what do people here do for medical insurance in Thailand. By that I mean people who are living in Thailand long term? Do you have international cover from your old provider back home, or did you sign up with a local provider? With so many expats there must be good programmes that cover those moving to Thailand. What do you recommend.

Hi

I don't live in Thailand but I can give you a few pointers. It's likely that anyone living permanently and legally in Thailand has arranged medical coverage with a Thai-based healthcare organisation, as that would be the cheapest and most convenient solution - either on a private basis or perhaps offered as a perk of working there. Not an expert but as an example BUPA, a popular UK private healthcare company, has a Thai subsidiary offering a healthcare plan, and I expect it (or a similar plan) would come as standard as a benefit if you will be working a (skilled) job in Thailand.

As for other people... whilst it's become harder for transients to remain in Thailand long term, I imagine some do manage it for large portions of the year with back to back double entry tourist visas or some such malarkey. These semi-permanent folk, if covered at all, will likely be so by standard travel insurance policies with a medical component, obtained in their country of origin.

So that gives you a few options whether you intend to live in Thailand formally or informally (and I strongly recommend the former, as the net is forever tightening on the latter group!)

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My latest travels: Shikoku Pilgrimage

My Stateside provider, UHC, reimburses 70% of my covered expenses. Given the affordability of Thai healthcare, my out-of-pocket is actually less than my copay in the States!

It really depends on where you are from, and therefor what cover is provided back home, as well as your age.

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Diving Phuket and Similans