As a foreigner living in Thailand, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
We asked expats in Thailand if they have access to public healthcare in Thailand. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"It is now a law in Thailand that all expats have health insurance. This is a fairly new requirement that many people are not aware of. If you are legally working in Thailand you will be paying 5% of your income to the social security system and this will allow you to use the government hospitals. I personally do not recommend this route as the public hospital options are nothing like the standards in the US. They include long waits, over packed hospitals, questionable sanitary conditions, family or friends will need to help you with cleaning, bathing, and food, shared rooms with up 50 people. Most expats will purchase an international health insurance policy that will cover them at any PRIVATE hospital. There are 4 times the amount of beds in the private hospitals and the service, standards, and equipment will be up to the standards most expats would expect," said another expat in Ao Nang (Krabi), Thailand.
"Yes, foreigners living in Thailand have access to public healthcare. The quality of care is generally good, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. The cost of care is also relatively low compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, it is important to note that some services may not be covered by public healthcare, so it is important to check with your local healthcare provider before seeking treatment," wrote a member who made the move to Thailand.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceGet Quote
Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceNever worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Thailand?
- How do I meet people in Thailand?
- What is life like in Thailand?
- Is there a lot of crime in Thailand?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Thailand accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Thailand like?
- Is the cost of living in Thailand high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Thailand?
- What are healthcare services like in Thailand?
- Is the cost of living in Thailand high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Thailand?
- What is the weather like in Thailand?
- Are there good restaurants in Thailand?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Thailand?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Thailand?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Thailand?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Thailand?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Thailand?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
As a foreigner living in Thailand, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
If you live in Thailand, newcomers to Thailand would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
