AIA HB Extra is a necessity for expats in Thailand. Public healthcare is free for locals but for expats, access is limited and depends on if you are legally employed in the country or if your company has registered a business here. Alternatively, many opt for private health cover. Private hospitals often have much shorter waiting times, more up-to-date facilities, and multilingual staff. The annual premiums can vary widely, so it is important to do some research and compare options before choosing a plan.

Understanding Health Insurance in Thailand: A Complete Guide for Expats

Pre-existing conditions are often handled in different ways, depending on the policy. Some plans exclude them entirely and others observe a moratorium (coverage with certain limitations) for the condition. Some have lifetime renewal guarantees – so you don’t have to worry about your coverage if you have a health issue that develops after taking out a policy with them.

Some policies also include dental cover, for both routine and major procedures. However, most don’t cover eye exams, glasses and contact lenses.

It’s easy to think that healthcare costs in your home country are low and that you don’t need to buy a policy abroad. But the reality is that you could face some hefty medical bills in the event of an accident or illness. A good quality international health insurance policy in Thailand can save you a lot of money, both in terms of annual premiums and future costs. It will also give you peace of mind in a foreign country where it can be difficult to know how high medical costs might be.