Travel Insurance for Thailand

LUMA’s headquarters is in Bangkok, Thailand. We also have offices worldwide, including in:

• Bordeaux, France
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Yangon, Myanmar

We collaborate with global partners to provide insurance and services. Bao Long underwrites our travel insurance, while Europ Assistance provides medical evacuation.

We also have relationships with medical facilities across Thailand and Southeast Asia. This enables us to quickly get you the medical care you need should you become ill or injured. 

The best travel insurance in Thailand offers adequate protection for Thailand’s specific accidental and health risks, such as motorbike accidents. LUMA offers several plan options to satisfy most budget and coverage requirements.

 Read our guide to learn more about the best travel insurance in Thailand.

The cost of travel insurance to Thailand varies based on your:

• Departure country 
• Duration of travel
• Level of cover chosen
• The number of travelers covered by your policy

The price can range from approximately $5 per day to over $200. The daily cost is lower for more extended stays. 

For example, a 14-day trip for two from the United States to Thailand on LUMA’s Essential plan costs around 7.70 USD per person per day. 

Explore our guide on Thailand travel insurance costs to learn more.

Buying travel insurance for Thailand from LUMA is easy:

1. Enter your trip details in the form at the top of this page and click “Get my quote”.
2. Choose the right plan for your trip—don’t forget to read the policy carefully.
3. Enter personal information for each traveler.
4. Confirm your details.
5. Enter your payment details.
6. Receive your insurance certificate instantly via email.

And that’s it! You can enjoy your trip to Thailand safely knowing that local experts will be ready to help should the worst happen. 

Travel insurance is not mandatory for a trip to Thailand. However, we strongly recommend you have suitable cover when traveling to the country.

That’s because while Thailand is generally considered a safe country, health and safety levels are lower than in the United States, and medical care is expensive. 

And while violence against tourists is rare, they are often targeted by thieves and pickpockets. 

The news is full of horror stories of tourists who did not buy any or enough travel insurance and then fell ill or were injured once they arrived in Thailand. 

Many find themselves trapped in poor-quality medical facilities, facing huge treatment bills. As a result, many have to rely on family and friends to raise the money. 

• This man faced 9,750 GBP in medical bills after falling ill without insurance.
• This man faced a bill of 65,000 GBP for hospital care and medical repatriation. His family could find no evidence that he purchased travel insurance.
• This injured woman had to rely on 73,000 GBP in donations after discovering she was only insured for 247 GBP of medical treatment.What is Thailand Pass?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers entering Thailand had to register through a mandatory online platform called Thailand Pass. Part of this involved proving that you had sufficient coverage for COVID-19 treatment. Today, you no longer need to apply for this entry pass. However, securing insurance for Thailand travel remains essential for a worry-free journey.

LUMA also used to have a travel insurance product called the LUMA Thailand Pass, but since 2019, we’ve upgraded our LUMA travel insurance plans to be much more comprehensive, enabling us to cover medical expenses in full.

No. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists were required to buy travel insurance when visiting or transiting through Thailand. However, this requirement has now been lifted. 

This travel insurance won’t cover you in Thailand if your trip has already started and you are already in Thailand. You need to purchase travel insurance before you enter Thailand.

🚑 Medical expenses: If you fall ill or get injured during your trip, you’ll want to access the best hospitals in Thailand. But this can be expensive, so it’s important to ensure you are covered for hospitalization and outpatient care.  

🚁 Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Hospitals outside Thailand’s main cities may be unable to provide suitable care. Your travel insurance should cover evacuation to a nearby facility in full. It should also cover you if you need specialist care during the journey. 

❌ Trip cancellation: What if you get seriously ill before you travel and have to cancel your trip? If unforeseen events like this arise, travel insurance to Thailand can reimburse your pre-paid expenses.

⛔ Trip interruption: Similarly, you should be covered if your trip is cut short due to illness, the loss of a loved one, or a natural disaster. Unforeseen circumstances leading to flight delays of more than 6 hours or missing a connecting flight should also be covered.

🧳 Lost baggage: Pickpocketing and bag theft are relatively common amongst tourists in Thailand—and losing possessions during transportation can happen anywhere. Lost baggage cover is therefore critical. 

Typically the following are not covered in our Thailand travel insurance policies:

• Pre-existing medical conditions, including illnesses contracted before the start of the policy
• Planned and elective treatments
• War, terrorism, intentional self-inflicted injuries, psychiatric disorders
• Participation in extreme sports, rock climbing, hazardous work
• Trekking above 5,000 meters altitude
• Scuba diving

The exclusions sections of the travel insurance policy wording will detail what is not covered.

Many cosmetic treatments are cheaper in Thailand. This has made medical tourism popular in the country. However, our travel insurance does not cover these treatments. It only covers you for unforeseen medical expenses.

You can but it’s unlikely that your travel insurance will cover any issues relating to the medical condition.

Yes, if they plan to travel to a foreign country outside Thailand (in the covered zone). Our travel insurance plans for Thailand are designed for foreigners coming to Thailand or Thais living abroad and returning to Thailand—but not for those already living here.

Learn how to insure your trip when departing Thailand and traveling beyond this insurance zone.

Yes, LUMA travel insurance for Thailand includes medical coverage for motorbike accidents, whether you are a passenger or driver. 

Motorbikes are a popular mode of transport in Thailand. They can be hired, or you can ride one of the country’s many motorbike taxis. 

However, Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the world—many of which involve visitors. 

During a two-month period, the city of Phuket reported more than 500 motorbike accidents involving tourists. 

Getting motorbike accident insurance like that provided by the LUMA insurance company is therefore critical when visiting Thailand.

