Travel insurance for Thailand
Turquoise waters, vibrant culture, lush jungles and Tuk Tuks
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Travel insurance Tips
Known as the “land of smiles,” Thailand is a country of friendly and hospitable locals who welcome millions of visitors annually. Its diverse scenery includes white sand beaches, lush tropical forests and island hideaways surrounded by warm waters teeming with stunning marine life. Then there’s the food – fresh, fragrant and delicious.
- Surviving traveler's diarrhea
- Riding Motorbikes and Scooters
- Theft
- Will an excess or deductible apply?
Surviving traveler's diarrhea
You're going to find a variety of delicious food while traveling in Thailand but food preparation standards can vary. Gastro and its unpleasant side effects are one of the more common medical complaints our World Nomads have while traveling through Thailand.
Fortunately, our Emergency Assistance team can support you 24/7, even if you’re held up in a squat toilet. We can help you find a doctor, particularly useful in Thailand’s remote areas, where access to medical care is harder to come by. Or if it’s really serious, the team can arrange for an emergency evacuation.
Hospitals in Thailand (especially if you’re near Bangkok or Phuket) are usually well-equipped to treat you even if they may seem less modern than facilities you’d find at home.
But let’s hope you don’t get there. Here are some simple actions that can help save you and your tummy:
- Always wash your hands before and after eating or use a hand sanitizer… that little action can save you a lot of time and expense!
- Never eat anything that's been sitting around, even for a short while. How long has that food in the hotel buffet really been sitting there?
- Try to pick clean, fly-free food stalls that have a lot of people at them. A food stall that's popular will have a high turnover of produce, so nothing is left sitting around to go off.
- Don't drink tap water in Thailand; stick to bottled, boiled or treated water. Most restaurants use ice from the extensive network of ice factories which use purified water. The safe ice is easy to spot… it’s tubular in shape.
- Gastro can turn deadly quickly if you lose more fluids than you can keep down. Seek help early and carry rehydration sachets with you.
Riding Motorbikes and Scooters
It’s easy to rent a motorcycle, so it’s not surprising that we see everything from exhaust pipe burns to injuries caused by horrific crashes, which can sometimes be fatal.
For your coverage to take effect, certain conditions apply:
- You must bring your driver’s license from home.
- You need to comply with local laws and safety practices (obey speed limits, don’t drive drunk).
- Always wear a helmet.
If you choose to ride, be sure to buy a travel insurance plan that covers motorbike and scooter use. Read our article on covered sports, activities and adventures. In some cases, you may also have to buy an adventure sport upgrade for an additional premium.
World Nomads coverage for travelers hurt in motorcycle accidents may include:
- Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor at the local medical center
- Evacuation to more suitable medical facility if it’s urgent, medically necessary and if you’re fit to travel
- Repatriation if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip.
If you need medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation, you or a travel companion MUST contact our Emergency Assistance team immediately.
Limits, conditions and exclusions to coverage will apply so read your policy carefully for full details.
Theft
Before you travel to Thailand, store a copy your receipts, as you’ll need proof of ownership to make claim should your items get stolen. Contact your bank before departure to let them know of your travel plans, and be on the lookout for any suspicious transactions, especially after you return home.
All World Nomads travel insurance plans will have some coverage for theft. However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply. For example:
- If you have simply spaced out and misplaced your gear or if your tech gets damaged from everyday wear and tear, this is not covered.
- Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care of your belongings. That means you should carry your electronics and valuables with you at all times and lock your belongings up in a secure location, as can be described in your policy wording.
If your stuff is stolen, you’ll need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (for example, a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in) to validate your claim.
Will an excess or deductible apply?
An excess or deductible is the amount you pay for covered expenses before insurance coverage kicks in. Whether or not you have an excess or deductible depends on your country of residence. Check your policy wording. If your claim adds up to less than the excess or deductible, then you don’t get paid out.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamBefore your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.