Think your travel insurance covers you in Thailand? Think again. One scooter accident, hospital visit or rejected claim could leave you with a bill you never expected.
Thailand is an amazing place to visit or live.
But there is one thing many foreigners do not think about until it is too late.
Insurance.
For tourists, travel insurance can protect you when a holiday goes badly wrong. For foreigners living in Thailand, health insurance can become even more important.
The problem is that not all insurance policies are created equal.
A policy can look great when you are buying it online. Then you discover the exclusions when you actually need to make a claim.
So what should you look for?
Travel Insurance in Thailand: Is It Really Worth It?
For a short holiday, travel insurance can be one of the smartest things you buy.
A good policy can cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, cancelled trips, lost luggage and travel delays.
You might spend a little extra before your holiday. But that extra cost could save you a lot of money and headache later.
You want cover for any emergency, not just to save money on the treatment but most importantly, insurance from a notable company saves a lot of hassle.
When you need medical care, the insurance company and the hospital have pre-established ways of dealing with insurance claims and you can get treatment faster.
Often you won’t even have to tap into your savings as the insurance company will pay the hospital directly.
Health Insurance for Foreigners Living in Thailand
If Thailand is more than just a holiday destination, your insurance needs can be different. Expats and long-term visitors may want health insurance that provides ongoing medical coverage.
Thailand has many excellent private hospitals. But excellent healthcare does not always mean cheap healthcare. A serious accident or major operation can cost a lot more than a normal doctor’s visit.
For someone living in Thailand long term, health insurance can provide protection against those unexpected costs.
The Biggest Insurance Mistake? Only Looking at the Price
It is tempting to search for the cheapest insurance policy. Nobody wants to spend hundreds of dollars on something they hope they will never use. But price should not be your only concern.
Before buying, look at the medical coverage limit. Check the hospital rules. Look at the deductible. Read the exclusions.
Two policies can have similar prices but very different levels of protection. That cheap policy might suddenly become very expensive if your claim is rejected.
The Thailand Motorbike Trap
This is a big one for tourists.
You arrive in Thailand. You rent a scooter. Suddenly you have the freedom to explore beaches, islands and countryside.
It sounds great. Until you have an accident.
Before getting on a motorbike, check your insurance policy carefully. Some policies have specific requirements for motorcycle accidents. Your licence, the type of bike you ride and whether you wear a helmet or follow the rules of the road can all matter.
Do not assume that because you have travel insurance, every motorbike accident will automatically be covered.
Check first. Ride second.
Alcohol and Insurance: Another Detail You Should Not Ignore
Thailand has a famous nightlife scene. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and the islands attract millions of visitors every year.
But alcohol can create problems when it comes to insurance claims. Some policies have exclusions relating to accidents that happen while you are under the influence of alcohol, especially if you drink and drive.
That does not mean every accident involving alcohol will automatically result in a rejected claim. It does mean you should know what your policy says.
The time to discover the rules is before you need the insurance company.
What About Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?
This is another area where you need to read the small print. If you already have a medical condition or have received treatment before travelling, do not assume it will be covered.
Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions. Others may offer coverage under certain circumstances. Be honest when applying.
Trying to save money by leaving important medical information off an application could cause serious problems when you make a claim.
Thailand Has Great Hospitals. But They Are Not Always Cheap
One reason foreigners sometimes underestimate the importance of insurance is Thailand’s reputation for affordable healthcare. And yes, Thailand can be much cheaper than some Western countries.
But private hospital treatment can still become expensive. An emergency is also not the time to start comparing prices.
If you need surgery or a long hospital stay, the bill can quickly become much larger than expected. A good insurance gives you another option. Instead of worrying about how you are going to pay, you can concentrate on getting good and fast treatment.
Read the Exclusions Before You Buy
This might be the most boring part of buying insurance. It might also be the most important.
Do not just look at the big number on the front of the policy. Check what is actually excluded.
Look for rules covering:
- Motorbike and scooter accidents
- Alcohol-related incidents
- Pre-existing conditions
- Adventure activities
- Medical evacuation
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency dental treatment
- Trip cancellation
- Lost luggage
- Personal belongings
- Deductibles and excess payments
The small print can make a big difference.
Buying Insurance Online: Easy but Easy to Get Wrong
Buying insurance online is incredibly convenient. You can compare policies while sitting in a Bangkok café or waiting for your flight.
But there is a downside. It is very easy to compare the prices without comparing the coverage. A travel policy costing 3,000 THB might look better than one costing 10,000 THB.
But what happens if the cheaper policy has a much lower medical limit?
The cheapest option is only a bargain if it actually protects you.
What Insurance Do You Really Need in Thailand?
There is no single answer. If you are coming to Thailand for two weeks, comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical coverage may be the most sensible option.
If you are living here long term, you may want dedicated health insurance.
If you plan to ride a scooter, check the motorcycle conditions.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, find out exactly what is covered.
And if you are planning activities such as diving or other adventure sports, check those conditions too.
The FarangNews Insurance Checklist
Before travelling to Thailand or buying a new policy, ask yourself:
Does it cover medical emergencies?
Does it cover the activities I plan to do?
Can I ride a motorbike and still be covered?
Are there restrictions involving alcohol?
Are my existing medical conditions covered?
How much is the deductible?
What is the maximum medical payout?
Does the insurer have an emergency number available 24/7?
If you cannot answer these questions, it is probably time to read the policy again.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Buy Insurance Just to Tick a Box
Insurance is one of those things you hope you never need. If you spend your entire holiday eating great food, visiting beautiful places and lying on the beach, you may never make a claim.
That’s good. But accidents happen. People get sick. Flights get cancelled. Luggage disappears. Motorbikes crash.
Thailand is no different. Insurance is not compulsory, but it gives you a peace of mind and hopefully you never need it.
So before you start your Thailand adventure, spend a little time checking the details. It could be the most boring part of your holiday planning. It could also save you thousands of dollars.