Answered5 months ago
Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting Thailand?
Is travel insurance mandatory to travel to thailand?
Answer summary
Travel insurance is not currently mandatory for traveling to Thailand, but it is highly recommended due to the high costs of medical care in case of accidents or illness. Many comments emphasize the importance of having travel insurance to avoid financial burdens from unexpected medical expenses during the trip. Discussions regarding the potential requirement for health insurance in the future are also noted.
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Bernt ***************
It is and has never been a requirement. As it is written, only idiots travel to Thailand without travel insurance - and unfortunately there are many of them.
But there is discussion these days that it should become a requirement. Time will tell.
But there is discussion these days that it should become a requirement. Time will tell.
Thai *****
The thing to remember is the insurance isn't there to fix you up, but to get you home. It's the medical evacuation flight that can bankrupt you.
John *********
Im suggesting rational common sense says it should be.
Jeffrey *****
No.
Hulk *******
No up to you
Ken ********
If you can afford the flight you can afford insurance or you're a fool
Betty *********
John Desa, if you live in UK look at Stay Sûre insurance all âges !!!
Felicity ******************
Why wouldn’t you 🤷♀️😱
Mic****
Not required yet, but possibly required in future. I get any just in case.
Bent *************
No
David *****
Definitely .if you're renting a motorbike
Aaron ******
It's not expensive so just get it
David **********
No, as tourist. Medical care is very cheap and good in the health care system but the comfort is basic.
Private is cheaper, but they will insist on a guarantee or guarantor. So it is wise to take out a travel insurance.
Private is cheaper, but they will insist on a guarantee or guarantor. So it is wise to take out a travel insurance.
Les ***********
About 8 years ago in Thailand I had hernia surgery at a government hospital.
Unfortunately I cannot now remember the Australian Travel Insurance Co.
They were excellent.
And so was the Surgery.
I was 74.
Unfortunately I cannot now remember the Australian Travel Insurance Co.
They were excellent.
And so was the Surgery.
I was 74.
Les ***********
Highly recommended.
Betty *********
Lindsay Prowse John , where do you live? If in UK there are 2 adverts on TV often for travel insurance for older People. Then uou have AXA and Allianz which is more expensive. I dont think they insure PRE existant illness tho. Lots of People your age go to Thailand and elsewhere for holidays.
Betty *********
Sorry, want meant for Lindsay.
Jeff *************
Nope
Ryan *********
Ive traveled the world and never needed it. Especially thailand where medicine is so affordable
Lawrie *******
Travel Insurance should be compulsory wherever you travel... It's not... but Illness and Accidents can be expensive wherever you go. Most often... any medical services you recieve will be at expensive Private hospitals. That's the case in Thailand. .
Neil ********
Let’s say Yes
John ********
No not yet but it should be
David ***********
How much is travel insurance usually?
Poppy *******
No. The health care there is very good. But if you don’t have insurance they won’t let you out the hospital.
For example a child with a rash needing cream is £90. A bike accident involving stitches, x-rays etc etc over £25,000.
So definitely get some!
For example a child with a rash needing cream is £90. A bike accident involving stitches, x-rays etc etc over £25,000.
So definitely get some!
Simon ********
Are you safe to leave the house? 😆
Arnold **********
It should be for any travel outside your country
Richard ********
It should be
Kevin *******
After spending 900 bhat on various eye drops that didn’t do the job I went to an eye clinic in buriram was diagnosed with an eye infection and give 2 lots off eye drops which didn’t the trick in a few days COST 200 bhat can’t beat that !
Colin ********
Kevin Kenny name of the eye clinic please
Kevin *******
Colin Pinker Anan
FunDe******
Kevin Kenny I found Elite helpful because it puts all the essentials in one place
Kylie ********
No but why risk it?
