Best Travel Insurance Thailand 2023 — Cover Your Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai Trip
Thailand is a popular travel destination for many Singaporeans and being just a mere 2.5-hour away by flight, it makes it even faster for us to get there for a quick getaway or even business-related events. Whether it’s Bangkok, Phuket or up north in Chiang Mai, Thailand has many tourist-friendly spots with affordable and fantastic options for shopping and dining. Plus, the coastal areas offer beautiful resorts and opportunities for sea sports.
With Thailand's recent announcement to scrap on-arrival COVID-19 tests from May, plus its “Test & Go” programme, it’ll be much easier for us to travel to Thailand again. At the moment, if you cannot wait until May to go to Thailand, you’ll still have to do the on-arrival PCR test, and getting travel insurance with COVID-19 medical coverage is mandatory, so do remember to purchase one before happily flying off to the land of smiles.
By 1 July 2022, foreigners are no longer required to purchase a mandatory travel insurance before going to Thailand.
COVID-19 Travel Requirements To Enter Thailand
Following the launch of Thailand’s “Test & Go” programme and the recent announcement of the on-arrival PCR tests being scrapped, there has been some changes in requirements for travellers entering Thailand, while the other requirements remain unchanged i.e. the mandatory purchase of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, certified COVID-19 vaccination, the type of Thailand government-approved Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certified hotels which you are allowed to book, and other procedures which we will cover shortly.
COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine requirements
Currently, the on-arrival RT-PCR test is still required if you're a non-Thai citizen, fully vaccinated and travelling to Thailand. You’ll also need to present proof (digital/printed) of your COVID-19 Vaccination as well, with the last dose (double dose) taken 14 days before travelling to Thailand. Thereafter, you’ll have to wait for the test result within a government-approved SHA hotel. Anyone travelling with you that is 6 years old and below will need to go through a similar process, just that they will be doing a saliva test instead of the RT-PCR test.
For those who are partially vaccinated, you’ll go through the same process as an unvaccinated traveller, which means you have to be quarantined for 5 days and take the PCR test again on day 5 of the quarantine period.
If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 before your trip to Thailand (within a period of 14 days to 3 months), you’ll need to show a certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery. Having the official letter will have you exempted from the required 5-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing during day 5 of the quarantine.
VISA application
Unless you’re from one of the countries which are on a Visa-free entry agreement with Thailand, you’ll have to apply for the single entry tourist visa to enter Thailand as a tourist or other types of visa if you’re visiting Thailand for other reasons like business events or medical treatments.
- Visa-free entry
According to the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore, travellers from over 30 countries which are on a “Visa Exemption Scheme” agreement with Thailand, do not need to apply for a visa to enter Thailand as a tourist for a single entry. This is only if you’re staying in Thailand for less than 30 days.
- Single entry Tourist visa
If your country is not on the “Visa Exemption Scheme” list, you may apply for the single entry tourist visa to enter Thailand once within 3 months from the date of your application, and it is valid for a maximum of 60 days.
- Business/working visa
Also known as Non-Immigrant Visa-B, this business/working entry visa is valid for a longer staying period of 90 days and for those who have businesses in Thailand, are investors of condominiums in Thailand or have a Thai bank account and/or purchased a Thai government bond with the equivalent amount of not less than 3 million Baht.
- Tourist Medical Treatment visa
This is only for travellers who need to receive medical treatment in Thailand (excluding treatments for COVID-19), including their travel companions i.e. no more than 3 immediate family members.
- Special Tourist visa and others
Specially designed for yacht owners, Master of Yacht, crews and Non-Thai travellers who travel to Thailand by yachts and stay in Thailand for a period up to 90 days (can be extended 2 times, 90 days each), this visa requires a revision every 15 days by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. Other types of visa include Elite Visa, SMART Visa and more which you can find out at the Thai Embassy website
Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certified hotels (SHA)
The SHA or Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) is part of an initiative by the Authority of Thailand (TAT) to ensure safety standards for hotels and other tourism-related services to have measures in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
So for those who need to serve your quarantine period of 5 days or if you’re a fully vaccinated traveller just waiting for your on-arrival PCR test results, you’ll need to be quarantined in any of the Thailand government-approved Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certified hotels.
Requirements for Air Travel to Thailand
Travelling by air to Thailand includes several requirements that include:
- A valid negative PCR test result (test to be taken upon arrival at one of the SHA hotels while waiting for the result)
- A Thailand pass which can be purchased online via https://tp.consular.go.th/
- Proof of pre-payment for 1 night of accommodation at a government-approved SHA hotel
- A valid negative RT-PCR test result on Day 1 and a valid negative Antigen Self Test (self-ATK) result on Day 5 (for Test & Go and Sandbox Travellers)
- Mandatory travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related medical and evacuation expenses (minimum coverage of US$20,000)
How To Choose Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage For Thailand?
