Navigating the Thai Healthcare System with Pre-existing Conditions

Effectively managing and mitigating the effects of pre-existing conditions is something that all who are afflicted must come to terms with. This acceptance brings certain responsibilities, required planning, and organisational needs, all of which are significantly amplified when travelling or living abroad.

Understanding Thailand’s excellent healthcare system can make a significant difference in successfully navigating the health insurance system in Thailand. The team at Pacific Cross Health is ready to provide all the tailored, personalised coverage you need.

• Learn how to effectively manage your pre-existing health conditions in Thailand’s healthcare system and receive the best expat care

Understanding the Health Insurance System in Thailand

Navigating the Thailand health care system with pre-existing conditions can be challenging, but it is easily manageable with enough information, planning, preparation, and assistance. When considering purchasing health insurance for pre-existing conditions, some crucial points include:

• Consulting a trusted healthcare professional with experience in your specific pre-existing conditions.
  Before heading to Thailand, consulting with your regular healthcare professional is highly recommended. They may not have experience with the Thai health system but will understand the challenges of travelling with your condition and can help you develop a plan for managing it while on the go.
• Disclosing pre-existing conditions.
  In any application for pre-existing health insurance, disclosing the full extent of your medical history and pre-existing conditions is critical. You may be asked to provide medical records or undergo medical tests for verification.
• Understand which insurance approach is most appropriate.
  Thailand-based insurers typically adopt one of three approaches for pre-existing conditions, namely:
  • Moratorium—A mandatory waiting period before coverage commences
  • Premium loading—Higher premiums to secure coverage
  • Exclusion—No coverage for pre-existing conditions. Many Thai companies adopt this approach, but Pacific Cross Health understands the importance of providing top-tier pre-existing health insurance for all its clients. 
• Paying your expenses out-of-pocket.
  Some people with pre-existing conditions requiring regular treatment or medication opt to pay for themselves. Although this can prove an expensive decision, it may be the only option if insurance providers do not provide coverage.

By understanding these aspects of the health insurance system in Thailand and planning accordingly, navigating the health care system in Thailand and receiving prompt, care and appropriate medication is made much easier with health insurance for pre-existing conditions.

Finding the Right Providers in the Thai Healthcare System

• Public vs. private medical facilities
  If you have the required coverage to access the Thai health system with pre-existing conditions, there are several advantages to choosing private medical centres, including:
  • English-speaking staff
  • Impeccable medical standards
  • A superior overall experience
  • More streamlined, efficient access to medical services
  • Higher availability of modern procedures and state-of-the-art technology
  • Personalised care and comfort
  • Shorter waiting times
  • More resources
  • Greater choice of medical providers
  • Access to specialists

Pacific Cross Health provides tailored coverage plans for clients with a range of pre-existing conditions. We are ready to provide assistance and facilitate a smooth, stress-free experience of the health system in Thailand.

Scheduling Medical Appointments and Consultations

Arranging medical appointments and treatments is relatively straightforward in Thailand, as follows:

• Booking online 
  Many hospitals and clinics in Thailand offer online booking systems via their websites, where you can schedule an appointment directly.
• Booking by phone  
  Although you should not assume as much in smaller, more remote locations, most hospitals in larger cities have English-speaking staff who can take your call and schedule an appointment.
• Walk-in appointments
  You can arrive and register at reception to see a doctor (for non-emergency consultations) at most Thai hospitals. This is the least efficient method, as you will join a queue that may involve an extended waiting time.
• Medical tourism agents
  These agencies can help with everything from scheduling appointments to arranging transportation and providing translation services.
• Online consultations
  To consult with a doctor remotely and instigate a video call if necessary, online doctor services are extremely convenient and avoid unnecessary in-person visits.
• Embassy lists of recommended doctors
  You can check your embassy’s list of recommended doctors if you need an English-speaking doctor. This can be particularly useful in smaller cities or rural areas.

Accessing Emergency Care

Emergency care in Thailand is fast and straightforward to access using the following options:

• Emergency hotline numbers
  • #191: General emergency number for use during medical emergencies and other urgent situations like fires and crime
  • #911: The same service with a different number for the convenience of foreign visitors
  • #1669: General ambulance/rescue 
  • #1155: Tourist Police hotline (English-speaking)
• Hospital emergency departments
  Many Thai hospitals have excellent, 24/7 emergency departments.
• Medical tourism agencies
  Tourists and expats often use medical tourism agencies to gain rapid, efficient access to emergency care.
• Mobile emergency apps
  • Thai EMS 1669 App—A useful app with a chat feature and direct connections to emergency responders
  • Tourist Police I Lert U App—24-hour assistance from the Tourist Police

If you require assistance, contacting your country of origin’s embassy can also be helpful. They can offer a list of recommended hospitals and even necessary assistance during emergencies.

Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions: Contact Pacific Cross Health

Proactively managing pre-existing conditions in Thailand can be achieved with the right resources, local knowledge, and assistance. If you need pre-existing health insurance provided by industry leaders who put the needs and safety of their clients first, look no further than Pacific Cross Health insurance. We take great pride in providing tailored, perfectly suited health insurance for pre-existing conditions for each client. When you partner with us, you will discover the following:

• Impressive industry experience (over 65 years in Asian health and travel insurance)
• Ultimate professionalism
• Speed and efficiency 
• Compassion
• Flexibility
• Fair, transparent prices
• Affordability
• Discretion and privacy
• Courtesy and respect
• Clear, concise communication

Please contact us today to successfully navigate the health system in Thailand by acquiring premium pre-existing health insurance. Our courteous, skilled team will discuss all aspects of your required coverage, providing reliable information, advice, and guidance. Please get in touch using our simple online application for a speedy response or telephone our professional call centre at 02-401-9189.