Travel Insurance for Thailand: What Options Are There?

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you probably already know how much it has to offer as a destination. But have you considered the risks that may arise while you’re there? Although it’s an advanced country, with all kinds of services available, it isn’t a risk-free destination. That’s why today we want to talk to you about one of the most important (and least exciting) things to think about before you set off on your adventure: your travel insurance for Thailand.

Although we have already talked to you on previously about international insurance, here we would like to take a closer look at the peculiarities of the country of smiles. We’ll go through what coverages you’ll need, why is it important to choose a good insurance policy and which ones are the best for this destination.

Why take out travel insurance for Thailand?

Travelling to Thailand is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture, explore historic temples and enjoy heavenly beaches. But what happens when you want to travel through its jungles and those ancient temples? Or diving into those beautiful beaches? That you’re exposed to risks. Risks that you may suffer from just across your street, but which are more distressing and frightening when you’re thousands of kilometres away from your comfort zone. And basically that’s why you need travel insurance.

Although Thailand doesn’t require travel insurance to enter the country from the end of 2022, taking out one is highly recommended. For example, if you need emergency medical attention, the cost of a private hospital can easily exceed ฿1,500 ($44 US) per consultation, and if the situation is more serious, a hospital stay can cost around ฿15,000 ($430 US). These rates show how expensive it can be to receive treatment in private centres. Usually travellers prefer them because of their quality and speed of care.

Thailand is also a great destination for adventure sports such as snorkelling, trekking and diving. While these activities are exciting, they also increase the chance of injury. A minor accident could result in considerable expense for medical assistance and even require repatriation. Returning to your country of origin can cost up to $11,000 US if necessary.

Taking out a travel insurance for Thailand covers these and other important aspects. It’ll allow you to travel with the peace of mind of knowing that you’re backed up in the event of medical incidents, loss of belongings, flight delays or other cancellation situations. In short, they not only protect you personally, but also your investment in flights, hotels and other bookings. Making sure you have the right policy is the final step before your Thai adventure.

What should a travel insurance for Thailand cover?

If you’re taking out travel insurance for the first time, the range of cover can be confusing. What should demand from your insurance company at the minimum? Ideally, insurance for Thailand should include full medical care, accident assistance and personal belongings protection. Although the minimums will depend on the type of holiday you’re organising – an adventure holiday isn’t the same as a luxury resort holiday – here are some coverages you should look for when taking out insurance:

1. Emergency medical care
   Medical expenses coverage is the cornerstone of any travel insurance. As private care in Thailand can be quite expensive, look for a policy with a minimum coverage of $540,000 US. This type of coverage ensures that you can access quality medical services without worrying about the cost. As mentioned above, an emergency medical procedure in a Thai hospital can cost up to $2,500 US and an overnight stay in a private hospital costs around ฿15,000 ($430 US).
2. Medical repatriation
   In the event of a severe emergency, having repatriation to your home country included is essential. This service, which can amount to $11,000 US in far away destinations such as Thailand, is key to cover safe transportation if you need additional treatment or are unable to continue your trip.
3. Coverage for lost or stolen baggage
   Lost or stolen baggage is a common concern when travelling to any destination. Make sure your insurance provides for compensation of between $1,000 and $3,000 US, enough to replace essential belongings and continue your trip without being disturbed.
4. Adventure sports
   If you plan to do activities such as snorkelling, trekking or scuba diving, it’s key that your insurance covers adventure sports. These sports are not included in all policies and, if you don’t have specific coverage, any accident could mean an unexpected expense of more than $2,000 US.
5. Coverage for flight delays and cancellations
   In international destinations such as Thailand, flight delays or cancellations may result in additional costs for accommodation or food while waiting for your next flight. Adequate insurance offers compensation of between $100 and $200 US for each day’s delay.
6. 24/7 assistance
   Thailand has a significant time difference with Europe and America, which makes it important that the insurance company offers you 24-hour assistance, no matter where you’re in the world. Many insurance companies include apps to manage incidents quickly and efficiently, so you can contact assistance whenever you need it. Thanks to this and your holafly eSIM you’ll be able to notify your insurance company of your incidents wherever you are.

