Travel Insurance for Thailand

Welcome to Thailand, a gem packed with both nature’s wonders and incredible human creations. The nation draws millions of tourists each year to explore its temple ruins, visit elephant sanctuaries and enjoy tropical beaches.
If you’re itching to book your next adventure to Thailand, don’t forget one critical thing first: travel insurance! In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about travel insurance for Thailand.

1. What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Thailand? 
2. How does Travel Insurance for Thailand Work?
3. Do I need Travel Insurance for Thailand? 
4. How much does Travel Insurance cost for Thailand? 
5. Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
6. What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
7. Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Thailand?
8. Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your Travel Insurance cover for a trip to Thailand?

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Thailand should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.
AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.  
   
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events. 
   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation. 
   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage. 
   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Thailand.

How does Travel Insurance for Thailand Work?

Imagine this: you’re exploring the night markets of Patpong, trying new foods and exotic tastes that Thailand has to offer. Suddenly, you feel queasy and uneasy, the snacks you have been snacking on seem to have been spoiled and you’re feeling ill. With AXA Travel Protection, we could help assist or guide you to the nearest hospital.
Whether the situation goes from bad to worse, AXA is there to help you create a plan of action.

Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:
 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Thailand?

So, do you need travel insurance for Thailand? The short answer is no. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand has dropped its requirement for travelers to have insurance for entry. However, it’s still highly recommended that you have a plan before embarking on your next trip.
 

• Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in Thailand, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

• Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

• Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

How much does Travel Insurance cost for Thailand?

In general, travel insurance to Thailand costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost: The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age: Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Thailand will be offered three tiers of insurance: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan, each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Thailand hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for Thailand’s experience. "Cancel for Any Reason" offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring Thailand's stunning landscapes in a rental car.

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency Medical
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation 
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation 

Emergency Medical: Unexpected incidents that arise, such as broken bones, burns, unexpected illnesses and allergic reactions.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. 

Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: This can cover evacuation assistance when you need to leave a destination immediately for non-medical-related events. These could be things like natural disasters or civil unrest.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for Travelers to Thailand?

No. Thailand has dropped all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers from the United States.
 

Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions?

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.
Our Gold and Platinum Plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons,
What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a preexisting medical condition, so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period.

We're here to make sure you travel with ease, no matter your health situation.

FAQ

1. Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked. It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.)

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip.
Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

2. Do Americans need travel insurance in Thailand?

No, travel insurance is not currently required to visit Thailand.

3. What is needed to visit Thailand from the USA?

If you're visiting Thailand from the USA, all you need is your passport. Your passport needs to be valid at least six months beyond the date of your arrival.

4. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Thailand?

If you become sick in Thailand, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline at 855-327-1442. Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions. AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.