Yes. Our Thailand travel health insurance coverage includes food poisoning – if there is a doctor’s prescription and medical certificate.

Thailand is known for its delicious cuisine. Unfortunately, due to climate, differing hygienic standards, or simply differing palates, food poisoning is common among tourists. 

It’s essential to be aware that some pre-existing medical conditions may make you more susceptible to food poisoning, which may exclude you from our policy. 

Read our guide to food poisoning in Thailand for more information.

First, call the emergency services or go to a hospital directly. Thailand has several numbers you can call in case of an emergency:

• 191: Police and other emergency services.
• 1155 or (+66) 2308-0333: English-speaking tourist police
• 1669: Ambulance
• 199: Fire department
• 1724 or 1719: Private ambulance
• 1193: Highway police (for breakdowns)

Second, call the number in your LUMA policy. Our local support team will provide you with assistance and guidance, ensuring you get the help you need. 

Most countries, including citizens of the United States, Australia, and the UK, allow tourists to enter Thailand visa-free and stay for up to 30 days. 

Those wishing to stay longer or citizens from countries not eligible for visa-free travel to Thailand must apply for a tourist visa. To find out more, visit the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of countries eligible for visa-free travel to the country. 

The easiest way to apply for a tourist visa is to visit Thailand’s E-Visa website. Visit our guide to Thailand tourist visas to find out what documents you need and get some helpful hints on applying. 

Thailand is generally a safe country. But there are some exceptions that you should be aware of before traveling there. 

Health and safety

Thailand’s health and safety standards are lower than in the United States, and road accidents are common. The country’s warm, wet climate also means tropical diseases like dengue fever are present.

Medical care in Thailand can be expensive. Hospitals outside major cities may not have English-speaking medical staff and may have limited facilities. If you are ill in one of these areas, you may have to be transported to a suitable hospital.

Crime 

It’s not unusual for personal belongings like money, passports, and bags to be stolen from rooms in cheaper hotels. You should ensure valuables are safely stored in a safe or kept securely on your person. 

Bag snatching and pickpocketing are common, especially in tourist hotspots. Keep your valuables secure and remain aware of those around you. 

Travelers are also at risk of drink spiking and sexual assault. Never leave drinks unattended, and stay with people you trust. If you think someone has been drugged, then seek immediate medical attention.

Political instability

Thailand’s southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla are experiencing an ongoing terrorist insurgency aimed at the government. You should avoid traveling to these areas. 

You should avoid any demonstrations, processions, or public gatherings that arise during your stay.

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by insect bites that is relatively common in Thailand. With treatment, 99% of sufferers recover. 

However, there is no cure for dengue fever, and failure to seek treatment can lead to complications, significantly increasing the mortality rate. 

It can be avoided by:

• Using mosquito nets and repellent
• Wearing long pants and sleeves
• Avoiding or cleaning stagnant water

People aged 15–34 are most at risk of dengue fever. The signs of dengue fever include flu-like symptoms and rashes.

If you think someone has dengue fever, you should take them to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. 

Read our guide to dengue fever for more information on the symptoms and how to prevent it. 

Getting around in Thailand is relatively cheap and easy. However,  it’s important to understand the different options available. You should also plan any longer-distance travel in advance. 

Buses

Buses are a great way to travel between cities. Costs start from as little as 7 THB (about 0.20 USD) and they are often air-conditioned and comfortable. We recommend downloading the ViaBus app for scheduling information.

Train

Thailand’s trains only serve a few areas but are a pleasant way to travel. It’s a good idea to book in advance as trains can get busy. 

Bangkok BTS Skytrain and MRT Underground

The Skytrain (BTS) and MRT Underground are efficient ways to get around Bangkok, especially during busy rush hour. A single journey can cost as little as 15 THB. If you are staying for more than a month and intend to use the BTS regularly, then it could be worth buying a pre-payment card known as a “Rabbit Card.”

Taxis

There are three ways to hire a taxi in Thailand. You can either negotiate a price upfront, use the meter, or use the GRAB ride-hailing app. Be wary when taking a taxi—some drivers try to charge tourists extortionate fares. We recommend asking to use the meter if taking a taxi on the streets or booking via the Grab app so the price is clearly indicated upfront.

Songthaews 

These are trucks with two rows of seats in the back. They are popular in rural areas and a good way to travel short distances. They are often cheap but also relatively slow—especially if there is traffic! 

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuk are small three-wheeled vehicles ideal for short trips in cities. They are a fun way to travel and are popular amongst tourists. Because of this, they tend to be expensive and fares usually range from 80-150 Baht.

Motorbike taxi

Motorbike taxis can quickly cut through traffic. They are also inexpensive, starting at around 20 THB for short journeys. However, Thailand has high levels of motorbike accidents, so it is a risky option. 

Check out our guide to transportation in Thailand for more information.

Your network may not cover you while in Thailand. Even if it does, roaming fees could be expensive. It may be worth buying a SIM card when you arrive in the country.

Thailand has three major cell service providers: AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove H. 

Each offers prepaid plans with 3G/4G support for both short-term and long-term visitors, ranging from daily to monthly plans. These plans are perfect for tourists and can easily be extended with a top-up at a 7-Eleven.

• AIS Thailand Tourist SIM Card: 8-day 15GB Max 5G Speed data plan for 299 THB (USD 9, EUR 8, AUD 13).
• TrueMove H Tourist SIM Card:  8-day 15GB Max 5G Speed data plan for 299 THB (USD 9, EUR 8, AUD 13).
• Dtac Happy Tourist SIM Card: 8-day 15GB Max 5G Speed data plan for 299 THB (USD 9, EUR 8, AUD 13).