How to Find Insurance for the Two Most Difficult Words in Healthcare: Pre-Existing Conditions

If you are an expat living in Thailand or someone testing the waters of a possible long-term stay in the Kingdom, health insurance is a priority. Standards in construction, road rules, traffic markings, roadworthiness, and an apparent mindset of “fix it after it breaks” all contribute to the high level of injuries and accidents involving foreigners.

Driving Standards, Safety Concerns, and the Need for Coverage

We operate from a set of standards. We were all trained and certified by rigorous physical, academic, and practical examinations. I have a hypothesis about foreign vs. Thai drivers. Foreign drivers all operate on a group of known rules, allowing some anticipation and expectations. Thai drivers come from and have to be ready for others to come from literally any direction. They are better individually but dangerous as a group.

They are also likely uninsured, relying on the social medical system and family. If you are currently looking to expand your coverage, what are your top three concerns? Whether you are looking for individual, family, expat, retirement, or pre existing insurance Pacific Cross Health is a recognized name.

Choosing the Right Insurance Plan: Local Advice and Provider Options

Ask around. I guarantee someone you know uses them as a provider and can verify the type of service they have received. As you are inquiring with friends and family about options, ask about a simple plan, a smart plan, one that fits your needs, not a bulk brand package.

If you are not planning for a long-term stay in Thailand, travel insurance is a wise choice. Ask your current auto or home insurance company about adding a line of travel coverage. The one-time fees are incredibly cheap, and the coverage is vital. The public medical system, if you use it, is not extraordinarily expensive and of very good quality. However, cleanliness falls a bit compared to Western sterilization of every floor tile.

The private medical system is the best in the world, and Thailand ranks #2 in the world for cosmetic tourism. The skills are here in every aspect of medicine, but not always cheap. Get the safety net of coverage and drive nothing on your initial trip to Thailand. Be an observant passenger.

Travel Insurance, Visa Requirements, and Staying Safe in Thailand

Thailand does not require travelers’ insurance, but recommends $100,000 of coverage. Immigration does require long-term visa applicants to have ample coverage. It does not have to be regional, but it must cover your costs in Thailand. It does help having agents you can reach in your timezone when minutes count at the hospital.

You can find information regarding foreign insurance requirement criteria and insurance company contacts to assist you by using the search bar on this link to Thailand Immigration. This link can give you a firm understanding of Thai immigration requirements and basic knowledge. It is a real source, not an unknown countryman in a pub.

Your best insurance is a sound mind. Thailand is unbelievably beautiful and free. I have seen the terrible results of those who do not possess some level of self-control in Thailand. Those stories abound from that same pub and many others.

Be in a hurry to get to Thailand and slow down to experience it.