Spanish expats moving to Thailand have access to various health insurance options from leading providers, including Cigna, AXA, Allianz, Luma, Allianz Ayudhya, and Pacific Cross. Each insurer offers plans with different benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of expats.

If you’re a Spanish citizen seeking comprehensive coverage for your time in Thailand and want a plan that balances affordability with essential benefits, this guide from Pacific Prime is for you.

In this article, we’ll introduce the top health insurance options for Spanish expats, highlighting plan features, key benefits, and provider strengths. We’ll also share practical tips to help you choose the right insurer and plan, ensuring you peace of mind during your stay in Thailand. 

Best Health Insurance Options for Spanish Expats in Thailand

Top health insurance providers for Spanish expats in Thailand include Cigna, AXA, Allianz, Luma, Allianz Ayudhya, and Pacific Cross. These companies operate on global, regional, and local levels, offering high-quality coverage tailored to different needs. 

While all provide reliable protection, benefit details and plan features may vary, allowing expats to choose the plan that best fits their healthcare needs, budget, and personal preferences.

Top International Providers for Spanish Expats in Thailand

Insurance plans from globally recognized providers such as Cigna, AXA, and Allianz are ideal for Spanish expats who travel frequently and prefer higher benefit limits, global portability, and continuous protection wherever life takes them. 

Cigna Global: Customizable Protection for Spanish Expats in Thailand 

Cigna is a renowned global insurance provider, offering health coverage that aims to improve members’ health and well-being. Using a modular model, expats can choose their core plan from three options: Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Then, they can expand their coverage with the available add-ons. 

With Cigna’s plan, expats can enjoy

• Direct billing with medical providers worldwide
• Medical second opinion service
• On-demand doctor consultations
• Full cancer care

Cigna Global’s plan offerings at a glance:

Benefit Details	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Annual Limits	USD $1,000,000 (EUR 863,972)	USD $2,000,000 (EUR 1,727,943)	Unlimited
Area of Coverage	Worldwide, excluding USA
Coverage	Inpatient treatments, private rooms, diagnostic tests, cancer care, mental health, and ambulance service	Silver + higher coverage limits in key areas and routine maternity coverage	Gold + higher coverage limits in key areas
Add-on Options	Outpatient, health and well-being, vision and dental,  and medical evacuation and repatriation benefits

AXA: Comprehensive Health Protection for Spanish Expats in Thailand

With a global presence in over 50 countries, including Thailand, AXA is widely trusted to provide comprehensive plans that meet the needs of globally mobile people. Spanish expats with protection from AXA are guaranteed access to quality care while they are in Thailand as well as abroad. 

AXA offers excellent customer support, including

• Second medical opinion
• Virtual doctor consultation
• Mind health services
• 24/7 customer support 

AXA’s plan offerings at a glance:

Benefit Details	Foundation	Standard	Comprehensive	Prestige	Prestige Plus
Annual Limits	USD $160,000	USD $1,600,000	USD $2,400,000	USD $3,200,000	USD $8,000,000
Area of Coverage	Worldwide, with optional U.S. exclusion
Coverage	Core inpatient care, major treatments, and medical evacuation and repatriation	Foundation + non-routine dental care	Standard + outpatient treatments and medications, chronic conditions, and eye tests and prescription glasses	Comprehensive + routine pregnancy coverage and annual health checks	Prestige + higher coverage in key areas
Add-on Options	Outpatient treatments and outpatient medication coverage	Outpatient treatments and outpatient medication coverage	Annual health checks	N/A	N/A

Allianz Care:  Flexible Coverage for Spanish Expats in Thailand

Allianz Care is an international health brand of the larger Allianz Partners, offering premium coverage worldwide, including in Thailand. With over 72 million cases covered, a few highlights that attract expats to Allianz Care’ plans include

• Second medical opinion 
• MyHealth digital services
• Expat Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Travel security services

Allianz Care’s plan offerings at a glance: 

Benefit Details	Care	Care Plus	Care Pro
Annual Limits	$2,500,000	$4,000,000	$5,000,000
Area of Coverage	Worldwide, with optional U.S. exclusion
Coverage	Inpatient treatment, semi-private room, oncology, medical evacuation, rehabilitation treatment, and emergency out-patient treatment	Care + private room, emergency dental treatment, and higher coverage in key areas	Care Plus + preventive surgery, laser eye treatment, and higher coverage in key areas
Add-on Options	Outpatient treatment, dental care, medical repatriation, and maternity care

Recommended Local Insurers for Spanish Expats in Thailand

For those seeking a more affordable alternative, local insurers such as Luma, Allianz Ayudhya, and Pacific Cross provide high-quality coverage tailored to Thailand’s healthcare system, along with easier customer support from teams based in the same region and time zone.

