Thailand is generally safe and our hospitals are excellent — but medical bills for uninsured foreigners add up fast. We Thais strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every visitor, even on a short holiday.

Some airlines, visa categories, and tour operators require proof of insurance. Add it to your travel checklist before departure.

Why we recommend it

• Traffic accidents — especially motorbikes — are a leading cause of tourist injury.
• Private hospitals expect payment or insurance guarantee; bills of ฿50,000–500,000+ are common for surgery or ICU stays.
• Medical evacuation home can cost millions of baht without cover.
• Trip disruption — cancelled flights, lost baggage, or natural events (monsoon floods, smoke season).
• Activities — diving, ziplines, and trekking may be excluded on basic policies.

What your policy should cover

• Medical expenses — minimum USD 100,000–250,000 recommended; higher if you have pre-existing conditions (declare them).
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• 24-hour assistance hotline with English support
• Personal liability — if you injure someone or damage property
• Trip cancellation / interruption — if you prepaid flights and hotels
• Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
• COVID or other infectious disease — confirm current terms; many policies now include or exclude explicitly

Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or policy wording — cheap plans often exclude the risks you need most.

Motorbike and scooter note

Riding a scooter is popular with tourists — and a common insurance trap.

• Many standard policies exclude riding a motorbike unless you hold a valid motorcycle licence and the bike is under a size limit (often 125–250 cc).
• Riding without a Thai or recognised licence can void both insurance and any rental agreement.
• Wearing a helmet is legally required; riding without one may invalidate claims.
• If you plan to ride, buy a motorcycle add-on or specialist adventure policy.

Thai law treats unlicensed riding seriously — we see tourists pay hospital bills out of pocket every high season.

Hospitals and how billing works

Thailand has world-class private hospitals (Bangkok Hospital, Bumrungrad, Samitivej, and regional branches) and affordable public facilities. Tourists usually go private for English-speaking staff and shorter waits.

• Private hospitals may ask for a deposit or credit card before treatment if you have no insurance letter.
• Keep all receipts and medical reports for claims.
• Call your insurer’s emergency line before elective treatment when possible.

More detail: our medical and hospitals guide.

Adventure and sports activities

Check exclusions for:

• Scuba diving (depth limits, certification requirements)
• Rock climbing, zipline, bungee, paragliding
• Jet skis and water sports
• Trekking in remote areas
• Motocross and off-road riding

Buy a rider or dedicated policy if you will do these. See also our activities you must try page for inspiration — and insure accordingly.

Before you buy

• Buy before leaving home — “buy on arrival” policies may exclude pre-existing events.
• Check whether your credit card travel insurance is enough (often low limits, strict exclusions).
• Save policy number, emergency phone, and PDF on your phone offline.
• Tell a family member your policy details.