Your health matters, and protecting it should be a priority during your stay in the Land of Smiles, whether short or long term.

In Thailand, medical care is remarkably affordable. This is precisely why medical tourism has flourished there in recent years. The country's hospitals and clinics boast qualified and professional staff with equipment comparable to Western facilities.

However, keep in mind that healthcare in Thailand operates as a business designed to generate profit, and bills will mount quickly if you require major surgery or extended hospitalization. This is why you must take all necessary precautions.

If you're traveling to Thailand for a short visit, know that your home health insurance covers you, but only for unforeseen emergencies.

You'll need to advance all medical expenses yourself and carefully preserve all receipts. Back home, you'll submit them to your health fund for reimbursement according to their rates. For more information, visit ameli.fr.

You can supplement this basic coverage with private health insurance and/or repatriation assistance.

For Expats

Expat status means you lose your French health insurance rights. If you choose to move to Thailand to work or live, you'll need to find a new solution.

THE CFE

The CFE is the health insurance fund for French citizens abroad. You can choose to contribute (in addition to local Thai contributions) to benefit from its coverage. This allows you to continue enjoying French healthcare system advantages and have English-speaking representatives for your reimbursement procedures. For more information on CFE contributions and reimbursements, visit the CFE website.

Note: The CFE is extremely expensive and adds to your local contributions. Consider private insurance instead.

Thai Health Insurance

Thailand has made significant efforts to provide universal health insurance coverage for its population.

If you're employed by a Thai company, you'll contribute to the Thai health insurance fund through income tax deductions. During medical visits, you'll be asked for a small co-payment. Be aware: this coverage doesn't include expensive procedures (hospitalization, treatments for serious illnesses, etc.) and must be supplemented by CFE or private insurance.

Private Insurance

Numerous Thai and international private insurers offer health coverage for expats in Thailand. Compare offerings carefully, not just prices. Generally, choose a foreign insurance company—they're better organized and staffed by qualified personnel speaking at least English.

Always obtain a health assessment from a reputable hospital before signing to prevent future disputes with your insurer.

The range of available insurance is broad, from medical consultation reimbursement to major surgery or costly treatment coverage.

Typically, base premiums follow a bonus-malus system tied to your age or insurance usage (essentially, the less you cost your insurer, the lower your premium).

Here's a list of major insurers operating in Thailand:

AIA, American International Assurance Co.,ltd.
https://www.aia.com/en
181 Surawongse Road, Bangrak Bangkok 10500
Email : regionalsolutions@aia.com

Ayudhya Allianz C.P. Life Public Company Limited
https://www.allianz.co.th/en_TH.html
Ground Floor, Ploenchit Tower, 898 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 66 (0) 2305-7000
Email: customercare@allianz.co.th

AXA Insurance in Thailand
https://www.axa.co.th/en
Siam Patumwan House Floor 25th, Patumwan House 414 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 02-118-8111

Pacific Cross Health Insurance
https://www.pacificcrosshealth.com/en/for-french-clients
No.3 Rajanakarn Building, 16th Floor, Zone BC, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 02-401-9189
Fax: 02-401-9187
Email: contactus@th.pacificcrosshealth.com

Navakij Insurance Public Co. Ltd.
https://www.navakij.co.th/en
90/4-6,100/50-55 Sathorn Nakorn Bldg, North Sathorn RoadSilom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (662) 6367900
Fax: (662) 6367999