Expats planning to stay long-term and looking for practical, convenient access to care will likely find these insurers’ plans a great fit.

Luma:  Specialized Health Plans for Spanish Expats in Thailand

Luma is an expert health insurance provider in the Southeast Asia region. By combining their knowledge, creative solutions, and compassionate care, Luma provides expats with 24/7 customer service, access to prestigious private hospitals, and professional medical advice. 

Spanish expats in Thailand may choose from Luma’s two core plans: Luma Hi5 and Luma Prime. 

Luma’s plan offerings at a glance: 

Benefit Details	Luma Hi5 (Plan 1-2)	Luma Prime (Plan 1-3)
Annual Limits	~USD $152,905 (EUR 132,590)	Plan 1: ~USD $306,090       (EUR 265,180) Plan 2: ~USD $918,034       (EUR 795,545) Plan 3: ~USD $1,530,058     (EUR 1,325,910)
Area of Coverage	Zone A: Worldwide excl. U.S. Zone B: Worldwide excl. listed countries¹ Zone C: Worldwide excl. extended list² Worldwide for medical emergencies outside area of coverage
Coverage	Inpatient treatments, surgery expenses, ambulance service, cancer treatments, and congenital conditions that appear before 16 years old	Inpatient treatments, surgery expenses, cancer treatments, congenital conditions,  diagnostic tests, and emergency evacuation and repatriation
Add-on Options	Outpatient benefits, dental benefits, maternity benefits, and vision benefits

¹ Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, Bahamas, China

² Countries in Zone B plus Russia, U.K., Singapore, Taiwan, Brazil

Allianz Ayudhya: Flexible Options for Spanish Expats in Thailand

As part of the reputable Allianz Group, Allianz Ayudhya operates in Thailand with a focus on providing reliable and comprehensive health insurance for both local Thais and international expats. With their wide range of flexible plans, Spanish expats can find coverage that best fits their needs. 

Available core plans include Basic Care, Max Care, Beyond Care, and Flex Care. Each comes with special benefits including 

• Lifetime renewal guarantee
• Unlimited telemedicine service
• Tax-deductible benefit

Allianz Ayudhya’s plan offerings at a glance: 

Benefit Details	Basic Care (Plan 1-3)	Max Care (Plan 1-6)	Beyond Care (Plan 1-6)	Flex Care (Plan 1-3)
Annual Limits	From ~USD $10,710 up to $22,950 (EUR 9,240 up to 19,805)	From ~USD $9,180 up to $153,005 (EUR 7,920 up to 132,035)	From ~USD $30,600 up to $914,635 (EUR 26,400 up to 792,225)	From ~USD $457,315 up to $1,525,786 (EUR 396,540 up to 1,321,800)
Area of Coverage	Thailand	Worldwide excluding U.S.	Worldwide excluding U.S.	Area 1: Southeast Asia excluding Singapore Area 2: Southeast Asia Area 3: Worldwide excluding USA
Coverage	Inpatient expenses, including room and board, ICU, surgeries, cancer treatments, home medications and supplies, and ambulance services	Inpatient expenses, major medical treatment, specialist consultation fees, nursing care, and personal accident	Inpatient expenses, specialist consultation fees, nursing care, annual health checkups, personal accident, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation	Inpatient expenses, oncology, palliative care, outpatient surgery, HIV/AIDS, medical evacuation, and repatriation
Add-on Options	Outpatient benefits and personal accident coverage	Outpatient treatment, maternity benefits, and personal accident	Outpatient treatment, maternity benefits, and personal accident	Outpatient treatment, dental/optical, maternity, and well-being benefits

Pacific Cross: Practical Health Protection for Spanish Expats in Thailand

For over 70 years, Pacific Cross has held a strong presence in Thailand, ensuring Spanish expats have comprehensive access to quality healthcare, accessible customer support, and an extensive healthcare network across the country.  

Their specialized health insurance plans, including Premier Plus, Maxima Plus, and Ultima Plus, combine affordability with comprehensive, practical coverage, making them particularly ideal for Spanish expats planning to become long-term residents. 

Pacific Cross’ plan offerings at a glance:

Benefit Details	Premier Plus	Maxima Plus	Ultima Plus
Annual Limits	~USD $92,100 (EUR 79,300)	~USD $307,002 (EUR 264,360)	~USD $1,535,014 (EUR 1,321,800)
Area of Coverage	Thailand
Coverage	Inpatient benefits, ICU, surgical treatments, outpatient benefits, ambulance fees, maternity benefits, and personal accident	Premier Plus + higher coverage in key areas	Ultima Plus + higher coverage in key areas
Add-on Options	Dental treatment and eye examinations

Essential Coverage and Benefits for Spanish Residents in Thailand

For Spanish expats living long-term in Thailand, their health insurance coverage and benefits should match the country’s unique healthcare landscape and regional health risks to ensure complete protection. 

