5 Benefits of Private Health Insurance When Visiting Thailand

Thailand’s sunny weather and stunning beaches make it one of the world’s top destinations for tourists and expats. More than 30 million people visit the country in a typical year, and around four million foreigners live there permanently.

While Thailand does have a functioning public health system which it extends to non-Thais, this coverage is expected to end in 2024 and only provides a very basic level of care. Many foreigners choose to take out their own health insurance instead, and this blog explores the reasons why they prefer to do so.

1. Broad coverage

Private health insurance usually covers a lot more treatment than public health insurance programs do, which means you do not need to worry about exceeding your coverage limit if you end up staying in hospital for a few days or even weeks.

Additionally, the range of services covered by private insurance tends to be much broader. For example, Thailand’s public health cover does not include extensive dental surgery, but private insurance can.

However, make sure you have considered all the essential factors before taking out your own policy, especially the exclusions. Although private insurance covers a wider range of issues, many policies exclude activities that you might want to do on your visit, such as motorcycle riding. 

2. Shorter waiting times

Thailand has a population of around 66 million people. With public health cover extended to all of these and the 30 million visitors that the country receives each year, you can see how waiting times might become an issue.

Private insurance grants you access to private services, where the higher cost means that they treat fewer people. Waiting times for consultations and treatments are correspondingly shorter. 

3. Access to private hospitals

Thailand is considered to be one of the top providers of private health services in the world. At Thailand’s private hospitals, you can expect to receive the latest cutting-edge treatments, exceptional care from highly-qualified staff, and shorter waiting times for treatments and surgeries. 

4. English-speaking staff

While many doctors in Thai public hospitals can speak English, communication is much more likely to be an issue than in private hospitals where they deal with foreign visitors all the time. If you take out private health insurance, your provider will make sure that you receive care in your native language. This makes it easier to communicate your needs and concerns to staff and doctors, which will help ensure you receive the best care possible. 

5. Overseas coverage

Even if you are a resident in Thailand, the country’s public health insurance won’t cover you once you leave its borders. However, private health insurance usually offers treatment in other countries too. This is good if you travel a lot, and it also means that if you cannot find the care you need in Thailand, you can go elsewhere and it will still be paid for by your insurance provider.

Summary

As a visitor coming to Thailand, there are many reasons to favour private health insurance over public. Broader cover, better care, and the ability to travel mean you can make the most of your trip without worrying about what happens if you fall ill or get injured.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.