Mariano *********
No, but highly suggested
Helen ********
Open a monzo plus account you get worldwide travel insurance with it £22 a month 😀😀
Keith *******
67 years old, 30 days 100 bucks. … You’re going to spend $100 a day while you were there… Get the travel insurance
John *******
No but if you have an accident and end up in hospital you will realise how cheap your insurance will be
Brian *********
Keep in mind that the cost of medical care where I was in north Thailand was about the same as the co pay in the US. My US insurance is global coverage but so far in the 12 months I’ve spent in Thailand, I haven’t bothered to file a claim for any of the doctor or hospital visits I had there because they was so little cost.
Yes, if you have a major medical incident, it can go into the $thousands. First off don’t ride a motorbike unless you are very experienced rider. And don’t get into a street brawl with a Russian.
Yes, if you have a major medical incident, it can go into the $thousands. First off don’t ride a motorbike unless you are very experienced rider. And don’t get into a street brawl with a Russian.
FunDe******
Brian Sanders I found Elite helpful because it puts all the essentials in one place
James ******
Are you stupid? Why wouldn't you obtain insurance?
Cyndi ******
James Dack correct for a cpl hundred may save tens of thousands
Jenny ********
If you can afford to travel overseas you can afford around $300 for insurance.
Terence ******
Its very expensive in a hospital if you need it but don't have insurance
Ant ***********
If you can afford a airline ticket
You can afford insurance
You can afford insurance
ashamed_********
It should be. Who on earth would not get it. If you have money to travel then you should have money for insurance. Or do you think if something happens to you you will get free medical attention? Like so many others end up begging for people to contribute to a fund to help a child or relative who failed to have insurance? Why play russian roulette with your life?
Mark *********
not yet but it keeps on coming up
Carl *********
Not at moment but there talking about it
Marcus *******
@Carl ********
it will be corrupt if they do. They will require specific companies that they have interests in and just like it is now they will get out of paying at every oppertunity.Carl *********
Marcus Baker I very much doubt they could police where millions of people from different countries buy insurance. From what I've read you just have to prove you have cover.
Jo *****
Be stoopid not too unless you have significant financial back up to cover any costs or repatriation
Anders ********
I'm 64 and my insurance cost about 2000 USD for one year.
FunDe******
Anders Thomas I found Elite helpful because it puts all the essentials in one place
Phil *********
Its better than gambling on " go-fund-me "
Lyn *********
Its really cheap about £50 for a 1 year policy that you can use as many times in a year as you want but check the amount of days you can stay away usually from about 30 days each time
Nigel ***********
Lyn Woodley all depends on age and health history Not many can get annual cover for that
Rod ***********
Seriously wherever you travel in the world you must have travel insurance, you have to be stupid not to have it.
Pietra *******
@Expat *****
is excellent
ConfidentR***********
No but it's common sense
Robyn ****************
ConfidentReindeer9537 💯
Dave **********
No 👎
Kevin ************
I wouldn’t travel there without it. Medical care is very good, but very expensive.
Nigel ***********
Kevin Ganzevoort its Not very expensive compared to many countries but the care is much better than many
Kevin ************
Nigel Middleton depends on what level of care you need, and whether you stay in a private hospital, public hospital or clinic. General GP’s or clinics are fairly cheap.
Rune ********
Why is this even a question?
Des ******
Is that a real question ?
John ********
I get it every trip
Andy ************
Better do it!
Paul ********************
No but it should be...
June *****
No but you should
Beryl ******
I'd never leave my own country with out it
Stewart *********
Yes it is becoming mandatory checking when you arrive no insurance bye bye
Robert ********
If you can't afford it don't go end of story
Otis ***********
You are going to need it!!! ❤️🇹🇭❤️
Paul ********
Some credit cards may offer short term travel insurance so use to buy ticket. Read the fine print.
Ian *********
Take insurance out before travel.
Martin *******
Yes it is cuz its been announced
Joe ***********
Yes. Get it.
Don't burden the healthcare system with unpaid medical bills.
Don't burden the healthcare system with unpaid medical bills.
Bazaar******
Unfortunately No..
But it certainly should be.
If you are traveling overseas without travel insurance then please stay home..
You are far too stupid for international travel
But it certainly should be.
If you are traveling overseas without travel insurance then please stay home..
