Laos Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Laos

Expats and travelers moving to or visiting Laos should purchase international health insurance for the duration of their stay. Lao healthcare is basic and limited, and only Lao citizens and legal residents enrolled in one of the country’s government schemes qualify for public healthcare.

How does the healthcare system work in Laos, and what can you expect as an expat living there? This guide offers a practical summary of the Lao healthcare system for expats residing in or traveling to the country, explains the necessity of comprehensive health insurance, compares plans, and more.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Laos

The Healthcare System in Laos

Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, and as such, the country's healthcare system often fails to provide full services, making international health insurance a near necessity for expats. The country’s health issues and standard of medical facilities vary greatly by location.

Improving the quality of care in Laos has been an ongoing push, especially for urban centers, but current care falls far below Western standards.

Public Healthcare in Laos

In 2016, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) made a goal of providing universal healthcare to the country by 2025, though, according to the WHO, it has faced setbacks and it is unclear whether they will meet this goal.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has five social health protection schemes, all of which seek to increase the utilization of healthcare services and provide financial protection to residents.

1. State Authority for Social Security (SASS) for civil servants and their dependents
2. Social Security Office (SSO) for employees of the state, private enterprises, and their dependents
3. Community-based Health Insurance (CBHI) for informal-sector workers and the self-employed
4. Health Equity Funds (HEFs) for families defined as living below the poverty line
5. Maternal and child health services in selected provinces

Public Hospitals in Laos

Laos has minimal facilities for major medical emergencies. The state-run hospitals and clinics are among the most basic in Southeast Asia in terms of the standards of hygiene, staff training, supplies, and equipment, so evacuation to another country is suggested.

Public hospitals you may consider in Laos are:

• Mahosot Hospital
  Address: Fa Ngum Road Vientiane, Laos
  Telephone/Fax: +856 (0)21 4018/4022/4025
• Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital
  Address: Th Setthathirat Luang Prabang, Laos
  Telephone/Fax: +856 (0) 71 254 023
• Vangviang District Hospital
  Address: WCFW+6PF, Vang Vieng, Laos
  Telephone/Fax: +856 23 511 019

Private Healthcare in Laos

The private healthcare system in Laos is slightly more developed than the public sector. Several private hospitals offer more advanced technology and care providers may speak English more often.

Private Hospitals in Laos

Expats will prefer the care they receive in private hospitals over that in public hospitals, though medical evacuation to a neighboring country such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, or even China is still recommended for treatment beyond basic care.

Private hospitals in Laos you may consider are:

• Kasemrad International Hospital
  Address: No.999, 450 years Road Donnokkhoum Village
  , Sisattanak District, Laos Telephone/Fax: +856 21 833 333
• Lao-Chinese Hospital
  Address: North 13, Luang Prabang, Laos
  Telephone: +856 71 213 272
• Alliance International Medical Centre
  Address: XHCG+FH7, 13, Vientiane, Laos
  Telephone/Fax: +856 21 513 095

Health Insurance Options in Laos for Expats

Though expats can choose local and international health insurance for Laos, we recommend that expats only opt for international health insurance due to the country’s insufficient offerings.

Private Insurance in Laos

International health insurance is a wise choice for expats in Laos as it protects their health and finances while abroad. Similarly, for travelers, travel insurance with medical coverage is not mandatory in Laos to enter the country, it is still encouraged for those visiting.

International health insurance is important to expats in Laos as it provides them access to high-quality private healthcare outside the country. These plans allow you access to many top-tier facilities, clinics, and hospitals around the globe.

Individuals who choose an international insurance plan have the luxury of picking which benefits they need, but most plans offer coverage for:

• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Emergency medical care
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Care worldwide, including your home country

These policies are also generally renewable and offer 24-hour assistance for emergencies. You can also consider add-on benefits for vision, dental, maternity, and preventative care.

For expats looking to relocate to Laos, the insurance experts at Pacific Prime have a selection of insurance plans available, or keep reading to find some of our top plan suggestions.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Laos

Some of the best private health insurance for expats in Laos include Allianz, AXA, and Cigna. Keep reading below to find out about these fantastic providers.

Allianz

Allianz, one of the largest international health insurance providers, offers expats in the Czech Republic coverage through three core plans: Allianz Care, Allianz Care Plus, and Allianz Care Pro. All three plans cover inpatient and day-care services, oncology treatment, and medical evacuation.

The annual limit per plan is:

• Care plan: USD $2,500,000
• Care Plus plan: USD $4,000,000
• Care Pro plan: USD $5,00,000

Each tier of coverage offers additional benefits. Beyond the benefits offered in each core Care plan, expats may purchase add-on plans for further coverage. These plans include an outpatient plan, a dental plan, a repatriation plan, and a maternity plan.

AXA

AXA’s five plans are their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. These plans include valuable services such as 24/7 personal support, claims repayment within 48 hours, second medical opinions, and virtual doctor visits. The plans all offer coverage for:

The Prestige and Prestige Plus plans also cover routine pregnancy care and annual health checks.

