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 life moves slower, beer is cheaper, and Mekong sunsets are unforgettable—though hopefully not in a literal sense. If you’re planning to make Laos your home, you may wonder whether health insurance is necessary. The answer? Absolutely, unless you’re willing to gamble with your health.
Laos’ healthcare system is evolving, but it’s not quite there yet. For expats, health insurance isn’t just a luxury—it’s a safeguard. It ensures you can enjoy Vientiane’s relaxed pace or trek through Luang Prabang without the fear of crushing medical bills.
The Laos Healthcare System
Picture yourself at a village market, searching for the latest in healthcare technology, only to find traditional healers offering jars of mysterious herbs. That’s why Laos’ public healthcare system is often compared to a well-meaning but outdated uncle—charming, yet far behind the standards of Singapore, Hong Kong, or Thailand.
Yes, public hospitals exist, but they’re not the best option. If you’re dealing with anything more serious than a common cold, a trip to Thailand is often recommended. Even in emergencies, you might find yourself crossing the border for proper treatment.
Meanwhile, urban centers like Vientiane and Luang Prabang offer better facilities, but let’s be honest—they’re still catching up. For this reason, private healthcare is the safest choice. This is where expat insurance comes in, turning potential medical crises into minor inconveniences.
The Benefits
With expat health insurance in Laos, you’re not just securing peace of mind—you’re getting a VIP pass to healthcare:
- Inpatient and Outpatient Care: Whether it’s surgery or a routine doctor’s visit, your insurance has you covered. However, inpatient benefits are mandatory, while outpatient benefits are optional. So, choosing the right one depends on your needs and budget.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: If local healthcare falls short, you’ll be transported to a facility that can handle it—usually in Bangkok. Since evacuation is costly, this is a must-have benefit in Laos. Fortunately, it’s included by default with mandatory inpatient coverage.
- Dental and Vision: Want to maintain a bright smile and clear vision? Then, you can opt for routine dental and vision coverage. Just keep in mind that major dental procedures may have a waiting period.
- Maternity Coverage: Expanding your family under the Laotian sun? After a 10 or 12-month waiting period, maternity coverage kicks in, including prenatal visits, routine delivery, C-sections, complications, and more.
- Life Coverage: If you have debts or dependents relying on your income, life insurance is worth considering. It runs alongside your health insurance but remains independent from 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