You are far too stupid for international travel
Ken **********
BazaarAsia57 in your opinion only.
Mark **********
Ken Williams I've never had travel insurance. Financially I can cover any mishap and it's the chance I take.
Martyn *********
Mark Crossman 45 years thailand no health insurance no house insurance i am ok financially I will not be evacuated to where i was born
Mark **********
BazaarAsia57 there's a good living made by insurance companies on the backs of you "ooh..what if" types. In all my years travelling I've never had a mishap. I've not got house insurance either "ooh, what if it burns down". Bet you see a lot of those burnt out shells down your street.
Bazaar******
Mark Crossman $50k to $100k for medical evacuation back to your home country?
And several thousand more for weeks in hospital..
Well you are very fortunate to have cash on hand like that ..
Good luck 👍
And several thousand more for weeks in hospital..
Well you are very fortunate to have cash on hand like that ..
Good luck 👍
Bazaar******
Ken Williams All the go fund me pages and all the parents and families sent bankrupt by trying to pay hospital bills and repatriation flights for thier seriously injured family would indicate I am correct
Michael *******
Def recommend
Doc ********
Highly recommend because if shit hits the fan don't be that pleb on Facebook trying to do a go fund me to get medical help of get home!!!
Steve ********
If going to get blind drunk take drugs or ride scooters with no licence ..then there's no point.
Stephen *********
No. But very silly not to have it. Medical expenses for major illnesses or accidents is very very expensive for foreigners.
Michael **********
No but you qould be stupid not to have it
Dave *******
Not yet but will be soon i think
Mick *********
Not normally expensive especially compared to the cost should anything happen.
Lindsay ********
Too expensive for a 81 years age.In good health. Cost $2500. For 2 months.
Lindsay ********
Well i do have a ladyfriend we are in a good relationship. For a few years. I have given her the ok in what do if something happens as i am with her most of the time
Magnus *********************
Lindsay Prowse and if something happens? Then how should you do?
Ray ********
Lindsay Prowse Totally agree with you . Considering that health care in a local Government Hospital is VERY cheap and available to everyone it's only Private Hospitals that are VERY EXPENSIVE, because they know most of their customers are holding insurance.
I'm 77 and cannot get insurance anywhere at any price. 😞
As soon as you mention PRE EXISTING conditions you are not even considered.
10 days stay in a local government hospital in a Private Room with excellent treatment only cost 14k Thai Baht. Recently...NOT ONE MILLION BAHT. There's a lot of scare mongering going on, with everyone assuming you're having to pay PRIVATE HOSPITAL rates, which you do Not.
I'm 77 and cannot get insurance anywhere at any price. 😞
As soon as you mention PRE EXISTING conditions you are not even considered.
10 days stay in a local government hospital in a Private Room with excellent treatment only cost 14k Thai Baht. Recently...NOT ONE MILLION BAHT. There's a lot of scare mongering going on, with everyone assuming you're having to pay PRIVATE HOSPITAL rates, which you do Not.
Lawrie *******
Ray Taylor
If you're a farang in an accident... the ambulabce will take you to a Private Hospital.
Then try and tell them.. or the Private Hosp you want a Govt Hosp. I'm confident it won't happen...
If you're a farang in an accident... the ambulabce will take you to a Private Hospital.
Then try and tell them.. or the Private Hosp you want a Govt Hosp. I'm confident it won't happen...
Tom ******
Ray Taylor That's the reality mate.
I've told so many guys what you've written above . Most still believe they'll get better service at private hospitals and most if then are Yanks.
I've told so many guys what you've written above . Most still believe they'll get better service at private hospitals and most if then are Yanks.
Ray ********
Lawrie White tell them you have No Money 😂😂😂
You will soon be shipped off to another government hospital.
I've lived here for 18 years, and I do know how the system works.
You will soon be shipped off to another government hospital.
I've lived here for 18 years, and I do know how the system works.
