Health Insurance For Expats In Thailand｜Pacific Cross Health Insurance

This article is provided by Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL, a health insurance company in Thailand.

For specific inquiries regarding Pacific Cross Health Insurance plans and health insurance costs, please direct your questions to the mail form at the bottom of this article.

You can also request a premium estimate online. Click here for the quotation request form.

Overview Pacific Cross Health Insurance

Pacific Cross Health Insurance has over 75 years of experience and serves more than one million customers. It is ranked among the top three health insurance providers in Thailand, delivering high-quality services.

Documents Required for Insurance Enrollment

We require only copy of passport and application form only. Additionally, depending on factors such as prior medical treatment in Thailand, pre-existing conditions, and age at enrollment (e.g., under 10 or over 65), the required documents and conditions may vary.
※Note: A visa is not required at the time of enrollment.

Enrollment Can Be Applied for Before Moving to Thailand

Pacific Cross Health Insurance accepts applications for enrollment from individuals who are still outside Thailand.
However, Pacific Cross Health Insurance policies are intended for those who reside in Thailand.

Health Insurance for Retirement Visas

Many customers enroll in Pacific Cross Health Insurance to meet the health insurance requirements for long-term stay visas in Thailand, such as Retirement Visas (O-A, O-X). We also assist individuals planning to obtain LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa and DTV Visa (Destination Tourist Visa).

Accepted at Over 550 Partner Hospitals

For the list of Pacific Cross Health Insurance partner hospitals, please refer to this page.
These hospitals provide cashless services for Pacific Cross Health Insurance policyholders. Hospitals or clinics outside this network may still be used, but payment will need to be made first and claimed later.

Discount Option Available

Some individuals considering enrollment may prefer to exclude outpatient care from their coverage. Pacific Cross Health Insurance offers discounted premiums for plans that exclude outpatient treatment. Deductibles are another option to reduce your premium, offering discounts from 15% to 50%.

Children

Pacific Cross Health Insurance allows children to enroll; however, there are certain conditions for their enrollment:

・Children under 10 cannot enroll independently (a parent or legal guardian must also enroll together).
・Children under 5 will be subject to a 35% co-payment for medical expenses.（A no co-payment option is also available）
※The following documents are required for enrolling children under 5 (All document must be in English or Thai):
・Birth certificate (including the names and dates of birth of both parents and the child).
・Medical record of childbirth (a document filled out by the doctor detailing the child’s height, weight, health status, and follow-up care from birth to discharge).
・Vaccine Book

＜About Maternity Expense Coverage＞
Maternity coverage for those giving birth in Thailand is included in the “Premier Plus” plan or higher. Some plans cover up to 240,000 THB for maternity benefits. However, conditions such as a 280-day waiting period apply. For details, please inquire.

＜About Newborn Coverage＞
Option ①: Enrolling the newborn after birth
Newborns can apply for enrollment 15 days after birth. However, premiums may be relatively high, and a 35% co-payment for medical expenses will apply.（A no co-payment option is also available）

Option ②: Both parents enrolled with Pacific Cross Health Insurance before pregnancy
If both parents were enrolled with Pacific Cross Health Insurance before pregnancy, the newborn can receive coverage equivalent to the lower of the two parents’ plans without separately enrolling. However, the following conditions apply:
※A 35% co-payment for the newborn’s medical expenses will be required.（A no co-payment option is also available）
※The newborn’s coverage period lasts from the date of birth until the expiration date of the current policy. (When renewing the policy, a decision must be made on whether to enroll the newborn separately.)

Due to various conditions regarding newborn coverage, please contact us for details.

Worldwide Medical Coverage

Pacific Cross health insurance provides worldwide emergency medical coverage for up to 3 months per trip.

For emergency medical claims during travel outside Thailand, the process requires you to pay the medical expenses upfront and subsequently submit the following documents:

・Claim Form
・Original receipt in English or Thai (itemized or accompanied by a medical statement)
・Original medical certificate in English or Thai (clearly stating the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment period)
・Copy of the insured person’s identification (passport or ID) and insurance card
・Copy of the insured person’s bank passbook (under their name)

※Non-emergency medical treatment is accepted on a case-by-case basis

For further details, please feel free to inquire.

Pacific Cross Health Insurance Plan Overview

Pacific Cross Health Insurance offers the following 10 health insurance plans:

Standard｜Standard Plus｜Standard Extra

These are basic plans that cover essential benefits while keeping limits on room charges and surgical costs.

Premier｜Premier Plus

These plans meet the minimum coverage requirements for obtaining Retirement Visas (OA, OX). Premier Plus is particularly popular among those seeking long-term stay visas (e.g., OA, OX, LTR visas).

