Luma: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
Luma Health is an internationally recognized insurance company specializing in providing comprehensive health insurance for expats living in Thailand, offering everything from broad coverage with manageable costs to premium options with enhanced benefits.
In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, we will explain why health insurance is essential for expats in Thailand, highlight top insurance plans from Luma Health, and offer tips to help find the best insurance plan that will best suit your budget and needs.
Why Health Insurance is Essential for Expats Living in Thailand
Health insurance helps expats in Thailand better navigate the local healthcare system. While Thailand is known for its high-quality and affordable care, public hospitals often involve long wait times and limited access to English-speaking staff.
These challenges can become critical in emergencies, especially with common expat health concerns like food poisoning, dengue fever, and road accidents. That’s why many prefer private hospitals, where they receive faster treatment, English-speaking medical staff, and more personalized care.
To manage the high costs of private hospitals, many expats choose health insurance from leading providers like Luma Health, giving them peace of mind and guaranteed access to top medical facilities in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Health Insurance and Thailand’s Visa Requirements
For those staying long-term, having valid health insurance is a requirement for certain visa types, including the O-A, O-X, and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. Applicants must present proof of insurance with coverage that meets the government’s minimum criteria, as outlined below.
LTR Visa
- At least USD $50,000 (approx. THB 1,615,950) per policy year; or
- Social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand, or at least USD $100,000 (approx. THB 3,231,300) deposit.
Nonimmigrant O-A (1-Year) Visa
- No less than THB 3,000,000 (USD $100,000) annual limit, including Covid-19 coverage
Nonimmigrant O-X (10-Year) Visa
- No less than THB 40,000 (approx. USD $1,100) for outpatient treatment
- No less than THB 400,000 (approx. USD $11,600) for inpatient treatment
Luma Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Thailand
Luma is a leading insurance provider for expats in Thailand, driven by a mission to support longer and healthier lives for its members
Headquartered across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia, they specialize in meeting the unique regional needs of expats and foreigners, offering tailored insurance plans with accessible services in multiple languages.
For every plan, Luma provides:
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Access to Luma Care App for online claim process
- Second medical opinion referral service
- Multilingual support team, including English, French, Thai, and Burmese
The following section highlights some of Luma’s top health insurance plans for expats in Thailand.
Luma Hi 5: Comprehensive Coverage at Affordable Premium
Luma’s Hi 5 plan is a health insurance solution designed specifically for expats in Thailand. It offers THB 5 million (approx. USD $154,900) coverage with optional benefits, making it ideal for individuals and families seeking tailored protection that fits their specific needs.
To be eligible, applicants, from newborn up to 70 years old, must reside in Thailand for at least 180 days. Policyholders are guaranteed renewal until they are 99 years old.
Plan highlights:
- High Annual Coverage Limit: THB 5 million (approx. USD $154,900) per year, covering a wide range of medical services.
- Customizable Inpatient Room: The plan allows a choice between THB 5,000 and THB 8,000 (approx. USD $155 and $250) daily limits for different preferences and budgets.
- Worldwide Emergency Coverage: Up to THB 1.25 million (approx. USD $38,700) per year for emergency medical treatment outside Thailand (excluding the USA).
- Deductible Options: Flexibility to choose deductible amounts to help lower premium costs.
- Family Discounts: Premium reductions available for insured families.
| Description | Benefits (Baht) | |||||
| Plan 1 | Plan 2 | |||||
| Annual coverage limit | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | ||||
| Inpatient Treatment | ||||||
| Room and board fees (per day) | 5,000 | 8,000 | ||||
| ICU Room | Paid in full
(Not over maximum coverage per policy year) |
|||||
| Medical service fees | ||||||
| Surgery expenses | ||||||
| Ambulance service | ||||||
| Cancer treatment by chemotherapy | ||||||
| Diagnostic tests done before or after hospital stay | 15,000 | |||||
| Outpatient medical expenses in case of injury,
within 24 hours of the accident. |
Paid in full | |||||
| Congenital conditions that appear before 16 years old | 25,000 | |||||
| Loss of life and permanent disability | 100,000 | |||||
| Optional benefits | ||||||
| Outpatient annual limit | 40,000 (50% copayment) | 200,000
(0% copayment) |
||||
| Dental treatment (10% copayment) | 20,000 | 60,000 | 100,000 | |||
| Maternity benefits (pregnancy and childbirth) | 200,000 | 300,000 | ||||
| Vision treatment | 10,000 | |||||
This table is for informational purposes only. Please refer to the official brochure or speak with our insurance advisor for full details.
