Press enter to see results or esc to cancel.

Top Health Insurance in Thailand for British Expats: Options and Benefits

Top health insurance for British expats in Thailand includes AXA Thailand, AIA, Luma, Allianz Ayudhya, April, and more. Thailand has a robust insurance market, and British expats can find a wealth of options from both local and international providers.

Discover the world's top health insurers.
Compare quotes with a click of the button.

In this article, we will take you through some common offerings from top insurers in Thailand. British expats can familiarize themselves with general plan structures, benefits, and characteristics of health insurance in Thailand to better inform their purchase before settling in the Land of Smiles.

Best Health Insurance Options for British Expats in Thailand

Image of White And Red Riverboat Cruising Past Central Bangkok Waterfront Buildings with text overlay of "Best Health Insurance Options for British Expats in Thailand"

To find the best health insurance options in Thailand, it is essential that expats thoroughly familiarize themselves with common terms, jargon, and offerings from insurers. In the following section, we will compare offerings from some top insurers in Thailand, including:

  • AXA Thailand
  • AIA
  • Luma
  • Allianz Ayudhya
  • April 
  • Pacific Cross
  • Thaivivat
  • LMG Insurance

Read on to find out more about what you can expect for your health policies in Thailand and what essential coverage you should look for when securing your health insurance in Thailand.

Allianz Ayudhya Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand

Allianz Ayudhya is a trusted name in Thailand, with a large international and local presence. Allianz Ayudhya’s offerings range from Basic Care, which caters primarily to health coverage in Thailand, to Flex Care, which offers international coverage on top of family discounts.

In addition to the core plan, which provides coverage for inpatient treatments, expats can enhance their coverage by adding optional benefits such as outpatient, maternity, dental and optical, and personal accident coverage to safeguard against other potential risks.

Allianz Ayudhya’s Offerings Comparison
Basic Care Max Care Beyond Care Flex Care
  • Coverage up to THB 750,000/policy year
  • Optional outpatient and personal accident coverage
  • Lifetime renewal
  • Telemedicine service
  • Coverage up to THB 5 million/confinement
  • Optional outpatient, maternity, and personal accidents coverage
  • Lifetime renewal
  • Over 490 hospitals and clinics in the cashless network
  • Telemedicine
  • International coverage (excluding the US)
  • Coverage up to THB 30 million/confinement
  • Optional outpatient, maternity, and personal accident coverage
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
  • Annual health check coverage
  • International coverage (excluding the US)
  • Up to THB 50 million in annual maximum limit
  • Optional outpatient, maternity, wellbeing, and dental and optical coverage
  • Deductible options
  • Payment frequency options
  • Family discount

April MyHEALTH Thailand for British Expats

April’s MyHEALTH Thailand offers comprehensive inpatient and cancer coverage for British expats in Thailand. On top of the core plan, expats can add April’s optional benefits packages of outpatient, maternity, and dental and optical care for better and a wider range of coverage.

April MyHEALTH Thailand’s Benefits at a Glance (THB)
Benefits Essential Extensive Elite
Annual Limit 10,000,000 32,750,000 65,500,000
Hospitalization Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Room and Board Standard private room Standard private room Standard private room
Outpatient Surgery Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Cancer Treatment Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Complications of Pregnancy 1,637,500 per pregnancy Paid in full
Medical Checkup 3,000 6,000
Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Up to US$1,000,000

 

April MyHEALTH Thailand’s Optional Benefits
Optional Outpatient Optional Maternity Optional Dental & Optical
  • Doctor and specialist visits
  • Medicines, scans, and tests
  • Physiotherapy with referral
  • Medical checkups and vaccination
  • Complementary Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Pre- and post-natal care
  • Delivery
  • Newborn care
  • Minor dental treatment
  • Major dental treatment
  • Eye exams
  • Prescription contact lenses and lenses

AXA Thailand Health Insurance Offering for British Expats in Thailand

Image of Wide River View With Bangkok Skyline Rising Beyond The Waterfront with text overlay of "AXA Thailand Health Insurance Offering for British Expats in Thailand"

AXA Thailand offers a wide range of plans for British expats in Thailand, from AXA EasyCare, which is tailored especially for Thailand’s long-stay visa compliance, to the International Exclusive plan, which includes international coverage and evacuation service.