Preferably, your policy should include inpatient benefits, including treatments for tropical diseases, dental and optical benefits, wellness services, emergency evacuation, and an extensive network of medical providers where direct billing is available. 

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Benefits

Inpatient coverage protects you from substantial medical expenses incurred during hospital stays for surgeries, serious illnesses, or accidents, while outpatient coverage handles routine doctor consultations, ongoing health monitoring, and minor treatments.

Most health insurance plans include inpatient coverage as a standard benefit. Outpatient benefits, however, may need to be added separately. Spanish expats are strongly advised to review their policy and ensure they have access to both types of coverage for their time in Thailand. 

Direct Billing in Thai Hospitals 

Reputable insurers often have direct billing agreements with leading Thai hospitals such as Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej, so you don’t have to pay medical expenses upfront. To take advantage of this benefit, make sure your preferred hospital is included in your insurer’s network.

Coverage for Tropical Diseases and Local Risks

Living in Thailand may expose Spanish expats to health risks they may not encounter at home, such as dengue fever, malaria in rural regions, and other tropical infections. It is essential to ensure your policy covers treatment for these conditions without exclusions. 

Additionally, due to Thailand’s high rate of traffic accidents, comprehensive accident coverage is also recommended.

Dental, Optical, and Wellness Benefits for Long-Term Stay

If you’re staying in Thailand for an extended period, regular healthcare becomes important. Dental coverage ensures you can get checkups, cleanings, and fillings, while optical coverage takes care of eye exams and vision needs. 

Wellness benefits are also useful, covering preventive care like annual health screenings, vaccinations, and other checkups to help you stay healthy throughout your stay.

Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage ensures you can be transported to adequate medical facilities or back to Spain when local hospitals cannot provide necessary care. Without this coverage, the costs could reach up to EUR 86,000. 

How to Choose a Trusted Health Insurance Company in Thailand

When choosing health coverage, it’s important to select a provider known for financial stability, clear policy terms, and strong customer support. Below are the key factors to keep in mind: 

• Insurance company ratings: Agencies like A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, or Moody’s rate insurance companies based on their financial stability. Highly rated insurers are more likely to pay claims reliably.
• High customer retention rates: Look for insurers with strong year-over-year client retention, as it shows satisfaction with the insurer’s services. 
• Transparency: Reputable insurers share sample policies that clearly outline coverage, exclusions, and waiting periods in plain language. Avoid companies that use complex jargon or hide key details.
• Streamlined claims process: Look for insurers offering simple, digital claim submissions through online portals or mobile apps. They should also process claims promptly (within 10–15 business days) and provide direct billing with major hospitals.
• 24/7 customer support: Choose insurers that provide round-the-clock, multilingual assistance, so you can access help anytime, both in Thailand and overseas.
• Value-added services: Prioritize plans offering teleconsultations (useful for minor issues or Spanish-speaking doctors), second medical opinions, and mental health support, which can be highly useful in navigating expat life.     

Get Your Insurance Coverage in Thailand with Pacific Prime

Spanish expats in Thailand can choose between international and local health insurance providers, including Cigna, AXA, Allianz, Luma, Allianz Ayudhya, and Pacific Cross, depending on their coverage needs and preferences. 

International insurers typically offer worldwide coverage and higher benefit limits, while local insurers provide more affordable plans and a deeper understanding of Thailand’s healthcare system, from medical providers to health insurance requirements. 

As an insurance broker with 25+ years of experience, Pacific Prime helps expats make informed decisions regarding their coverage abroad, comparing multiple plans from different providers to find one that best suits their needs.  

If you’re considering moving to Thailand, contact us today for a free quote comparison and expert, unbiased advice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is health insurance for foreigners in Thailand?

The cost of health insurance for foreigners in Thailand depends on factors such as age, coverage level, and the provider. Plans can range from around THB 10,000–50,000 per year for basic coverage to THB 100,000 or more annually for comprehensive international plans.

Can I live in Thailand without health insurance?

Technically, it is possible to live in Thailand without health insurance, but it is not recommended. Certain visas, including retirement visas, require health insurance. Additionally, medical care without insurance can be expensive, especially in private hospitals.

Which is the best health insurance in Thailand?

The best health insurance in Thailand depends on your needs and budget. Popular options include Cigna Global for flexible international coverage, AXA for visa-compliant plans, Pacific Cross for a wide local hospital network, and Allianz Ayudhya for tailored expat plans.

Is healthcare free in Thailand for foreigners?

Healthcare is not free for foreigners in Thailand. Public hospitals impose lower fees than private hospitals, but unless your insurance covers them, you will still be responsible for covering the treatment costs.