Thailand - Redpoint Travel Protection
Icon/Desktop/Search Created with Sketch.
Icon/Desktop/Search Created with Sketch.
Lao Lading island, Krabi Province, Thailand

Thailand

Thailand Travel Insurance

Why Travel Insurance is Essential for Thailand

Thailand is a top destination in Southeast Asia that is as loved by budget backpackers as it is by luxury travelers seeking rejuvenation. From the buzz of its busy capital city, Bangkok, to the laid-back islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan and the five-star hospitality at its leading resorts, Thailand offers something for every kind of traveler. It is also known for its warm and world-class hospitality, which creates an even more memorable trip for visitors.

Whether you're going to Thailand seeking adventure or ultimate relaxation, you're going to need travel insurance either way. While the country does have very high-quality medical facilities, paying for it out of pocket can quickly get expensive. Plus, problems like trip cancellation, trip disruption, lost luggage, or trip delay can happen on any trip, no matter the budget or itinerary. Read on to find out more about Thailand travel insurance and other helpful information about planning your trip.

Grand Palace in Bangkok city, Thailand

Health & Safety in Thailand

 

Medical Care and Hospitals

The Thai healthcare system is very high quality, especially in Bangkok, which attracts medical tourists to world-class facilities like Bumrungrad International Hospital. In addition to these private hospitals, which tend to cater to international patients, the country also has public hospitals and clinics. Public hospitals tend to be more affordable, but can have long wait times, while private facilities are more expensive. English-speaking medical professionals are commonly found in urban hospitals, though may be more rare in rural or remote areas.

No matter where you seek care when in Thailand, payment will likely be required up front, even in emergency situations. That’s why it’s essential to have travel insurance for Thailand, as emergency medical expenses can add up quickly and cause additional stress when you are urgently seeking care. It’s also wise to have emergency medical evacuation cover, in case you have an emergency that can’t be treated locally, and to carry proof of your insurance coverage as well as any emergency contact numbers.

Health Risks and Vaccinations

There are several health and safety concerns you’ll want to keep in mind while traveling in Thailand. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death for tourists. Travelers should exercise extreme caution when driving or riding as passengers on motorbikes, which are commonly used across Thailand, and always wear a helmet.

To avoid foodborne illness in Thailand, stick to bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked meats. Street food and informal vendors are common in Thailand as well as across Southeast Asia. Stick to vendors who are popular and recommended locally, as they are more likely to adhere to safe food practices.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are another concern. Dengue fever is present year-round, particularly during the rainy season, and other illnesses like chikungunya and, in rural areas, malaria may occur. In addition to taking steps to avoid insect bites, you may also need to take prescription medication to prevent malaria if traveling to certain regions.

While no vaccinations are required to visit Thailand, the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are also vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, measles, and if visiting certain areas, Japanese encephalitis. If you are an adventure traveler who plans to visit remote areas for activities like hiking/trekking or cycling, it’s especially important to visit a travel clinic prior to travel, as disease risks can be localized to particular regions. It’s always wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over-the-counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions.

Insurance Benefits and Coverage for a Trip to Thailand

 

What Does Thailand Travel Insurance Cover?

When considering travel insurance for Thailand, you will want to make sure your policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared — no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to Thailand is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or certain government advisories.

Travel medical insurance:

Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. Thai healthcare facilities are typically very high quality, but they also require payment for treatment up front, which is why travel medical insurance is essential. Keep in mind that your health insurance from home will not be accepted in most cases, and if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll also want to apply for a waiver when you purchase your policy.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. If you’re doing any adventurous travel such as kayaking, mountain biking, elephant tracking, or traveling through Thailand’s rural or more remote areas, then emergency evacuation coverage is particularly important to have. It will also cover repatriation in the event of a traveler’s death. You should look for a policy with at least $50,000 in emergency medical and $100,000 in evacuation coverage.

Baggage and personal belongings insurance:

This benefit covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip to Thailand.

Trip delay insurance:

Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

Optional add-ons:

There are several additional policy benefits you can add to your travel insurance depending on the nature of your trip. These include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if you think you may need to cancel for a reason not covered by the typical cancellation policy; extra protection for specialist or expensive gear; adventure sports travel insurance if you plan to do any extreme or dangerous activities; and rental car protection.

