Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Some people travel to the beaches in the south, while others visit the mountains in the north or cities like Bangkok or Pattaya. The country offers something for everyone and is a safe travel destination.
However, unexpected events like health emergencies or travel mishaps can turn an adventure into a financial burden overnight. Because of this, it is very important to have a good travel insurance while traveling to Thailand. In this article, I will talk more about why travel insurance is important, but also list the best travel insurances while travelling to Thailand.
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Why do you need a travel insurance?
While health care in Thailand is considered relatively affordable by many, the expenses can still add up if you get into a serious accident or get sick.
A good example for why you need a travel insurance is the story about a young Brit that had an accident on Koh Tao during Christmas 2022. 28-year old British Adam Davies ended up in a serious motorbike accident on his holiday. The accident caused Davies a punctured lung, bleeding on the brain, a broken clavicle, a fractured ankle, and a broken scapula. After just 2 weeks of the accident his hospital bill was already about 1 million baht, or more than £20,000, a bill that could have been paid for had he had a valid travel insurance.
He is one of many with a similar fate that did not have travel insurance while he travelled to Thailand. Myself I have always had a travel insurance when traveling to any country and having had both a car accident and a pulmonary embolism, it has been a life-saver. I might have paid a few hundred a year for my insurance but I was extremely happy to have it when I needed it.
The moral of the story, with a travel insurance you can avoid sudden medical costs that easily get into the tens of thousands when bad luck strikes.
Toplist 3 Best Insurances
What to look for in a travel insurance?
Insurances vary greatly between insurance companies and some cover much more than others. If you are looking for the best travel insurances for Thailand you need to make sure it covers everything imaginable.
Factors to consider:
- Medical coverage
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Baggage loss/damage
- Personal liability
- Does it cover sports activities or adventures
- Emergency assistance services
Our Choices for the Best Travel Insurance for Thailand
In this section, you will find the travel insurances that I recommend when you travel to Thailand. I will list the pros and cons of the insurance but also if I find something in the fine print that you need to be careful with. If possible, I list the approximate cost of the insurance, but for an exact quotation, you need to contact the insurance company directly.
Safety Wing
Cost: Starts at $45
Covers: Medical costs, lost checked luggage, unplanned overnight stay, evacuation from local political unrest, repatriation if you die, cash payout to a beneficiary, personal liability.
Length of coverage: Up to 365 days
Maximum amount: $250,000
Safety Wing is actually one of the insurances I have used myself. I have never needed to make a claim with them, which I am happy about, but after extensive research, I figured this was the best coverage-to-price ratio I could find at that time. While looking for customer feedback I also found that most customers that had used them were very happy and claims were processed swiftly and smoothly.
Safety Wing calls themselves insurance for nomads, by nomads. It is an insurance aimed at young travelling people, and the rates go up if you are older. Their cheapest option is aimed at people between the ages of 18 and 39 but can be used by travellers up to 69 years old. Safety Wing is an insurance that is used by a lot of digital nomads in Thailand. Their nomad health insurance starts at $45.08 a month which has a $250 deductible and covers up to $250,000. The basic plan does not include electronic theft but for around $10 more a month it will.
The maximum insurance length is 365 days which costs $2045.68 if you are under 39 years old.
Safety Wing is a great travel insurance with a good reputation that can cover you for up to a year.
Pros of Safety Wing
- Affordable, starting from $45 a month.
- Insure yourself for up to a year.
- Covers you for brief visits in your home country.
- 2 children under 10 per policy (1 per adult) can be included free of charge.
Cons of Safety Wing
- Lack of Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions.
- Need to renew it every 12 months which can be a nuisance if you are a digital nomad.
AXA Thailand
Cost: Starts at 999 baht
Covers: Medical costs, death.
Length of coverage: Annual plan (maximum 90 days at a time)
Maximum amount: 750,000 baht (1 million for death and disability)
The AXA Thailand travel insurance is an insurance that is used by visitors from more than 150 countries. One of the benefits of this Thai travel insurance is that it is recognized by all major hospitals in Thailand. Thanks to this you might not have to make a claim yourself, it is done automatically on your behalf.