Comparison of the best travel insurances for Thailand

Now that you know that you need travel insurance for Thailand and what coverage you should look for, you may be wondering which one to choose. Finding the right one can seem tricky, with so many options available. While some insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage for adventure activities, others focus on medical services and rapid care in emergency situations. We show you a detailed comparison of the five best options, so you can choose the one that best suits your type of travel and budget.

The 5 best travel insurances for Thailand

As you can see in the comparative table above, although all insurances for Thailand offer similar coverage, some stand out in specific features, such as emergency medical coverage or the adventure sports coverage. That’s why we wanted to go into a little more detail on what each insurance offers and further explain the features and benefits of the five top travel insurances for Thailand. Choose the one that best suits your needs to enjoy your trip without worries.

IATI

IATI is one of the most popular choices for travellers to Asia, especially to destinations as varied and exotic as Thailand. It stands out for its wide variety of policies, ranging from the most affordable to others with complete and specific coverage for adventure sports. This makes it a flexible option, suitable for travellers seeking basic insurance as well as those who prefer a superior protection.

With close customer multilingual service, IATI offers support at every stage of the journey, which is appreciated by those who value sound assistance in such a far away destination.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: From €100,000 ($103,765.60 US) for IATI Basic to €5,000,000 ($5,188,745.29 US) for IATI Star.
• Repatriation: 100%.
• Loss of baggage: €500 ($518.76 US) For Basic insurance, up to €2,500 ($ 2,593.44 US) for Star insurance.
• Adventure sports coverage: Included in superior plans.
• Refund for delays: €300 ($ 311.28 US) in IATI Star insurance

Plans and prices:

• IATI Backpacker: €53.99 ($58.39 US) for 7 days.
• IATI Basic: €32.90 ($35.58 US) for 7 days.
• IATI Standard: €38.88 ($42.05 US) for 7 days
• IATI Star: €70.87 ($76.64 US) for 7 days

HeyMondo

HeyMondo is an ideal option for those looking for comprehensive and easy to manage insurance during their stay in Thailand. It has earned the trust of travellers for its comprehensive cover, ranging from medical assistance to trip cancellation and adventure sports protection. This makes HeyMondo a perfect choice for those who want to make sure they’re covered in any situation, without getting bogged down in details.

One of HeyMondo’s strengths is its mobile app, which allows you to manage incidents online, make medical consultations and locate nearby hospitals with a few simple clicks. This digital approach makes it a convenient and efficient option. The best one if you prefer to have a handy support. It’s a reliable and practical option for travellers who wish to combine safety and comfort during their adventure in Thailand.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €600,000 ($648,837 US).
• Repatriation: Unlimited.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 ($1,622 US).
• Adventure sports: Included.
• Civil liability: €60,000 ($64,883 US)

Plans and prices:

• Essential Travel: €30.55 ($91.80 US) for 7 days.
• Ease of Mind Travel: €35.59 ($91,80 US) for 7 days.
• Top Travel: €57.18 ($61.82 US) for 7 days
• Premium Travel: €76.01 ($82.18 US) for 7 days

AXA Assistance

AXA Assistance is a premium option for travellers who prioritise safety and quality of service above all. Renowned for its rapid response in emergencies, it’s ideal if you’re looking for insurance to back you up in critical situations, which is especially important if you plan to tour Thailand. Although their prices are higher, their medical coverage, including repatriation costs and quality care, are worth the investment.

In addition, AXA offers a cover option for adventure sports, although this requires an additional cost. This makes it a sound alternative for those wishing to explore Thailand and its outdoor activities with the assurance of efficient service and a reliable hospital network.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €150,000 ($162,209 US)
• Repatriation: Unlimited.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 ($1,622 US)
• Adventure sports: Additional option (€33.61 US).
• Civil liability: €30,000 ($32,441 US)

Plans and prices:

• Mini insurance: €37.64 ($40.82 US) for seven days
• Total Insurance: €58.07 ($62.80 US) for seven days
• Total Plus Insurance: €80.28 ($86.81 US) for seven days

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance is a long-established insurer offering affordable prices and excellent customer service. For those who are already Allianz customers with other products, such as health or life insurance, taking out travel insurance can be advantageous, as it offers additional discounts and promotions. With a wide range of coverages, Allianz adapts to the needs of different types of travellers, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for those looking for a practical solution.

