Finding the right Thailand travel insurance is not just a formality; it’s an essential step for accessing private clinics without large upfront payments. While Thailand is a dream destination with its idyllic beaches, golden temples, and fascinating culture, proper preparation is vital to handle the unexpected. A simple accident or illness can quickly turn the perfect trip into a logistical and financial nightmare. This page is your most comprehensive resource to understand, choose, and purchase the best travel insurance for Thailand, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Note: Although this guide uses Thailand as the main example, the insurance providers we recommend (Heymondo, ACS, Chapka) offer international coverage. They are perfectly valid for your trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the rest of the world. The advice and comparisons on this page will help you choose the best option, regardless of your destination.
Our Recommended Insurances for Thailand
Choosing the best insurance depends on your traveler profile. Here is our selection for a worry-free trip.
- ✅ Heymondo: The best overall value for money (-5% via our link).
- ✅ ACS: The most affordable plans, ideal for travelers under 40.
- ✅ Chapka: The specialist for long stays and adventure travel.
Compare Offers and Get a Quote
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Is Insurance for Thailand Mandatory?
The Strong Recommendation of Official Authorities
Although travel insurance is no longer technically mandatory for a tourist stay since 2022, authorities like the U.S. Department of State and the UK Foreign Office describe it as essential. This strong recommendation is based on several unavoidable realities of the Thai healthcare system.
Official guidance highlights the following points:
- Healthcare costs can be very high, especially in private Thai hospitals which offer higher quality care.
- Embassies and consulates cannot, under any circumstances, cover these costs. Without insurance, you are solely responsible for all expenses.
- Without proof of financial coverage, you risk not being able to access care, even in a life-threatening emergency.
In summary, the lack of a social security agreement between most Western countries and Thailand makes an insurance contract covering medical care and evacuation essential.
Case of Long-Stay Visas
⚠️ Specific Visas and Mandatory Insurance
Heads up: While insurance is not mandatory for tourism, it is required for certain long-stay visas (e.g., Retirement Visa OA, OX visa). These visas may have specific criteria: minimum coverage limits, hospitalization coverage, and validity period.
Focus: Insurance for the Retirement Visa (O-A)
For travelers planning an extended stay, such as retirees with a Non-Immigrant O-A visa, insurance requirements are no longer just a recommendation but a strict and mandatory condition. Your visa application will be rejected if these criteria are not met.
Here are the key points to verify with your insurer:
- Minimum Coverage: The insurance must cover at least 3,000,000 THB (approx. $85,000) for medical expenses and hospitalization.
- Official Certificate: The insurer must fill, sign, and stamp the official form called the “Foreign Insurance Certificate”. A simple proof of insurance is not enough.
- Validity Period: The coverage must be valid for a full year.
For more information and to see the list of approved insurers, you can visit the official website: longstay.tgia.org.
Conclusion: Before choosing an insurance for a long-stay visa, confirm that the provider (like Chapka with its Cap Adventure policy) can provide this specific certificate.
Why Getting Insurance is Essential: The Risks Covered
Good insurance isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind. Here are the guarantees that make all the difference.
Medical Expenses: The #1 Risk
This is the most important guarantee. Costs vary significantly depending on the chosen facility:
- Consultation for a sore throat or ear infection: $65-$130 in a private clinic, varies by public/private facility.
- Hospitalization for dengue fever: $2,200-$5,500 for a few days, depending on severity and facility.
- Scooter accident with a fracture: $8,700-$16,300 including surgery and follow-up, varies by public/private facility.
A good Thailand travel insurance covers these costs and gives you access to the best healthcare system without breaking the bank.
🏄♂️ Adventure Sports: Check Your Coverage
If you plan activities like diving in Thailand, trekking, or renting a scooter (see our guide to renting a scooter in Thailand), verify that your insurance covers these activities. Many standard policies exclude them by default.
Medical Evacuation: The Vital Guarantee
In case of a serious accident or severe illness, it may be impossible to take a standard commercial flight. Medical evacuation involves transporting you in a medical aircraft with a dedicated medical team. This operation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, is a non-negotiable guarantee.
Trip Cancellation: Protecting Your Investment
This guarantee reimburses you for non-refundable expenses (flights, hotels) if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (serious illness of yourself or a relative, visa issues, etc.).
Other Essential Guarantees
- Liability: Covers you if you accidentally cause property damage or bodily harm to someone.
- Baggage Loss or Theft: Compensates you for the loss of your personal belongings.
- Legal Assistance: Covers attorney fees in case of issues with local law.
Credit Card Insurance: The Limits to Know
Many travelers think they are covered by their credit card’s insurance, but as our detailed guide on credit card travel protection explains, this is rarely sufficient for Thailand. The main limitations are:
- Often insufficient coverage limits: Around $168,000 for medical expenses, which can be tight for a long hospitalization.
- High deductibles: Often $50 or more out-of-pocket.
- Limited duration: Usually only covers trips shorter than 3 months from the date of entry.
- Frequent exclusions: Risky sports, certain activities, high age limits.
For a worry-free stay, dedicated travel insurance remains the safest solution.
How to Choose the Right Insurance for Thailand
To make the right choice, three criteria should be carefully analyzed.
✅ Before You Buy, Check:
- Medical coverage limit (minimum $160,000, ideally $540,000+)
- Medical evacuation included (at actual cost)
- Deductible (prefer zero or very low)
- Planned sports and activities are covered
- Exclusions and age limits
- Duration: trip >/< 90 days
Analyze Coverage Limits
The limit is the maximum amount the insurer will reimburse. For Thailand, we recommend a minimum medical coverage of $160,000, but a limit of $540,000 or more is ideal for optimal coverage.
