Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning how to manage these costs, you can stay in control of your health coverage. Knowing what causes these increases is the first step to making smart, affordable choices that protect your well-being in the long run.
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| Section (click to jump) | Summary |
|---|---|
| Why health insurance costs go up every year | Premiums increase due to medical inflation, ageing risks, expensive new treatments, higher claims, and currency changes. Reviewing policies annually helps expats stay in control. |
| How rising insurance costs affect expats in Thailand | Expats face higher premiums even without claims, making budgeting harder. Retirees are hit hardest, and rising Thai medical costs add pressure, pushing some to downgrade or drop coverage. |
| Simple ways expats in Thailand can save on health insurance | Expats can save by choosing higher deductibles, adjusting coverage yearly, paying annually, using in-network hospitals, and selecting flexible providers like Cigna with customisable plans. |
| Why choosing the right health insurance provider matters | A trusted provider like Cigna offers flexible expat plans, global networks, clear policies on pre-existing conditions, and visa-compliant coverage, ensuring long-term protection and value. |
Why health insurance costs go up every year
For many expats and locals in Thailand, health insurance premiums seem to rise every year. Here’s a simple explanation of the main reasons why this happens:
1. Medical costs keep rising
Hospitals and clinics, especially private ones, raise their prices every year. This includes fees for doctor visits, surgeries, and medicine. New medical technology and higher salaries for doctors and nurses also push costs up. To keep up, insurance companies raise their prices too. This phenomenon is called medical inflation.
2. Getting older means more health risks
As people get older, they are more likely to get sick or need regular treatment. Insurance companies see older people as higher risk, so they charge more as you age.
3. New treatments cost more
Modern treatments like robotic surgery, gene therapy, and advanced scans give better results—but they’re expensive. As insurance plans start to cover these new options, the cost to the company rises, so premiums go up too.
4. More people are making claims
When many people use their insurance, for example, during a health crisis or just for small treatments, the insurance company has to pay more. To cover these costs, they raise premiums for everyone.
5. Currency changes affect expats
Many expats choose international health plans priced in American dollars or euros. If the Thai baht gets weaker or the foreign currency gets stronger, the premium in Thai baht goes up—even if the price in dollars stays the same.
Knowing these reasons can help you understand why your insurance costs more each year. It’s a good idea to review your policy every year and compare options so you can make smart choices and avoid paying more than you need to.
How rising insurance costs affect expats in Thailand
For expats in Thailand, health insurance can get more expensive each year—even if you haven’t made any claims. These price increases can cause real problems, especially over the long term. Here’s how they can affect you:
Prices go up even without claims
Your premium may increase every year, even if you never visit a doctor. This happens because insurance companies look at the bigger picture. They raise prices based on overall healthcare costs, the number of claims made by others, and changes in currency if your plan is priced in American dollars or euros.
Retirees feel it more
Older expats and retirees often need more medical care, so they tend to face the biggest increases. When living on a fixed income, higher premiums can make it hard to keep full coverage without feeling financial pressure.
Harder to plan your budget
If you don’t expect the increase, it can mess up your monthly or yearly budget. Some expats end up switching to cheaper plans with less coverage—or cancelling their insurance completely. This can be risky if you get sick or injured and need urgent treatment.
Medical costs in Thailand are also rising
Even though Thai healthcare is usually affordable, prices go up every year. Medical inflation in Thailand is around 5–9% each year. Without good insurance, even small treatments can start to add up.
That’s why it’s important for expats to review their insurance regularly, stay updated on costs, and make sure their plan still meets their needs and budget.
Simple ways expats in Thailand can save on health insurance
Health insurance costs are rising, but expats in Thailand can still find ways to save money without losing important coverage. Here are some easy tips to help reduce your insurance bills.
1. Pick a higher deductible
If you choose a plan with a higher deductible, your monthly or yearly payments will be lower. You’ll pay more if you need treatment, but if you’re generally healthy, this can save you money overall.
2. Check and adjust your coverage every year
Your health needs change over time. Look at your policy once a year and remove things you don’t need—like maternity, dental, or global coverage—if they don’t apply to your life. Keeping only the coverage you really need can lower your premium.
3. Pay once a year instead of monthly
Many insurance companies give discounts if you pay the full premium for the year in one go. This can save you money and help you avoid any price increases during the year.
4. Look for rewards or bonuses
Some insurers offer discounts or extra coverage if you stay healthy or don’t make a claim. These no-claim bonuses or wellness rewards can save you up to 10% or more each year.
5. Choose a trusted and flexible provider
Well-known companies such as Cigna let you build your own plan. You can choose the level of coverage, hospital options, and add-ons to match your needs. This way, you don’t pay for extras you won’t use.
Extra tips to save more
- Use in-network hospitals: Stick to hospitals that work with your insurer. It’s usually cheaper and easier when making claims.
- Ask a health insurance broker: A broker can help compare different plans and find the best one for your needs and budget.
- Think about Thai social security (if you qualify): If you work in Thailand, you may get basic healthcare through the public system. It’s low-cost, though mostly limited to public hospitals.
By keeping your plan simple, reviewing it regularly, and choosing the right provider, you can stay protected and avoid paying more than you need.
Why choosing the right health insurance provider matters
For expats living in Thailand, picking a trusted health insurance provider is very important. As your health needs and costs change over time, a reliable company—like Cigna—can offer the right support and coverage. Here’s how the right provider can make a big difference:
1. Flexible plans made for expats
Cigna designs its plans with expats in mind. You can choose what coverage you need, add or remove benefits, and adjust deductibles to match your lifestyle and budget. As your situation changes—like getting older or needing new care—you can update your plan so it still works for you without paying for things you don’t need.
2. Wide network and strong support
Cigna works with nearly 1.7 million doctors and clinics around the world. That means you can find trusted care in Thailand and while travelling. They offer direct billing, quick claims service, and 24/7 help in different languages. Many plans also include telemedicine, so you can talk to a doctor online anytime.
3. Help with pre-existing conditions
Cigna is clear about how they handle pre-existing health problems. Some may be covered, some may cost more, and others might not be included—but everything is explained up front. They also offer special care programs to help you manage long-term conditions, so you’re not left without support.
4. Trusted name with visa-friendly plans
Cigna is a large, stable company, so you can trust them to pay claims and support you during serious health events. Their plans also meet Thai visa rules, which helps make your visa renewal easier.
5. Ways to save money
You can lower your premium by choosing a higher deductible or cutting out benefits you don’t need. Some plans give discounts if you pay yearly or stay claim-free, helping you manage long-term costs.
With a provider like Cigna, you’re not just getting insurance—you’re getting a partner who understands life as an expat and helps you stay protected as your needs change.
Health insurance costs in Thailand often go up each year, even if you don’t make a claim. This is due to rising medical fees, ageing, expensive new treatments, more claims, and currency changes. For expats, this can make it hard to plan or keep full coverage. To save money, you can choose a higher deductible, review your plan yearly, pay annually, and go with a trusted provider such as Cigna. Picking the right insurer helps you stay covered, save money, and meet visa rules. To stay fully informed, it’s also helpful to understand what your policy doesn’t cover—read more in our guide on What’s not covered by health insurance in Thailand.
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