Travelling before the COVID-19 pandemic was different from now, as there were much lesser factors to consider especially when you’re deciding on a suitable travel insurance. Many countries have introduced stricter entry requirements for travellers and that includes mandatory purchase of travel insurance. If you’ve yet to get a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage, you can choose to buy COVID-19 coverage either as an add-on benefit or as part of an existing plan which you already have.
Here are 6 steps to help you get started:
Update your vaccination status
Taking your booster dose is required even if you’re fully vaccinated with the previous 2 or more doses, so as to have a valid fully vaccinated status. You’ll also need to make sure that you’re fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand. It’ll be worth the effort to ensure you’re fully vaccinated so that you can skip the 10-day quarantine process at a designated SHA Plus Hotel in selected parts of Thailand.
Get coverage with COVID-19 extension
Although price is one of the important things to consider when getting a COVID-19 travel insurance plan, you should also compare the benefits and reimbursement limits for claims like COVID-19 related medical expenses, trip cancellations, flight delays and baggage theft and/or damage.
Check if you have any pre-existing conditions
COVID-19 related situations could impact any pre-existing condition that you and/or your loved ones and friends may have, and only a handful of travel insurers will cover you for claims relating to your pre-existing medical conditions such as pregnancy, injuries or illnesses sustained during the trip if any of you get diagnosed with COVID-19.
Having a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage which will give you in-patient hospitalisation expenses overseas coverage that allows you to claim for medical, surgical, nursing or hospital charges, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, will prepare you better for such unexpected situations.
Take a look at different policy premiums
The premium that you fork out for your travel insurance really depends on your destination and length of stay. Many travel insurance companies have about 2 to 3 tiers of plans at different price points, with different levels of comprehensiveness and reimbursement limits.
Be prepared with extreme sports coverage
Thailand has many great spots for exciting adventures including water sports and extreme sports, but the breadth of coverage needed largely depends on your itinerary. For instance, if you’re thinking of going diving at Pattaya, make sure you get a policy that covers diving sports like MSIG’s TravelEasy® Standard, Elite and Premier plans.
Consider coverage for terrorism, theft, damage or loss of baggage and more
While Thailand is generally safe for tourists, thefts are not uncommon in crowded tourist areas, just like in any country. Just keep in mind a few things when exploring places such as bringing a small bag that you can clip on close to your body while shopping in crowded markets like Chatuchak, exercising common sense and purchasing travel insurance that covers for loss of belongings, as well as trip cancellation or postponement and flight delay due to terrorist activities are also important.
Best Thailand Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage
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Best Thailand Travel Insurance Benefits Coverage
It could be affordable premiums or pre-existing conditions coverage or even the highest overseas medical coverage in the market that is the most attractive and beneficial factor to you as you decide on the most suitable plan for your Thailand trip. Before you really hit the “Apply Now” button to buy that travel insurance plan, let’s see what’s available for the various specific types of coverage, which can be useful if you’re still unsure of what’s best for you and your travel companions.
*Estimated premium rates are based on a 5D4N single trip plan to Thailand
What Is The Average Cost Of A COVID-19 Travel Insurance To Thailand?
With a plethora of travel insurance plans out there that offer COVID-19 coverage benefits at different price points, it can be a little overwhelming trying to do a comparison all by yourself. So we’d like to give you a hand at this. All you have to do is to choose one that suits you best by comparing the best travel insurance on Moneysmart.
To make things easier to understand, here’s an example to illustrate (with our round-up of the 6 best travel insurance plans with COVID-19 coverage for Thailand). Assuming that you’re going for a 5D4N Bangkok vacation with your friends, and you’re getting a single trip insurance plan for yourself.
Thailand Travel Insurance Plans With COVID-19 Benefits
| Travel insurance provider | Medical expenses due to COVID-19 coverage | Overseas quarantine allowance due to COVID-19 | Overseas hospital cash due to COVID-19 | Trip cancellation due to COVID-19 | Total premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singlife | Up to $5,000,000 | $500 total cap | $200 per day | Up to $20,000 | $34 - $67 |
| Allianz | Up to $1,000,000 | N.A. | N.A. | Up to $15,000 | $64 - $95 |
| Starr | Up to $1,000,000 | N.A. | $200 per day | Up to $15,000 | $27 - $46 |
| Bubblegum | Up to $150,000 | $100 per day | $100 per day | Up to $5,000 | $25 |
| AIG | Up to $100,000 | $1,400 total cap | N.A. | Up to $1,000 | $38 - $59 |
| FWD | Up to $100,000 | N.A. | $200 per day | Up to $1,000 | $21 - $34 |
Looking at the 6 travel insurers, we can see that there are differences and similarities in terms of certain benefits and how their premiums vary. The average cost of a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage for a 5D4N Bangkok trip is about $35, assuming that we take the most basic plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$25 + $34 + $64 + $27 + $38 + $21 = $209
$209 ÷ 6 = $35
If you have a preference for very extensive coverage for medical expenses in the situation that you or your travel companions get diagnosed with COVID-19, Singlife’s Prestige plan will give you the highest coverage limit of $5,000,000.