Check the Deductibles
The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket in case of a claim. Prefer policies with no deductible or a very low one (e.g., $30) to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Read the Policy Exclusions
Always read the fine print. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions that are not stable or engaging in certain risky sports. If you plan specific activities, ensure they are covered or purchase a dedicated add-on.
Our Selection of the Best Insurance for Thailand
| Insurance | Ideal For | Trustpilot Score | Number of Reviews | Medical Coverage | Price (2 weeks) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heymondo (Travel) |
Excellent value, no upfront medical fees | 4.6 / 5 | + 870 | Up to $540,000 | ~ $48 | Quote -5% |
| Chapka (Cap Assistance) |
Short stays, families, and groups, cancellation option | 4.5 / 5 | + 2,600 | Up to $215,000 | ~ $50 | See Offer |
| ACS (Globe Partner) |
Most affordable for travelers under 40 | 4.2 / 5 | + 260 | Up to $325,000 | From $18 | See Offer |
| ACS (Globe Traveller) |
Families, comprehensive and modular multi-risk | 4.2 / 5 | + 260 | Up to $540,000 | ~ $60 (est.) | See Offer |
| Chapka (Cap Aventure) |
Long stays (+3 months), round-the-world trips | 4.5 / 5 | + 2,600 | Actual cost | From $225 (3 months) | See Offer |
To help you choose the offer best suited to your profile and trip, here is a detailed analysis of each insurer.
Heymondo: The Best Value for Money
Heymondo remains one of our top recommendations as it offers an excellent compromise for most travelers on a short stay in Thailand.
For whom: Stays < 90 days, families, couples, solo travelers.
Strengths:
- 5% instant discount by using our link.
- Very high medical expense limits (up to $540,000).
- No upfront payment for hospitalization, a major advantage.
- Responsive 24/7 English-speaking assistance via a very practical mobile app.
Limits:
- Less competitive for stays longer than 90 days (dedicated plan required).
Enjoy a 5% discount on your Heymondo insurance!
Get your personalized quote in less than a minute.
ACS: Affordable and Customizable Plans
ACS stands out with very competitive policies, particularly suited for young travelers and those looking for flexibility.
For whom: Budget-conscious travelers, young people under 40, and those seeking tailor-made insurance.
1. Globe Partner (< 40 years): The ultra-affordable solution for essential coverage (medical expenses up to $325,000, evacuation). Perfect for young travelers who stick to the essentials.
2. Globe Traveller (< 66 years): A flexible multi-risk policy with selectable coverage limits, useful options (cancellation, risky sports), and a 10% discount for families. The free VPN bonus is a real plus.
Compare ACS Insurance Offers
Find the plan that suits you between Globe Partner and Globe Traveller.
Chapka: The Specialist for Adventure and Long Stays
Chapka is a benchmark for travelers with specific profiles, whether they are leaving for a short trip or a long adventure.
For whom: Ideal for round-the-world trips, working holidays, digital nomads, and traveling families.
1. Cap Assistance 24/7 (< 90 days): Excellent insurance for classic holidays. It includes very high medical limits (up to $1,000,000 depending on the destination), evacuation, and a very comprehensive cancellation option.
2. Cap Aventure (> 90 days): The flagship policy for long trips. It covers medical expenses at 100% and without a deductible (up to $215,000), evacuation, and risky sports (diving up to 40m, trekking…), making it a top choice for round-the-world trips or extended stays in Thailand.
Explore Chapka Insurances
Whether for holidays or a round-the-world trip, find the formula adapted to your project.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tip
For a family trip, Chapka and ACS (Globe Traveller) offer attractive discounts. Compare their offers to find the most advantageous one for your tribe.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you leave, make sure you have:
📋 To Check Before Departure
- ☐ Insurance certificate (paper + smartphone copy)
- ☐ 24/7 assistance number accessible offline
- ☐ Copies of documents (passport, visa, driver’s license)
- ☐ International Driving Permit if renting a scooter
- ☐ Personal medications + prescriptions
- ☐ Vaccinations up to date as recommended
Conclusion
Travel insurance for Thailand is not just a line item on a budget; it’s the safety net that allows you to fully enjoy every moment without fearing the financial consequences of an unforeseen event. It’s a small investment for immense peace of mind, essential for discovering the Land of Smiles in the best possible conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does good insurance for Thailand cost?
The price varies greatly depending on the length of stay, age, and coverage. You can find basic coverage starting from $18 with ACS Globe Partner for a short trip. For comprehensive multi-risk insurance for two weeks, generally expect to pay between $45 and $85 per person.
Can I buy insurance if I’m already in Thailand?
Yes, several specialized insurers allow it, often with a waiting period. This is the case for Heymondo and Chapka, for example. However, it is always advisable to check the conditions of each policy and subscribe before departure.
Is my credit card insurance sufficient?
Unfortunately, often not. Credit card insurances have much lower medical expense limits (often around $168,000, which can be tight), high deductibles, and only cover trips shorter than 90 days. Their guarantees are rarely sufficient for a country like Thailand.
Which insurance for a long stay or a digital nomad visa?
For stays longer than 90 days, a specific “long-stay” insurance policy is essential. Chapka’s Cap Aventure policy is a benchmark in this field, specially designed for round-the-world and extended trips. It is often a condition for obtaining certain visas.