Thailand offers travel insurance for foreign tourists
Tourists visiting Thailand can now also opt for Thai travel insurance as an alternative to travel insurance from the country of origin.
As of July 25, 2014, this travel insurance can be taken out online. The insurance includes accident cover, cancellation insurance, loss of or damage to luggage and/or personal belongings, additional accommodation costs, etc.
The insurance is promoted under the name 'Thailand Travel Shield' and is an initiative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with four renowned Thai insurance companies; Muang Thai Insurance, Chao Phaya Insurance, Siam City Insurance and Krungthai Panich Insurance.
When taking out, you can choose between two cover variants:
- A maximum insured amount of up to 1.000.000 Baht for a premium amount from 650 Baht.
- A maximum insured amount of up to 2.000.000 Baht for a premium amount from 1100 Baht.
The policy has an insurance term of up to 60 days and can only be taken out for foreign tourists up to the age of 69.
Free advice and information
Insureds can receive free traveler advice and information about Thailand, such as vaccination advice, weather, exchange rates, telephone medical advice, assistance in case of loss of luggage and/or passport and more. Policyholders can contact the emergency center 24 hours a day Allianz Global Assistance (the largest aid worker in the world).
Of course, travel insurance also has exclusions such as accidents under the influence of alcohol, practicing dangerous sports, motorcycling, criminal behaviour, etc. It is therefore a good idea to always read the policy conditions carefully in advance.
More information or exit: www.tourismthailand.org/ThailandTravelShield/
The policy also says 'sickness' and that means illness and also nausea. I have the impression that the coverage is more than accidents (and cancellation and baggage etc).
Does this leave room for a trick if you live here permanently (retirement extension like me) and don't have a health insurance policy?
I get a re-entry permit and go to Laos. From Hotel So much I email the annual application for the 1 M / 2 M coverage and then I receive an email back what I have to pay.
I pay from my ING or Kasikorn. The policy will then come to my email and will take effect when I enter Thailand. I will make sure to leave Thailand exactly one year later with the next re-entry.
Could that be possible ?
I miss the small print…
I don't see a list of affiliated hospitals yet....
Of course I am not actually a tourist….but there is no rule of residence.
Anyone ?
Dear Erik, you are not only missing the small print, but also the big one 😉 Read the article again, you will come across this: The policy knows an insurance period of up to 60 days and can only be closed for foreign tourists up to and including 69 years of age.
Peter, the premium table really does say 'annual trip'. Or am I reading wrong?
It will be permitted to take out the travel insurance several times a year, but each time for a maximum of 60 days.
Cover up to 60 days any one trip both in individual trip cover plan and annual cover plan.
I think you'll need to read this if you can get annual insurance, but per entry the coverage is for a maximum of 60 days.
You can then come in a number of times for that annual insurance and be insured.
Those other insurances are apparently per entry and expire with a trip across the border.
I see, you're right. Max 60 days per trip. Nothing to do then.
Why not a health insurance policy, probably too expensive or do you have sufficient financial resources if you become ill so that you can pay for it immediately? Apparently not, otherwise you wouldn't want to come up with a trick...
Unfortunately there are many farang around who live permanently in Thailand who want to bear the joys but not the burdens because oh well let others solve that.
Perhaps we will read another appeal on various forums asking readers to make a donation, 'Dutchman in difficulties because he did not think it necessary to take out a health insurance policy'. Well. 🙁
Thai travel insurance for a Dutch tourist?
I would never start with that. What's wrong with Dutch travel insurance? Dutch travel insurance is already not expensive, so I do not understand where the advantage can be obtained.
And don't forget all the hassle / communication with a Thai insurer that you will get... Nice prospect trying to get around everything from the Netherlands with a Thai insurer, no way
It is an insurance for a tourist.
Tourists come from more countries than the Netherlands and not everywhere is as well organized as in the Netherlands.
It may also be a step towards compulsory insurance if you want to enter Thailand as a tourist.
Wasn't this insurance devised by the junta to get Chinese tourists back to Thailand? Due to the coup, Chinese travel insurers no longer provide cover for Thailand. Dutch travel insurance simply provides coverage, so it is not so interesting for the Dutch?
I would never buy Thai travel insurance. In the Netherlands, travel insurance does not cost much. For less than 100 euros you are insured all year round, including medical costs - cost-effective! – and cancellation. Suppose something happens, there is a good chance that you will have to do the handling from the Netherlands because they will not pay immediately if they already do. My Thai partner and I have had bad experiences with Thai insurance.
Imagine;
You live in Thailand, have emigrated. Cross the border for a few days, for example to Canbodja and fly from Cambodia back to Thailand. Take out Thai insurance, the one discussed here, for 60 days. Can you visit the hospital, doctor and dentist on such an insurance policy for 1800 baht?
I am very curious, regards YUUNDAI
It seems clear to me that in that case you do not fall under the heading of 'a tourist visiting Thailand', as the article indicates.
A foreign tourist does not live in Thailand. When filling in the details for this insurance, you must of course note your foreign address. Insurers are really not crazy…
Yuundai is right, it is possible. But you must have an address in a country outside Thailand and that address can be a hotel or a family member of your partner. But if there are costs, then there will be investigations, do the math. Someone is quickly on the scene to speak to witnesses. And then you can fall through the basket. Or not !
No one is waiting for an artificial construction. I drop the plan and continue with the cover I have.