The annual limit of each plan is:

• Foundation plan: USD $160,000
• Standard plan: USD $1,600,000
• Comprehensive plan: USD $2,400,000
• Prestige plan: USD $3,200,000
• Prestige Plus plan: USD $8,00,000

Cigna

Cigna’s health insurance plans offer excellent coverage for expats seeking both inpatient and outpatient services through their Silver, Gold, Platinum plans as well as their Close Care plan. The core benefits shared by these plans are:

The Silver plan offers an annual limit of USD $1,000,000, with the Gold plan offering an annual limit of USD $2,000,000, and the Platinum plan offering an unlimited annual maximum. The Close Care plan offers an annual limit of USD $500,000.

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Laos

When choosing a health insurance plan, you must weigh your personal health concerns against your budget to determine which insurer, plan, and coverage level best suits your needs.

Please also consider that you will likely want coverage that extends your access to outside of Laos through medical evacuation or international coverage.

Your Health Concerns and Health Insurance Plans for Laos

Find a plan that offers the highest-quality coverage for your specific health needs while still fitting your budget. Health history such as age and pre-existing conditions may affect the cost of care, and more healthcare coverage will likely mean a higher cost for your plan.

Your Budget and Health Insurance Plan for Laos

The factors that contribute to your health insurance costs are your premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. We have described each term below:

• Premiums are the amount you pay each month for health insurance.
• Deductibles are the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs.
• Copays are the amount you pay for medical visits, like doctor’s visits .
• Coinsurance is the coverage percentage you pay once you have met your deductible .
• Out-of-pocket maximum is the total maximum amount you may pay for health care within a term.

Medical Evacuation Plans for Expats in Laos

Should expats or travelers suffer from any major illness or injury, it is advised to be evacuated to the nearest adequate medical facility, which, in most cases, would mean evacuation to Thailand, Vietnam or major foreign cities like Bangkok to receive emergency treatment.

For medical emergencies to neighboring Thailand, ambulances can be arranged from nearby Nong Khai or Udon Thani in Northeast Thailand. Nong Khai Wattana General Hospital in Nong Khai is the closest. The better Aek Udon Hospital in Udon Thani is an hour further from the border by road.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Laos

Traveling to Laos can be safe, and the United States Travel Advisory to Laos suggests that increased caution is sufficient for most areas, with the exception of Xaisomboun, where travelers should reconsider travel. Follow general travel safety guidelines and review our tips for Laos below:

Avoid Unexploded Ordnance

Because Laos still houses many unexploded bombs, travelers are strongly urged not to touch any unknown metal materials and to stay away from any road that isn’t well traveled.

Some areas to avoid include: Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane).

Purchase Travel Insurance Before Booking Your Trip

Individuals visiting Laos on vacation or staying for other short-term travel can use a travel insurance policy to protect them from specific financial risks and losses that may arise during their trip. These losses may include lost luggage, canceled flights, and emergency medical services.

Beyond traditional travel insurance, visitors to Laos should seriously consider travel medical insurance. Sometimes called visitor’s insurance, international travel medical insurance is medical health insurance that functions much like normal health insurance would in your home country.

Travel medical insurance coverage varies widely depending on the plan you choose, with many companies choosing not to cover pre-existing conditions. If you choose to purchase travel insurance, check out this article or the best traditional travel insurance options on our page.

Know the Emergency Medical Contacts for Laos

For an ambulance, dial 1195 or 030 525 7239 and then explain your need. Voluntary ambulance services operate in Vientiane free of charge. You may also consider calling Vientiane Rescue at 1623 or (0)20 5666 8825 or the Lao Red Cross Rescue at (0)20 5996 6111 or (0)20 2200 5563.

Maintain Up-to-Date Vaccinations

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that travelers be up to date on all vaccinations before entering the country. Especially consider the following vaccinations for travelers to Laos.

• Adult diphtheria and tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Polio

It is best to consult with a qualified general practitioner for vaccinations against common tropical diseases, such as dengue and malaria, which are common in Laos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get public healthcare in Laos?

The Lao healthcare system combines the private and public sectors rather than relying on a universal system. The country offers several different healthcare schemes, but because the quality of public healthcare tends to be low and is sometimes inaccessible, private healthcare is preferable.

Can I travel to another country to get free healthcare?

International travel insurance allows travelers and expats to receive treatment around the globe, but the healthcare systems of those countries as well as the coverage within individual health insurance plans will determine the cost of care.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Pacific Prime is ready to assist you with any health insurance needs in Laos. Leveraging our close relationships with major international insurers, we offer professional advice and free plan comparisons to our clients.

No matter your budget or requirements, our professional consultants can match you with a policy that fits your needs. Our policies cover a wide range of services including dental, maternity, specialist consultation, medical emergency transportation, inpatient services, and many more aspects.

For international students in search of health insurance or travel insurance, Pacific Prime is the go-to insurance intermediary for the best impartial advice and comparison.

Please contact us today for a free consultation.