Maxima｜Maxima Plus

These are the most popular plans among expatriates in Thailand insured with Pacific Cross Health Insurance. They offer comprehensive coverage at affordable premiums.

Ultima｜Ultima Plus

These plans include coverage for higher-priced hospital rooms and incorporate dental care and eye examinations as part of the basic policy. They are also suitable for travel to regions with high medical costs, such as North America, EU countries, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

Expat Care

This is a newly introduced plan in 2024. It provides coverage considering pre-existing medical conditions, with specified annual limits for such conditions. Certain terms, such as waiting periods, apply.

Cases Where Insurance Claims May Be Rejected

In Thailand, claims may be rejected in accordance with the policy wording. For details, please refer to the each insurance company’s policy terms and conditions.

Caution*  Thailand residents should only purchase health insurance products that are licensed by the Office of Insurance Commission in Thailand. Customers of non-compliant insurers have no recourse to the local regulator in the event of dispute or bankruptcy.

Pre-existing Conditions and Medical History Prior to Insurance Enrollment

＜Investigations by Hospitals or Insurance Companies＞
If a hospital or insurance company suspects that a policyholder’s treatment is not for a general illness but rather a recurrence of a pre-existing or chronic condition, or if a claim is filed shortly after the policy is purchased, they may investigate the policyholder’s medical records and history.

If the investigation finds no related medical history, the claim will be approved. However, if undisclosed pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses are discovered, the insurance company may deny the claim, add exclusions to the policy, or, depending on the circumstances, even cancel the insurance contract.

It is important to fully disclose your medical history when applying for health insurance coverage in Thailand. Any concealment or misrepresentation of the truth may result in the Insurance contract becoming void and/or refusal to compensate under Clause 865 of the Civil and Commercial Code, resulting in the cancellation of the policy.

Receiving examinations or treatments during the 30-day or 120-day waiting periods, or if related symptoms are discovered during these periods

＜Standard Waiting Periods in Thai Insurance Companies＞
・For general illnesses：A 30-day waiting period applies from the policy start date, during which no insurance coverage is provided.
・For specific conditions：A 120-day waiting period applies from the policy start date for the following conditions, during which no insurance coverage is provided:
Tumors, warts, lumps, cancer, hemorrhoids, hernias, cataracts, tonsillitis, stones, varicose veins, endometriosis.
※Note：Conditions newly diagnosed during the waiting period will not be covered even after the waiting period ends.
・For COVID-19：The waiting period is 15 days.
・For injuries or accidents：No waiting period applies; coverage is immediate.

Treatments based on personal preferences or choices rather than medically necessary treatments recommended by a doctor (non-standard treatments)

＜Examples＞
・Experimental treatment in physiotherapy treatment.
・Undergoing tests based on personal preference when a doctor deems them unnecessary.

Other Exclusions

・AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
・Use of drugs or substances to delay aging or degeneration.
・Hormone replacement therapy for early menopause or menopause.
・Female or male sexual dysfunction.
・Gender Affirmation Surgery.
・Dangerous sports.
・Accidents involving cars or motorcycles if the driver was unlicensed or under the influence of alcohol.

Specific Cases Where Policyholders Successfully Covered High-Cost Claims with Insurance

Below are specific cases where Pacific Cross Health Insurance policyholders were able to cover high-cost claims through their insurance.
Please note that coverage varies depending on the plan. For details, kindly contact Pacific Cross Health Insurance.

Cancer Treatment (Chronic Care)

Diagnosis: Pancreatic cancer (Stage 2). The insured was 55 years old at the time of diagnosis.
Coverage Provided:
・Chemotherapy: Covered up to 5 million THB per year for four consecutive years. Currently in the fifth year of treatment.
・Coverage includes chemotherapy, tests, and medication costs.
Remarks: Treatment costs were fully covered within the annual limit, with no out-of-pocket expenses. However, since the insured received treatment in Singapore, Pacific Cross Health Insurance covered costs equivalent to those at top-tier private hospitals in Thailand. For elective treatments abroad, prior approval from Pacific Cross Health Insurance is required.

Traffic Accident in Chiang Rai

Claim Details: The insured was hit by another vehicle while riding in a pickup truck. Total treatment costs at Bangkok Hospital Chiang Rai exceeded 500,000 THB.
Coverage Provided:
・Severe fractures: Shoulder, chest, and thoracic spine injuries.
・ICU admission: 3 days.
・Hospitalization: 7 days.
Remarks: The doctor noted the high risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism due to the severity of the accident. These would also be covered by Pacific Cross Health Insurance if officially diagnosed.

Stroke

Claim Details: While not a specific case study, stroke-related claims are among the most common high-cost medical expenses covered by Pacific Cross Health Insurance.
Coverage Provided:
・Full coverage for emergency treatment and hospitalization costs.
Remarks: Strokes involve high treatment costs, underscoring the importance of adequate insurance coverage.

