Travel insurance for Thailand
What Canadians should know before visiting Thailand
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Thailand. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Thailand like hiking, scuba diving and rafting.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip interruptions and lost luggage.
If you’re flying into Bangkok, spend a few days here before continuing on to the islands – this sultry city is more than just a gateway. Think buzzing night markets, late-night street food, long-tail boats on the Chao Phraya River and temples sitting alongside rooftop bars and mega malls. Head north to Chiang Mai for a slower rhythm, with mountain scenery, night bazaars and early morning alms-giving ceremonies, then make your way south where islands like Phuket and Koh Samui bring beaches and fun in the sun. It’s a long journey for Canadians heading to Thailand, but well worth it – it’s a destination that blends standout food, culture and beach time with an ease that makes it hard to leave.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different coverages or levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to Thailand. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Thailand
In Thailand’s south, dive or snorkel around Koh Tao and the Similan Islands, kayak through limestone karsts in Phang Nga Bay or try stand-up paddleboarding along calm island shores. Rock climbers can head to Railay Beach in Krabi for dramatic cliff faces rising straight out of the sea. Up north, Chiang Mai and Pai are hubs for trekking, with jungle trails, waterfalls and multi-day hikes through hill tribe regions. Ziplining through rainforest canopy, whitewater rafting on the Mae Taeng River or mountain biking through rugged terrain adds a hit of adrenaline. For something different, try kitesurfing along the Gulf coast, go canyoning in northern Thailand or take a Muay Thai class with a local.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Thailand
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Had a car accident in Bangkok? Hurt yourself rock climbing and ended up in hospital? Ate dodgy street food and got a bad bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re in hospital for three days or more, it may also include the transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips for travelling to Thailand
- Travel in the shoulder seasons (May to June and September to October) for fewer crowds and better value, but expect short bursts of rain
- Dress modestly when visiting temples – shoulders and knees covered, and shoes removed before entering
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself in the heat, especially in Bangkok and inland areas where temperatures can climb
- Respect local customs, including removing shoes when required and avoiding touching someone’s head or pointing feet at people or sacred objects
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Thailand. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to visit Thailand?
Canadians can enter Thailand visa-free for short stays (typically up to 30 days if arriving by air), but entry rules can change, so check before you travel.
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What is the best time to visit Thailand?
November to February offers cooler, drier weather and is the most popular time to visit. March to May is very hot, while the wet season (June to October) brings humidity and short, heavy showers.
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Is Thailand safe for travellers?
Thailand is generally safe, especially in well-travelled areas. Take usual precautions with valuables, be cautious of scams in tourist hotspots and use reputable transport.
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Can I drink tap water in Thailand?
No – stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice in hotels and restaurants is usually safe, but use your judgement in smaller venues.
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What currency is used in Thailand?
The Thai baht (THB). ATMs are widely available and cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and larger shops, though cash is still common in markets.
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Is Thailand expensive for Canadians?
Thailand is considered good value. Accommodation, food and transport are generally affordable, though prices rise in peak season and at luxury resorts.
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How do I get around Thailand?
Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover long distances. Trains and buses connect major regions, while ferries link the islands. Within cities, use taxis, tuk-tuks or rideshare apps.
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What should I wear in Thailand?
Light, breathable clothing works best in the heat. Pack something modest for temples and a light layer for air-conditioned spaces.
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Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.