Do I need medical insurance before visiting Thailand?

Feb 5, 2024
9 months ago
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do I need medical insurance before I visit Thailand.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Medical insurance is generally advisable for anyone visiting Thailand, even though it isn't strictly required for all travelers. For individuals applying for an OA visa, proof of health insurance is mandatory. Many commenters emphasized the importance of having travel insurance to cover unexpected medical costs, citing examples of high hospital bills in Thailand. The general consensus is that while insurance isn't legally required, obtaining it is a wise decision for peace of mind and financial protection against potential medical emergencies.
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Larry *********
No don't be a sheep and get herded into the pharmaceutical bullshit
Laurie ******
OMG..
Marc *******************
hiv test + 6 covid vaccines
Franky ******
@Marc ******************
Isn't that for when you leave ? 😂
Biitzy **********************
not necessary if you're a millionaire
Gabriel ******
You should probably purchase insurance FOR your insurance.
Berkley *********
Insurance companies are evil
Bent *************
Not before. While you are in Thailand.
Stig **********
Yup
Alan ******
No
Peter ********
No you don’t have to get medical insurance but if you

Require medical treatment you will need a mortgage to pay it off.
Gene *********
Someone correct me if wrong but Non-O visa does not require health insurance and you get that visa inside Thailand and OA visa requires health insurance and you get thst visa in your home country before leaving.
Otto *********
@Gene ********
In general a visa is issued outside the country. What you can get inside Thailand is an extension of an existing visa.

The Non-Im "O" meanwhile requires a health insurance, the extension e.g. as retiree in Thailand does not require it.
Graham ******
@Otto ********
Not all Embassies or Consulates require health insurance for a Non-O Visa. You need to check the specific requirements on the website for where you will be applying. An Non-O can be purchased both inside and outside of Thailand, a Non-OA just outside.
Otto *********
@Graham *****
Here are all visas listed, that are issued by the Thai government, including the conditions for applying:

New_Regulations_on_the_E-Visa_from_28_October_2023.pdf

Just google this phrase.
Graham ******
@Otto ********
I'm talking about Visas from Embassies and Consulates, not in country (the Google search didn't work anyway)
Ann ************
@Graham *****
they checked my insurance at customs in phuket for my 12 mth visa …. If i hadnt had it they would have stopped me entering
Graham ******
@Ann ***********
So you had a Non-OA Visa, yes?
Georg *******
Not at all... if you have enough money to pay medical treatment by your own or not getting sick or an accident 🤣

we just hat the following case: 3 people one week sick in bed with influenca b. Cost for treatment about 400€. Insurance cost something between 5-600€ with cancelation and relocation to home country included. Mention cost of treatment with some operation or stationary treatment beeing way more expensive and beeing in need of relocation back home... could go this or that way... decide by yourself 😉
Raj ******
Tata
Mattie ********
You should have travel insurance from AAA.
Simon **********
Mad not to travel to any country without travel insurance.
Henrik *****
You need a travel insurance.
Paulo ****
Preferably. You never know.
Marc *********
It is extremely foolish not to have medical insurance ANYWHERE???
Ruby ***********
No you don't. I lived in Thailand for 5 months no issues and when I had an issue with my eyes medication drops was only 1$. Fixed. Probably be Cheaper there for hospital and medical bills then paying insurance you don't even use.
John ***********
@Ruby **********
It all depends on what happens to you and the state of your body. For instance, don't expect any financial sympathy or support if someone drives over you at a pedestrian crossing. Or if you have a heart attack. Taking a risk is fine until it's not. On the other hand, travel insurance is ridiculously expensive now.
Sue **********
@Ruby **********
I think you‘re a bit informed wrong. Just read here how much treatment in a hospital can cost you in relation to a one year premium cost for good insurance here.
Carl **************
Yes
Shlomo ***********
It’s really dumb to go to his different country and not have adequate medical insurance. Do you need it? Are you self-insured?
Ann ************
Travel insurance is quite different from full medical insurance
Sue **********
@Ann ***********
Thats also true, coverage should be high enough
Ann ************
@Sue *********
im living in thailand …. My health insurance is quite expensive

