{"id":574,"date":"2020-09-25T15:40:39","date_gmt":"2020-09-25T08:40:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.th\/blog\/?p=574"},"modified":"2020-09-25T16:00:02","modified_gmt":"2020-09-25T09:00:02","slug":"best-health-insurance-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.th\/blog\/best-health-insurance-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"5 top tips on how to find the best health insurance in Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re a newly arrived expat or have lived in Thailand for a number of years, chances are you\u2019re eventually going to need to see the doctor. While the cost of care in Thailand is generally affordable to most foreigners, medical expenses can still be quite high. This is especially true for major procedures like heart bypass surgery, which can cost up to USD $42,000<\/a> (THB \u0e3f1,323,567 – as of September 2020)!<\/p>\n

To avoid paying full price for medical care, having the right health coverage is therefore imperative. When it comes to finding the best health insurance, Pacific Prime Thailand<\/a> has all the information you\u2019ll need. Read on to learn more, or get a free quote<\/a> today.<\/p>\n

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1. Consider your healthcare needs<\/h2>\n

Before obtaining health insurance, it\u2019s important to first take note of your estimated healthcare needs, starting with inpatient and outpatient coverage. For example, if you, your spouse, or a dependent family member needs to see a doctor on a regular basis, your ideal plan is likely one that features outpatient benefits, meaning it will also cover care that does not require an overnight stay at the hospital (GP and specialist visits, for example). On the other hand, if you rarely ever get sick, and have had no major medical problems in the past, you may want a relatively basic plan with inpatient-only coverage to save on costs.<\/p>\n

Do you have any pre-existing conditions?<\/h3>\n

One thing to be aware of here is that pre-existing conditions, meaning illnesses or injuries that you already have, or previously had (e.g. asthma), are generally excluded from health insurance coverage<\/a>. This is especially true for local health insurance plans which tend to carry more restrictions than international plans. Despite being a general exclusion, pre-existing conditions coverage can be negotiated with a select number of insurers, but restrictions (e.g. waiting periods or loadings \u2013 additional premiums) will usually apply.<\/p>\n

Do you have a preferred GP or specialist?<\/h3>\n

You might also have a specific GP or specialist that you want to be covered in your policy. This is an important consideration that you should confirm with your insurer or broker, as the clinics you frequent may not necessarily be part of a plan\u2019s network of providers, which are facilities that the insurer will either suggest or require clients to use. Of course, you can still visit doctors and specialists outside of your plan\u2019s provider network, but the plan may only pay out a small portion of your fees, or even not provide reimbursement at all.<\/p>\n

Here is an article providing tips for expats visiting hospitals in Thailand<\/a>, which includes how to choose the best hospital in Thailand.<\/p>\n

2. Ascertain your required coverage benefits<\/h2>\n

Now that you\u2019ve got a general idea of your healthcare needs, it\u2019s time to ascertain the types of coverage benefits you\u2019ll need. If you\u2019ve had any experience comparing health insurance online<\/a>, you\u2019ll likely notice the often significant differences in coverage benefits between insurers, and even plans from the same insurance company.<\/p>\n

For instance, the most basic plans will usually cover hospitalization expenses limited to one country only, with little to no additional benefits. Other, more comprehensive options may additionally feature outpatient benefits<\/a>, as well as cover costs associated with maternity or dental treatment.<\/p>\n

The ideal types of benefits will differ depending on your needs, but generally speaking, most international and local plans in Thailand will include all or some of the following:<\/p>\n