- The best travel insurance plans for Thailand
- Is it currently safe to travel to Thailand?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Thailand?
- Why take out travel insurance for Thailand?
- What your travel insurance for Thailand should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Thailand
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Thailand
- Will my current insurance cover me in Thailand?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Thailand: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Thailand covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is essential to cover potentially high overseas medical costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care in Thailand is expensive, potentially costing over $1,000 AUD per day.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Thailand can cost between $30 and $70 AUD.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers scooter or motorcycle use, as accidents are common in Thailand.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Thailand.
The best travel insurance plans for Thailand
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Reliable protection for medical emergencies in Thailand. - very high limit - hospitalisation and evacuation - infectious diseases covered |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Strong policy for Thailand holidays. - 24/7 support - covers tropical risks - trip cancellation available |
| Tourist Card | AUD 0.8M | Solid choice for sightseeing and city stays. - decent medical ceiling - good theft cover - simple savings for tourists |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Balanced solution for long trips or gap years. - multiple trip cover - robust repatriation - handles lost documents |
| Globe Partner | AUD 0.5M | Suitable for those seeking core cover. - basic medical needs met - includes accident assistance - public liability included |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 0.8M | Accessible for short, low-risk travel in Thailand. - straightforward terms - swift claims - sufficient for most tourist incidents |
- very high limit
- hospitalisation and evacuation
- infectious diseases covered
- 24/7 support
- covers tropical risks
- trip cancellation available
- decent medical ceiling
- good theft cover
- simple savings for tourists
- multiple trip cover
- robust repatriation
- handles lost documents
- basic medical needs met
- includes accident assistance
- public liability included
- straightforward terms
- swift claims
- sufficient for most tourist incidents
Is it currently safe to travel to Thailand?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Thailand, due to ongoing security and health risks in the country.
- Security risks: risks of terrorism and insurgency persist, particularly in Bangkok and the three southern provinces (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat), where the threat level is higher for bombings and violence near public spaces.
- Health risks: outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika, as well as rabies from dog and monkey bites, are regularly reported throughout Thailand, including in popular beaches and cities.
- Legal requirements: a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is required prior to entry. Thai authorities enforce laws strictly, including for recreational drug use and restricted medication, and penalties can include jail.
- Cultural norms: dress modestly when entering temples and religious sites, and never touch Buddhist monks, even casually. The royal family and national symbols must always be treated with the utmost respect.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Thailand.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Thailand?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian travellers to enter Thailand.
It is still strongly recommended because health risks in Thailand can be significant, including accidents, tropical diseases, and costly private care in facilities like Bangkok Hospital or Bumrungrad International Hospital. Public hospitals may have limited English-speaking staff, and evacuation to AU or advanced treatment can be very expensive.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Thailand. This is largely due to the health risks present and the high costs for private medical care or emergency evacuation.
Why take out travel insurance for Thailand?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Thailand.
In Thailand, private hospitals such as Bumrungrad International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok offer modern facilities, but the costs for foreigners can be high. Emergency treatment, hospital stays, and specialist care often require immediate payment, and public hospitals may not have English-speaking staff or advanced equipment. Medical evacuation to Australia is also costly and not covered by the public health system.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Thailand.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Bumrungrad International Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | THB 70,000 (approx. AUD 2,900) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | THB 120,000 (approx. AUD 5,000) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | THB 900,000 (approx. AUD 37,500) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | THB 200,000 (approx. AUD 8,300) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What your travel insurance for Thailand should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Pays for hospitalisation, surgery, and doctor visits after illness or injury. Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000. |
| 💊 Medications | Covers costs of prescribed medicines during the trip. Recommended limit: minimum AUD 1,000. |
| 🚑 Ambulance and evacuation | Covers ambulance transport and emergency evacuation to AU for serious conditions. Recommended limit: AUD 200,000. |
| 🛬 Repatriation | Covers medically necessary return to AU or in the event of severe health complications. Recommended limit: AUD 200,000. |
| 👛 Baggage and personal belongings | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and valuable items. Recommended limit: AUD 3,000. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or curtailment | Refunds costs if you have to cancel or cut your trip short for covered reasons. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000. |
| 👧 Personal liability | Protects if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage. Recommended limit: AUD 1,000,000. |
| ⚖️ Legal support abroad | Provides access to legal assistance if you face legal issues. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000.
Recommended limit: minimum AUD 1,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 200,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 200,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 3,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 1,000,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000.
Travel insurance from bank cards or basic providers often has low limits and broad exclusions. It is wiser to choose an experienced insurer with broad cover. Compare leading offers on HelloSafe and purchase online for immediate cover confirmation.