Severe Skiing Accident

Claim Details: The insured suffered a shoulder fracture while skiing in Switzerland, requiring emergency transport and surgery.
Coverage Provided:
・Transportation: 3,000 CHF for helicopter evacuation.
・Hospital costs: 15,000 USD for surgery, hospitalization, and follow-up treatment.
Result: Emergency transportation costs were fully covered under global emergency services. Medical expenses were fully reimbursed within the “full coverage” inpatient limit.

Dengue Fever

Claim Details: The insured contracted dengue fever and underwent a six-month treatment period.
Coverage Provided:
・Hospitalization and follow-up treatment: 250,000 THB at a private hospital.

Slip and Fall Accident

Claim Details: Total medical expenses amounted to 700,000 THB.
Coverage Provided:
・Full coverage for multiple fractures and lacerations.

Musculoskeletal Disorder

Claim Details: Radicular symptoms with lumbar and other disc disorders, resulting in over 800,000 THB in medical expenses.
Coverage Provided:
・Coverage for medical treatment and surgery, including physical therapy.

Hernia and Heart Disease

Claim Details:
・Bilateral inguinal hernia (with obstruction or gangrene).
・Atherosclerotic heart disease.
Total Cost: 700,000 THB.
Coverage Provided:
・Full coverage for all treatments and necessary medical procedures.

Ways to Reduce Medical Costs

While not limited to Thailand, it is advisable to carefully consider whether health insurance is truly necessary and, if so, which plan is most suitable before proceeding with enrollment.

Reduce the Risk of Illness and Injury

It is important to consciously avoid risks in daily life, such as engaging in moderate exercise and reducing the use of motorcycle taxis. While it may seem obvious, striving to prevent medical expenses and treatments altogether is also crucial.

Utilize Clinics and Pharmacies

At pharmacies in Thailand, pharmacists prescribe medications based on your symptoms.
Depending on the condition, they may also refer you to a hospital or clinic, so it may be a good idea to first visit a pharmacy and describe your symptoms.

Cover Only High-Cost Treatments with Insurance

Attempting to cover everything with insurance will inevitably lead to higher premiums. For example, if you are generally healthy and rarely visit doctors, consider opting for a plan that excludes outpatient care but covers high-cost treatments such as surgeries and hospitalizations.

The cost of health insurance varies depending on the insurance company, coverage details, age, and family structure. For families enrolling together, lifetime expenses can sometimes be substantial.
Since health insurance is non-refundable, it is essential to carefully evaluate whether it is truly necessary and, if so, which plan best suits your needs.

Trends and Latest Updates in the Health Insurance Industry

Thailand’s health insurance industry continues to evolve in response to advancements in medical technology and changing healthcare needs. A particularly notable trend is the rising annual medical inflation rate, which is impacting treatment costs at hospitals across the country.

New regulations are also reshaping the industry. The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) of Thailand has mandated clearer explanations of policy terms and improved claims processing to strengthen consumer protection. These measures are expected to help policyholders better understand their coverage and protect them from unexpected medical expenses.

Additionally, the use of telemedicine and digital healthcare services is increasing. Many insurance companies are incorporating telemedicine into their coverage to provide easier access to medical services from home. Pacific Cross Health Insurance also covers telemedicine consultations, aiming to offer convenient and secure healthcare solutions.

As medical technology advances, insurance providers are continuously updating their coverage to include new treatments and surgical methods. With the growing adoption of advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive surgeries, health insurance is adapting flexibly to keep pace with these developments.

Another important development is the introduction of copayment structures in Thailand’s health insurance market as of 2025. Under this system, policyholders share part of the medical expenses with the insurer, usually through a fixed percentage of the total bill. This approach helps manage rising medical costs, keeps premiums more stable, and encourages responsible use of healthcare services. Many insurers, though not Pacific Cross Health Insurance, have introduced copayment structures in their health insurance policies. Policyholders who enrolled before these changes remain unaffected. This makes it worthwhile to consider securing health insurance coverage early, before more insurers adopt copayment requirements.

Company Profile

Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL

Name of company	Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL
Address	No.3 Rajanakarn Building, 16th Floor, Zone BC, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
Person in charge	Passathorn Rungruanglit（ART）
WEB	https://www.pacificcrosshealth.com

Location

Pacific Cross Inquiry Desk

Contact

Contact information from this form will be sent to Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL.

Contact Person：Passathorn Rungruanglit (Art)
※When requesting a quote, please be sure to include your current age.
You can also request a premium estimate online. Click here for the quotation request form.
※You can request a quote by filling out the required information on the form on the above page and clicking “Request Quote”.