Thaivivat: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
Living in Thailand comes with countless perks, from its rich culture and cuisine to its affordable lifestyle and tropical climate. But for many expats, accessing quality healthcare here can be a headache due to language barriers, unexpected medical costs, and unfamiliar local healthcare systems.
That’s where Thaivivat Health Insurance steps in. As a trusted and established local insurer, Thaivivat understands the unique challenges expats face in Thailand and provides health coverage tailored to address those specific needs
With a wide network of top-tier hospitals, English-speaking support, and flexible plans to suit different lifestyles and budgets, Thaivivat provides the peace of mind you deserve—knowing you’re protected by one of the country’s most reliable health insurance providers.
Why Health Insurance is Essential for Expats Living in Thailand
Thailand is globally recognized for its affordable yet high-quality healthcare, making it a leading destination for medical tourism. From state-of-the-art hospitals to skilled medical professionals, the country offers excellent care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Even so, for expats living in Thailand, accessing this care comes with challenges. Unlike Thai citizens, expats are not eligible for the country’s universal healthcare system, meaning they must rely on private healthcare services—which can be costly without insurance.
This is where international health insurance for expats in Thailand becomes essential. These plans are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of foreign residents and typically include inpatient and outpatient care, specialist consultations in your preferred language, emergency treatment, and hospitalization.
In addition, certain long-stay visa holders—such as retirees on Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X visas—are required by law to carry private health insurance as part of their visa conditions.
Living in Thailand also comes with new health risks for many expats, including food-related illnesses, dengue fever, road accidents, and other tropical diseases. These are conditions that may be unfamiliar to newcomers and could require immediate medical attention.
Lastly, private health insurance ensures that you can access quality healthcare quickly, without facing long wait times at public hospitals. It also allows you to choose your preferred medical facility, many of which offer English-speaking staff and international standards of care.
Simply put, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re well protected when the unexpected comes.
Thaivivat Health Insurance Plans for Expats Living in Thailand
Thaivivat Insurance, founded in Bangkok in 1951, is one of Thailand’s oldest and most trusted insurance providers. The company has since expanded from fire and marine coverage to a full range of products, including motor, travel, health, accident, home, and business insurance for foreign residents.
For expats and non-residents living in Thailand, Thaivivat offers six major health insurance plans, from Star 1 Plus to Star 6 Plus. These plans scale up from level 1 to 6, increasing in coverage and claim limits at each tier. To start, we’ll introduce their most affordable option.
Thaivivat Star 1 Plus Health Insurance Plan: Perfect for Expats on a Budget
Thaivivat’s entry-level Star 1 Plus plan is perfect for expats looking for practical and budget-friendly health coverage in Thailand. As the most affordable option among the six they offer, it still provides the core benefits expected from any other comprehensive health insurance policy.
Key features of the Star 1 Plus plan include:
| Benefits | Key Coverage (THB) |
| Geographical Coverage | Thailand |
| Annual Limit | 200,000 per condition |
| Inpatient (IPD) | 200,000 per condition |
| IPD room and board, including nursing and service charges | 1,200 per day |
| ICU room and board | 2,400 per day |
| Surgical Fee | 25,000 per condition |
| Organ Transplant | 40,000 per year |
| Outpatient (OPD) (GP, Clinic, Specialists, Drugs) | 600 per visit per day, up to 30 visits per year |
| Emergency OPD treatment within 24 hours of accident | 6,000 per accident per day |
| Medical evacuation, repatriation, and repatriation of mortal remains (worldwide) | 500,000 per year |
| Routine Maternity | Up to hospital expenses with a 280-day waiting period |
| Dental | 500 (incl. Annual health check) |
| Optical | – |
| Chronic Conditions | Yes, with sublimit (120 days waiting period) |
All of Thaivivat’s Star Health plans provide coverage regardless of nationality, as long as the insured resides in Thailand.
New applicants must be no older than 65 years old and may renew their policy up to age 70. That said, if you have maintained continuous coverage since before age 61, you are eligible to extend your coverage for life, with a maximum coverage limit of 8,000,000 THB (247,700 USD).
However, the Star 1 Plus plan may not meet the minimum coverage requirements for Thailand’s O-A and O-X Non-Immigrant Visas, which mandate at least 400,000 THB (12,400 USD) for inpatient care and 40,000 THB (1,240 USD) for outpatient care per year.
If you’re over 50 years old and a citizen of one of the 14 eligible countries for Thailand’s O-X long-stay visa, consider Thaivivat’s visa-compliant plans: HLSV01, HLSV02, and HLSV03. These plans are designed to meet the visa requirements and provide comprehensive coverage for long-term stays.
Thaivivat Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans: For Expats Retiring in Thailand
As one of Southeast Asia’s leading medical hubs, Thailand offers both a high quality of life and access to world-class medical care at a fraction of the cost found in many Western nations, making it a top destination for retirees from around the world.
For expats over the age of 50 applying for Thailand’s Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X Long Stay Visas, local health insurance is a mandatory requirement. Applicants must have a policy that covers at least 400,000 THB (12,400 USD) for inpatient care and 40,000 THB (1,240 USD) for outpatient care annually.
