Thailand is one of the world's most popular retirement destinations. There are a number of reasons for that, from the country's favorable climate and stunning scenery to the friendly cost of living.
If you are thinking about retiring in Thailand, there are several things you will need to consider. The availability and cost of healthcare should definitely be one of the things you look into before making the move.
In this article, we will share a quick overview of what healthcare options for the elderly in Thailand look like.
Retiring in Thailand: Benefits
One of the main benefits of retiring in Thailand is that this country has something for everyone. If you are looking for the hustle and bustle, you will love the busy and always-moving Bangkok. If you want the quiet and the jungle, you will probably settle in Chiang Mai. Can't see your life without an everyday swim? Then, explore the province of Krabi, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The cost of living is another favorable factor. Life in Thailand is up to 40% cheaper compared to life in the United States. Most expats agree that you can live here quite comfortably on a monthly budget of $1,500 and even lower if you live in a smaller city.
Thailand also offers those willing to retire here an easy way to stay in the country legally for the long term – via the retirement visa. The retirement visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 1 year, after which you can re-apply for the retirement visa every year as long as you meet the requirements.
Retiring in Thailand: Healthcare
Overall, Thailand has a pretty solid healthcare system with over 900 state hospitals, close to 400 private hospitals, and over 25,000 private clinics.
Thanks to the abundance of healthcare establishments, most Thai nationals, as well as expats, have access to quality healthcare. In fact, the average life expectancy in the country is 77 years.
Keep in mind, however, that if you choose to live in one of the rural areas in the country, access to healthcare may be more complicated. In this case, you might have to travel to one of the nearby cities, so this is something to consider when planning your retirement budget.
The quality of healthcare in Thailand is quite high, and many doctors are splitting their time between working at government and private hospitals. The main downside of being treated at a government hospital is the long waiting times.
In order to qualify for a retirement visa, you need to have health insurance that covers you for a minimum of THB 40,000 for outpatient treatment and at least THB 400,000 for inpatient treatment. For this reason, most expats prefer to go with private health insurance. You can get either a local Thai plan or an international health insurance plan. Some of the more popular ones for expats are:
- Cigna Global;
- Luma;
- Allianz;
- Muang Thai.
Keep in mind, however, that some of these health insurance companies have age limitations. They might not accept you if you are over 65, for example. In this case, you might have to go with a more premium health insurance company like ACS or Aetna.
Care facilities for the elderly in Thailand
Compared to most Western countries, Thailand doesn't have many dedicated elder care facilities.
This is, in part, due to the difference in traditions. In Thailand, older family members typically stay at home and are taken care of by their children.
However, you will still be able to find long-term elderly care facilities in Thailand that have been created specifically for the older population. The quality of these facilities is usually quite high, and many of them look like five-star hotels or resorts. Some of these places are:
Good to know:
Thailand has a tropical climate. This means that the temperatures get quite high (up to 40 Celsius) throughout the hottest months of the year, April to May. Then, there is the monsoon season from May to October, during which the temperatures remain high and there is heavy rainfall. If you are strongly affected by the weather, it's important to keep this in mind when considering your move.
In short, if you are looking for a place to retire, Thailand can be the perfect destination you are looking for.
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