Choosing the Right Plan

Ripcord has a variety of plans suited for different trips to Thailand. For adventure travelers who want to explore Thailand’s caves and island coasts, Ripcord is an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation, perfect for trips to remote or rural destinations. Cavalry is suited for urban travelers who are seeking luxury and cultural experiences, while broadly sticking to major cities and established destinations such as Samui and Phuket. Meanwhile, Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler who is backpacking through Southeast Asia. You can compare all of Redpoint’s comprehensive plans and figure out which one might be right for your trip here.

Entry Requirements & Practical Information

Entry and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand need to have a passport with six months’ validity from the date of entry. A visa is not required for tourists visiting for less than 60 days, however, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system went into effect in May 2025, which requires all foreign visitors to register their trip electronically three days prior to arrival.

What To Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency in Thailand, emergency services can be contacted by dialing 191. In addition, Redpoint offers 24/7 support on its helpline to travelers who have an emergency or need assistance. If you are having trouble locating help locally, Redpoint’s associates can help connect you to the help you need on the ground.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Bangkok, and there is also a consulate office located in Chiang Mai. Officials there can help you with passport issues, emergency assistance, and legal issues.

Address: 95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Phone: +66-2-205-4000

Popular Activities and Adventure Travel in Thailand

Thailand has no shortage of activities for adventure travelers seeking a thrill. Hike lush trails in Chiang Mai, trek through hill tribe villages in the north, or cycle past rice paddies and temples in Sukhothai. In the winter, Thailand’s mountains in Chiang Mai and Nan Province are ideal to explore. Cultural tours reveal the rich heritage of Bangkok and Ayutthaya all year round. Just don’t forget to make sure that your travel insurance policy will cover any extreme or adventure travel activities you plan to do.

FAQs for Thailand Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance mandatory for Thailand?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Thailand, but it is always a risk to embark on overseas travel without adequate coverage. Should anything go wrong during your trip, such as a medical emergency or a disrupted itinerary, your out-of-pocket costs can easily exceed the price of a travel insurance policy.

What does Thailand travel insurance cover?

A comprehensive Thailand travel insurance policy should include medical care and emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover medical emergencies and unexpected costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

How much does travel insurance cost for Thailand?

Your travel insurance policy will be priced based on a range of factors including trip length, cost, age, and activities. Most of Redpoint's insurance plans range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs, however, the lower average cost of a trip to Thailand makes it one of the least expensive destinations to be insured for. For example, for a 28-day trip, a representative cost might be $216, or $8 per day.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Thailand?

Thailand has some of the highest quality medical facilities in the region, so if you get sick there, you shouldn't struggle to access the care you need. However, it's likely that you'll need to pay for your care up front, which is why it's so important to have travel medical insurance to recoup the cost of any emergency medical expenses.

Is healthcare free in Thailand for foreigners?

No, healthcare is not free for foreigners who are visiting Thailand. Medical costs can be high, especially in private clinics or hospitals that serve international patients.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to government advisories?

Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for cancellations due to government-issued travel advisories, but this depends on the timing and nature of the advisory, as well as when you purchase your policy. If you're worried about political conditions or you suspect you may need to cancel your trip, it's wise to add-on cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage for added flexibility.

Can I get coverage for pre-existing conditions?

This will vary from policy to policy and by insurance company. Redpoint allows you to apply for a waiver for any pre-existing medical conditions if you purchase your insurance policy within 15 days after making your initial trip deposit.

Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in Thailand?

Typically, you need to purchase travel insurance prior to departure for your trip, and ideally, as soon as possible after booking your trip. Some providers may issue policies once you're already in the country, but those policies may be costlier and have more exclusions.

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself on your trip to Thailand requires comprehensive travel insurance, and Redpoint Travel Protection has a global reputation for providing high quality policies to fit every traveler. It also offers 24/7 support to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trips. Explore Redpoint’s policies here.

Phra Nang Cave Beach with traditional long tail boat on Ao Phra Nang Beach, Railay Bay, Krabi, Thailand.