AXA is also preferred by many expats who are on a long-term visa to Thailand, which shows the company’s good reputation. The insurance can be had by individuals between 6 months and 79 years old and you need to be physically outside Thailand at the time of purchase.
Pros of AXA Thailand
- Easy claims because of good relationships with Thai hospitals.
- Can be had by individuals up to 79 years old.
Cons of AXA Thailand
- Only covers up to 750,000 baht.
- Only up to 90 days at a time if you are on an annual plan.
World Nomads
Cost: From around $120 per month
Covers: Adventure sports & activities, repatriation, emergency dental treatment, trip cancellation, emergency evacuation
Length of coverage: Flexible
Maximum amount: Depends on country
World Nomads has pretty bad ratings of 3.4 out of 5 stars on Google Business. There are some complaints about people not receiving their money after making a claim. However, this World Nomads insurance has also been one of the most recommended travel insurances for traveling to Thailand on many forums online.
I agree that World Nomads is a good option for travel insurance but there are some limitations to who can get this insurance. It is a very popular travel insurance for Australians traveling to Thailand, but for example, people from Sweden or Finland are not eligible.
World Nomads is a serious company, that is trusted by Hostelworld and Eurail, among others. The company was founded in 2002 so they have built their trustworthy reputation for over two decades. You can use their website to get a quote for your personal travel insurance. For example, if you are from the United Kingdom and travelling to Thailand for a month, you will pay £108 for the standard plan and £125 for the explorer plan. Both are solid options but the explorer plan covers up to 10 million pounds while the standard plan covers up to 5 million pounds.
World Nomads provides 24/7 emergency assistance and travel cover for 200+ adventure activities. The insurance also covers prescribed physiotherapy, emergency dental treatment, and counseling services. If you are looking to do adventure activities or other sports, World Nomads is a popular choice.
Pros of World Nomads
- Covers Adventure sports & activities
- Covers large sums
- Trustworthy insurance company that has been around since 2002
Cons of World Nomads
- Limited to citizens of a few countries
- Only accepts credit cards as payment
Go Walkabout
Cost: From £50 per month
Covers: Sports activities, emergency medical expenses, personal belongings, personal liability
Length of coverage: Flexible
Maximum amount: Up to £10 million
Go Walkabout has been around since 1999 and has throughout the years gained a reputation for offering great value and comprehensive travel insurance. They have gotten 5 out of 5 stars from Feefo Independent Service Rating and their reputation is solid.
It is worth keeping in mind that they do not cover travel which is against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Go Walkabout is a travel insurance specifically for British citizens and covers travelling to Thailand, but also USA, The Caribbean, and Europe.
The Go Walkabout travel insurance is relatively affordable starting at around £50 for their Bronze Single Trip plan. It covers emergency medical expenses up to 5 million pounds but they also have plans covering up to 10 million pounds, which of course is more expensive. The Go Walkabout travel insurance is a very flexible travel insurance and you can choose how much coverage you need but also different activity packs depending on what you are planning to do.
Pros of Go Walkabout
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Good for British citizens travelling to Thailand
Cons of Go Walkabout
- Does not cover travel which is against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
True Traveler
Cost: From 75€ per month
Covers: Medical Expenses, Baggage, Cancellation, Personal Liability
Length of coverage: Flexible
Maximum amount: €10,000,000
The True Traveler insurance is aimed at backpackers and adventurers. Their insurance covers citizens of most European countries, including countries like Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Iceland, and Latvia.
The plans start at about 75 Euros for a month which I think is very reasonable. The cheapest option is the True Value plan, but they also offer a Traveller Plan and a Traveller Plus plan with higher coverage but that also costs more. All plans cover lost baggage, cancellation, personal liability, and up to 10 million euros in medical expenses.
Depending on the sporting activities you want to do, they have the following insurance plans:
- Traveller Pack
- Adventure Pack
- Extreme Pack
- Ultimate Pack
Pros of True Traveler
- Covers extreme sports
- Citizens from most European countries are eligible
- Flexible
Cons of True Traveler
- Can’t buy it if you are from outside of Europe
Insure and Go
Cost: N/A
Covers: Unlimited medical emergency expenses, Up to £10K cancellation cover, 24/7 emergency medical helpline
Length of coverage: Up to 365 days
Maximum amount: Unlimited
InsureandGo is a comprehensive and trusted travel insurance for travelers to Thailand. One of the pros of this insurance is that they offer coverage for unlimited medical emergency expenses. They have a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from Trustpilot and 5 stars from defaqto which is exceptionally good. Travelers have trusted this company for more than 20 years and they have covered more than 27 million travellers throughout the years. There is also no upper age limit on the policies and they cover more than 100+ sports activities.
