Angkor What If? Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia Playbook
by Quinn Miller | Employee Benefits Asia
Note: for expat health insurance in Cambodia, we focus on “best value” providers, not the cheapest ones
Your Essential Guide to Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia
As Cambodia cements its position as a prime destination for expatriates, securing expat health insurance in Cambodia has become an indispensable part of moving to or living in this vibrant nation. From its ancient temples and rich culture to its booming economic opportunities, Cambodia offers much for expats—but navigating its healthcare system requires preparation and the right insurance plan.
Join a growing expat community of over 100,000 individuals (as of 2023) and discover why comprehensive expat health insurance in Cambodia is your key to safety, security, and peace of mind.
The Benefits: Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia
When choosing expat health insurance in Cambodia, your premium will depend on several factors like age, number of people, provider quality & which benefits you select.
Benefits are grouped into 6 categories:
Inpatient
• Room & Board
• Surgeries
• Hospitalization Expenses
• Cancer
• Emergency Outpatient
• & many others
Outpatient
• GP & Specialists
• Tests
• Treatments
• Physio & Chiro
• Mental Wellness
• Medication
Wellness
• Annual Health Checks
• Child wellness
• Male/Female Exams
• Early Detection
• Preventative Tests
Dental
• Check-ups & Cleaning
• Crowns, Inlays & Onlays
• Root Canals
• Major Dental Surgery
Maternity
• Pre-natal Visits
• Routine Delivery
• Required C-sections
• Complications
• Newborn Care
Evacuation
• Medical Evacuation
• Repatriation
• Mortal Remains
Cambodia’s Healthcare System and the Role of Expat Health Insurance
The healthcare system in Cambodia is a patchwork of public and private options, each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Whether you’re a long-term resident or new arrival, understanding the system is essential for making informed decisions about your health.
Public Healthcare in Cambodia
Public healthcare is the backbone of the country’s health system, particularly in rural areas. While accessible and free, it often falls short of expat expectations due to:
- Overcrowding: Public hospitals frequently operate beyond capacity.
- Limited Resources: Many facilities lack modern medical equipment and essential medications.
- Language Barriers: Few medical professionals are fluent in English, posing challenges for expats.
For serious health concerns, expats typically avoid public healthcare, underscoring the importance of expat health insurance in Cambodia to access better options.
Private Healthcare in Cambodia
Private healthcare facilities, concentrated in urban hubs like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, provide significantly higher standards of care. Key benefits include:
- Advanced Services: Faster access to specialists and better medical technology.
- Internationally Trained Doctors: Many practitioners have trained in Western countries.
- Specialized Care: Facilities often provide unique services like medical evacuation and comprehensive diagnostics.
However, private healthcare comes at a premium, making expat health insurance in Cambodia essential for avoiding financial strain.
Pro Tip: even if you have group health insurance, check your benefits & make sure what your company offers is adequate. You might be surprised…
Why Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia Is Non-Negotiable
Without a robust healthcare system, expat health insurance in Cambodia is a must. Often times the treatment you require, simply isnt’ available or adequate. Or you’d simply prefer to go somewhere else like Bangkok, Singapore, etc. where the cost of healthcare is more.
Evacuations are at an increased liklihood for the same reason, which can run into the 10s of thousands of dollars. Consider these common healthcare costs:
- Doctor Consultation: $25–$100.
- Dental Work: $470–$650 for a porcelain crown.
- Emergency Room Visit: Up to $650 at an international clinic.
- Medical Evacuation: Tens of thousands of dollars for urgent transport to Thailand or Singapore.
Not a lot, but at minimum we recommend protecting yourself & family with an emergency inpatient plan that covers big ticket items that would cause serious finanical harm or ruin.
Ensure you have access to quality care without the worry of mounting expenses.
Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance
If you’re living in Cambodia indefinitely, you should get expat health insurance in Cambodia, not travel insurance.
Watch our video on this topic below:
Types of Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia
1) Local Health Insurance
- Pros: Affordable and suitable for basic care.
- Cons: Limited to public facilities, often excludes emergency evacuation and advanced treatment.
2) International Health Insurance
- Pros: Comprehensive coverage for inpatient, outpatient, and specialist care, including treatment abroad.
- Cons: Higher premiums, but essential for expats prioritizing quality and flexibility.
Choosing international health insurance ensures that you’re protected not only in Cambodia but also in neighboring countries renowned for superior medical care.
Pre-Existing Conditions in Cambodia
Pre-existing conditions may be eligible for coverage if they are disclosed and approved by the insurer during the application process.
The prices quoted—whether from us, another broker, or the insurer—are typically based on standard rates for a healthy individual within the selected age group. If you have pre-existing conditions, we recommend opting for Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) to determine whether those conditions can be covered before finalizing a policy.
