Can Thai Expats Buy Dai-ichi Life Insurance in Vietnam?

Part 1: The Eligibility Question – What the Current Data Reveals

This is the central concern for every Thai expat. After a thorough review of the available information, a clear picture—and a clear gap—emerges regarding Thai expat Dai-ichi Life Vietnam eligibility.

The Current Information Gap

The available data confirms that Dai-ichi Life Vietnam is a reputable, financially stable insurer offering products to individuals in Vietnam . However, the search results contain zero specific mentions of Thai nationals as a distinct customer segment. There is no policy document, agent testimonial, or official statement explicitly confirming or denying eligibility for Thai passport holders .

This absence of data is itself data.

What We Know for Certain

From the verified review data, we know the following about Dai-ichi Life Vietnam’s underwriting philosophy :

1. No Explicit Citizenship Exclusion: Nowhere in the available literature are foreign nationals excluded. The criteria for acceptance are based on standard actuarial factors—age, health, occupation, and sum assured—not passport nationality .

2. Residency is the Key: Vietnamese private insurance law focuses on insurable interest within Vietnam. If you are a Thai national legally residing in Vietnam with a valid work permit or Temporary Residence Card (TRC), you possess insurable interest.

3. ASEAN Regional Context: Dai-ichi Life operates throughout Asia, including Thailand. While the Vietnamese entity is legally separate, the group recognizes the mobility of ASEAN professionals.

The Logical Conclusion:
Based on the available information and standard insurance practices, Thai expats are highly likely to be eligible for Dai-ichi Life Vietnam products. There is no evidence suggesting a "Thailand exclusion." However, because the data lacks explicit confirmation, Thai expats must take specific verification steps (detailed in Part 6 of this guide).

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Part 2: Why This Information Gap Exists

Before proceeding, it is worth understanding why Thai expats are not prominently featured in Dai-ichi Life Vietnam’s marketing or reviews.

Market Segmentation

The expat insurance market in Vietnam has historically prioritized:

• Korean and Japanese expats (largest investor communities)

• Western expats (high premium, high service expectation)

• Chinese and Taiwanese expats (significant manufacturing presence)

Thai expats, while growing in number, remain a smaller segment. Consequently, insurers have not yet produced Thai-language materials or targeted Thai-specific campaigns. This does not indicate rejection—it indicates a market that is still maturing.

The "AIA Thailand" Factor

Many Thai expats already hold policies with AIA, which has a massive presence in both Thailand and Vietnam. Insurers like Dai-ichi may assume Thai nationals are already served by AIA Vietnam (a direct competitor). However, this should not deter you from seeking quotes and comparing products.

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Part 3: Products Available – What You Can Apply For

Assuming eligibility is confirmed, what specific products can a Thai expat consider? The available data outlines Dai-ichi Life Vietnam’s core offerings .

Product Type	Purpose	Suitability for Thai Expats	Monthly Premium (VND)
Term Life Insurance	Pure death/TPD protection. No investment component.	Highly Suitable. Lowest cost, maximum family protection.	400k – 1.5M
Whole Life Insurance	Lifetime coverage + cash value accumulation.	Suitable if seeking forced savings in VND.	1M – 3M
Critical Illness Rider	Lump sum payment upon diagnosis of cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc.	Essential. Covers the gap between local health insurance and international treatment costs.	500k – 1.5M
Education Savings Plan	Structured savings for children’s university fees.	Suitable for expat families with children in Vietnamese international schools.	800k – 2M

*Source: Dai-ichi Life Vietnam Pricing Overview 2025 *

Which Product is Best for Thai Expats?

Recommendation: Term Life + Critical Illness Rider.
This combination provides the highest "peace of mind" value for the lowest cost. As an expat, your primary need is ensuring your family (whether in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or with you in Saigon) is financially secure if you are no longer able to provide for them. Term life achieves this efficiently .

Avoid complex investment-linked policies unless you have a clear need for VND-denominated savings and fully understand the Vietnamese tax implications (payouts are tax-free, but premiums are paid with post-tax income).

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Part 4: The Cost Breakdown – From VND to THB

Understanding premium costs is essential for budgeting. Below is the pricing matrix converted from Vietnamese Dong to Thai Baht for easy reference.

Insurance Type	Monthly Premium (VND)	Monthly Premium (THB ~1.40)	Annual Premium (THB)	Age Bracket
Term Life (100k USD equivalent)	1,200,000	~1,710 THB	~20,520 THB	35 years
Term Life (200k USD equivalent)	2,400,000	~3,420 THB	~41,040 THB	35 years
Critical Illness Rider (add-on)	800,000	~1,140 THB	~13,680 THB	35 years
Whole Life (Basic)	1,500,000	~2,140 THB	~25,680 THB	35 years

Note: Actual premiums vary based on exact age, smoking status, occupation, and health history .

How Does This Compare to Thailand?

