TL;DR:Pick Thai insurers for lower-cost, local hospital access and easier billing; pick international plans for portability, global cover and evacuation—compare quotes, direct-billing and evacuation limits before deciding.
Both are valid choices; pick based on where you’ll use care and whether you travel or relocate. Choose a Thai insurer if you live mainly in Thailand, want lower premiums, and need seamless direct-billing at local private hospitals—Thai plans are tailored to local costs and networks and sit under Thai regulation. Choose an international plan if you travel frequently, want worldwide inpatient/outpatient cover, medical evacuation/repatriation, and portability when moving countries—international plans cost more but include evacuation, broader provider networks, and multi-currency handling. Confirm direct-billing at your preferred hospitals, evacuation/repatriation limits, visa acceptance (some Thai visas require Thai-compliant cover), pre-existing-condition and maternity waiting periods, and total annual cost including excesses. For up-to-date guidance and provider lists consult Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, major hospital sites (e.g., Bangkok Hospital network), and international insurers’ expat pages before buying.
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