International health insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand draws retirees, remote workers and families from all over the world, and its private hospitals are used to treating international patients. An international plan lets you use them with direct settlement, gives you a way home or to a regional centre when it matters, and can satisfy the insurance rule of the O-A retirement visa.
Why expats in Thailand choose international cover
Private hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai bill international patients at international prices. A serious illness can mean months of treatment, a transfer to another country or a flight home. An international plan is designed for exactly that: high annual limits, pre-authorised treatment paid directly to the hospital, cancer care, and evacuation or repatriation when the right treatment is elsewhere.
Health insurance and the O-A retirement visa
Since 31 October 2019, applicants for the Non-Immigrant O-A (long-stay retirement) visa must hold health insurance with at least THB 40,000 for out-patient and THB 400,000 for in-patient treatment. Foreign insurers are accepted, with a Foreign Insurance Certificate completed by the insurer, according to the Royal Thai Embassy.
Both minimums are far below what an international plan provides, but out-patient cover must be included. Tell us you are applying for the O-A visa and we configure the plan with out-patient cover and ask the insurer for the certificate before you apply.
Choosing the area of cover
Most clients in Thailand choose worldwide cover excluding the USA. It covers treatment in Thailand, in regional centres such as Singapore, and back in Europe. Cigna Global also covers temporary stays in your country of nationality of up to 180 days per policy year when that country is inside your area. Add the US only if you expect to be treated there.
Age and medical history
Many expats in Thailand are retirees. International plans are individually underwritten: you declare your medical history, and the insurer may cover a condition as standard, exclude it or apply a loading. Entry-age rules differ between insurers, so give us every age in the household and we tell you straight away which plans are open to you. Applying earlier rather than later matters: a condition that appears after you are insured is covered under the plan’s terms.
How we work
Both insurers, side by side
Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured on the same terms, with our recommendation in writing.
One adviser, quote to claim
The person who quotes your plan handles the application, the certificate, renewals and claims.
No fee to you
We are paid by the insurer. Quotation, comparison and help with claims cost you nothing.
Get your international health insurance quote
Four details are enough to start. We reply in writing within one working day with Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured for you.
Thank you
We will come back to you in writing within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Does an international plan satisfy the O-A visa insurance rule?
It can, provided the plan includes out-patient cover of at least THB 40,000 and in-patient cover of at least THB 400,000, and the insurer completes the Foreign Insurance Certificate. We confirm both before you apply.
Allianz Care or Cigna Global for Thailand?
Both write cover for expats living in Thailand. Allianz Care includes repatriation in every plan; Cigna Global is more modular and accepts US citizens. We quote both on the same terms so you can compare.
Can I be treated in my home country?
Yes, if your home country is inside your area of cover. With Cigna Global, temporary stays in your country of nationality are covered for up to 180 days per policy year when it is inside the area.
I am Thai and live in Thailand. Can I take an international plan?
Normally not. International plans are designed for people living outside their country of nationality.
Related reading
Adler & Rochefort is the commercial brand of Ownizo, Unipessoal Lda., an insurance broker registered with the Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões (ASF) under no. 425591790/3, authorised to carry on insurance mediation in the life and non-life branches, and not a tied agent of any insurer. We are appointed to distribute the international health plans of Allianz Care, Cigna Global and APRIL International. Availability depends on your nationality, your main country of residence and local law, and is confirmed before any quotation. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case, and not an offer of insurance. Acceptance, cover, limits, exclusions and premium are determined by the insurer following medical underwriting and are governed exclusively by the policy conditions issued.