,000 THB (OPD treatment)
• Bacterial diarrhea:
  • OPD treatment: 1,500 – 3,000 THB
  • IPD treatment: 20,000 – 90,000 THB
• Dengue fever:
  • OPD treatment: 1,500 – 3,000 THB
  • IPD treatment: 35,000 – 150,000 THB
• Evacuation: 90,000 – 300,000 THB, or over 1,000,000 THB for severe cases requiring specialized equipment and personnel.
• Minor stitches: 500 – 8,000 THB (OPD treatment)
• Major surgeries: 200,000 – 1,000,000+ THB (IPD treatment)

Please note that actual treatment costs will depend on the severity of the condition and the hospital selected.

Key Takeaway
Medical treatment costs in Thailand can vary significantly, especially in big cities or remote areas where access is limited. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan is crucial to protect yourself from high medical expenses and ensure you receive the care you need.

Medical insurance in Thailand is generally available to everyone, regardless of nationality. However, certain nationalities may face restrictions, and many providers impose specific conditions for non-Thais. Eligibility for health insurance for foreigners varies by plan or provider—and even if accepted, some may require proof of residency or a valid work permit. Additionally, most providers exclude individuals working in high-risk occupations or senior applicants over the age of 75. While some insurers may extend the age limit to 80 or even 99, these options are rare.

For children, many providers require at least one parent to be insured under the same plan, as most do not allow children to apply for health insurance independently.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or finding the right plan, LUMA’s consultants are here to help. We’ll guide you through the options to secure the most suitable health insurance in Thailand tailored to your unique needs.

Yes, foreigners can get health insurance in Thailand, and it is highly recommended to do so. Healthcare costs for foreigners in Thailand are typically out-of-pocket, and the quality of medical services can vary. Having health insurance ensures peace of mind and guarantees access to your preferred medical facility when needed.

It’s essential to note that eligibility for foreigners depends on the specific plan and its terms and conditions. LUMA offers a variety of health insurance solutions designed for both Thais and foreigners, regardless of nationality. Contact LUMA today to get a personalized quote tailored to your needs.

Pre-existing conditions are rarely covered by insurers in Thailand for individual health insurance policies. Most plans, including our current range of solutions, do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. Any condition or symptoms experienced before the start of your plan are classified as pre-existing. Additionally, the presence of a pre-existing condition often results in stricter terms during the underwriting process, which insurers use to evaluate applications.

However, some insurance companies in Thailand may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions if they are fully disclosed during the application process and explicitly accepted by the insurer. Transparency about your medical history is essential for exploring these options.

If you are part of a group policy, such as one provided by your employer, pre-existing conditions may sometimes be covered. However, this coverage typically ends once you leave the group policy.

Yes, you can purchase health insurance policies specifically designed for use in hospitals in Thailand. Some providers even offer plans tailored for specific hospitals, ensuring you receive coverage at your preferred medical facility.

Whether you need health insurance in Thailand depends on your circumstances, but it is strongly recommended—especially for expatriates living in the country. Medical care in Thailand can be expensive, with hospitalization for serious accidents or major surgeries potentially costing millions of Thai Baht, posing a significant financial burden.

Health insurance acts as a vital safety net, covering medical expenses and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of an unexpected health emergency. It ensures access to quality healthcare without the worry of overwhelming costs.

Yes, LUMA has a medical network of 450+ hospitals all across Thailand. LUMA Medical Network

Yes, LUMA is a fully licensed non-life and life insurance broker in Thailand, operating since 2012. With over a decade of experience, we have built a strong reputation for transparency, reliability, and personalized service. Partnering with reputable insurance providers, we offer health insurance solutions tailored to your needs, making us a trusted choice for individuals and families.

LUMA partners with trusted insurance providers to deliver tailored health insurance solutions that meet your needs. Our flagship LUMA-designed plans are serviced entirely by LUMA, ensuring a seamless experience, in partnership with Navakij Insurance.

In addition to Navakij Insurance, we also collaborate with other reputable providers such as AXA, Allianz Ayudhya, and Pacific Cross, known for their reliable coverage and exceptional service.

As a licensed non-life and life insurance broker operating since 2012, LUMA ensures you receive the best health insurance options in Thailand, backed by our dedicated team for personalized support.

Yes, health insurance premiums purchased from Thai-licensed and locally regulated insurance companies can qualify for tax deductions in Thailand, subject to certain conditions. Individuals can deduct premiums up to 25,000 THB per year, provided the policy adheres to the requirements set by the Revenue Department of Thailand. This deduction is part of a combined limit of 100,000 THB for life and health insurance premiums.

To maximize these tax benefits, it’s important to confirm that your policy meets all eligibility criteria. At LUMA, we offer health insurance plans that deliver exceptional coverage while meeting tax deduction qualifications.