The cost of travel insurance for Thailand
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 42 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 70 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 110 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 165 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When sorting out your travel insurance for Thailand, remember the price can vary. Key factors include your age, the length of your stay, your destination within Thailand, the level of cover you choose, and any extras like cancellation protection. Keeping these in mind helps you snag the right policy without any nasty surprises on your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Thailand
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Thailand while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧳 Trip duration | The length of your stay affects your premium, especially for multi-country trips. | Choose coverage only for the actual number of days abroad to avoid paying for unnecessary extra days. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Premiums can rise with age and some providers increase rates for older travellers. | Compare insurers as pricing models vary. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | High medical limits are vital in Thailand where private hospital costs are expensive. | Select only essential coverages like medical, evacuation, and luggage to trim unnecessary costs. |
| 👨👩👧 Number of travellers | Family or group plans can lead to lower per-person rates than individual policies. | Opt for a group or family policy if travelling with others, as these options offer better value. |
| 🎒 Type of activities | Some activities like diving or motorbike use may require supplemental coverage. | Avoid high-risk add-ons unless actually needed, and declare all planned activities to avoid extra fees. |
| 💼 Excess/deductible amount | Higher excess (the amount you pay in a claim) lowers your premium. | Choose a higher excess only if you can afford it should you need to make a claim during your trip. |
| 📱 Online comparison | Prices and coverage vary between insurers and through different brokers or websites. | Compare offers online before buying—dedicated platforms like HelloSafe allow real-time quote comparisons. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Thailand?
It is entirely reasonable to consider whether your current coverage, such as Medicare, private health insurance, or your credit card insurance, will be enough for your travel to Thailand. Unfortunately, these options are often limited or incomplete for international trips. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Thailand? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | No, never | No overseas medical costs or repatriation, only emergency consular assistance | Travel insurance covers over AUD 500,000 in medical care and includes repatriation and 24/7 support. |
| Private health insurance (Medibank, Bupa, NIB) | Yes, partly | Possible partial hospital bill reimbursement on return, excludes emergency repatriation and ongoing care | Travel insurance reimburses up to AUD 500,000 for medical events, covers hospitalisation and evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Westpac Lite, CBA Low Rate) | Yes, partly | Basic medical care (often up to AUD 20,000), no trip cancellation, no comprehensive baggage protection | Travel insurance covers major medical costs, AUD 10,000 for cancellations and full baggage cover. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, NAB Signature, Amex Explorer) | Yes, partly | Medical care limit (often below AUD 125,000), moderate baggage and delay coverage, many activity exclusions | Travel insurance gives up to AUD 500,000 medical, higher baggage, and better adventure activity support. |
Example
After a scooter crash in Phuket, Chloe's surgery for a shattered ankle cost AU$25,000. Her CommBank card's complimentary insurance had a tiny limit, and her Aussie health cover was useless abroad. Without dedicated travel insurance, she was left with a massive debt for what seemed like a fun holiday ride.
Expert advice
Always check your current insurance's terms, exclusions, and limits. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or short-term business trips to Thailand up to 60 days. You must have a passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival. You are also required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Thailand?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find and compare offers.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Review policy coverage and exclusions relevant to Thailand, such as for medical emergencies, repatriation, or high-risk activities.
3/ Buy online: Select and purchase your chosen policy online.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your insurance certificate will be sent to you, usually by email.
What risks should I consider when travelling to Thailand?
Thailand presents risks including high traffic accident rates, insect-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, and incidents like drink spiking. Medical expenses in private hospitals can be significant, so your travel insurance should include strong medical coverage and evacuation support.
Does travel insurance cover adventure activities in Thailand?
Many policies exclude certain activities like motorbike riding, scuba diving, or trekking. If you plan to engage in adventurous or high-risk activities, choose a policy that specifically lists these as covered, or buy extra coverage if needed.
What should I do if I need medical assistance in Thailand?
If you require medical help, contact your insurer’s assistance provider immediately. They can help guide you to suitable hospitals and coordinate payment. For emergencies, dial 1669 for medical help or 1155 for the Tourist Police. Keep your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour contact information on hand.
How much does travel insurance for Thailand typically cost from Australia?
For Australians, prices usually start from around AUD 42 for a week and may go up to AUD 165 for a month for older travellers. Costs vary based on age, trip length, and coverage chosen, so compare multiple quotes to find the best value for your needs.
Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or short-term business trips to Thailand up to 60 days. You must have a passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival. You are also required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Thailand?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find and compare offers.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Review policy coverage and exclusions relevant to Thailand, such as for medical emergencies, repatriation, or high-risk activities.
3/ Buy online: Select and purchase your chosen policy online.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your insurance certificate will be sent to you, usually by email.
What risks should I consider when travelling to Thailand?
Thailand presents risks including high traffic accident rates, insect-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, and incidents like drink spiking. Medical expenses in private hospitals can be significant, so your travel insurance should include strong medical coverage and evacuation support.
Does travel insurance cover adventure activities in Thailand?
Many policies exclude certain activities like motorbike riding, scuba diving, or trekking. If you plan to engage in adventurous or high-risk activities, choose a policy that specifically lists these as covered, or buy extra coverage if needed.
What should I do if I need medical assistance in Thailand?
If you require medical help, contact your insurer’s assistance provider immediately. They can help guide you to suitable hospitals and coordinate payment. For emergencies, dial 1669 for medical help or 1155 for the Tourist Police. Keep your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour contact information on hand.
How much does travel insurance for Thailand typically cost from Australia?
For Australians, prices usually start from around AUD 42 for a week and may go up to AUD 165 for a month for older travellers. Costs vary based on age, trip length, and coverage chosen, so compare multiple quotes to find the best value for your needs.
On the same topic