Not same as travel insurance
Duncanc **********
Just use “Gofundme”
Brian **********
Ask anyone who has travelled abroad without insurance, had a bad accident and spent weeks in hospital recovering running up medical bills of over £100k whether or not having insurance is a good idea. Accidents happen and there’s nothing you can do if you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time
Melanie ********
Bloody insane not to
Judith *******
So many great medical facilities in Thailand we stayed 5 month ( 2 adults & a teenager ) with no insurance and had minor surgery planned , got prescriptions we needed but also we went prepared . Depends on your situation . Avoid motorbikes as high risk . We hired a car and found it very easy once adjusted and sensible behaviour . Hope this helps
Matthew **********
No. Nobody checks. But when a truck rams into the side of your tuk tuk and you've a 200k bill for 6 months in hospital then you have 2 options: claim the insurance or sell your house. Good luck with the decision.
Kevin ********
How long
Jason ***********
Stupid not to
Barry ***********
They always say “if you can’t afford the medical insurance you can’t afford the travel”, it is not a legal requirement to have medical insurance when travelling, but you would be a fool not to have it!
James ********
But very advisable
Don ********
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and it looks like it's good in alot of Thailand. Anyone else have it there?
Ruud ********
Ha ha sure
AJ ****
Depends what you’re doing hehehehehehehehrjrjr
Pablo ********
No
Joe ******
No but I would recommend you get it
Robin ********
NO trust in the good will of folk to pay for you .
Mitchell *******
Some visas require it, but normal tourists do not. However, unless you have plenty of cash to cover expensive medical complications, and someone you trust to handle the costs/payments if you are incapacitated, then insurance is a no brainier period.
Sue **********
@Mitchell ******
Normal Tourists should have a travel insurance either already covered by their own health insurance policy or if not just make one for little money together with their travel agency they book the trip wherever it goes. I just don‘t understand how people can even ask sich questions whether they need travel insurance or not 🤦🏻‍♀️
Reidar **********
Have lived in SE Asia over 27 years, including 7-8 years of owning a health and wellness center in Chiang Mai. Never been able to understand why it's required for anyone to have to deposit 800k into a Thai bank .. in order to live there. Is it for an eventful illness or just greed ? In case of illness, get a reputable health insurance .. cheaper than the current required deposit. Here in Vietnam , no such policies .. One pay $25 fill in a evisa question and just arrive for 90 days, zero restrictions on the number of extensions at this moment. Lived here in Hoi An for about one year.
Mac *********
@Reidar *********
other than visa/800, do you prefer Hoi An over Chiang Mai; prices look similar?
Reidar **********
@Mac ********
Vietnam is by far better. In comparison Vietnam is way cheaper, easier to live in terms of moving around, personally live in a central hotspot called Hoi An, renting a large house and live comfortable under $1000/month. Among super friendly people.
Mac *********
I might visit in March.... smoke in Hoi An in March?
Bernie **********
Are you gonna rent a motorbike????

Are you gonna cross the road???

Are you gonna get drunk???

Are you gonna leave you room ???

Are you gonna go in a minbus???

Are you gonna fly at any time???

Any of the above.. you know answer
Sue **********
Mary ***********
If u r not covered by other benefits then most definitely. Never travel without it.
Pat *******
If you can not afford insurance you can not afford to travel
Christian ***********
Crazy not too..

I ended up in Pattaya Memorial Hospital ( private hospital) couple of weeks ago..got taken sick suddenly on arrival at a restaurant... Couldn't stop being violently sick and raging fever...in the end medics called and rushed by ambulance With a bike escort. Was seen straight away...put on IV fluids given injections and told I would be in for 3 days.. As it was private all sorted swiftly...but remember you have to pay.

