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.
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.
you cannot stay in Thailand then for more than 60 days like a tourist. Either apply for tourist visa 60 days and extend it at immigration or with a 30 day visa exempt and extend it 30 days.