This all depends on the Insurance companies, with some insurance companies you can apply until 70 years old, but most insurance companies only accept new entries until the age of 64 or 60.
Health Insurance is for your peace of mind, there are a lot of horror stories in Thailand about people who have moved to Thailand with no Health Insurance and they end up in a very difficult situation with no money to pay their hospital bills because of unforeseen circumstances. Health Insurance will give you coverage for health issues and accidents that may occur.
Clients ask this question, usually when they are new to Thailand. Most clients just like insurance for emergencies so usually they go for the Basic Coverage for 600,000 baht to 1,200,000. Others want a more extensive cover for severe cases so coverage can go as high as 32,000,000.
If a client is looking for insurance for emergencies only, we suggest that clients forgo Outpatient coverage, doctor’s visits can be cheap, especially if you go to the normal hospitals that are not known to be international. Outpatient can be easily explained as visits to the hospital, doctor consultation and prescribed medicine, or any medical procedure that does not require you to stay overnight.
Inpatient coverage is for hospitalization purposes, meaning that you are admitted and required to stay overnight or a couple of days due to doctor’s recommendation. Outpatient coverage is for doctor’s visits and outpatient procedures that do not require you to stay in the hospital for observation. This includes prescribed medications and lab exams that doctors prescribe or order.
All those working are eligible for medical cover under Social Security, if they have a work permit. Contributions are compulsory this is 5% of your income – but not less than 83 baht per month and not exceeding 750 baht per month. Your social security can be used in a registered Public Hospital near your workplace or where you live. The problem with Social Security is that Public Hospitals in Thailand has limited resources compared to Private medical care that Private insurance covers.
Most insurance companies have a 30 day waiting period when it comes to illnesses for emergent accidents, companies usually cover immediately. When buying Health insurance clear this up with your agent.
You can apply for Health Insurance but you will not be covered for maternity. Waiting period for Maternity is 10 months after signing you Health Insurance policy.
Insurance companies have different policies on waiting period. The most common type of waiting period is 30 days waiting period for Local Insurance companies like Bupa, Pacific Cross and LMG. For International companies like MSH and AXA there is no waiting period unless stated in the agreed upon offer letter. Feel free to ask your agent about the waiting periods for each company.
If you are 60 years old and below, you won’t need a Medical Examination. Sometimes underwriters request tests and medical records so it's best to have them handy as well. If you are over 64, you will be required to have a medical examination or submit your medical records to the insurance company.
Insurance companies usually have an age restriction, they will only cover you until you're 80 or 90. Depending on the insurance company, so be sure to ask your agent until what age you are able to renew your health insurance.
The entry age for most insurance companies is 60 years old and below. Some offer entry until 64. The one’s that take clients over 65 are the international insurance companies and their premiums can be really expensive. We sometimes suggest our clients who are over 65 to see Personal Accident insurance as an option.
No. Most insurance companies require at least one parent to sign in with their minor. There are companies that allow kids to sign alone but the rates would be different. (Higher than applying with a parent)
Health Insurance companies will cover your accidents as long as you are not under the influence or negligent.
Clients applying for health insurance must be residents of Thailand.
Clients are usually covered when traveling outside Thailand, although you would have to pay first and get reimbursed when you get back to Thailand. Be sure to keep all original medical certificates and receipts for reimbursement.
Yes, you are free to choose any medical provider you are comfortable with. However, each insurance company has a network list, if you go to a hospital or clinic that is not on their list you would have to pay first and get reimbursed.
Everyone is welcome to apply, you will get coverage but unfortunately pre-existing conditions will be excluded from the coverage.
Accidents and sudden illnesses like dengue are hard to deny as these cannot be linked to pre-exisiting conditions. Although insurance companies reserve the right to investigate further. Insurance companies are quite cautious for claims that occur in the first months/year because it may be related to a pre-existing condition. Some clients decide to have a full check up before applying for health insurance, although this is not required.
There are benefits to a healthy lifestyle, insurance companies tend to put a risk loading fee for clients who are Obese. If you have a healthy lifestyle your policy will have no exclusions and no risk loading fees.
The policy usually states general exclusions but the most common exclusions are:
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Infertility
- Cosmetic surgery
- Preventative Treatment
Feel free to ask your agent a copy of the policy wording before you purchase the plan.
Application process is different for everyone, the process can take longer if you have pre-existing conditions. Application process is 3-4 days and once you sign the offer letter the Card and Policy will be sent to your specified address within 7-10 business days.
You can always call us at our Hotline : 02-985-9000 or Chat with us LINE@ @checkdi or Email us : support@checkdi.com
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