Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Top Picks for Asia
These insurers have the best coverage for expats in Asia:
Best for Asia Overall
Cigna Global
Excellent Southeast Asia network with strong presence in Thailand, Singapore, and beyond.
Best Premium Option
Bupa Global
Access to top hospitals across Asia including Bumrungrad, Mount Elizabeth, and more.
Best Local Expertise
Pacific Prime
Asia-headquartered broker with deep regional expertise and local support.
Best Budget Option
IMG Global
Affordable Asia coverage for budget-conscious expats and digital nomads.
Why Asia-Specific Insurance Matters
Asia has unique healthcare considerations:
Huge Quality Variation
Healthcare quality varies dramatically across Asia:
- Singapore and Bangkok have world-class facilities
- Rural areas may have limited care
- Private vs public quality gap is significant
- Medical evacuation may be needed from some locations
Medical Tourism Hubs
Some Asian countries are medical tourism destinations:
- Thailand: Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital are world-renowned
- Singapore: Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles top Asian facilities
- Malaysia: Growing medical tourism industry
- India: Specialized procedures at fraction of Western cost
Digital Nomad Hotspots
Asia attracts many digital nomads:
- Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok, islands)
- Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang)
- Bali, Indonesia
- Philippines (various islands)
Moving to Asia?
Compare plans with strong Asian healthcare networks.
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Asia Coverage Comparison
| Provider | Asia Network | Thailand Coverage | Singapore Access | Asia Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Excellent | Strong network | Full access | Mid-range |
| Bupa Global | Excellent | Strong network | Full access | Premium |
| Allianz Care | Good | Good network | Good access | Competitive |
| Pacific Prime | Excellent | Specialists | Local expert | Mid-range |
| IMG Global | Good | Basic network | Limited | Budget |
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global — Best for Asia Overall
Cigna Global has an excellent network across Southeast Asia.
What works well:
- Strong Thailand network (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital)
- Full Singapore hospital access
- Good Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines coverage
- 24/7 support in Asian time zones
- Direct billing at major hospitals
- Modular plans for customization
Considerations: Mid-range to premium pricing. Network strongest in major cities. Excellent choice for most Asian expats.
Read our full Cigna Global review
Bupa Global — Premium Asian Coverage
Bupa Global offers access to the best hospitals across Asia.
What works well:
- Access to top-tier Asian hospitals
- Bumrungrad, Mount Elizabeth, Raffles in network
- Comprehensive coverage
- Strong emergency evacuation
- Excellent service
- Good for families
Considerations: Premium pricing. Worth it for access to best facilities. May be overkill in lower-cost countries.
Read our full Bupa Global review
Pacific Prime — Local Asian Expertise
Pacific Prime is an Asia-based broker with deep regional knowledge.
What works well:
- Headquartered in Hong Kong and Singapore
- Deep understanding of Asian healthcare markets
- Can compare multiple insurers
- Local support in Asian time zones
- Expertise in specific countries
Considerations: Broker, not insurer—works with multiple carriers. Good for getting tailored advice on Asian insurance options.
IMG Global — Budget Asia Option
IMG Global offers affordable coverage for Asian expats.
What works well:
- Lower premiums than competitors
- Adequate network in major Asian cities
- Good for digital nomads on budget
- Multiple plan tiers
- Covers major medical needs
Considerations: Smaller network than premium insurers. Less direct billing. Best for budget-conscious healthy individuals.
Read our full IMG Global review
Country-by-Country Considerations
| Country | Healthcare Quality | Cost Level | Expat Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | World-class | Very expensive | Excellent (English) |
| Thailand | Very good (private) | Moderate | Excellent (medical tourism) |
| Malaysia | Good (private) | Affordable | Good (English common) |
| Vietnam | Improving | Low | Moderate (language barrier) |
| Indonesia | Variable | Low-moderate | Moderate (Bali better) |
| Japan | Excellent | High | Challenging (language) |
| Philippines | Good (Manila) | Low | Good (English) |
Thailand
Thailand has excellent private healthcare:
- Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital are world-class
- Medical tourism hub with English-speaking staff
- Affordable compared to Western countries
- Good for elective procedures too
- Insurance highly recommended despite low costs
Singapore
Singapore has world-class but expensive healthcare:
- Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles top facilities
- Very expensive without insurance
- Mandatory insurance for employment passes
- Excellent English throughout healthcare system
Vietnam
Vietnam healthcare is improving but variable:
- Good private hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
- FV Hospital, Vinmec popular with expats
- Language can be a barrier
- May need evacuation for complex cases
Indonesia (Bali)
Bali has better healthcare than most of Indonesia:
- BIMC, Siloam serve expat community
- Serious cases often evacuated to Singapore
- Insurance with evacuation important
- Variable quality outside Bali
Find the Right Plan for Your Country
Different Asian countries have different insurance needs.
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Healthcare Quality Across Asia
Top-Tier Facilities
Asia has some world-class hospitals:
- Bumrungrad (Bangkok): 1.1 million patients/year, many international
- Mount Elizabeth (Singapore): JCI-accredited, multi-specialty
- Raffles Hospital (Singapore): Comprehensive medical center
- Gleneagles (Singapore/Malaysia): Regional hospital group
- Bangkok Hospital Group: Multiple Thai locations
When Evacuation May Be Needed
- Remote locations in any country
- Complex surgeries in developing countries
- Specialty care not available locally
- Quality concerns in smaller cities
Tropical Disease Considerations
Asia has specific health risks:
- Dengue fever (widespread in tropical areas)
- Malaria (some regions)
- Typhoid (food/water safety)
- Japanese encephalitis
- Good insurance covers treatment for all these
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asia-only coverage cheaper than worldwide?
Yes, typically 20-40% cheaper than worldwide plans. Asia (excluding Japan) has lower healthcare costs than the US or Europe, so insurers price accordingly. Consider your travel patterns before limiting coverage.
Which Asian countries have the best healthcare?
Singapore has the best overall healthcare in Asia, followed by Thailand and Malaysia for private care. Japan and South Korea also have excellent systems but with language barriers. Quality varies significantly within countries—major cities have better facilities.
Do I need insurance in Thailand? Healthcare is cheap.
Yes. While routine care is affordable, serious illness or accidents can still cost tens of thousands. ICU stays, surgeries, and evacuation can wipe out savings. The low cost of Thai insurance makes it worth having.
What about local Asian insurers vs international?
Local insurers may be cheaper but often have limitations: smaller networks, language barriers in claims, coverage only in one country, and less experience with expat needs. International insurers offer portability and broader coverage.
Is evacuation coverage important in Asia?
Yes, especially outside major cities. While Bangkok and Singapore have world-class care, remote areas or smaller countries may require evacuation to a medical hub. Make sure your plan includes adequate evacuation coverage.
Can I use Thailand as a medical tourism destination while insured elsewhere?
Usually yes, if Thailand is within your coverage area. Many expats living elsewhere travel to Thailand for elective procedures. Check your policy covers the specific treatment and location.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Healthcare quality and costs vary by location and change over time. We are not insurance brokers. Always verify current coverage and provider networks directly with insurers.
