Asked by a retiree
“Do I really need health insurance, or can I just pay as I go?”
My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in PattayaGet insurance. Uninsured patients who can't pay can be turned away by private hospitals and sent to a government one.
A standard hospital visit is normally ฿2,000 to ฿3,000. The problem isn't the small visits, it's the big ones, which can skyrocket quickly.
Even with insurance, check your limits. Having a policy doesn't automatically mean you're fully covered.
We've always used Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and the care is first class. My family is insured with Pacific Cross through a local broker.
Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.
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Retiring · Asked by a retiree planning a move“How much a month do I really need to retire comfortably in Pattaya?”A single person in a one-bed condo, eating out every meal, spends roughly ฿50,000 to ฿55,000 a month. Cook some meals and it drops a lot.My full answer Retiring · Asked by a 58-year-old planning to retire“What do I need for a retirement visa?”You need to be 50 or over and show ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account, or an income of ฿65,000 a month, or a combination.My full answer Retiring · Asked by a reader“What catches retirees out most when they move here?”Culture shock, mostly assuming things work the way they do back home.My full answer Retiring · Asked by a retired couple“Which part of Pattaya would you pick for a retired couple?”Jomtien. It's quieter, you're right by the sea, and there are lots of retired couples, so it's easy to make friends.My full answer