To meet these needs, Thaivivat offers three specialized plans designed specifically for retirees: HLSV01, HLSV02, and HLSV03. These plans provide the necessary visa-compliant coverage while offering peace of mind and flexible healthcare access throughout your stay in Thailand.
Key features of the HLSV01, HLSV02, and HLSV03 plans include:
| Coverage | Sum Insured (THB) | ||
| HLSV01 | HLSV02 | HLSV03 | |
| Overall maximum limit per year | 400,000 | 600,000 | 800,000 |
| IPD room and board, including nursing and service charges
(max per day) |
4,000 | 6,000 | 8,000 |
| ICU room and board (max per day) | 8,000 | 12,000 | 16,000 |
| Hospital General Expenses and Disability, incl. Follow-up OPD treatments up to max 30 days | Actual Cost | ||
| Surgical Fee | Actual Cost | ||
| Inpatient Doctor Visit Fees | Actual Cost | ||
| Lump Sum payment in the event of death or dismemberment | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Outpatient
(max 1 visit per day) |
2,000
40,000 per year |
3,000
60,000 per year |
4,000
80,000 per year |
| Transportation Cost for IPD (Max 30 times per year) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Remarks:
- Applicants for the long-stay visas must be from one of the following 14 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), or the United States of America.
- The main applicant must be between 50 and 75 years of age at first entry and can then renew for life.
- Applicant’s dependents can be aged 15 days to 75 years of age at first entry and can renew as long as the main applicant renews.
For more information, feel free to reach out to our insurance experts for personalized advice and a detailed quote.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Thailand
When selecting a health insurance plan in Thailand, especially as an expat, it’s crucial to understand what to look for beyond just the premium cost. Here are some of the key factors that will help you make an informed decision:
Coverage Limits: Annual and Per-Illness
When comparing plans, it’s important to understand the difference between annual coverage limits and per-illness limits. Annual limits refer to the total amount your insurer will reimburse in a year, while per-illness (or per-condition) limits cap the reimbursement per medical condition or incident.
If you expect to visit the hospital frequently or want the peace of mind of being fully covered for multiple treatments, choosing a plan with a higher annual limit offers broader and more flexible protection.
Network Hospitals
Access to a wide network of hospitals is essential. Thaivivat stands out with an extensive network of quality private hospitals across Thailand, many of which are expat-friendly and internationally accredited.
You can view the full list and locations of Thaivivat’s network hospitals using their interactive map here.
Common Exclusions
Always check what’s not covered. Common exclusions often include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic treatments, mental health care, and injuries from high-risk sports. Understanding exclusions helps you avoid surprises when filing a claim.
Waiting Periods
Many plans include waiting periods for certain conditions, such as maternity care, chronic conditions, or dental services. Be sure to clarify these terms before enrolling so you can plan your care and coverage timeline accordingly.
Renewability and Long-Term Planning
For expats planning to stay in Thailand long-term, especially retirees, it’s important to choose a plan that offers guaranteed renewability. Some plans allow renewals only up to a certain age, while others, like Thaivivat’s Star Health, offer lifetime renewability if enrolled before a certain age.
Customer Support & Claims Process
Responsive, English-speaking customer support is essential for smooth communication, especially during emergencies. A provider that offers clear guidance and a simple claims process can make a big difference in your experience.
That’s where insurance brokers like Pacific Prime can make a real difference. We offer free, value-added services beyond what typical insurance providers offer, including personalized plan recommendations and claims assistance.
Our English-speaking support team is here to help you navigate the entire process, from choosing the right policy to communicating with Thai insurers. By bridging the language gap and simplifying complex policies, we ensure that expats receive the support they need with transparency and confidence.
Get a Quote & Apply for Thaivivat Expats Health Insurance
If you’re interested in applying for one of Thaivivat’s health insurance plans for expats in Thailand, Pacific Prime is here to help. Whether you’re looking for basic coverage or a plan that meets long-stay visa requirements, we can guide you through the process of applying online with ease.
You can explore and compare plans across multiple providers using our free online comparison tool or connect with one of our advisors for a personalized quote, completely free of charge.
From selecting the right coverage to finalizing your policy, we’ll be with you every step of the way for a smooth and stress-free experience in Thailand. Get in touch today to start your expat journey in Thailand!
Want more options? Check out what other insurers offer for your stay in Thailand:
- AXA Thailand: Health Insurance for Expats Living in Thailand
- LUMA: 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
- MSIG: Travel Insurance for Travelers in Thailand
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners apply for Thaivivat health insurance in Thailand?
Thaivivat offers health insurance plans that are available to both Thai nationals and foreigners residing in Thailand. As long as you live in Thailand for more than 180 days per year and meet the age and eligibility requirements, you can apply for coverage, regardless of your nationality.
Is Thaivivat insurance accepted at major hospitals in Thailand?
Thaivivat has an extensive network of partner hospitals and clinics across Thailand, including many international hospitals well-known to expats, such as Bangkok Hospital or MedPark Hospital. You can view their network hospital map to find one near you.
What documents are needed to apply for Thaivivat health insurance?
To apply, you’ll typically need a copy of your passport, visa details, proof of residence in Thailand, and a completed health declaration form. Additional documents may be required depending on the plan and your specific health conditions.
With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.
In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
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