Ray ********
Lawrie White This is where corruption takes over. All the ambulances are Free Lancers, they will take you to whichever hospital gives the biggest kick back for delivering an unsuspecting patient that they can charge whatever they want.
Here's the scam, if it was a poor Thai National they would only deliver to a Government Hospital, because there's no money to be made, you can't get blood out of a stone.
Here's the scam, if it was a poor Thai National they would only deliver to a Government Hospital, because there's no money to be made, you can't get blood out of a stone.
Tom ******
Ray Taylor I go to a University hospital where I live in Thailand. Its great , had skin cancer and skin graft done there excellent.
The Drs patients see at private hospitals are professors at the Medical school attached to the University . If you go to the private hospitals you'll see the the same professors but probably pay 3 or 4 times as much for the same procedure.
Fine if you're lucky enough to have insurance but if not its absolutely the best place to go to.
The Drs patients see at private hospitals are professors at the Medical school attached to the University . If you go to the private hospitals you'll see the the same professors but probably pay 3 or 4 times as much for the same procedure.
Fine if you're lucky enough to have insurance but if not its absolutely the best place to go to.
Ray ********
Tom Pola Totally agree my friend. Same at our local hospital, where most of the doctors have their own private clinics as sidelines.
If you see them at their clinic first and you need special treatment they will refer you to the local hospital where they work as a resident doctor, giving you a reference to be treated by themselves. The difference is that they will have special equipment to help you at their disposal.
All priced very cheaply because you saw them first as a private patient. 😃🙏😃
If you see them at their clinic first and you need special treatment they will refer you to the local hospital where they work as a resident doctor, giving you a reference to be treated by themselves. The difference is that they will have special equipment to help you at their disposal.
All priced very cheaply because you saw them first as a private patient. 😃🙏😃
ashamed_********
Lindsay Prowse good health has got NOTHING to do with iit. You could be struck by a car or scooter and what then? For being 82 that is a very dumb thing to think. Good health. Really.
Tom ******
ashamed_local_SA It's easy to get accident insurance in Thailand in case you get hit by a car or motorbike. Unless you are rich at 82 its cost prohibative to get comprehensive health insurance anywhere. If you do make sure you read the fine print realy well.
Lindsay ********
ashamed_local_SA i know what you are saying. It could happen. There is a risk. I am only on a pension. So be it. Burn me in the wat.
Uhapuk ******
No..not Mandatory...but..if your prone to accidents..yes...pur have it.
-,
I just have a separate card/cash..in the event, something happens...
Im from the U.S.
...
The bill is cheap...I have medical work done in Thailand, intead of the U.S...like physical/eye/blood etc...
-,
I just have a separate card/cash..in the event, something happens...
Im from the U.S.
...
The bill is cheap...I have medical work done in Thailand, intead of the U.S...like physical/eye/blood etc...
Cass *******
Uhapuk Esor Hope you have a few hundred dollars on your card
I have 2 friends who had heart attacks in thailand.
Both had hospital bills over
two hundred and fifty thousand pounds
Heart attacks can happen at any age.
I have 2 friends who had heart attacks in thailand.
Both had hospital bills over
two hundred and fifty thousand pounds
Heart attacks can happen at any age.
Wayne *********
Required? no.
Should it be? Yes.
The departures hall at Phuket Airport is like a triage unit at times, the number of people bandaged up, on crutches or even in wheelchairs.
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
You might think you’ll be okay, but so too did everyone else who got injured or sick. Medical fees can add up very quickly.
Should it be? Yes.
The departures hall at Phuket Airport is like a triage unit at times, the number of people bandaged up, on crutches or even in wheelchairs.
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
You might think you’ll be okay, but so too did everyone else who got injured or sick. Medical fees can add up very quickly.
YouGet*******
It should be illegal...BigTime
Ralph *******
Not for tourists but it is being discussed. So, a possible change coming.
Sharon ********
No BUT it should be
FunDe******
Sharon Furner I found Elite helpful because it puts all the essentials in one place
Warwick **********
Not compulsory, but...