For a 35-year-old non-smoking male in Thailand:

• Bangkok Life Assurance Pure Term: ~2,000 – 2,500 THB/month

• AIA Thailand Term Life: ~1,800 – 2,300 THB/month

Verdict: Dai-ichi Life Vietnam premiums are broadly comparable to Thai domestic term life products. You are not paying a significant "expat premium." The difference is not in price—it is in jurisdiction. A Vietnamese policy pays out in Vietnam under Vietnamese law, which is advantageous if the death or claim event occurs in Vietnam.

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Part 5: Services and Customer Experience for Thai Expats

For Thai expats, service quality is arguably more important than price. Navigating an insurance contract in Vietnamese is challenging. How does Dai-ichi Life Vietnam perform?

Language Support: The Critical Barrier

The available data indicates that Dai-ichi Life Vietnam operates primarily in Vietnamese. The review notes that "personalized consultation from licensed agents" is a strength, but these agents are predominantly Vietnamese-speaking .

What this means for Thai expats:

• Thai Language: There is no evidence of Thai-speaking agents or Thai-language contracts. This is a significant gap. Unlike Korean or Japanese communities, the Thai community in Vietnam has not yet reached the critical mass required for dedicated language support.

• English Language: English-speaking agents are available in expat-heavy districts (Thao Dien, Phu My Hung, Tay Ho). You must explicitly request an International Consultant. Do not assume an agent speaks English .

Actionable Advice:
If your English proficiency is strong, you can navigate the process. If you are more comfortable in Thai, you will likely need to bring a bilingual (Thai-Vietnamese or Thai-English) colleague or friend to your consultation. There is currently no "Thai Desk" at Dai-ichi Life Vietnam.

Digital Tools and Accessibility

The review identifies "limited digital tools" as a weakness for Dai-ichi Life Vietnam . Competitors like AIA and Prudential offer more advanced mobile apps and online policy management.

For Thai expats accustomed to the robust digital ecosystems of Bangkok Bank or SCB, Dai-ichi’s portal may feel dated. However, basic functions—premium payment, policy value inquiry—are available.

Customer Service Reputation

Dai-ichi Life Vietnam scores 84% in independent reviews, with specific praise for:

• Financial stability (backed by Japan’s third-largest life insurer)

• Professionalism of agents

• Strong brand trust developed over 15+ years in Vietnam 

Claim Settlement Culture:
As a Japanese-branded insurer, Dai-ichi operates with a high claims-paying ethos. This is critical for expats. You want an insurer that pays claims without unnecessary litigation or delay. Dai-ichi’s reputation in this area is solid .

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Part 6: The Thai Expat Verification Roadmap

Given the absence of explicit public confirmation, Thai expats must follow a specific verification process. Do not apply online blindly.

Step 1: Direct Branch Inquiry (Pre-Application)

Visit a Dai-ichi Life Vietnam branch in person. Recommended locations:

• Ho Chi Minh City: Head Office, Binh Thanh District or District 2 branch

• Hanoi: Tay Ho branch (highest concentration of expat clients)

What to ask:

1. "Does Dai-ichi Life Vietnam accept Thai nationals as primary insured persons?"

2. "Do you have any existing Thai clients?"

3. "Can you provide an official underwriting guideline document regarding foreign nationals?"

Step 2: Request an English-Speaking Consultant

As confirmed in the review, English-speaking consultants exist within the agency network . Ask specifically for:

• "An International Financial Consultant"

• "An advisor who handles expat clients"

If the branch manager states no English-speaking staff are available, this is a red flag regarding their expat servicing capability.

Step 3: Request a Formal Quote

Provide your:

• Age

• Gender

• Smoking status

• Desired sum assured (recommended: 2-5 billion VND)

• Desired product (Term Life + Critical Illness)

A formal, written quote is legally binding for 30-60 days. This quote will confirm that the system accepted your Thai nationality as an input without error.

Step 4: Contract Translation Verification

If approved, you will receive a Vietnamese-language contract. Under Vietnamese law, this is the only legally binding version. You have two options:

1. Request an official English translation appendix (some branches provide this)

2. Engage an independent translation service (recommended for peace of mind)

Do not sign any document you do not fully understand.

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Part 7: Comparison – Vietnamese Policy vs. Thai Policy

Many Thai expats maintain policies with Thai insurers. Should you switch, supplement, or cancel?

Keep Thai Policy (Pros):

• Familiar brand (Bangkok Life, AIA Thailand, FWD)

• Beneficiaries in Thailand can claim directly in THB

• No currency conversion risk for family at home

• Thai consumer protection laws apply

Keep Thai Policy (Cons):

• Thai insurers often require Thai police reports and embassy certifications for foreign deaths—significant delays

• Claim investigation teams must travel or coordinate with Vietnamese authorities

• Coverage is THB-denominated; if the Baht strengthens, your coverage amount in VND equivalent reduces

• No direct coverage for Vietnamese hospital guarantees

Buy Dai-ichi Life Vietnam (Pros):

• Immediate payout in VND (convertible to THB via banks)

• Claims processed locally in Vietnam—no international coordination delays

• Covers you for risks specific to Vietnam (traffic accidents, dengue, etc.)