Once you declare your conditions, the insurer will review your application through the underwriting process to evaluate your risk against the standard rates. Following this, the insurer will.
- Accept you at standard rates
- Accept you with a premium loading, ex. +30%
- Accept you with policy exclusions for that condition
- Reject your application completely
Be aware: Some conditions will never be covered under private expat health insurance in Cambodia, which is why it’s important to take out a policy when you are healthy!
Top Providers of Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia
Some of the most trusted expat health insurers for Cambodia include:
- Allianz Care: Customizable coverage with options for dental, optical, and maternity care.
- April: One of the top providers in all of Asia, available to expats in Cambodia.
- Bupa Global: Renowned for its worldwide network and responsive customer support.
- Cigna Global: Flexible plans with extensive wellness benefits.
- Henner: Cost effective, especially on inpatient-only plans.
- LUMA Health: Tailored for expats in Southeast Asia, offering region-specific solutions.
- Morgan Price: Two sets of plans: Evolution (full underwriting) or Flex (moratorium).
- Pacific Cross: Affordable policies focused on emergency care and hospitalization.
- VUMI: High limits, modern provider with huge cashless direct billing network.
These providers all offer good expat health insurance in Cambodia.
Cambodia Premium Guideline
Premiums vary by provider & the pricing variables that were aforementioned. However, here’s a rough guideline of what you can expect to pay annually for a ‘Best Value’ provider, with no deductibles, by age group:
|
Age
|
Inpatient
|
+ Some Outpatient
|
+ Full Outpatient
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
25
|
$667 - $868
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
30
|
$755 - $981
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
35
|
$872 - $1,134
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
40
|
$997 - $1,297
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
45
|
$1,149 - $1,493
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
50
|
$1,324 - $1,721
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
55
|
$1,583 - $2,058
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
60
|
$1,904 - $2,475
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
65
|
$2,398 - $3,120
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
|
70
|
$3,032 - $4,022
|
1.5x of IP
|
2x of IP
|
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Save Money on Health Insurance in Cambodia
Expat health insurance in Cambodia can be cheap or very expensive or somewhere inbetween. If you want a higher quality provider, but if the premiums are bit too much for your allocated budget, then we suggest:
Installments
• Pay monthly
• Pay quarterly
• Pay semi-annually
Reduce Benefits
• Focus on Inpatient
• Skip Outpatient
• Save 50% by doing so
Reduce Area
• Asia focused cover
• Ditch worldwide
• Save 25-30% by doing so
Direct Billing
• Pay & Claim for Outpatient
• Small hassle? Yes
• Save money by doing so
• Claims paid in <7 days
Deductible
• Pay $X out-of-pocket 1st
• Insurance kicks in after
• ex. $1K USD deductible
• Get 20% OFF
Co-pay
• Agree to pay X%
• Example 20% of OP expenses
• Save money by doing so
Key Considerations for Choosing Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia
Finding the right expat health insurance in Cambodia involves evaluating your personal needs and circumstances. Keep these factors in mind:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure your plan includes routine care, emergencies, and medical evacuation.
- Global Flexibility: If you travel frequently, opt for plans with international coverage.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Confirm whether your policy includes these and under what terms.
- Affordability: Balance premiums with coverage quality; plans range from $50 to $300 per month.
Living Safely with Expat Health Insurance in Cambodia
Expatriates in Cambodia often encounter health risks unique to the region, such as:
- Tropical Diseases: Dengue, malaria, and tuberculosis are prevalent.
- Road Accidents: Traffic injuries are common due to chaotic driving conditions.
- Chronic Illness Management: Diabetes and heart disease require ongoing care, often unavailable in rural areas.
With expat health insurance in Cambodia, you’re equipped to handle these risks and receive high-quality care when it matters most.
The Expats’ Guide to Everyday Health Risks
A reliable expat health insurance in Cambodia empowers you to face the country’s unique health challenges with confidence. Consider these practical tips to stay prepared:
- Know Your Hospitals: Research local private hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh or Sunrise Japan for emergencies.
- Carry Essential Medications: Cambodia’s pharmacies may not stock all Western medications.
- Stay Ahead of Tropical Diseases: Protect yourself against illnesses like dengue and malaria with vaccinations and regular check-ups.
- Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures and ensure your plan covers airlifting to regional hubs.
Conclusion: Your Health, Your Peace of Mind
Living in Cambodia is an exciting journey filled with opportunity and adventure. However, the limitations of the local healthcare system make securing expat health insurance in Cambodia non-negotiable. With the right plan, you’ll gain access to superior care, financial protection, and the peace of mind to fully embrace life in this dynamic country.
Don’t wait—invest in expat health insurance in Cambodia today and ensure a healthier, safer tomorrow. Your health is your greatest asset, and protecting it is the first step toward a successful expat experience.