If you’ll be spending more than a month on your vacation, sabbatical or retreat in Southeast Asia, you may want to have some local health insurance. Most US plans will only hide you for a two week vacation outside the US, and many will not cover you at all if you’re outside the US borders. If they do partly cover you, it usually means upfront payment by you, and then reimbursement within 6 months after you return. A better way might be to get some low-cost health insurance locally. Europeans will also need coverage outside the Eurozone.

Here is a guide to health insurance in Thailand. Most of these companies will also cover you in neighboring nations, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia.

Many plans can be purchased for about $450, and this will cover you for 6 months. Most of your health care will be covered, and the remaining out-of-pocket expenses will usually be trivial. Health care in Thailand is inexpensive, but the quality is superb. Expect to catch very good treatment with the most modern technology. See my article on a person visit to a Thai hospital (click here).

The sample rates below assume you are between the ages of 30 and 50, and in reasonable health.

BUPA, a division of Blue Cross of Thailand
They have 4 levels of plans: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond. The Ruby plan is the least expensive, covers only the basics (but will save you from a catastrophe, car accident, etc.) and costs about $290 for 6 months. You’ll be fully covered in Thailand, and partly covered in neighboring countries. The plans increase to where the Diamond plan will cost you about $1000 for 6 months, and will cover you almost 100%. You’ll likely have almost no “out of pocket” portion to pay, or a small amount that is very minimal. Your budget and tendency toward mishaps will have to guide you on your choice. I believe the cheapest plan is likely most beneficial for casual travelers. If you are planning a whole season, maybe 3 months of holiday or a retirement quit, then go for the more expensive packages.

AIA / AIG (Thailand) is the second largest insurer in the dwelling. The rates are similar, but coverage differs. You need to compare the two by contacting each with your age to glean an actual rate quote.

The plans offered by both companies allow you to choose extra hospitalization. This raises the premium about 25% but extends any coverage for long-term care. A serious motorbike accident, for example, might put you in the hospital for a few weeks.

All of the above plans include a limited amount of expatriation insurance. This kicks in if the country goes to war, has civil riots, or a natural wretchedness makes it necessary to get you back home. This does not pay for your plane tick back to Europe or the US, but will get you quickly flown to a genuine haven nearby, perhaps Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From there, you can arrange travel home.

All of these plans can be purchased online from the USA or Europe. Take care of your insurance needs before you reach in Asia. Keep in mind that the agent helping you will likely speak English as a 2^nd language. Make sure you have the details ironed out, and read your policy. It will be written in perfect English, and my policy was only 6 pages long. It was clear, easy to understand, and had a chart for quickly reference.

Another good idea, if to locate your nearest hospital when you arrive. Find the best hospital terminate to where you are staying, and map out a route in case of emergencies. Also, STD’s are not covered by any plan, so invent certain you play safely.

You’ll need both your insurance card and your passport (or drivers license) with you when you check into the hospital. This will ensure upfront payment by the insurer. I never had an inkling of problems in that area. These insurers are huge, and the hospitals have a streamlined method of contact with them.

Use favorite sense, be safe, and don’t hesitate to visit the hospital at the first sign of a health problem. Procure any illness early. Prevention is also key. You can get a tubby physical at any of the major hospitals for under $300. At Samitivej I got a package including x-rays, sonogram, blood and urine testing, cardio, EKG… the chubby urge, all for $255 (8,000 Thai baht).

And don’t be nervous. Thai hospitals, especially in Bangkok and Phuket, are excellent.