Expats who plan to stay mainly in Thailand can opt for AXA EasyCare or Smart Care Essential, which are designed to cover healthcare in Thailand and Thai visa compliance, while SwitchCare and International Exclusive can offer international portability to expats who regularly travel across borders.

AXA Thailand’s Offerings Comparison
SmartCare Essential SwitchCare International Exclusive EasyCare
  • Coverage up to THB 10 million/illness
  • Inpatient and outpatient cancer coverage
  • Addable wellness, dental, and vision options
  • Renewable up to 99
  • Option to comply with O-A, O-X, and LTR visas
  • Coverage up to THB 30 million/year
  • International coverage
  • Immediate protection from the first day
  • Coverage up to THB 93 million/year
  • International coverage
  • Immediate protection on the first day
  • Evacuation and repatriation services
  • Comply with O-A, O-X, and LTR visas
  • Entry age up to 80 (renewal age up to 90)
  • Up to THB 4 million in coverage/confinement
  • Extensive hospital network

LMG Insurance in Thailand

LMG Insurance is a veteran insurer in the Thai market with over 45 years of operation. LMG offers a full suite of insurance for expats in Thailand, including health and accident insurance with international portability or the LMG Long Stay Visa plan, which complies with the O-A Visa’s requirements.

LMG Insurance’s Offerings Comparison
Individual Health And Accident Insurance Policy Elite Plus Individual Health and Accident Insurance Policy Universal Plus LMG Long Stay Visa Plus
  • Inpatient
  • Emergency outpatient
  • Cancer care
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Three variations available
  • Higher coverage limits than Individual Health And Accident Insurance Policy Elite Plus
  • Worldwide coverage, excluding the US
  • Long Stay Visa (O-A Visa) compliance
  • Data automatically uploaded to the TGIA portal database
  • Deductible options

AIA for British Expats in Thailand

AIA is one of the longest-standing insurers in the Thai market. Long-term expats looking for affordable yet comprehensive coverage in Thailand can find an ideal plan in AIA Health Happy, while globally mobile expats may find peace of mind in AIA Infinite Care with its worldwide coverage.

AIA’s Offerings Comparison
Benefits AIA Infinite Care AIA Health Happy AI CI Care (Rider)
Coverage Worldwide inpatient and outpatient Inpatient and outpatient within Thailand Critical illness protection
Annual Benefit Limit THB 60 to 120 Million THB 1 to 25 Million Varies by Policy
Includes
  • Access to private hospitals
  • Critical illness coverage
  • Optional riders
  • Affordable premiums
  • Essential health benefits
  • Optional riders
  • Lump-sum payout for covered illnesses
Best for
  • Digital nomads
  • Frequent travelers
  • High-net-worth individuals
  • Long-term expats
  • Retirees
  • Budget-conscious residents
  • Those with a family history of illness or seeking added protection

Luma Thailand for British Expats

Luma Hi5 and Luma PRIME are Luma’s health insurance offerings for expats in Thailand. Both provide coverage for inpatient treatments, pre- and post-hospitalization outpatient care and diagnostics, cancer treatment, and medical evacuation, with Luma PRIME offering higher benefits limits. 

Both Luma Hi5 and Luma PRIME also come with optional benefits that can be added to expand the scope of the core plan’s coverage, including:

  • Outpatient benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Maternity benefits
  • Vision benefits
Luma’s Benefits at a Glance (THB)
Benefits Luma Hi5 Luma PRIME
Plan 1 Plan 2 Plan 1 Plan 2 Plan 3
Annual Maximum Limits 5M 5M 10M 30M 50M
Hospitalization Benefits
Inpatient Room and Board (per day) 5,000 8,000 12,000 15,000 20,000
Intensive Care Room and Board Paid in full Paid in full
Medical Service Fees Paid in full Paid in full
Attending Medical Professional Fee Paid in full Paid in full
Medical Expenses for Surgery and Surgical Procedures Paid in full Paid in full
Day Surgery Paid in full Paid in full
Non-Hospitalization Benefits
Pre- and Post-hospitalization Diagnostics and Outpatient (per policy year) 15,000 30,000 50,000 100,000
Accidental Outpatient (within 24 hrs) Paid in full Paid in full
Cancer Treatment Paid in full Paid in full
Medical Evacuation

Pacific Cross Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand

Pacific Cross offers a range of insurance plans for expats coming to Thailand, starting from the Standard plan for expats looking for reliable and affordable coverage to the Ultima plan with all-inclusive premium coverage. 

