Best Travel Insurance for Asia 2026 (With Direct Billing)

Best Travel Insurance for Asia 2026: Traveling in Asia is different from Europe. Your national health card is useless, and private hospitals often require an immediate financial guarantee before treatment.

Living locally, I have selected the only insurance policies capable of paying the hospital directly (direct billing), without asking you to advance thousands of dollars, whether you are a tourist or a digital nomad.

Why an “Asia-specific” insurance is essential

1) Private hospitalization: the norm in Asia

In several Asian destinations, public hospitals can be overcrowded and the language barrier is real.
In case of a medical issue, you will often be directed to international private hospitals (e.g., in Bangkok).
The service is excellent, but so are the prices.

2) Upfront medical expenses: the #1 criterion

Many travelers think they are covered by their credit card, but these insurances often require you to pay first and then get reimbursed.
In Asia, advancing thousands of dollars can quickly become a problem.

3) Scooters, accidents, and tropical diseases

In Thailand and Indonesia, two-wheeler accidents are frequent. Dengue fever can also require hospitalization.
Always check the exclusions (helmet, license, alcohol, extreme sports).

 

Quick comparison: the best Asia travel insurances (2026)

Simple table, readable on mobile (horizontal scroll if needed). The Price & Quote column is highlighted.

This comparison focuses on insurances actually used in Asia, capable of handling hospitalization in international private hospitals.

Which insurance to choose according to your profile?

🎒 Short stays (< 90 days)

For classic holidays of 2 or 3 weeks, your priority is simplicity and the medical limit.

👉 My choice: Heymondo (see price -5%)

Its app allows you to contact assistance in one click, which is very reassuring.

Budget alternative: ACS Globe Partner

(for younger profiles and tight budgets).

🌏 Long stay / Backpacking Asia

Are you leaving for 6 months to do the Thailand – Vietnam – Cambodia loop? You need maximum flexibility and coverage that follows you from country to country.

👉 My choice: Chapka Cap Aventure. This policy is renewable from abroad and very comprehensive.

💻 Digital Nomads

If you live in Bali or Chiang Mai with no return date, you need a hybrid “international health” insurance with a monthly subscription.

👉 My choice: SafetyWing (see offer). It’s the standard for nomads.
Note: Be aware, there is often a $250 deductible.

Specifics according to your destination

Zoom on the companies

Heymondo

Heymondo is currently one of the best compromises for a short trip to Asia.
It stands out with a highly efficient mobile app, allowing you to quickly contact assistance, even without a local SIM card.
It is a reassuring option for travelers who want to avoid advancing medical expenses at the hospital.
👉 Ideal for: short stays, couples, families, first-time travelers to Asia.

Chapka

Chapka is a safe bet for travelers looking for solid and well-structured coverage.
Its policies are particularly suited to families, more “committed” trips, and long-term stays.
Assistance and repatriation management is one of its strong points.
👉 Ideal for: long stays, Asia tours, families, cautious profiles.

SafetyWing

SafetyWing has become a benchmark among digital nomads thanks to its monthly subscription model.
The flexibility is excellent for trips with no return date, but you must fully understand the contract’s limits.
The presence of a deductible and lower limits than classic travel insurances must be taken into account.
👉 Ideal for: nomads, temporary expatriation, multi-country trips.

ACS

ACS offers highly competitive plans for travelers on a controlled budget.
Some offers are very attractive for young profiles and short stays, provided you carefully check the limits and exclusions.
It’s an effective solution if price is a deciding factor.
👉 Ideal for: tight budgets, travelers under 40, short stays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is credit card insurance enough?

It can help out for less than 90 days, but limits are sometimes insufficient and advancing medical expenses is difficult.
You will often have to pay yourself before getting reimbursed.

Is riding a scooter covered?

Often yes, but only if you comply with the conditions (helmet, valid license, no alcohol).

Do I need Covid insurance in 2026?

It is no longer mandatory in most countries, but hospitalization related to Covid remains a covered medical expense depending on the contract.

Verdict: which insurance to choose?

• Tourist trip: Heymondo
• Digital nomad: SafetyWing
• Maximum security: Chapka
• Budget: ACS

✅ Get my Heymondo quote (5% off included)