Travel insurance for Thailand
What to cover, which clauses to check, and why it matters more on a budget trip.
Thailand has excellent private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and they charge international prices. A scooter fall, dengue fever or a diving injury can cost far more than your whole trip. Travel insurance is not optional on a budget trip; it is what protects the budget.
What a good policy should cover
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays, with a high limit.
- Medical evacuation, especially from islands such as Koh Tao or Koh Lipe.
- Scooter and motorcycle riding, if you plan to ride. Check licence and helmet conditions.
- Scuba diving to the depth you will dive, if you are doing a course.
- Trip cancellation and lost luggage, if you have expensive non-refundable bookings.
The clauses people miss
| Situation | Typical policy |
|---|---|
| Scooter riding without a motorcycle licence | Often excluded |
| Accidents after drinking | Usually excluded |
| Diving deeper than the course limit | Often excluded |
| Pre-existing conditions | Must usually be declared |
Get a quote
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Long trip? If you are staying for months, compare policies built for long stays and digital nomads, and check they cover you while you are in Thailand on extensions.
Questions people ask
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
It is not required for a visa-free tourist entry, but it is strongly recommended because private hospital care in Thailand is expensive.
Does travel insurance cover scooters in Thailand?
Only some policies do, and usually only if you hold a motorcycle licence and wear a helmet.
Is healthcare expensive in Thailand?
Private international hospitals charge international prices. Public hospitals are cheaper but busier, and evacuation from islands can be costly.
Does insurance cover diving in Thailand?
Many policies cover recreational diving to a set depth. Check the limit matches your course before you book.