Compare travel insurance forThailand
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Key things to know about travel insurance for Thailand
- Comprehensive Health & Repatriation: Since the GHIC/EHIC is not valid in Thailand, travel insurance is vital to cover high-cost medical fees and emergency repatriation, which can exceed £85,0001.
- Activity & Transport Risks: Standard policies often have strict requirements for popular activities; for example, you typically need a Full UK Category A motorcycle licence and a helmet to be covered for scooter accidents.
- Policy Tailoring: While single-trip or annual covers suit most, those staying over 31 days can opt for long-stay insurance, and those visiting via cruise ship must add specific cruise cover for "marine-based" mishaps.
- Entry & Legal Compliance: UK travellers must make sure their passport has 6 months' validity, complete the mandatory Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of arrival, and declare all pre-existing conditions to keep their policy valid.
Travel Insurance for Thailand at a glance
Thailand is a wonderful holiday destination; from the incredible nightlife of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui, there is something for everyone. As incredible as it is, it’s also almost 6,000 miles and approximately an 11-13 hour flight away. Long-haul flights, particularly ones with stopovers, can mean that the following is more likely to happen:
- Losing your luggage
- Having your luggage stolen
- Your flight, or flights, is/are disrupted
Having the right travel insurance for you can help you to deal with these issues and many more without stress.
As gorgeous as Thailand is, unfortunate things can still happen while you’re there, such as getting ill. So it’s always best to be covered for them, which can give you peace of mind to enjoy your holiday.
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What does travel insurance for Thailand cover?
A standard travel insurance policy that can be used for a trip to Thailand usually includes:
Cover for emergency medical expenses | This includes if you have to stay in hospital, have surgery, or are prescribed medication. |
Medical repatriation cover | A serious injury or illness can mean you need to be flown back to the UK for treatment in an air ambulance. The cost of flying you back to the UK in an air ambulance can start from £85,0002. Having travel insurance can cover this cost. |
Cancellation and curtailment | You’ll be reimbursed for non-refundable costs if you have to cancel your trip before you leave or cut it short. |
Lost or stolen belongings | You'll receive money to help replace your belongings if they are stolen or you lose them during your trip. |
Travel disruption | If your flight is cancelled or delayed, you’ll be compensated for things like extra food or alternative accommodation, if your flight provider doesn’t cover this. |
Healthcare in Thailand: Why you need cover
While Thailand is world-renowned for its high-quality medical facilities, UK travellers must remember that neither the GHIC nor the EHIC is valid there.
This means that you can only pay for medical treatment out of your own pocket or with travel insurance. Thailand’s public medical facilities are often overloaded; there is also the issue of a language barrier. This is why some tourists may prefer to be treated in private hospitals instead. But it’s important to note that most policies only cover treatment in private hospitals in an emergency. If your injury or illness isn’t life-threatening, you will likely be taken to a public hospital.
Without travel insurance a relatively minor illness can end up costing you thousands of pounds in medical fees.
Choosing the right policy for your trip
Single-trip vs Annual cover
For a one-off holiday, single-trip travel insurance is usually the most cost-effective choice, covering you from when you buy your policy until you return.
Also, it’s important that if you’re having a layover in Singapore or another country, you declare this. This helps you to avoid being left without cover during your time there if you need support.
However, if you plan to travel twice or more within 12 months, annual multi-trip travel insurance is generally better value for money. You will also save time as you won’t have to buy a policy each time you travel. When comparing policies, make sure the countries you're planning to travel to match the region categories.
Backpacking and long stays
Thailand’s low cost of living (relative to the UK), friendly people and breathtaking natural beauty make it a haven for backpackers. But if you’re planning to do this for a few months, a standard policy is unlikely to be enough to cover you. Unlike standard annual policies, which often have a duration limit of 31 days, long-stay travel insurance cover can protect you for up to 12 or 18 months at a time.
Cruise travel insurance
If you’re planning to visit Thailand as part of a cruise of Southeast Asia, you’ll need to add cruise travel insurance to your policy to make sure you’re covered. Standard travel insurance often excludes any cruise-related emergencies. A cruise-specific add-on provides vital protection for unique cruising scenarios, such as cabin confinement if you fall ill, missed port departures due to transport delays, or emergency airlift from the ship to the mainland.
Thailand activity cover: Scooters and water sports
Renting a scooter is a popular thing to do in Thailand, and for good reason, as it’s one of the best ways to get around the country.
But it's important to note that many travel insurance policies only cover you for riding a scooter or moped if you meet very specific legal requirements. Make sure you read your policy documents carefully before you decide on any activities while travelling in Thailand.
For cover on most standard policies, you must have a full UK motorcycle licence (Category A) that is valid for the engine capacity of the bike you are hiring.
In Thailand, most rental scooters are 110cc or 125cc; a standard UK car licence (which may only cover 50cc) or a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate is generally not enough to be covered. It’s also important to remember to always wear a helmet and that you need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be riding legally. If you are involved in an accident while riding without the correct licence or a helmet, your insurer will likely refuse to pay your medical bills.
For other activities like scuba diving, most policies include cover as standard up to a certain depth—usually 18 to 30 metres. But you must either be qualified or be diving with a certified instructor. If you plan on more "adventurous activities" such as white-water rafting, jungle trekking at high altitudes, or rock climbing, you should check your policy and get any specific add-ons you need. Look for terms such as "Adventure Sports" or "Hazardous Activity" add-ons to ensure you are fully protected.
Even if a Thai rental shop doesn't ask to see your motorcycle licence, your insurer definitely will if you’re in an accident.
Travel insurance for medical conditions in Thailand
When you’re going through medical screening for travel insurance, it can be tempting to not mention your pre-existing condition, particularly if it’s well managed. However, if you were to do this, you would run the risk of invalidating your policy. This can mean that if your condition flared up abroad, you would have to pay for the treatment yourself. Getting travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is still straightforward, as there are many insurers that specialise in these types of policies.
Visa and entry requirements for UK passport holders
The visa and entry requirements for UK passport holders are:
- 60-Day Visa Exemption – British passport holders can currently enter Thailand for tourism or short-term business without a visa for up to 60 days. This stay can usually be extended for a further 30 days at a local immigration office.
- 6-Month Passport Rule – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. You may be denied boarding or entry if your document expires sooner.
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) – As of May 2025, the old paper "TM6" forms have been replaced. All foreign arrivals must complete the mandatory Digital Arrival Card online via the official portal within 72 hours of arrival.
- Proof of Onwards Travel – You may be asked to show a confirmed flight or travel ticket proving you intend to leave Thailand within the 60-day limit.
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How to find affordable Thailand travel insurance
To help find the best value for your Thailand trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Prioritise value over cost – It’s more important that you’re covered for emergencies like repatriation and emergency surgery than how much your premium is. Because the ‘savings’ can be wiped out if you only focus on the price of your policy and have an accident in Thailand.
- Disclose any pre-existing conditions – The most affordable policy is the one that is legally valid. By declaring all pre-existing conditions, you can massively reduce the risk of being rejected for a claim.
- Adjust Your Excess – Sometimes, increasing your excess charges can help you lower the cost of your premium. But you should only do this if you’re comfortable with paying the higher excess price in an emergency.
- Use comparison sites – Even when focusing on value and not on prices, it’s important to shop around for travel insurance. It can help you find policies that are more tailored to your specific circumstances.
Before you buy any travel insurance policy for your Thai getaway, you should always read your policy documents to make sure you’re covered for everything you need. Compare tailored quotes today.