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.
Overview
Thailand is a top destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads thanks to its low cost of living, tropical climate, and excellent healthcare. The country has over 62 JCI-accredited hospitals—more than any other country in Southeast Asia.
Unlike many countries, Thailand has strict health insurance requirements for certain visa types. If you're applying for a retirement visa (O-A or O-X) or the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, you must have approved insurance coverage or your visa will be rejected.
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Thailand's Healthcare System
Thailand has one of the best healthcare systems in Asia. Private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major cities offer world-class care with modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
Public Healthcare
Thailand has a Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) that provides free healthcare to Thai citizens. However, expats generally cannot access this system unless they're legally employed by a Thai company that registers them for social security.
If your employer enrolls you, you'll receive a "Gold Card" and be assigned to a specific hospital near your home. The coverage is decent but has limitations—long wait times, assigned facilities only, and some medications not covered.
Private Healthcare
Most expats use private healthcare in Thailand. Benefits include:
- No waiting times
- Choice of hospital and doctor
- English-speaking staff
- Modern, hotel-like facilities
- Direct billing with insurance
Thailand is a major medical tourism destination, with hospitals like Bumrungrad International in Bangkok serving patients from around the world.
Visa Insurance Requirements
Thailand requires health insurance for several long-stay visa types. The requirements are specific, and using unapproved insurance will result in visa rejection.
Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (1-Year Retirement)
The O-A visa is for retirees aged 50+ who want to stay in Thailand for one year. Insurance requirements:
- Minimum coverage: 400,000 THB (~$11,500 USD) inpatient + 40,000 THB (~$1,150 USD) outpatient
- Or: $100,000 USD / 3,000,000 THB total medical coverage
- Must be valid for the entire visa duration
- Must use an approved insurer from the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) list
Important: You must verify your insurer is approved at longstay.tgia.org. Travel insurance is not accepted and will result in visa rejection.
Non-Immigrant O-X Visa (10-Year Retirement)
The O-X visa offers 10-year stays for retirees aged 50+ with higher financial requirements. Insurance requirements:
- Coverage: 400,000 THB inpatient + 40,000 THB outpatient
- COVID-19 coverage may still be required (check current rules)
- Must use a TGIA-approved insurer
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
The LTR visa is a newer 10-year visa for wealthy individuals, pensioners, remote workers, and highly-skilled professionals. Insurance requirements:
- Minimum coverage: $50,000 USD in medical costs
- Alternative: Financial deposit of $100,000 USD instead of insurance
The LTR visa offers benefits like exemption from 90-day reporting (only annual reporting required) and fast-track airport service.
Non-Immigrant O Visa (No Insurance Required)
If you're extending a Non-Immigrant O visa based on retirement or marriage to a Thai citizen, health insurance is NOT mandatory. However, it's still strongly recommended.
Work Visa (Non-B)
If you have a work permit and are employed by a Thai company, your employer is required to provide social security coverage. Many employers also offer supplemental private insurance.
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Recommended Plans
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Thailand, from budget-friendly local plans to comprehensive international coverage.
| Provider | Type | Visa Approved | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Cross | Regional | $80/mo | |
| AXA Thailand | Local/Regional | $70/mo | |
| Luma Health | Local | $60/mo | |
| IMG Global | International | Verify | $85/mo |
| Allianz Care | International | Verify | $130/mo |
| Cigna Global | International | Verify | $180/mo |
| BUPA Global | International | Verify | $215/mo |
Local/Regional Plans
Pacific Cross is a Thailand-based insurer with 50+ years in Asia. They offer competitive rates, accept applicants up to age 80, and are approved for visa applications. Great for retirees who won't travel much outside Thailand.
AXA Thailand has over 20 years in the Thai market. They offer family discounts up to 15% and some plans cover pre-existing conditions. Their EasyCare Visa plan is specifically designed for long-stay visas.
Luma Health is a local Thai insurer offering budget-friendly plans. Good option for younger expats or those wanting basic coverage to supplement out-of-pocket payments.
International Plans
International insurers offer worldwide coverage and portability if you relocate. Note: TGIA approval status varies for international insurers — verify at longstay.tgia.org before relying on them for O-A/O-X visas.
- Cigna Global — Most popular international choice, $1-3M limits, excellent Thai network
- Allianz Care — High-deductible options for up to 60% savings
- BUPA Global — Premium coverage with mental health parity and pre-existing condition handling
- IMG Global — Budget-friendly with 50% deductible waiver outside US
Allianz Ayudhya (formerly Bupa Thailand/Aetna Thailand) offers local plans with international backing. Note: they have a 30-day waiting period for illness coverage.
Note on Bupa and Aetna
If you're searching for "Bupa Thailand" or "Aetna Thailand," these companies no longer operate independently. Bupa Thailand was acquired by Aetna in 2017, and Aetna Thailand was acquired by Allianz Ayudhya in 2022.
Expected Costs
Health insurance costs in Thailand vary widely based on age, coverage level, and whether you choose local or international coverage.
Insurance Costs
- Local basic plans: 1,000-3,000 THB/month ($30-90 USD)
- Local comprehensive plans: $60-150/month
- Regional plans (Asia-focused): $80-200/month
- International plans: $150-400/month
Average annual spending on health insurance for expats in Thailand is around 35,000 THB (~$1,000 USD).
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Many expats choose inpatient-only plans and pay for routine care out of pocket. This can save significantly on premiums.
- Doctor visit: $30-80 USD
- Specialist visit: $50-150 USD
- Dental cleaning: $30-50 USD
- Hospital stay: $10,000+ USD (this is where insurance matters)
Money-Saving Tip
Local plans from insurers like Pacific Cross, Luma, and AXA Thailand are often 30-50% cheaper than global insurers while still providing excellent coverage for care within Thailand.
Common Questions
Can I use travel insurance for my visa?
No. Travel insurance is not accepted for O-A, O-X, or LTR visa applications. You must have a proper health insurance policy from a TGIA-approved provider. Submitting travel insurance will result in visa rejection.
What is the TGIA approved list?
The Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) maintains a list of approved insurers for long-stay visas. You can verify your insurer at longstay.tgia.org before applying.
Do I need insurance for the Non-O retirement visa?
No. The Non-Immigrant O visa (extended based on retirement or Thai spouse) does not require health insurance. Only the O-A and O-X visas have mandatory insurance requirements.
What if I have pre-existing conditions?
Most Thai insurers exclude or limit pre-existing conditions, especially for older applicants. Some international plans offer coverage after waiting periods. AXA Thailand has some plans that cover pre-existing conditions. Be upfront about your health history when applying.
Can I get insurance at age 70+?
Yes, but options are more limited. Pacific Cross accepts new applicants up to age 80, which is one of the highest age limits available. Premiums will be higher for older applicants.
Should I get inpatient-only or full coverage?
Many expats choose inpatient-only plans since routine outpatient care in Thailand is affordable ($30-80 per visit). This can reduce premiums by 30-50%. However, full coverage provides more peace of mind and is required for some visa types.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa requirements and insurance rules change frequently. We are not immigration consultants or insurance brokers. Always verify requirements with the Thai embassy/consulate and confirm insurer approval at longstay.tgia.org before applying.