In the following table, we provide a quick comparison of three Pacific Cross plans that meet Thailand’s long-stay visa compliance:

Pacific Cross’ Benefits at a Glance (THB)
Benefits Premier Plus Maxima Plus Ultima Plus
Maximum Limit per Confinement 3,000,000 10,000,000 50,000,000
Inpatient Benefits
Inpatient Room and Board (per confinement) 6,000 per day 10,000 per day 18,000 per day
Intensive Care Unit Max. 12,000 per day Paid in full Paid in full
Inpatient Medical Expenses 300,000 Paid in full Paid in full
Emergency Outpatient Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Cancer Treatment Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Maternity Benefits
Natural Delivery or Planned Caesarean Section without Indication or Medical Necessity 30,000 120,000 200,000
Caesarean Section 60,000
Outpatient Benefits
Outpatient Visits (max. 1 visit/day and overall 30 visits/year) 3,000 Paid in full Paid in full
International Assistance Services
Emergency Medical Evacuation Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full

Thaivivat for Expats in Thailand

Thaivivat is a longstanding name in Thailand’s insurance market and can offer excellent choices for expats who are looking for coverage in Thailand as well as sufficient insurance coverage for their LTR visa’s application.

Thaivivat Star Plus plan’s Benefits at a Glance (THB)
Benefits Star 1+ Star 2+ Star 3+ Star 4+ Star 5+ Star 6+
Maximum Payable/Disability 200,000 500,000 800,000 1,500,000 3,000,000 10,000,000
Inpatient Room and Board (per day) 1,200 3,500 6,000 8,000 12,000 14,000
Intensive Care Room and Board (per day) 2,400 7,000 12,000 Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Hospital General Expenses (per disability) 14,000 45,000 80,000 Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Emergency Outpatient 6,000 8,000 12,000 Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full
Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 Paid in full up to total IPD limit
Annual Health Checkup 500 800 1,000 2,500 5,000 10,000
Dental Checkup 500 800 1,000 2,500 5,000 10,000

 

Thaivivat HLSV Plans for LTR Visa at a Glance
Benefits HLSV01 HLSV02 HLSV03
Annual Limit 400,000 600,000 800,000
Inpatient Room and Board (per day) 4,000 6,000 8,000
Intensive Care Room and Board (per day) 8,000 12,000 16,000
Hospital General Expenses Actual cost
Emergency OPD
Outpatient Visit (Max 1 Visit per Day) 2,000

(40,000 per year)

3,000

(60,000 per year)

4,000

(80,000 per year)

Essential Coverage and Benefits for British Expats in Thailand

When shopping for your health insurance in Thailand, you will want to make sure how your insurer approaches inpatient (IPD) and outpatient (OPD) benefits, whether you will need additional coverage for your OPD, and if the benefits fully cover your potential risks in the country.

We will discuss each essential benefit expats should look for in more detail below:

Inpatient (IPD) vs Outpatient (OPD) Coverage in Thailand

Most insurance plans cover inpatient care in Thailand, but outpatient care generally requires an additional rider to be covered under your health insurance plans. Expats should carefully review their policy structure to make sure they get all the coverage they need.

What does inpatient coverage (IPD) include?

Inpatient coverage generally includes any treatments that require hospitalization. Some common inpatient coverages include:

  • Semi-private or private room during hospitalization
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Medication given during hospitalization
  • Surgical, anesthetic, and operating room fees
  • Diagnostic tests given during or as a part of your hospitalization (e.g., X-Rays, CAT, PET, and laboratory tests)
  • Medical fees during hospitalization, such as nurse and physician fees
  • Pre-hospitalization tests
  • Post-hospitalization outpatient follow-ups

What does outpatient coverage (OPD) include?

Outpatient coverage generally includes treatments or consultations that do not require hospital stays. Some common outpatient coverages include:

  • General practitioner or specialist consultation
  • Prescription drugs
  • Outpatient diagnostic tests
  • Prescribed physiotherapy
  • Vaccination
  • Health checkups and screening

Some policies will require you to purchase an additional rider to obtain outpatient coverage, while some higher-end policies may already include a certain amount of outpatient coverage within their policies. 

Whether preventive care (e.g., checkups or vaccinations) is included within your outpatient coverage is another area to check.

Expats should carefully compare the benefits offered and the limitations of their plans before commencing their purchase.

