Travel Insurance for Thailand

Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?

Thailand does not currently require UK tourists to show travel insurance at the border, but it is one of the destinations where you most want it. Thailand's private hospitals are very good and used to treating tourists, but they can be expensive, and they will usually want a deposit or a guarantee of payment before treating you. If you are injured on an island, you may need a boat or flight to reach a hospital that can help. Your GHIC is no use in Thailand.

Travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment, transfer to a suitable hospital, repatriation, cancellation and baggage. The 24-hour assistance line can deal with the hospital directly so you are not left arranging payment yourself.

Which area covers Thailand?

For a single trip, choose Thailand as your destination, and add any other countries you are visiting. For annual cover, Thailand falls under worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Our Asia travel insurance page has more on multi-country trips in the region.

Scooters and mopeds in Thailand

Hiring a scooter is cheap and easy in Thailand, and it is behind a large share of the accidents involving British tourists. It is also one of the most common reasons travel insurance claims are declined. Policies that cover riding a moped or motorbike usually require you to:

1. Hold a full UK licence that covers the size of bike you are riding
2. Wear a helmet, even as a passenger
3. Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

A UK car licence on its own is often not enough, so check the conditions in your policy wording before you ride.

Diving, island-hopping and activities

Koh Tao is one of the most popular places in the world to learn to dive. Many policies cover diving to a certain depth, often depending on your qualification, so read our FAQ on scuba diving. Snorkelling, kayaking, cookery classes and jungle treks are popular too, and our list of sports and activities shows what is included.

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is famous for a reason, but claims connected to alcohol or drugs are usually refused. Take care around fire shows and in the sea at night.

Health in Thailand

Speak to your GP or a travel clinic about travel vaccinations several weeks before you go. Dengue fever is present in Thailand, so use insect repellent, and be careful with street food and tap water if you have a sensitive stomach. Heat and sunburn catch out a lot of people in the first few days.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening when you get a quote. Take enough medication for the whole trip, and check our guide to travelling abroad with medication, as some medicines need a permit in Thailand.

Single trip, annual or backpacker cover?

A single trip policy suits a two or three-week holiday. If you are spending months travelling around South East Asia, backpacker insurance is designed for longer trips. And if you travel long-haul a couple of times a year, an annual multi-trip policy might cost less overall.

Before you go

UK passport holders can currently visit Thailand visa-free for a limited stay, and all visitors are expected to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arriving. The visa-free period has changed more than once, so check the FCDO travel advice for Thailand and the Thai embassy before you book.

Our Thailand country guide has more on entry requirements, climate and money, and our blog explains why Thailand is worth the trip.