The Luma Hi 5 plans meet the health insurance requirements for Thailand’s LTR and O-A visas with their THB 5,000,000 (approx. USD $154,895) annual coverage limit. However, to qualify for the O-X visa, outpatient benefits must be added.
Luma Prime: Premium Protection for Expats in Thailand
Luma Prime is an international health insurance plan that offers long-term, worldwide protection. Offering broad geographic coverage, it meets the diverse medical needs of globally mobile expats, ensuring access to quality care both in Thailand and abroad.
To be eligible, applicants must reside in Thailand for at least 180 days per year and be under 70. The plan is not available to individuals in high-risk occupations such as healthcare workers, professional athletes, or law enforcement officers.
Renewal is guaranteed until 99 years old.
Plan highlights:
- Superior Annual Coverage Limits: Applicants are able to choose from THB 10, 30, or 50 million (approx. USD $270,000, $810,000, or $1.35 million) annual limits, covering all types of cancer, critical illnesses, and Covid-19.
- Worldwide Medical Emergency Protection: Emergency and accident treatment coverage worldwide when traveling, for up to 90 days per trip (within the annual policy limit).
- All Access to Top Private Hospitals in Thailand: This plan guarantees access to top private hospitals in Thailand, providing daily room and board allowances of up to THB 20,000 (approximately USD 540), not limited to standard rooms.
- Global Medical Coverage: Include worldwide coverage, with customizable options for your preferred area.
- Zone A: Worldwide excluding USA
- Zone B: Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, Bahamas, China
- Zone C: Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, Bahamas, China, Russia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan, Brazil
- International Medical Network: Enjoy cashless checkout at over 400 hospitals across Thailand, Asia, and beyond.
| Descriptions | Benefits (Baht) | |||||
| Plan 1 | Plan 2 | Plan 3 | ||||
| Annual coverage limit | 10,000,000 | 30,000,000 | 50,000,000 | |||
| Inpatient Treatment | ||||||
| Room and board fees (per day) | 12,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 | |||
| ICU Room | Paid in full
|
|||||
| Medical service fees | ||||||
| Surgery expenses | ||||||
| Ambulance service | ||||||
| Cancer treatment by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, interventional radiology, and nuclear medicine | ||||||
| Outpatient medical expenses in case of injury,
within 24 hours of the accident |
||||||
| Diagnostic tests done before or after hospital stay | 30,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 | |||
| Kidney dialysis | 200,000 | 1,500,000 | 2,000,000 | |||
| Congenital conditions that appear before 16 years old | 100,000 | 300,000 | 600,000 | |||
| Worldwide emergency coverage | 2,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 8,000,000 | |||
| International Emergency Medical Assistance | ||||||
| Emergency evacuation and medical repatriation | Paid in full | |||||
| Repatriation of mortal remains | ||||||
| Optional Benefits | ||||||
| Outpatient annual limit | 40,000 (50% copayment) | 200,000
(0% copayment) |
||||
| Dental treatment (10% copayment) | 20,000 | 60,000 | 100,000 | |||
| Maternity benefits (pregnancy and childbirth) | 200,000 | 300,000 | ||||
| Vision Treatment | 10,000 | |||||
This table is for informational purposes only. Please refer to the official brochure or speak with our insurance advisor for full details.
Luma Prime plans satisfy the health insurance requirements for Thailand’s LTR and O-A visas, offering high annual coverage between THB 10 million and THB 50 million (approx. USD $270,000 and $1.35 million). However, to meet O-X visa criteria, outpatient coverage must be included.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Thailand
To choose the best health insurance in Thailand, expats should understand several key factors, including the difference between annual and per-illness limits and how deductibles and copayments help lower premiums.