Unfortunately, this insurance is only available to UK residents, but is a great insurance for UK travelers travelling to Thailand.
Pros of Insure and Go
- Unlimited medical emergency expenses
- No upper age limit
- Covers more than 100+ sports activities
Cons of Insure and Go
- Only available to UK residents
- Need to submit a lot of information just to get an online quote
Essential Travel
Cost: £87 per month
Covers: COVID-19 problems, pre-existing health issues, medical help, lost or delayed bags
Length of coverage: Flexible
Maximum amount: Up to £15 million
Essential Travel offers three types of travel insurance:
- Economy Plus,
- Executive
- First Class
Each type is made to fit different travelers’ needs and how much you want to spend. All plans cover problems from COVID-19, like cancelling your trip or getting sick, and they’re okay with covering most health issues people already have. You can add extra coverage for things like cruises and gadgets, and the best plan already includes gadget coverage.
You can pick a plan for just one trip or an annual multi-trip plan. Depending on which plan you pick, you can get up to £15 million in coverage if you need medical help.
These insurance plans from Essential Travel help make sure you’re covered for lots of different problems, like losing your bags, missing your flight, or getting hurt doing sports in Thailand. They’re designed to help you feel safe and taken care of, no matter what happens during your trip.
Pros of Essential Travel
- Covers up to £15 million
- Covers annual multi-trips
- Worldwide cover available
Cons of Essential Travel
- Must be over 18
- Must have an address in United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
- Relatively expensive
Dive Assurance
Cost: Varies
Covers: Hyperbaric chamber treatments, trip cancellation, medical and emergency evacuation expenses, no depth limit
Length of coverage: Flexible
Maximum amount: $1,000,000
Dive Assurance is a unique travel insurance to Thailand because it is a travel insurance aimed at divers going to Thailand. They offer coverage both for hobby divers and divers who do it professionally. You can choose a combination of diving & travel insurance or only diving insurance. Apart from that, you have the option to choose an annual coverage or a short-term coverage. If you are looking for the best diving insurance for Thailand Dive Assurance is the right choice as it is tailor-made for divers.
Pros of Dive Assurance
- Insurance for divers
- Covers residents of a large number of countries
Cons of Dive Assurance
- Not great for non-divers
Health and Safety Considerations in Thailand
Traveling to Thailand, like any international travel, can come with health risks that vary depending on the time of year, regions visited, and activities planned. Common health risks for travelers to Thailand include:
1. Infectious Diseases:
- Dengue Fever: Transmitted by mosquitoes, prevalent throughout the country, especially in the rainy season.
- Malaria: Risk is present in rural, forested areas, primarily along international borders.
- Chikungunya Virus: Another mosquito-transmitted virus, found mainly in southern Thailand.
- Zika Virus: Also spread by mosquitoes, with risks for pregnant women due to potential birth defects.
2. Food and Water Safety:
- Traveler’s Diarrhea: Caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis A: Virus spread through contaminated food or water.
- Typhoid Fever: Can be contracted through contaminated food or water, more common in rural areas.
3. Environmental Hazards:
- Heatstroke and Dehydration: Due to Thailand’s tropical climate, especially for those not acclimatized to the heat.
- Animal Bites and Rabies: Risk from dogs, monkeys, and other mammals, particularly in rural areas.
4. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
- Japanese Encephalitis: Transmitted by mosquitoes, recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis: Routine vaccinations should be up to date.
- Hepatitis B: Spread through blood and body fluids, recommended for those who may have medical procedures or sexual contacts.
5. Other Risks:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High risk due to traffic conditions and different driving standards. Motorbike accidents are particularly common among tourists.