More cost-efficient options would be Bubblegum, FWD and Starr as they offer more affordable premiums. Despite offering lower premiums than Singlife, Starr and Allianz, the medical expenses coverage by Etiqa is quite comprehensive with a hefty maximum limit of $1,000,000, which is decent considering that there are others like AIG with a maximum claim benefit of up to only $100,000. Singlife, Allianz and Starr also provide higher coverage of up to $20,000 and $15,000 respectively, for trip cancellation in the event you’re down with COVID-19.
What Do Thailand COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans Cover And Not Cover?
While the COVID-19 coverage benefits for Thailand travel insurance plans may vary from insurer to insurer, the common aspects of coverage are often similar.
Usually include:
- Overseas COVID-19 diagnosis quarantine allowance
- Overseas hospital cash due to COVID-19
- Medical coverage due to COVID-19
- Coverage for trip cancellation/postponement due to COVID-19
- Emergency medical evacuation & repatriation
Usually exclude:
- Pre-Existing conditions
- Replacement of traveler or employee
- Extreme sports / sports played in a professional or competitive capacity
- Any travel against prohibitions/acts/travel alerts/bulletins by any government or public authority (except for specific COVID-19 situations)
- Illegal activities resulting in a conviction
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Bangkok?
- It is generally safe to travel to Bangkok, Thailand. However, stay vigilant and beware of conmen and pickpockets when going to crowded areas. When doing sea sports, go to licensed operators. In the event of a terrorist attack, follow instructions by official authorities.
Which travel insurance is the best for Thailand?
- For the cheapest travel insurance to Thailand, choose between FWD Premium or Aviva Travel Lite (if you are an MHA/MINDEF policyholder). These two have full terrorism cover and provide $200k to $250k worth of overseas medical expenses coverage.
Can you get travel insurance when already abroad?
- Technically, you can. However, many travel insurance providers impose restrictions on trip cancellation claims when known events are announced. This means that if you have not bought your travel insurance for your trip, you would not be able to claim for trip cancellation even if there is a valid reason such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster (e.g. tsunami). Therefore, it's always wise to buy travel insurance right after you confirm your travel plans.
Will pre-arrival and on-arrival PCR tests be covered in travel insurance to Thailand?
- Coverage for pre-arrival and on-arrival PCR tests really depends on the type of travel insurance plan you picked. For example, insurers like AXA and AIG do not cover expenses incurred for mandatory COVID-19 diagnostic tests or any pre-departure or post-departure testing.
On the other hand, there are some insurers like MSIG that offer free PCR test coverage for some of their plans i.e. Annual Trip plans. Others like Income travel insurance offer COVID-19 (PCR) swab tests at $124.2 along with a series of other types of pre-departure tests. If I get quarantined upon arrival in Thailand, can I claim for my quarantine stays with my COVID-19 travel insurance?
- It will be best to check with your insurance provider although most insurers will provide overseas quarantine allowance in their COVID-19 travel insurance plans.
Where do I get COVID-19 coverage for my travel insurance?
- You can either get COVID-19 coverage as an add-on benefit or as part of an existing insurance plan, through your preferred travel insurance mobile app, website or insurance agent. Some travel insurance companies provide COVID-19 coverage as an add-on benefit to an existing plan, while others include COVID-19 coverage benefits in their range of travel insurance plans.
Is it a must to provide proof of adequate finances during my stay in Thailand as a tourist?
- Yes. If you’re applying for a tourist visa, you must provide proof of adequate finances equivalent to at least 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family. For on-arrival-visa tourists, proof of adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family is required.
Can I still enter Thailand if my passport expires 6 months before my trip?
- It is a high probability that you will not be able to enter based on the requirements of Thailand. A pro tip (risky one), if your passport expires in less than 6 months before your trip, go for a manual check in instead of the self service check in and explain your situation to the counter staff, you may or may not be granted permission to leave Singapore. However, it is good practice to renew your passport at least 6-9 months before your passport expiry date for a better peace of mind.