It’s also important to consider network hospital availability, policy renewability, exclusions, and waiting periods, as well as the quality of customer service.
Annual Limits VS Per-illness Limits
Understanding the difference between annual and per-illness limits is key when choosing a health insurance plan. Annual limits apply to the total coverage you receive in one policy year, while per-illness limits cap the benefits per condition or hospitalization.
Luma’s Prime and Hi 5 plans provide generous annual limits ranging from THB 5 million to THB 50 million (approx. USD $135,000 and $1.35 million), covering all eligible treatments within the year.
Premium Savings
Choosing a plan with a deductible or copayment can significantly reduce your premium.
- Deductible is the fixed amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs.
- Copayment is the percentage you share with the insurer for each claim.
By agreeing to share more of the cost, insurers reward you with lower monthly or annual premiums, making your plan more affordable without sacrificing core coverage.
Network Hospitals
A broad hospital network allows insurers to offer more direct billing and cashless claim options, making access to care faster and more convenient. Luma Health offers an extensive list of network hospitals across Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Policy Renewability
When selecting expat health insurance, it’s important to consider whether the policy guarantees renewal. While some insurers may limit renewal due to age, health, or claim history, Luma Health plans offer guaranteed renewability up to age 99.
Exclusions and Waiting Period
Most health insurance plans have exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions, mental health treatments, or cosmetic procedures. Additionally, certain benefits like maternity care or wellness checks often come with waiting periods (typically 10 to 12 months) before coverage begins.
Always review these details carefully.
Customer Service
Responsive and accessible customer service is essential, especially for expats unfamiliar with the local language or healthcare system. Look for insurers that offer multilingual support, 24/7 assistance, and easy claims processes.
Luma Health provides a 24/7 hotline, direct claim tracking via the Luma Care App, and multilingual support teams (English, French, Thai, etc.).
Get a Quote & Apply for Luma Expats Health Insurance
If you’re thinking about getting a Luma insurance plan for your time in Thailand, Pacific Prime is here to help.
As a leading insurance broker with 25 years of experience working with expats, we offer value-added services including personalized plan comparisons, expert advice, claims support, and ongoing policy management at no extra cost.
Our advisors can easily guide you through the process, whether you need basic protection or a plan that meets long-stay visa requirements (O-A, O-X, or LTR). You can also use our free online comparison tool to explore plans from multiple providers, including Luma.
Get in touch today to find the ideal plan for your life in Thailand.
For more options, explore what other insurers have to offer for your stay:
- AXA Thailand: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
- Allianz Ayudhya: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
- April International: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
- Pacific Cross: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
- Thaivivat: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
- MSIG: Travel Insurance for Travelers in Thailand
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 70-year-old get health insurance in Thailand?
Although there may be limited options, a 70-year-old can still get health insurance in Thailand. Some providers offer plans up to age 75 or older. However, premiums are generally higher, and medical underwriting is stricter, so it’s important to compare plans and apply early.
Is health insurance tax-deductible in Thailand for expats?
Expats who are tax residents of Thailand are eligible to deduct up to THB 25,000 (approx. USD $680) per year from their taxable income for personal health insurance premiums paid to a Thai-registered insurer. When filing, proof of a valid health insurance policy is required as evidence.
Where does Thailand rank in healthcare in the world?
Thailand is consistently ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for healthcare quality. For instance, the Numbeo Health Care Index ranks Thailand 10th worldwide (score: 77.3), ahead of countries like France and Norway.
With her background as an avid traveler and as an exchange student in Spain, Palida values the benefits of insurance and understands the frustrations that may come with making the best decisions for your health and safety in an unknown environment. Here at Pacific Prime, she aspires to create content that will help expats and travelers understand international health insurance with ease.
In her spare time, Palida enjoys reading short stories as much as binging on sitcoms. She is also a self-proclaimed "foodie" with the goal of trying as many cuisines from all over the world as possible. Combining her passion for writing with her love for food, she is an aspiring Google Local Guide reviewer.
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- Everything You Need to Know about Thailand’s E-Visa - May 9, 2025
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