Thailand has a booming healthcare industry and it’s certainly no wonder – Thailand is a vibrant, modern country with wide-open spaces and a low cost of living. Because of this, Thailand’s healthcare system is amongst the best in the world.
The country has numerous insurance providers that offer different types of coverage. Each of the insurance companies has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it pays to research them before choosing an insurance provider.
Basically, there are 3 major types of Thailand health insurance. These insurance types are PPO, HMO, and POS. Each one is very different from the other, so you have to be able to understand them to help you choose the best health insurance type to avail yourself of.
Preferred Provider Organisation
Preferred Provider Organisation or PPO plans are generally expensive because they give more freedom of choice to the policyholder. However, PPO plans can also include emergency services and dental care. They also come with a large deductible and co-pay options, making them a great choice for many.
Health Maintenance Organisations
Health Maintenance Organisations or HMOs are generally cheap because they provide good healthcare at a low monthly premium. They also limit the amount of time you can be without treatment. This type of health insurance is great for those who live in close proximity to a hospital and for people who want continuous treatment and care.
The downside of an HMO is that they often don’t cover maternity care. There are also some conditions that HMOs usually won’t cover such as doctor visits for conditions like diabetes and pregnancy. However, they have lower premiums than most other health insurance plans and they require you to pay a co-pay for your medical bills.
Private Health Insurance
Last but not the least, we come to the third major type, Private Health Insurance or POS. It’s a combination of the first two that has been developed by a leading insurance company based in Thailand. What they do is offer an individual plan with the advantages of an HMO plus some extra ones. They offer high deductibles, low premiums and a large choice of doctors and hospitals in their network. What makes it a great option for many is that they also offer dental insurance at a very low price.
Choosing The Best Option
With these three main types of health insurance in Thailand, it would be beneficial for you to take into account the unique qualities of each. Take note that the rates for these plans vary depending on your health status and age. In addition, there are some insurance companies that are dedicated to offering only certain types of insurance. For example, there are some that exclusively offer private medical insurance. You will need to speak to your broker or your company’s direct agent in order to determine the best option that suits you.
By taking into consideration the three main types of Thailand health insurance, you will be able to choose the one that suits your needs best. Most importantly, take a look at your budget. The best way to find the right plan for you is to calculate how much money you can afford to spend on insurance premiums and compare it to what you actually need. Once you’ve got a rough idea, ask your broker or your doctor for recommendations. Don’t forget to factor in the additional costs that come with getting an insurance policy from a certain provider.