Below you can find a table of summarizing the risks of travelling to Thailand:
| Health Risk | Cause/Transmission | Prevention/Treatment |
| Dengue Fever | Mosquito bites | Avoid mosquito bites, no vaccine available |
| Malaria | Mosquito bites | Antimalarial medication, mosquito avoidance |
| Chikungunya Virus | Mosquito bites | Prevent mosquito bites, symptomatic treatment |
| Zika Virus | Mosquito bites | Prevent mosquito bites, especially for pregnant women |
| Traveler’s Diarrhea | Contaminated food or water | Eat/drink safely, antibiotics for severe cases |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food or water | Vaccine, ensure food and water safety |
| Typhoid Fever | Contaminated food or water | Vaccine, ensure food and water safety |
| Heatstroke/Dehydration | High temperatures, humidity | Stay hydrated, avoid midday heat |
| Animal Bites/Rabies | Bites from infected animals | Avoid animals, rabies vaccine, immediate treatment if bitten |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito bites | Vaccine for long-term rural travelers |
| Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis | Unvaccinated status | Ensure vaccinations are up to date |
| Hepatitis B | Blood/body fluids, sexual contacts | Vaccine, precautions for blood/body fluids |
| Motor Vehicle Accidents | Traffic conditions, driving standards | Exercise caution, avoid driving motorbikes |
Preventative measures such as vaccinations, mosquito bite avoidance, practicing food and water safety, and being cautious in traffic can mitigate these risks. It’s also wise to consult with a travel medicine specialist or your healthcare provider before traveling to discuss any specific health concerns and necessary preparations like vaccines.
Tips for Making a Claim
Here is our step-by-step guide for making a claim for your travel insurance to Thailand.
- Understand Your Coverage: Before your trip to Thailand, familiarize yourself with what your insurance policy covers.
- Report Immediately: In case of an incident in Thailand, promptly contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 support line.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, such as medical or police reports from Thailand, receipts, and any related communication.
- Fill Out the Claim Form: Complete the insurance claim form accurately, attaching all required documentation.
- Submit Your Claim: Send your claim form and supporting documents to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Communicate with Your Insurer: Respond to any requests for additional information or clarification promptly.
- Review the Insurer’s Decision: Once your claim is processed, review the outcome. If your claim is approved, note the details regarding the payment.
- Consider an Appeal: If your claim is denied or you’re dissatisfied with the settlement, look into the appeals process provided by your insurer.
Conclusion
While a travel insurance to Thailand is not mandatory, it is definitely recommended. Medical costs in Thailand are quite affordable, and most trips are done without problems, having a travel insurance will be invaluable when bad luck strikes. Medical expenses can easily snowball if something serious happens and speaking from personal experience, it is a wise choice to have an insurance. I have never once regretted spending money on an insurance and if you follow suit you can enjoy your trip and be covered in case something happens. I hope this article will help you choose the best travel insurance to Thailand for your upcoming trip, whether you are having a lazy holiday or going for extreme sports like diving.
FAQ
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for Thailand. Healthcare can be affordable, but costs quickly add up in the event of a serious accident or illness. Travel insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses, among other things, preventing financial strain from unforeseen events.
What does travel insurance cover?
A good travel insurance policy for Thailand should include:
- Medical coverage for accidents and illness.
- Trip cancellation/interruption if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.
- Baggage loss/damage for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.
- Personal liability in case you’re responsible for damage or injury to others.
Does my travel insurance cover lost, stolen, or damaged belongings?
Most travel insurance policies include coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings. However, coverage limits and conditions vary, so it’s essential to check your policy’s specifics.
Do I need COVID insurance for Thailand?
As travel requirements can change, it’s important to check the current regulations before traveling. Some countries, including Thailand, have required COVID-19 insurance in the past to cover medical treatment and quarantine costs related to the virus.
How do I choose the best travel insurance for Thailand?
When looking for travel insurance for Thailand, consider policies that cover a wide range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage issues. Compare different insurances for coverage details and customer reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
How do I make a claim on my travel insurance if something happens in Thailand?
To make a claim:
- Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Gather and submit documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, and receipts.
- Complete and submit the claim form provided by your insurer.
- Follow up with your insurer for updates and provide additional information if requested.
Can travel insurance save me money in Thailand?
Yes, travel insurance can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or loss of personal belongings. The cost of travel insurance is typically much lower than the costs associated with these unexpected events.