Health Insurance

Why ex-pats need international medical insurance

One of the reasons why ex-pats need medical insurance is simply because the law requires it in certain countries. Even nowadays, visas for retirement require health insurance. Medical costs can be very high, especially if a condition is considered severe, such as emergency care or treatment.

If you become seriously sick like cancer or are involved in an accident, what quality of healthcare would you receive in Thailand? Or worse, what if you can’t work due to a disabling illness?

Many ex-pats inquiry about the healthcare system in Thailand only when they experience a major health issue and often wish they had known more about it before their need for ex-pat insurance.

Beyond the convenience, having ex-pat insurance in place is not a luxury; it’s often a necessity for people living here in Thailand. Here are some points for consideration why insurance is so important for ex-pats.

Get the best quality healthcare in Thailand

It can be highly stressful to experience any illness or even receive routine medical care in Thailand, where you are not familiar with the local medical system and do not necessarily speak the local language.

Several factors can make the process of going through treatment difficult for an ex-pat, such as the difference in culture, the language barrier, or the low quality of healthcare in the ex-pat country. Having insurance guarantees that you will get quality health care regardless of whatever the local healthcare system is in place.

Ex-pat insurance is usually more suited to the ex-pat lifestyle

If you live in Thailand, there is sometimes the possibility of signing local health and life insurance plans if the government employs your partner. However, local insurance often comes with restrictions, such as a limited network of doctors or healthcare providers you have access to or a limited geographic area where you can claim your insurance.

Be it medical insurance or an income protection plan, an international cover will often be a better option than the local one as it gives you the freedom to be covered worldwide. Some medical insurance policies are tailored for ex-pats that are important and should be considered when selecting a policy.

Be covered in your home country as well as in your country of expatriation

Thinking about their health, ex-pats often feel the need to stay connected to their home country, where their family doctor knows their medical history, where they are familiar with the health system and procedures, where they know which consultant they would like to see.

However, in many cases, when moving to Thailand, sometimes you lose access to your medical social security system of your home country, as you are no longer a resident or a taxpayer. Access to healthcare in your home country becomes limited to emergency care and becomes a service you may have to pay for. With medical insurance, you can be covered for medical care in your home country (as long as it’s included in your zone of cover).

Keep control of your health costs

If you don’t have international health insurance, you are at risk of paying your medical bills by yourself. These costs can quickly become extremely high.

This is often the case in Thailand, where there is a two-tier health care system: (1) a public health care system – cheaper, and (2) a private health care system – excellent but extremely expensive.

In case of emergency, an ex-pat health insurance policy allows you to be treated in the private sector without worrying about the financial implications. This is why you must consider having the insurance in place.

Get treated faster

Sometimes, long waiting lists can mean weeks or even months for something as simple as an appointment with a specialist. Health insurance allows you to be treated quickly in the private sector and avoid long waiting lists.

Freedom of choice

Having international/ex-pat health insurance offers more flexibility in terms of allowing you the choice of doctor, hospital, and the time of your appointment.

Here at the Chiang Mai Visa, we are happy to assist you by directing you to the most suitable and cost-effective insurance provider. Every insurance providers claim to be the best ex-pat insurance provider in Thailand.

But we are not associated with any insurance companies. That’s why our prime objective is to help our customers get the correct cover and price-effective insurance. We can help you at the Chiang Mai Visa Shop. It’s a free service we offer if you need. Contact Us.

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