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Is it better to arrange health insurance before traveling to Thailand or upon arrival for a 90-day trip?

Health Insurance Travel Insurance Thailand Expat Tips Visa and Travel Advice

Nov 20, 2024

a month ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi from snowy Scotland , is it better to arrange health insurance before travelling or on arrival of 90 day trip , not that I will need it .....

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The general consensus from the community is that it is advisable to purchase health insurance before traveling to Thailand rather than on arrival. Many comments emphasize the importance of having insurance in place to cover potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected incidents. Experiences shared reflect the potential high costs of medical care in Thailand, reinforcing the sentiment that 'it's better to be safe than sorry.' Several users recommend buying insurance as soon as travel plans are booked and suggest checking websites for comparison to find suitable policies.

Stevie ********

90 day backpackers travel insurance from home. No brainer covers you for every eventuality even cover for hiring a scooter 🛵 trips and excursions as well as all flights and travel itinerary

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David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stevie *******

Any particular companies ? Can a retiree be a backpacker ?

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Stevie ********

@David *********

compare the market, go compare or any of the other comparison websites they're all pretty much the same, add your particulars and excess(go low or zero as you pay a lot to see anyone over here and the difference in price is negligible)and then check the policy inclusions included then determine your requirements. And yes retirees can backpack and get cover

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Stevie ********

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Tony *********

You can get travel insurance when abroad but not sure if more expensive. Backpackers insurance is available but the options are improved if buying before leaving home.

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Greg ***********

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%20medical%20expenses%2C%20lost%20baggage,avoid%20any%20gaps%20in%20cover.

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Greg ***********

Including medical expenses, lost baggage, and travel delays, generally begins on the day you depart. This start date should match your actual departure date as listed on your itinerary. It's important to ensure that your insurance policy reflects the correct start date to avoid any gaps in cover.

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Alain ***************

Often you can’t buy travel insurance while you’re traveling. Have to do it before. Hope you never need to use it, but better safe than sorry. TNT reported of another person today who had no insurance. My mom had one of the worst cases, ending up on dialysis in Bangkok pattaya hospital. I had to pay a deposit for her but the insurance gave a guarantee of payment within 5 hours and everything went fine. She’s now back in Europe continuing her treatment

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Tom *********

Before you travel.

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David ***********

This popped up on my news feed today. Whilst it might be rare it is food for thought.

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Patrick ********

Don't leave home without a quality health insurance anything can happen at anytime here.

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Don **********

Often not available if trip commenced

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Paul *******

try SafetyWing

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David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

for Workers abroad

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Paul *******

@David *********

what do you mean?

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Paul *******

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Bob **********

Get it before you come a guy like you will most probably need it 555

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David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

you know me Bob ?

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Trevor *************

@David *********

i think he means that if you had to ask that question you may not be the most experienced of travellers. I have personal experience of hospitals in Thailand to the tune of around 50 grand, so yeah, get the travel insurance before you leave and make sure you have a copy of it in your wallet. You really don't want to spend any time in a Thai hospital for the locals.

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Trevor *************

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Ralph *******

Travel insurance as soon as you book your trip so you are covered for cancellation and other losses.

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Mark ********

Buy it asap before you leave in case you need to cancel your trip.

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Mark ********

I thought same thing..not that I would need it...ended up 21 nights in a Thai Public Hospital. Cost me a few $$$.

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Eric ***************

Before you leave

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Jeffrey ************

It's traditional to buy insurance before you travel for obvious reasons.

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Wayne *********

Travel insurance from your own country is better if you do need it whilst travelling

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Peter *********

Buy before travel from home country

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Peter *********

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