Thai health insurance premiums are projected to rise by nearly 10% this year and are expected to continue increasing into 2026, driven by record-high medical inflation, shifting demographics and the growing threat of emerging diseases, reported the Bangkok Post.
Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) chairman of the accident and health insurance committee Piyapadh Vana-Ukrit highlighted that Thailand is nearing a demographic milestone, with 21.3% of the population aged 60 or older this year.
The proportion is expected to reach 25% by 2030 and close to 30% by 2040, with women representing a larger share than men, further emphasizing the challenges of meeting healthcare needs in an ageing society.
While Thailand’s GDP growth for Q12025 is projected at 2.8%, health insurance premiums are expected to increase by 8–9%, driven by medical inflation estimated at 14.3%.
Healthcare costs are rising rapidly, with the average outpatient visit costing THB878 ($24) per visit, or THB3,305 per patient annually, while inpatient treatment averages THB20,445.
Cancer is reported to be the leading cause of death in Thailand and case numbers continue to grow.