There are two main types:

• Comprehensive plans covering almost everything at 100%.
• Limited plans with cost caps, such as a daily hospital room limit. While more affordable, they may leave you covering part of the bill yourself.

• Inpatient care requires hospital admission.
• Outpatient care includes doctor visits and treatment without hospitalisation. Some insurers classify day admissions as inpatient, even without an overnight stay.

Many expats in Thailand choose inpatient-only coverage as outpatient treatment is generally affordable. However, consider outpatient cover if you have or may develop a chronic condition. Check if outpatient cancer treatment is included in your inpatient plan, as this can be costly.

No, outpatient cover must be added to an inpatient plan. Additional options include dental, vision, and maternity coverage.

A waiting period is the time before certain conditions are covered under your policy. Once this period ends, insurers cannot deny claims for those conditions.

A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs. For example, with a EUR 2,000 deductible on a EUR 10,000 bill, you pay EUR 2,000, and insurance covers the rest. Deductibles may apply per year or per incident.

Yes, at renewal. Increasing your deductible (downgrading) is simple, but reducing it (upgrading) may require a medical questionnaire. Pre-existing conditions developed before an upgrade might be excluded.

A co-payment is a fixed amount or percentage you pay per treatment. It lowers premiums but means you share some costs at the time of service.

A pre-existing condition is any diagnosed health issue before your policy starts. If switching insurers, previous conditions may be excluded or result in a higher premium.

Sometimes, depending on factors like condition type, time since diagnosis, and ongoing treatment. Coverage decisions vary by insurer, so speak to our specialists for advice.

Usually not, but some insurers may remove a loading if a risk factor, like high BMI, improves.

FMU requires a detailed medical history before policy approval. This ensures clarity on coverage from the start.

Moratorium plans exclude conditions from the last two to five years but may cover them later if no symptoms or treatment occur. However, claims may require medical history checks, delaying processing. We generally recommend FMU for a smoother claims experience.

Yes, due to age and rising medical costs. In Thailand, annual increases of 8–9% are common. A well-managed insurer will work to minimise premium hikes.

It depends on your plan. Some offer full international cover, while others provide limited coverage. Budget plans may not cover overseas treatment. Let us know if you travel frequently so we can find the right option for you.

No, the insurers we work with will not cancel policies due to claims. However, some may increase premiums after large claims.

This depends on your policy type:

• Community-rated plans: Premiums remain the same for all policyholders of the same age and plan, regardless of claims.
• Individually-rated plans: Premiums can be adjusted based on claims, but may also offer no-claim discounts.

Not with FMU underwriting. Once insured, new conditions that arise remain covered.

Some individually-rated plans offer discounts for no claims. Contact us to explore the best options for you. For tailored advice, speak to our health insurance specialists – we’re here to help!

Yes, some insurers offer monthly payment options. While some do so without additional charges, others may apply a small fee. If paying monthly is a priority for you, please let us know in advance.

Yes, but the cancellation terms depend on the insurer. Thai insurers allow policy cancellations at any time during the policy year, with refunds provided based on their payback schedule – though this is not always pro-rated. International insurers have varying policies; some offer pro-rated refunds, while others impose specific conditions for mid-year cancellations.

It depends on your health insurance coverage while overseas. Many expats in Thailand opt for inpatient-only insurance since outpatient visits in Thailand are relatively affordable. However, outpatient treatment abroad can be costly. Travel insurance can bridge this gap, covering outpatient care during your trip (excluding pre-existing conditions).

Yes, for inpatient admissions, insurers typically pay the hospital directly. For outpatient treatments, direct billing depends on whether the insurer has an agreement with the hospital. It's best to avoid government or state hospitals in Thailand, as they usually don’t work with insurers – meaning you’ll need to pay first and claim reimbursement later.

It depends on your insurer. Thai insurers usually have a network of contract hospitals where direct billing is available. These lists are extensive, ensuring there’s a contracted hospital near you. International insurers, however, generally do not limit hospital choices, allowing you to seek treatment anywhere.

There are two scenarios for hospital admission:

• 1. Emergency admission: Provide your insurance card to hospital staff, who will contact the insurer for direct payment approval. While this process is underway, the hospital may request a deposit to begin treatment.
• 2. Non-urgent admission: This usually starts with an outpatient consultation. If the doctor recommends surgery or further treatment, provide your insurance card and request that they seek prior approval from your insurer. This process can take a few days, and once approved, the hospital will schedule your admission. Note: Some insurers may apply a co-payment if prior approval isn’t obtained.

AMost health insurance plans have a maximum entry age. Generally, you have plenty of options up to age 75. After that, only a few insurers will accept new applications.

Yes, it’s crucial to understand the details of your policy so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Absolutely. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information can cause serious issues later. If an insurer discovers omitted medical history, even if it’s unrelated to a current claim, they have the right to cancel your policy. Being upfront is always the best approach.

In Thailand, Thai nationals are generally covered under one of three government schemes:

No, whether you purchase insurance directly from an insurer or through us, the premium remains the same. In fact, due to our purchasing power, we may even secure lower rates. Additionally, working with us gives you access to multiple insurers and plans, allowing for better comparison and more tailored coverage. Plus, we advocate for you – not the insurance company – and provide dedicated claims support.