Best Travel Insurance: Our Top Pick Is SafetyWing at $56/Month
takayuki
Nomadrista
Do You Really Need Medical Insurance for Your Trip to Thailand?
takayuki
Thailand is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, with major hotspots such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai attracting millions of tourists every year.
However, the risk of injury or sudden illness while traveling should not be overlooked. Many travelers in Thailand have faced unexpectedly high medical bills, and those without insurance often struggle to cover these costs.
Below are examples of medical cases that resulted in high expenses:
Motorcycle accident and major injuries – $63,100
Shortness of breath and pain after collision. Diagnosed with skull fracture, epidural hematoma, and clavicle fracture. Hospitalized for 28 days including surgery. Medical evacuation provided with doctor and nurse escort.
Speedboat accident – $45,180
Severe impact on the lower back while riding a speedboat. Diagnosed with lumbar compression fracture. Hospitalized for 7 days including surgery.
Lower back pain and numbness – $26,630
Visited hospital due to severe back pain and leg numbness. Diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. Hospitalized for 8 days and underwent surgery.
With medical costs like these, purchasing medical insurance before your trip to Thailand is strongly recommended.
The following insurance providers offer excellent cost performance, comprehensive coverage, and easy online enrollment:
No,1
SafetyWing
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$56.28 (not including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$250,000
Emergency Transportation
$20,000
Dental treatment
$1,000
Flight delays
$200
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
Without
Standby time
0 hours
No.2
World Nomads
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$220.43 (not including the US)
・$265.07 (including US)
・$265.07 (including US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$500
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$2,500
Standby time
72 hours
No.3
Heymondo
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$113.05 (not including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$450
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$1,700
Standby time
72 hours
This article explains why medical insurance is essential for traveling to Thailand and introduces recommended insurance plans that you can easily purchase online.
Contents
Safety Information for Thailand: What Travelers Should Know
According to the latest Overseas Safety Advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some regions in Thailand remain under travel warnings.
Popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket currently have no active travel advisories.
However, safety conditions may change, so it is important to check the most up-to-date Thailand travel advisory on the official MOFA website before your trip.
Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Traveling to Thailand?
Some countries require travelers to show proof of medical insurance upon entry.
For example, the Czech Republic mandates that visitors present valid medical insurance at the border, and travelers must carry their insurance certificate along with their passport during their stay to avoid fines.
» Which Countries Require Travel Insurance to Enter?
However, Thailand does not require medical insurance for short-term stays.
That said, medical insurance becomes mandatory if you are applying for a long-term visa in Thailand.
Even for short trips, unexpected accidents or illnesses can lead to high medical costs, so having travel medical insurance is strongly recommended to protect yourself during your visit.
Troubles and Illnesses to Watch Out for When Traveling in Thailand
Thailand is generally considered a safe country. In popular tourist areas, many people say it is safe enough for women to walk alone at night. However, travelers should still stay alert and take basic precautions.
Besides safety issues, here are some common problems travelers may experience in Thailand:
1. Traffic Accidents
Thailand has a high number of traffic accidents, and pedestrian right-of-way is often not respected. Many visitors are surprised by how little attention drivers pay to pedestrians.
Motorbikes, taxis, and tuk-tuks move quickly and unpredictably, which can be dangerous for travelers unfamiliar with local traffic conditions.
If you plan to ride a motorbike or use motorbike taxis, be very cautious. And if you drive on your own, having insurance is highly recommended.
2. Food Poisoning
Thailand offers delicious food everywhere, from restaurants to street stalls. However, hygiene levels can vary. First-time visitors may find some food stalls less clean than expected.
If you’re concerned about cleanliness, avoid street food and pay attention to untreated water, ice, and raw vegetables.
If you experience stomach problems or symptoms of food poisoning, visit a clinic or hospital promptly for proper treatment.
3. Colds
Even though Thailand is a warm country, many indoor spaces—such as trains, shopping malls, and cafes—use very strong air conditioning. The sudden temperature difference can make travelers more likely to catch a cold.
Nighttime temperatures can also be cooler, adding to the risk. Over-the-counter medicine is easy to find at local pharmacies, so take action early if symptoms appear.
If your condition worsens, seek medical attention right away to prevent complications.
Be Aware of Petty Crimes When Traveling in Thailand
Petty crimes, such as theft and scams targeting tourists, occur frequently in Thailand.
These incidents are especially common in crowded tourist spots and busy urban areas, so travelers should stay alert.
Here are some common examples of petty crimes to watch out for:
1. Theft in Tourist Areas
Travelers often become targets when they leave their belongings unattended at cafes or restaurants.
