Private Health Insurance vs. Public Options: What to Know About Pre-Existing Conditions

Discover the key differences between private health insurance and public options when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Learn about coverage, limitations, and which option suits your needs best.

The older we get, the more we tend to value things like quality healthcare and having an understanding of our health insurance. If you are someone with pre-existing conditions in Thailand, you will know what we are talking about. Whether you are an expat or resident, having a good idea of health insurance policies can give you tremendous peace of mind. Today, we are going to take a look at pre-existing health insurance policies and public healthcare coverage, giving you valuable insight into what might be best for you.

What We Mean by Pre-Existing Conditions 

Just to clarify, when we say pre-existing condition, we are referring to a medical condition that has been diagnosed or previously treated by a professional and qualified healthcare provider before applying for your health insurance policy. These conditions might include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, hypertension, respiratory illnesses and more. If you are looking into health insurance but are concerned about a pre-existing condition, it is crucial to accurately fill out the application form and be upfront and transparent. Doing this will ensure you receive a specially designed pre-existing conditions insurance policy that will cover medical costs when you need it to. However, if your pre-existing conditions make it difficult to apply for health insurance and the insurer wants to impose exclusions, waiting periods, and significantly higher premiums, it is worth looking into what public healthcare coverage can offer. 

Challenges in Getting Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions 

Though it is readily available, there are some challenges a person applying for pre-existing condition coverage is likely to face. If you have pre-existing conditions in Thailand and are browsing the market for a health insurance policy, here are some common difficulties:

  • High Premiums individuals with pre-existing conditions are likely to be faced with higher premiums. It is essential for insurance companies to offset the higher risk of medical costs.
  • Exclusions Depending on the pre-existing condition and its severity, some insurance providers might exclude it from the policy coverage.
  • Waiting Periods To offset some of the risk, insurers might impose waiting periods for specific medical conditions.

When taking out an insurance policy with pre-existing conditions, it is essential to know what you are buying. Carefully read through the terms and conditions of the policy to ensure it will do what you need it to. Though private health insurance can incur affordability issues compared to public healthcare coverage, it is usually worth paying the premiums. With pre-existing health insurance, you can have comprehensive coverage that will support you through multiple chronic illnesses.

How Pacific Cross Health Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

At Pacific Cross Health, we strive to cater for all individuals. Part of this commitment means we are happy to provide pre-existing health insurance. While many insurers deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, our application process is specifically designed to comprehensively evaluate everyone's individual needs. This ensures we can provide a completely tailored policy. Here are the two most popular pre-existing condition insurance policies we offer:

  • Standard International Health Insurance Plan As long as pre-existing medical conditions are declared in the initial application, this insurance policy can be tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether you are an expat who has been living in Thailand for some time or a frequent traveller requiring comprehensive, global healthcare solutions, this might be the perfect package for you.
  • Expat Care Plans This is a specifically designed plan for expats residing in Thailand. It covers a plethora of conditions, including pre-existing ones, and offers higher annual coverage limits along with other benefits. If you call Thailand home, our expat care plans might be the perfect health insurance policy for you.

Whatever health insurance policy you are looking for, you can always rely on Pacific Cross Health to provide clear and transparent terms and conditions. We want our policyholders to know precisely what they are investing in, giving them the peace of mind they deserve.

Comparing Private Health Insurance and Public Options in Thailand

If you are living in Thailand, it is essential to understand the healthcare systems in place. Thailand offers two, public and private. Having a basic knowledge of the difference between the two regarding pre-existing conditions will help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Public Healthcare Coverage

Public healthcare coverage is a less expensive option, but it does come with limitations. This option is set up to cover basic medical needs and emergency treatments in government-run hospitals. Using public hospitals can also lead to longer waiting times and lesser trained staff, limiting access to specialist care.

If you are looking for personalised treatment plans in state-of-the-art facilities, this may not be the correct route for you.

Private Health Insurance 

Purchasing pre-existing condition insurance with a reputable health insurance provider offers much broader coverage. This means policyholders have access to specialist consultations, elective treatments, and some of the most advanced medical procedures. Having access to private hospitals often means shorter waiting times and much better facilities. Individuals can also choose their own doctors and hospitals and receive completely personalised care throughout.

If you are an individual with pre-existing conditions in Thailand, it is highly recommended that you invest in private health insurance. Private insurance policies can give you access to the best facilities and doctors, faster treatment, and much more flexibility. A comprehensive plan will take your pre-existing conditions into account and ensure you have seamless access to the medical care you need whenever you need it.

Don’t Get Caught Out Without Insurance

Individuals with pre-existing conditions in Thailand should never get caught out without insurance. If you would like to step away from public healthcare coverage and know more about pre-existing condition insurance, contact Pacific Cross Health today. We are dedicated to helping you find the personalized and comprehensive health insurance plan you need. Being an expat in Thailand, peace of mind regarding your medical care is essential. With us by your side, you can easily achieve it.