One of the advantages of Allianz is the flexibility of its plans, with options that allow choice of coverage according to the the different traveller needs. From basic protection to more comprehensive plans, Allianz offers a range of alternatives for different profiles. If you’re looking for a sound insurer with flexible plans, Allianz is an option to consider for peace of mind when travelling to Thailand.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €75,000 ($81,104 US) for Standard and up to €200,000 ($207,517.55 US) for Premium Assistance.
• Repatriation: Included.
• Lost luggage: Up to €800 ($865 US) in Standard and up to €2,000 in Premium Assistance
• 24/7 Assistance: Available

Plans and prices:

• Light holiday assistance: €33.33 ($36.04 US) for seven days
• Standard holiday assistance: €80.28 ($86.81 US) for seven days
• Premium holiday assistance: €51.98 ($56.21 US) for seven days

Chapka

Chapka Insurance is a highly recommended option for travellers looking for carefree outdoor activities in Thailand. Known for its focus on adventure sports, it offers specific coverage for sports such as diving, hiking and snorkelling. Chapka’s policies not only cover medical expenses in case of an accident, but also guarantee assistance in any clinic or hospital in the country.

What sets Chapka apart is indeed its adventure activities at no extra cost. If your plan is to get into nature, Chapka is a very reliable option.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €250,000 ($269,946 US). €1,000,000 ($1,081,395 US) for superior plans, and also emergencies and hosptialisations.
• Repatriation: Included.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 ($1,620 US). Superior plans €2,500 ($2,703 US).
• 24/7 assistance: Medical assistance at any time.
• Adventure sports cover: It includes sports such as diving, surfing or kitesurfing.
• Flight delays: Only at the start of the trip, up to €150 ($162 US). €1,500 ($1,622 US) for superior plans.

Plans and prices:

• Cap Trip Plus: €35.59 ($ 36.91 US) for 7 days.
• Cap Basic: €26.76 ($ 27.75 US) for 7 days

Which is the best travel insurance for Thailand?

As you can see, choosing the best insurance for your trip to Thailand isn’t easy. It depends on your budget, the type of activities you plan to do and the level of coverage you’re looking for. However, after comparing the different alternatives, we could say that IATI Backpacker insurance stands out as the best option for those who want to explore Thailand safely. Why?

Sound medical coverage

IATI Backpacker includes up to €500,000 ($540,697 US) in medical expenses, an amount that guarantees peace of mind in case of any emergency arising in Thailand. In addition, the policy covers repatriation at unlimited cost, which is essential if at any time an emergency arises that requires your return home.

Coverage for adventure sports

Thailand is a country full of opportunities for adventure sports, such as snorkelling, trekking in its national parks or diving in its impressive coral reefs. IATI Backpacker covers these activities at no extra cost, an advantage that few insurances offer as standard.

Protection in case of loss or theft of luggage

Lost or stolen luggage is a common risk when travelling, especially if you’re carrying valuable equipment such as cameras or electronic devices. With IATI Backpacker, you’re covered up to €1,500 ($1,622 US) to replace essential belongings in case of loss or theft.

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage

IATI Backpacker also has coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions, especially useful if last minute changes of plans arise. The policy covers up to €2,000 ($2,160 US) in cancellation costs. You’ll be able to recover part of your investment in case of unforeseen events before departure or during your adventure in Thailand.

24/7 Assistance service

Multilingual attention and 24-hour support are an added advantage for travellers. This is key if you’re in a remote area or need a quick response in an emergency. In addition, IATI staff are familiar with the situations common in adventure destinations, allowing for assistance even in unexpected or uncertain times.

In terms of value for money, IATI Backpacker insurance is competitive and suits most budgets. Its combination of medical coverage, adventure sports protection, ongoing assistance and English language support makes it a comprehensive option for those who wish to travel safely and with peace of mind in Thailand.

With this selection, we think, you’re one step closer to having the perfect insurance for your adventure. If you need more information to prepare for your trip, we recommend you consult our guides on what to bring to Thailand or how to stay connected to the internet during your stay. And if you’re planning an extended stay, don’t forget to check out the visa options for tourists in Thailand. Have a good trip and feel at ease knowing you’re well covered!

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