If you'll be spending more than 2 months on your vacation, sabbatical or retreat in Southeast Asia, you may want to have some local health insurance. Most US plans will only cover you for a two week vacation outside the US, and many will not cover you at all if you're outside the US borders. If they do partly cover you, it usually means upfront payment by you, and then reimbursement within 6 months after you return. It's better to get some low-cost health insurance locally. Europeans will also need coverage outside the Eurozone.
Here is a guide to health insurance in Thailand. Most of these companies will also cover you in neighboring nations, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia.
Many plans can be purchased for about $450, and this will cover you for 6 months. Most of your health care will be covered, and the remaining out-of-pocket expenses will usually be trivial. Health care in Thailand is inexpensive, but the quality is superb. Expect to get very good treatment with the most modern technology. See my article on a personal visit to a Thai hospital (click here).
The sample rates below assume you are between the ages of 30 and 50, and in reasonable health. For rates over 50, expect to pay 15 to 25% more.
AETA/ALLIANZ, formerly BUPA, a division of Blue Cross of Thailand. They have 4 levels of plans: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond. The Ruby plan is the least expensive, covers only the basics (but will save you from a catastrophe, car accident, etc.) and costs about $290 for 6 months. You'll be fully covered in Thailand, and partly covered in neighboring countries. The plans increase to where the Diamond plan will cost you about $1000 for 6 months, and will cover you almost 100%. You'll likely have almost no "out of pocket" portion to pay, or a small amount that is very minimal. You'll be fully covered in all other Asian nations, as well. Your budget and tendency toward mishaps will have to guide you on your choice. I believe the cheapest plan is likely most suitable for casual travelers. If you are planning a whole season, maybe 4 months of holiday or a long retirement stay, then go for the more expensive packages.
AIA / AIG (Thailand) is the second largest insurer in the region. The rates are similar, but coverage differs. You need to compare the two by contacting each with your age to get an exact rate quote.
The plans offered by both companies allow you to choose extra hospitalization. This raises the premium about 25% but extends any coverage for long-term care. A serious motorbike accident, for example, might put you in the hospital for a few weeks.
All of the above plans include a small amount of expatriation insurance. This kicks in if the country goes to war, has civil riots, or a natural disaster makes it necessary to get you back home. This does not pay for your plane tick back to Europe or the US, but will get you quickly flown to a safe haven nearby, perhaps Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From there, you can arrange travel home.
Thaivivat is the next major health insurance company. They offer slightly better rates, but sometimes require upfront payment (followed by reimbursement), depending on the hospital you choose.
All of these plans can be purchased online from the USA or Europe. Take care of your insurance needs before you arrive in Asia. Keep in mind that the agent helping you will likely speak English as a 2nd language. Make sure you have the details ironed out, and read your policy. It will be written in perfect English, and my policy was only 6 pages long. It was clear, easy to understand, and had a chart for quick reference.
Another good idea is to locate your nearest hospital when you arrive. Find the best hospital close to where you are staying, and map out a route in case of emergencies. Also, STD's are not covered by any plan, so make sure you "play safe."
You'll need both your insurance card and your passport (or drivers license) with you when you check into the hospital. This will ensure upfront payment by the insurer. I never had any problems in that area. These insurers are huge, and the hospitals have a streamlined method of contact with them.
Use common sense, be safe, and don't hesitate to visit the hospital at the first sign of a health problem. Catch any illness early. Prevention is also key. You can get a full physical at any of the major hospitals for under $300. At Samitivej I got a package including x-rays, sonogram, blood and urine testing, cardio, EKG... the full run, all for $255 (8,000 Thai baht).
And don't be nervous. Thai hospitals, especially in Bangkok and Phuket, are excellent. Just get some proper health insurance coverage to ease your wallet's pain.
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