Life in Laos: Expat Health Insurance in Laos Handbook
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Intro to Expat Health Insurance in Laos
Welcome to the Land of a Million Elephants, where the pace of life is slower, the beer is cheaper, and the sunsets over the Mekong are to die for… but let’s not take that last bit literally, shall we? If you’re planning to live the dream in Laos, you might be wondering, “Do I really need health insurance here?” Well, unless you fancy playing Russian roulette with your health, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Laos is in the midst of a healthcare evolution, but let’s be honest, it’s not quite there yet. The market for expat health insurance is your golden ticket to peace of mind, ensuring you can surf the slow lanes of Vientiane or trek through Luang Prabang without worrying about medical bills that could make your wallet cry.
The Laos Healthcare System
Imagine you’re at a village market, and you’re looking for the latest in healthcare tech… only to find traditional healers with jars of mysterious herbs. That’s Laos for you! The public healthcare system here is like a charming old uncle – well-meaning but not exactly up to speed compared to Singapore, Hong Kong or Thailand.
Public hospitals do exist, but they’re not advisable. If you’ve got something more serious than a common cold, you’ll likely be advised to make a quick dash to Thailand. Yes, even in medical emergencies, you might find yourself crossing the border.
The urban centers, like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, boast better facilities, but let’s not kid ourselves; they’re still playing catch-up. Private healthcare is your best bet, and this is where expat insurance in Laos comes in, turning potential medical nightmares into manageable naps.
The Benefits
With expat health insurance in Laos, you’re not just buying peace of mind; you’re investing in a VIP pass to healthcare:
- Inpatient and Outpatient Care: From surgeries to doctor’s visits, your insurance has got you covered. Inpatient benefits are mandatory & outpatient benefits are optional. Which one is right for you? That depends on your preferences and budget.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: If Laos can’t handle your medical emergency, you’ll be whisked away to where they can (Bangkok). Evacuation is incredibly expensive this is a must-have benefit for Laos. Evac comes as a default benefit with your mandatory inpatient.
- Dental and Vision: Because who doesn’t want to smile brightly and see clearly? Optionally add routine dental & vision. Dental benefits may have a waiting period for “major dental”
- Maternity Coverage: For those planning to expand their family under the Laotian sun. After a 10 or 12-month waiting period, get your maternity fully covered including prenatal visits, routine delivery, c-section, complications & more.
- Life Coverage: Have any debts? Does anyone rely on your income for their quality of life? If so, consider life insurance. Get a plan that runs in parallel with your health insurance, but is not tied to it.
Types of treatments for each benefit category:
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
Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance
If you’re staying in Laos indefinitely, working or otherwise, then get expat health insurance. Don’t rely on travel insurance, here’s why:
List of International Hospitals: Your Go-To Spots
Here’s the scoop on where you can get treated without feeling like you’ve stepped back into a medical drama from the ’70s:
- Mittaphab Hospital (Vientiane): Great for expats, with doctors who can speak your language (literally and figuratively).
- Mahosot Hospital (Vientiane): One of the older but more reputable public hospitals, though it’s better for minor issues unless you’ve got insurance.
- Setthathirath Hospital (Vientiane): Another option where you might find English-speaking staff, but don’t expect the Ritz.
For the real deal, look to private institutions:
- Alliance International Medical Center (Vientiane): This is where you go when you want to feel like you’re in a modern hospital, not a scene from “MAS*H”.
- Aek Udon International Hospital (Udon Thani, Thailand): Because sometimes, crossing the border is the quickest way to good healthcare.
Modern Key Features
Because Who Doesn’t Love Modernity? Enjoye perks like:
- Digital Claims: Submit claims from your phone while sipping on a coffee at a riverside cafe.
- 24/7 Assistance: Need help at 3 AM? Call your insurance, not your luck.
- Global Coverage: Your policy doesn’t stop at the Laotian border; it’s a global buddy!
- Direct Billing: Walk into the hospital, get treated, and walk out without touching your bank account.
Not all providers offer the above, but the ones we focus on do because we don’t like giving our clients headaches.
Expat Health Insurers for Laos
Many insurers do not have a physical office & footprint in Laos, but many international providers are happy to provide expat health insurance in Laos. They include, but are not limited to:
- Cigna: Known for its extensive network and plans that cater to your every sneeze and wheeze.
- Allianz: Because when you think insurance, you think of a company that’s been around longer than some countries.
- IMG: Offers plans that are as flexible as a yoga instructor, perfect for the nomadic expat life.
- April International: They’ve got your back, front, and sides with customizable plans that don’t break the bank.
- Henner: a French insurer with a good presence in SE Asia and affordable plans to boot
- VUMI: “VIP Universal Medical Insurance” that doesn’t sound half bad, right?
- William Russell: a long standing UK insurer that focuses on expats
- LUMA: regional provider with modern plans, benefits & forward thinking approach to health insurance
- AXA Global: a dominant global expat insurer, higher prices come with that!
- Healthcare International (HCI)- new owners, management, plans & a “best value” option for Laos
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Why Get a Quote Today?
Imagine this: You’re enjoying a bowl of noodles when suddenly, you need medical attention. Without insurance, that visit to the hospital could cost you more than what you’ve saved on living expenses in Laos. Here’s why you should get a quote right now:
- Avoid Financial Heartache: Medical bills can be the silent killer of bank accounts. Insurance keeps your savings safe.
- Peace of Mind: When you’re not worrying about healthcare costs, you can focus on mastering the art of bargaining at the night market.
- Emergency Preparedness: If disaster strikes, you’re covered. If not, you’ve still got a safety net for those “just in case” moments.
How to Save Money on your Premiums
Expat health insurance in Laos can be cheap or very expensive or somewhere inbetween. That ultimately depends on the provider + factors suchs as your age, preferences and requirements. 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
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here to immerse in Lao culture, teach English, or just live the expat dream, don’t let your health be the wild card in your adventure. Get a quote, secure your insurance, and enjoy Laos knowing you’re covered, literally and metaphorically.
Remember, in Laos, your health might not be the only thing that’s “laid back,” but with the right insurance, you can ensure it’s not left behind. Here’s to staying healthy, happy, and financially secure in this beautiful, quirky country