In food courts, shopping malls, or cafes, always keep your bags and smartphones with you. Even a brief moment of distraction can result in theft.
2. Pickpocketing on Public Transportation
Pickpocketing is reported frequently during rush hours in Bangkok, especially on trains and buses.
Although Bangkok is generally safe, crowded areas make travelers easy targets.
3. Theft at Beaches or Pools
In beach resorts such as Phuket or Pattaya, belongings are often stolen while travelers are swimming.
Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or at poolside areas.
4. Scams by Fake Police Officers
There have been cases where scammers posing as police officers approach tourists and ask to check their passports or wallets, then claim a fake violation and demand payment.
Real police officers do not request on-the-spot fines, so refuse suspicious requests and report the incident to the nearest police station.
5. Theft in Nightlife Districts
Nightlife areas in Thailand, such as Bangkok’s entertainment districts and Pattaya’s Walking Street, see frequent reports of bag snatching and pickpocketing.
When going out at night, carry only essential valuables or avoid bringing them altogether.
Recommended Online Travel Insurance for Thailand
If you experience an unexpected accident or illness while traveling in Thailand, medical bills can be surprisingly high. There is also the risk of theft or other travel-related problems.
To protect yourself from these situations, it is highly important to purchase travel insurance before your trip.
Below are three recommended travel insurance providers that you can easily apply for online:
- SafetyWing
: A cost-effective travel insurance option that can be purchased online the same day. You can also enroll from abroad with no waiting period. - World Nomads
: Offers comprehensive coverage, including medical insurance, trip protection, and theft coverage, making it suitable for active and long-term travelers. - Heymondo
: Provides plans designed for long-term stays, with medical coverage options of up to 10 million dollars and 24/7 support.
Choosing one of these insurance plans can help you enjoy your trip to Thailand with peace of mind and financial protection.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing offers affordable and comprehensive travel insurance, making it a popular choice for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Key Features of SafetyWing
- Monthly premium: 56.28 dollars
- Minimum coverage period: 5 days
- Immediate coverage available, even if you enroll while already abroad
- 24/7 customer support via live chat
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
The detailed insurance coverage is outlined below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $1,000 |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 |
| Flight delays | $200 |
| Theft of passports | $100 |
| Car Accident | $250,000 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $250,000 |
| At the time of death | $20,000 |
SafetyWing provides medical coverage of up to 250,000 dollars, making it a cost-effective option for travelers who want solid medical protection at an affordable price.
The monthly premium starts at just 56.28 dollars, and you can adjust the coverage period to match the exact number of days you plan to travel.
You can easily get a personalized quote based on your travel schedule on the SafetyWing official website.
World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance service that provides strong coverage even in countries with high medical expenses, such as the United States.
It protects travelers not only from illness and injury but also from accidents related to adventure activities and sports.
Key Features of World Nomads
- Insurance fees vary depending on your destination
(Example: $265.07 for a 4-week plan that includes coverage in the U.S.） - Maximum medical coverage of $5,000,000（unlimited coverage plans are also available）
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 customer support via phone or email
The detailed insurance benefits are listed below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Medical Transportation and Repatriation | $5,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $2,500 |
| Flight delays | $500 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $15,000 |
World Nomads offers medical coverage of up to 5 million dollars, with the option to choose an unlimited plan for even greater protection.
Premiums vary depending on your destination, and the entire application process can be completed easily online.
To find the best plan for your trip, start by getting a quote on the World Nomads website.
Heymondo
Heymondo is a cost-effective travel insurance option that offers broad coverage and flexible plans suitable for both short trips and long-term stays. It is especially popular among frequent travelers and digital nomads.
Key Features of Heymondo
- Cost-efficient three-month plan available for long-term travelers
- Premiums vary depending on the destination country
- Medical coverage limit of $5,000,000 million or up to $10,000,000 for higher-tier plans
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 customer support via phone or email
The detailed insurance coverage is outlined below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Extended Overnight Expenses | $1,800 |
| Emergency Transportation | $5,000,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $1,700 |
| Flight delays | $450 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $100,000 |
The standard plan, Travel Insurance Top, provides up to $5,000,000 in medical coverage, while the premium plan, Travel Insurance Premium, offers an increased coverage limit of $10,000,000.
You can easily check detailed insurance quotes on the Heymondo website.
Thank you for reading all the way through!
If you’re looking for the best travel insurance options, be sure to check the following page:
Which overseas travel insurance is truly cost-effective?
Best Travel Insurance: Our Top Pick Is SafetyWing at $56/Month
We’ve carefully selected popular travel insurance providers and explained their features and benefits in detail, making it easy for you to find the insurance plan that best fits your needs.
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