• Premiums paid in VND from local salary—no remittance fees

Buy Dai-ichi Life Vietnam (Cons):

• No Thai language support

• New relationship—no long-term history with the client

• Must manage policy remotely if you return to Thailand permanently

Verdict for Thai Expats:
Do NOT cancel your Thai policy. Your Thai policy is your long-term retirement and family protection vehicle for life in Thailand.

DO supplement with a Dai-ichi Life Vietnam Term Life policy. This provides:

1. Immediate liquidity for your family in Vietnam if something happens during your assignment

2. Currency diversification (VND/THB)

3. Faster claims processing for deaths occurring in Vietnam

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Part 8: Unique Considerations for Thai Expats

Beyond the standard insurance analysis, several Thailand-specific factors influence this decision.

1. The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement

As an ASEAN citizen, your work permit and residency pathway in Vietnam is relatively straightforward. However, insurance underwriting does not yet have an "ASEAN fast-track." You will undergo the same medical and financial underwriting as a Vietnamese citizen applying for the same sum assured.

2. Cross-Border Medical Treatment

Many Thai expats, when facing serious illness in Vietnam, prefer to return to Thailand for treatment (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, etc.). The Critical Illness Rider from Dai-ichi Life Vietnam pays a lump sum in cash. This cash can be used to pay for treatment at any hospital globally, including Thailand. This is superior to standard health insurance, which restricts you to a specific network.

3. Repatriation Coverage

Standard term life insurance pays the sum assured upon death. Your family can use this money to cover repatriation of your remains to Thailand. However, you should verify that the policy does not exclude repatriation costs. Some policies offer a specific "Repatriation Rider"—ask your consultant.

4. Currency Stability

The Thai Baht is historically stronger and more stable than the Vietnamese Dong. Some expats worry about holding VND-denominated assets. However, term life insurance is not an "asset"—it is protection. The payout is intended to be used immediately by your beneficiaries, not held as a long-term investment. Currency fluctuation at the time of claim is less relevant than the speed and certainty of payment.

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Part 9: Frequently Asked Questions (Thai Expat Focus)

Q: Can I buy Dai-ichi Life Vietnam insurance using my Thai ID card?
A: No. You must use your passport and Vietnamese Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or work permit. Thai ID cards are not recognized for insurance contracting in Vietnam.

Q: Does Dai-ichi Life Vietnam have any Thai agents?
A: Based on available information, there are no known Thai-speaking agents. You will need to communicate in English or Vietnamese .

Q: If I return to Thailand permanently, can I keep my Vietnamese policy?
A: Yes, generally. You can continue paying premiums from Thailand via international bank transfer. However, you cannot purchase a new policy once you are no longer a Vietnam resident.

Q: Will Dai-ichi Life Vietnam cover me if I die in Thailand?
A: Yes. Life insurance policies cover death anywhere in the world, provided the policy was in force and premiums were paid. The only exclusion is typically suicide within the first 1-2 years.

Q: Is the premium more expensive for Thai nationals than Vietnamese?
A: No. Premiums are based on age, health, and smoking status. Nationality is not a rating factor. You will pay the same rate as a Vietnamese person of the same age and health profile .

Q: Does Dai-ichi offer policies in Thai Baht?
A: No. All policies are issued in Vietnamese Dong (VND) . Payouts are made in VND, which can then be converted to THB via banking channels.

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Conclusion: A Qualified "Yes" for Thai Expats

To answer the core question directly and honestly, based on all available information:

Yes, Thai expats are highly likely to be eligible to purchase Dai-ichi Life Vietnam insurance. There is no policy excluding Thai nationals. However, because the public data does not explicitly confirm this, Thai expats must take proactive verification steps.

The Final Recommendation for Thai Professionals in Vietnam:

1. Do not rely on online applications. Visit a Dai-ichi Life Vietnam branch in person. Ask the explicit eligibility question. Obtain a formal written quote.

2. Focus on Term Life + Critical Illness. This provides the highest value protection at the lowest cost. Avoid complex investment products unless you have a specific need for VND savings.

3. Secure English-language support. Request an International Consultant. If the branch cannot provide one, consider whether the service level meets your expectations.

4. Keep your Thai policy active. Your Bangkok Life or AIA Thailand policy is your foundation. Dai-ichi Life Vietnam is your local shield—protecting you specifically during your Vietnam assignment.

5. Read the contract carefully. Vietnamese is the binding language. Obtain translations and ask questions until you are satisfied.

The Strategic View:

The ASEAN Economic Community envisions seamless movement of professionals across borders. Insurance frameworks are the last piece of this puzzle to mature. By proactively securing local coverage with a reputable insurer like Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, you are not just protecting your family—you are participating in the next stage of regional integration.

Thailand and Vietnam are partners, competitors, and neighbours. Your career bridges both nations. Your insurance strategy should do the same.