Direct Billing Networks: Cashless Treatment in Thai Hospitals

Direct billing lets the healthcare provider settle your bills directly with your insurer. This means you can walk out of the hospital without making any payment if your treatment is fully covered by your policy and no co-payment or deductible applies.

To avail yourself of your insurer’s direct billing service, you must make sure your preferred provider is within the direct billing network of your insurer. 

If the provider is within the network, simply present your insurer’s card at the registration, and the provider will arrange direct billing with your insurer with some documents for you to sign.

Direct billing may not be available if you are using an out-of-network provider. Therefore, you will want to go through your insurer’s list of in-network providers to make sure your preferred providers are included or that you have ample choices of in-network providers where you stay in Thailand.

Additionally, some insurers may not cover treatments given by out-of-network providers or may not provide full coverage. Hence, it is all the more important that expats check how their insurers approach in-network and out-of-network providers and whether they can easily access in-network providers. 

Coverage for Tropical Diseases and Local Risks

With its location close to the equator, tropical and mosquito-borne diseases are common in Thailand. Expats should make sure their coverage includes necessary treatments and prevention for these diseases.

Thailand is also notorious for its road safety records and road accident statistics. Expats are recommended to carefully review how their policy handles road traffic-related injuries or loss.

Learn more about common diseases in the Land of Smiles in this article: Top 13 Diseases and Medical Conditions in Thailand that Expats Should Be Aware Of

Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage in Thailand

While major cities boast leading medical institutions, healthcare access and quality can fluctuate across Thailand. Expats living outside of major cities or in Thailand’s rural region will want to secure emergency medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for emergency healthcare access.

Emergency medical evacuation includes transportation to the closest available healthcare facility should the facility in your area not be able to handle your illness or condition.

Medical repatriation lets you be transported back to your home country or your country of residence for continued care.

If you are looking to explore Thailand beyond its major cities, this coverage can be crucial to your healthcare access, as medical evacuation and repatriation can incur significant costs, and advanced treatment may not be readily available.

What to Look for When Choosing Your Insurer in Thailand

With abundant choices of insurers and insurance offerings in Thailand, there are certain things that you can look for to narrow down your choices, including exclusions, claims turnaround time, technological support, and language support.

Full Reimbursement and Few Exclusions

When choosing your insurer, it is essential that you thoroughly comb through their exclusions and terms and conditions. This is where they will outline what your policy will cover and how much. The more you understand these fine prints, the more you can avoid having your claims rejected.

Timely Reimbursement

It may take a couple of days or even several weeks for your claim to be approved and paid out. Expats will want to make sure their preferred insurer has a positive reputation when it comes to their claims process, whether it is timeliness or customer support in case of complex claim consideration.

Technological Support

Paperwork can be a nuisance. Many insurers have introduced online services, from claim submission to complementary virtual health consultation. A good suite of online services can ensure a simpler and smoother insurance experience for you.

Multilingual Support

For expats living abroad, multilingual support can be crucial for your healthcare and insurance access. Some insurers will have interpretation and translation services to make sure your insurance needs and concerns are properly addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get health insurance at 70 years old in Thailand?

Yes, it’s possible. Insurers like Allianz Ayudhya, Pacific Cross, and more have plans that are tailored for older expats. Brokers like Pacific Prime can help older expats compare and secure plans that are tailored to their needs and age groups.

Do I need health insurance to retire in Thailand?

Your health insurance requirement will depend on your visa’s status in Thailand. If you’re entering Thailand with an O-A visa, you must have at least THB 40,000 in outpatient coverage and THB 400,000 in inpatient coverage. 

Can I claim my UK pension while living in Thailand?

Yes, UK expats can claim their UK State Pension or new UK State Pension while living in Thailand.

Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer

Compare over
50,000 Plans
from Top Insurers

Conclusion

There is much more to your right insurance plan than its price tag. A good health insurance plan should meet all your healthcare needs at the right price tag and with ample support to make your experience all the more smooth.

An insurance broker like Pacific Prime can help you compare plans and address any of your insurance concerns as you settle down in the Land of Smiles. 

Thailand has a wealth of insurance options for expats to choose from, and our expert insurance advisors are more than happy to assist British expats in their insurance journey, from finding the plan that works to representing your interests in negotiation with the insurer.

Whether you are looking for an insurance plan for yourself or your loved ones, let our advisors help.

Contact us now for personalized insurance advice and plan comparison, free of charge.