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford travel ,
I just did mine, prices started
from $59 Australian for basic medical cover for 2 weeks
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford travel ,
I just did mine, prices started
from $59 Australian for basic medical cover for 2 weeks
Mitchell *******
As a tourist, no.
Andy *******
At this point in time it's only talk about mandating insurance
Ron *******
No
David *******
Had it once in 50 years ,made a claim and it was rejected.
Peter *******
You'd be really stupid not to get travel insurance because it's so cheap
Lawrie *******
Peter Scuba
Unless you're going to the USA..
Unless you're going to the USA..
Robyn ****************
Peter Scuba Not mine $480 Comprehensive but who cares! mad if you dont
Lastochka ****
Peter Scuba post where you found cheap
FunDe******
Lastochka KB I found Elite helpful because it puts all the essentials in one place
Peter *******
Lastochka KB check comparison websites, if in UK such as comparethemarket.com
Donnie ************************
Peter Scuba it's not about being really stupid. What's really stupid is when someone makes a comment about something they obviously don't know much about. 11 years on the move in many countries, try to get constant insurance for that.
Had insurance once when I was on a year long trip 2011, had to go home for a family emergency..discovered because I set foot in my home country the insurance was automatically rescinded!!!!
Had insurance once when I was on a year long trip 2011, had to go home for a family emergency..discovered because I set foot in my home country the insurance was automatically rescinded!!!!
Peter *******
Donnie TimbangJaya McCulloch Obviously you need to read the policy docs 🤔
Donnie ************************
Peter Scuba i have since...and don't have insurance for that reason, plus many others. If I was a holiday maker or on a couple of months travelling, then yes. 11 years continual moving, its not so easy..especially when you read their small print.
Raymond *********
Peter Scuba it's so cheap until you want to make a claim and it gets rejected.
Peter *******
Raymond Spencer Read the policy doc, i made 3 claims all paid
Curt ********
Raymond Spencer Pick the right company. I filed a claim in the US, submitted the documentation and got more back than i requested.
AttractiveK***********
No but smart to have it
Steve ********
No but as soon as you book anything for your travel get insurance then
David *********
Its not but better to be safe than sorry
Sebastian ********
Highly recommend that you take out travel insurance and ensure it covers everything you might want to do out here. That includes riding bikes, water sports etc.
Charoen *******
Sebastian Barrow Riding bikes most likely not covered
Sebastian ********
Charoen Krung you can specify what you want to cover but it will come at a higher premium. But worth it as we have seen by those who had not done this. Masive hospital fees, go fund me etc.
Charoen *******
Steve Drew I am grown up and don't see Thailand with rose colored glasses just because I like sucking ladyboys
Steve ******
Charoen Krung are they technicalities or are they the rules you broke? They all sound reasonable to me. Grow up.
Charoen *******
Sebastian Barrow You can get covered for anything. Good luck getting a claim paid out. They get you on many technicalities like improper bike license, engine capacity, not wearing a helmet, etc....
Andrew *******
It is if you buy a policy that says it is. You just have to take the time to read what the policy is offering.
Sebastian ********
Andrew Doran always read the small print.
Andrew *******
No but it should be
FunDe******
Andrew Doran I found Elite helpful because it puts all the essentials in one place
Idris *******
No
Brandon ************
Required, no.
Recommended, yes.
Recommended, yes.
Hai *****
@Brandon ***********
That's gonna be changed.Drafts have been submitted to Parliament recommending to make Health Insurance mandatory for all travellers to Thailand.
This is separate from Travel Insurance which remains optional.
Indications are that the majority of the MPs are in favour of mandatory HI..... so it is likely to be approved.
Nongnuch ********
Hai San it is just hot air. HOW would you implement such a measure to arriving tourist masses ? And most of them already have a valid insurance
Tom ******
Nongnuch Kamdee Exactly Just stupid to think it could ever happen.
David ***********
Hai San another money grab
William **********
@Brandon ***********
it is for some islands in the Caribbean
Sheen ************
William Coughlin hardly relevant
Steve *******
William Coughlin Geography not your strong point!
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