By FMTeam It is not unusual for more people than ever to choose to live their retirements in countries away from their homelands. It might be feeling disconnected and fed up with where a person has lived most of their lives that prompts a move, often on the back of visiting another place which provides much of what they yearn for, be it a better climate, far more value for money, and a safe environment to go about their daily lives.
A couple of visits is sometimes all that’s required to reinvigorate a lust for life and to make plans. The thought of new challenges can be exciting, as well as mixing with others of similar intent, which can include learning a language and enjoying a greater range of food. Much of this applies to Southeast Asia as a destination, including a place known as the Land of Smiles. However, certain precautions need to be taken with a move, such as the following 6 vital reasons to have health insurance in Thailand.
1. While many people consider Thailand to be an inexpensive place to receive healthcare, at least in comparison with where they live, it can still take a large chunk out of the savings of a foreigner when things go wrong. It is possible to use public hospitals, but they can have waiting times and may mean sharing busy wards with others. Most expats are at the age where they want and deserve some additional comfort, which, with the right insurance, they can afford.
2. Thailand has some of the best private hospitals in Southeast Asia, particularly in cities where expats tend to settle. The standard of these healthcare facilities speaks for itself, with many heading to the country to have treatment while on holiday. They provide modern facilities, advanced technology, and internationally trained doctors, but also require patients to have health insurance in many cases, perhaps paid for through trading in blue-chip stocks.
3. While living in an exciting country can lead to enjoying life, it can also come with risks. There is a long list of expats who fail to account for them being involved in a road accident, being struck with a tropical disease, or coming a cropper when riding a motorbike. Injuries require emergency treatment, ambulance services, and in extreme cases, intensive care. These are all extremely expensive to pay for without the right insurance policy.
4. It’s sad, but a fact of life, that as someone gets older, they are more likely to suffer illness. Diabetes, heart disease, or cancer can be financially devastating without insurance, as treatment for them requires attention and regular appointments with specialists, sometimes with hospital stays. Such costs can be paid for, or sometimes spread out, when the holder of the right policy.
5. Many expats remain in Thailand on long-stay visas for those over 50 years of age. Some immigration offices ask for proof of health insurance before granting the paperwork, to prove that medical treatment won’t be a problem to be paid for if required. This ensures that the local government is not burdened with costs.
6. One of the reasons that a person might move to Thailand is to live their best lives, without any hassle and to be able to afford the nicer things in life in a comfortable climate. Endless activities and fun are waiting to be had, especially if not worried about receiving treatment for health issues, which the right insurance provides through peace of mind.
Having health insurance in Thailand ensures the right treatment can be received in the highest quality facilities at an affordable price.