Best Travel Insurance For Thailand 2026

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. Wherever you’re planning to go, do remember to buy your travel insurance as it’ll cover you for any unexpected events or natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

Travel Requirements To Enter Thailand

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.

Top 10 Things To Do In Thailand

Visit iconic landmarks in Bangkok

The Grand Palace, which has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782, and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are notable landmarks to take a look at when going to Bangkok.

Explore the temples of Ayutthaya

Known as the ancient capital of Thailand for centuries it boasts of rich historic charms despite being destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The ruins of the city that remain till today have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most beautiful temples in Thailand.

Discover Chiang Mai

Head north to Chiang Mai, known for its historic Old City surrounded by a moat. Explore ornate temples, including Doi Suthep with its panoramic views and take part in a traditional Thai cooking class or shop at local markets.

Relax in Phuket

Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea on the stunning beaches of Phuket. Patong, Kata, and Karon Beaches are popular choices. Don't miss the iconic Big Buddha and indulge in water sports and island-hopping adventures.

Go island hopping

Embark on a tropical adventure by exploring islands like Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao where you’ll be mesmerised by the crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a range of water activities.

Meet elephants at conservation sanctuaries

Besides the Elephant Jungle Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai and Phuket, elephant conservation areas in less touristy provinces like Sukhothai province and Surin province focus on providing a natural and comfortable environment for the elephants to roam freely, while providing visitors opportunities to learn about their conservation and welfare efforts.

Trekking in Northern Thailand

Head to the lush jungles of Northern Thailand near Chiang Rai for exciting trekking experiences and discover tribal villages and pristine waterfalls.

Experience Thai festivals

Immerse yourself in Thai culture by participating in vibrant festivals like Songkran, the Thai New Year, where you'll engage in epic water fights, or Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights.

Cruise into Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets

Located southwest of Bangkok, vendors there sell fruits, vegetables, and Thai street food from wooden boats. You’ll be able to explore the bustling waterways and take in the lively atmosphere of this unique cultural experience.

Do water sports in Krabi

Stroll down the breathtaking Railay Beach, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, join boat tours to the nearby Phi Phi Islands or go snorkelling there.

How To Choose Travel Insurance For Your Thailand Trip?

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 for certain countries. If you’ve yet to get a travel insurance plan, you may want to consider getting one before your trip and you can choose to get COVID-19 coverage either as an add-on benefit or as part of an existing plan which you already have.

Get sufficient coverage

Although price is one of the important things to consider when getting a 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

Unexpected severe illnesses or injuries while travelling 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.Having a travel insurance plan 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 on MoneySmart

How does travel insurance coverage come in handy when natural disasters or unexpected events happen?

Damaged/lost baggage reimbursements

Many travel insurance plans in Thailand won't cover disruptions caused by natural disasters like earthquakes. But some insurers, like Etiqa and DirectAsia, offer plans that reimburse you for lost or damaged luggage and belongings, even if the disruption is due to bad weather or it gets stolen or lost along the way! This protects you if something happens to your stuff that's beyond your control. Remember, there are limits on how much they'll reimburse per item, so check the details of each plan.

Trip cancellations and delays coverage

If your Thailand trip gets cut short or cancelled due to a travel delay caused by a natural disaster or unforeseen circumstances like flight issues or political unrest (undeclared officially by governments), some travel insurance plans will help you recoup your prepaid expenses for flights and hotels (minus any fees). This usually applies to cancellations within 30 days of your trip start date.

Medical expenses coverage

Some travel insurance plans, like those from Etiqa and DirectAsia, can cover medical expenses if you get injured due to a natural disaster in Thailand. This might include treatment costs both while you're there and after you return to Singapore. They'll typically pay the medical facility directly or a designated beneficiary. Remember, treatment needs to start within a specific time frame after you get back to Singapore, and there are coverage limits, so make sure you understand your plan details completely.