That incident cost us a few hundred pounds not Tbaht.
Sue **********
@Christian **********
but you had an insurance that covers such expenses and you got it refunded, didn‘t you?
Bruce *******
You'd be silly not to have it
Sue **********
Always wise to have travel/medical insurance
Andy **********
And note standard travel insurance doesn't cover activity such as a quad bike, and is good for no more than 30 days in a single country (ie a 12 month policy will not provide 12 months cover in Thailand). Additionally, the policy is voided if you seek elective treatment (eg getting dental work or skin laser treatment while on holiday)
Michael *******
@Andy *********
hiring a bike over 125cc. Is void also! Esp if you have accident!
Greg *********
No
Michael *******
No insurance! = Fall ill! = Hospital = go fund me page!
Richard ********
Not required for entry into the country but advisable for most people.
Regina **********
Yes.
David ********
Yes if your skint no if your loaded do you play the lottery odds are better with no 🤷🏻‍♂️
Daniel *******
if unfortunately you have to go to the hospital to get treatment, they first ask you for a credit card to pay for medical expenses...I personally experienced this despite showing them my insurance card which covers all my costs worldwide.
Sue **********
@Daniel ******
Thats normal outI

side your homecountry. The main thing is that you get the whole prepaid money back from your insurance
Christopher *************
No ,but don't be stupid taking a risk , many a tourist have ended up with bad Injuries out here and then wish they had insurance.they also need yo pay for treatment before it's given ------ don't take stupid risks ------
Joe **********
If you want to Rent a Motor Bike YES !

👳‍♀️💥🚴🏿
Peter ********
@Joe *********
yes your insurance will have to include motorcycles but you will also have to have a motorcycle licence in your home country and motorcycle license stamped onto your international license, just a drivers license will not be enough. No motorcycle license no insurance and in Thailand you are mental to risk it.
Sue **********
@Joe *********
Karma is a b**** 😉
Linz ************
@Joe *********
and Joe, May I add the insurance MUST cover motorbikes/ scooters etc as some don’t
Martin *****
No u don't... but don't open gofundme after accident.
Chrisna **********
Of course.. unless you have a TON of money and don't need to do a Gofumdme etc if something happens...
Nicholas **************
No just recommend
Todd *********
Very much depends on your personal circumstances. It’s wise to insure against catastrophic accident or illness. Pay as you go for routine health care here
Otto *********
For Tourist and Non-Immigrant visas you will need it.

But you will definitely need it for yourself!
Richard ********
Otto *********
Looked it up and I was wrong. Sorry...
Otto *********
@Richard *******
Please explain
Richard ********
@Otto ********
Explain what? You are wrong, pretty simple
Richard **************
Fra *****
If you do not want to find an expensive surprise while on holiday , even medics here are cheap , but with an accident , it can go up easily 1 or 2 Mio baht , plus plus ,

So yes you should have it on travel
JJ ********
Of course
Steve ***********
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve **********
Nobody said they couldn't afford. The question was is it required.
Steve ***********
@Gordie *********
to be fair, the post is vague. Define, "need"? Travel insurance is always "required".
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve **********
correct I should have said required.
Bart **************
Obviously you shouldn't want to go without. But it's not required.
Tina **********
Don't even come without insurance!
Rosemary *******
Do not take a chance by travelljng without insurance !
Kevin ************
Always have insurance in thailand !! I would have thought 🙄
Linz ************
@Gordie *********
ask yourself what would you do if…

Something unexpected happened that required medical attention. What if you tripped and broke an ankle, were struck whilst crossing the road being 2 examples

Can you comfortably self fund in the event of a medical emergency, what are your visa requirements, all need to be taken into consideration

And define your word ‘Need’

Can you visit without medical insurance, Yes you potentially can but should you?

Only you can answer that
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Linz ***********
I thought it was a specific requirement to get a visa. I always have the adequate amount of travelers insurance. I'm just visiting.
Linz ************
@Gordie *********
depends on what visa you decide to use, in our case, medical insurance is not a requirement but that does not mean you shouldn’t have it, again it is down to the individual person and their circumstances

Whatever you chose to do, enjoy 🙏🏼
Bob **********
Are you sick
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
yes but not in the way you think
Bob **********
@Gordie *********
get travel insurance
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
I already have it. I thought Thailand had a required amount for a visa.
Bob **********
@Gordie *********
if your applying for a O-A you’ll need it but I would advise against an O-A
Neal *******
@Bob *********
Also a 90 day O retirement issued at Embassy in Washington, DC
Jeffrey ************
Common sense suggests yes...
Kapten *********
@Jeffrey ***********
. Same as a helmet when you renting a motorcycle/scooter. Common sense!!!!!!
Nick ************
Medical insurance essential but not compulsory.
Todd *********
@Nick ***********
essential for poor folks for sure. But useless and wasted money if they don’t use it… conundrum
Nick ************
@Todd ********
that's true for any insurance but peace of mind plays a part. In addition it is much more likely thatby you end up in hospital in Thailand than it is at home. Good old NHS looks after it there if you are poor.
Todd *********
@Nick ***********
agreed. Risk tolerance and risk assessment is different for everyone. Some of the reasons though for higher likelihood in Thailand include driving a motorbike without helmet or without license. Either one of which would invalidate insurance anyway.
Nick ************
@Todd ********
I'll never get on a motorbike.
Sue **********
Normal common sense, you always need a travel insurance whatever country you travel not only for Thailand
Tertia *****************
@Sue *********
agree hubby ended up in icu with a emergency Appendix operation and Dangue fever total hospital cost
*****
0bht. Travel insurance pay everything. This can happened so quick.
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sue *********
Been traveling six years straight and didn't need it. Don't jinx me.😂😂
David ********
@Gordie *********
I’m on the cusp of getting some 😂😂😂same same
Sue **********
@Gordie *********
lucky you if you didn‘t need it never had an accident or got sick. I‘m glad I had one on my travels across the world the last 40 years and several incidents.
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sue *********
Insurance is for peace of mind. I'm positive most of the folks that have it never needed it. I have it now because I'm in the Philippines and the hospital holds you hostage until you pay the bill. But in most countries I can afford the bill so I don't jinx myself. Many places have socialized medical.
Sue **********
@Gordie *********
the same in other countries outside Europe. They all hold you trapped until you pay. Not only in Thailand or the Philippines. The main thing is, with travel insurance you get the money back you paid abroad.
****
If you need one in your home country, but all of a sudden you don’t need one 🤔. So you’ve been ripped off this whole time 🤔
Fred *********
No ya don’t but can’t hurt to get it incase
Michael *******
Oh yes! Travel ins a must
Todd *********
@Michael ******
self insurance is just fine. Medical care in Thailand remains low cost overall
Peter *******
Travel insurance is relatively cheap so only a fool wouldn't get it
Dennis ***********
@Peter ******
only up to 70 yrs old,then it’s rape and pilage
Peter *******
@Todd ********
Not really, as a rule the ambulances take you to the most expensive hospitals, circ 50k-100k a day ICI
Todd *********
@Peter ******
nothing correct about this.
Peter *******
@Todd ********
what part don't you understand?
Todd *********
@Peter ******
oh it’s not me who doesn’t understand
Andrew ***********
Yes only makes sence to have travel insurance
Jonathan **************************
Depends on your definition of "need".

Arguably everyone "needs" insurance, as in, they *should* have it, lest something happen to you, and you end up having to make a GoFundMe.

But as Brandon said, proof of insurance is only *required* for certain visas.
Brandon ************
Only if you have an OA visa.
Murray *******
Gordie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thank you for answering my question.
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