Thailand Travel Insurance

What Your InsureandGo Policy Will Cover You For

InsureandGo, Australia's online travel insurance specialist, offers affordable comprehensive policies that are backed by the world’s largest 24/7 assistance network. Purchasing one of our policies for your next Thailand holiday means you can choose from the following cover.

• Unlimited Overseas Medical Expenses
• Trip Cancellation for Instances such as Unforeseeable Death, Injury, or Illness
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Trip Interruption
• Lost Bags or Personal Belongings
• Pregnancy Cover For up to 32 Weeks
• Unlimited Dependent Children up to the Age of 18 Insured for Free
• Coverage for 90 Different Sports and Leisure Activities Including Bungee Jumping and Snorkelling

Please read our full insurance policy terms, provisos, exclusions, and conditions for full details regarding this coverage.

Natural Disaster Cover

When travelling to a destination like Thailand, it is important to include travel insurance for natural disasters. Natural disasters that can occur in Thailand include typhoons, floods, landsides, and tsunamis.

To make a claim due to an unexpected natural disaster, you must have purchased our policy upgrade option and the option must be shown on your policy. Note that there is no coverage for costs incurred relating to a natural disaster if an event is already known prior to purchasing a policy.

Choose our Silver or Gold level of cover for protection against trip cancellation, and consider additional emergency expenses. These are expenses you incur after departure that are over and above what you had originally budgeted to pay, if your trip is disrupted, or you are required to return to your home in Australia because of a natural disaster. These expenses can include things such as accommodation, meals, or travelling costs.

Note that medical cover due to any natural disaster is automatically included in all international policies without purchasing this policy upgrade.

What You May Not be Covered For

• Government Warnings: Check to make sure that any current Australian Government foreign travel warnings won’t affect your travel insurance coverage.
• Consumption of Alcohol: Claims that occur while you or a covered party is under the influence of alcohol or drugs will most likely be denied.
• Motorcycles & Scooters: Claims will be denied if you do not have a valid motorcycle license or if you forego wearing a crash helmet. Note that there is no cover for personal accident, personal liability, or damage to a rental motorbike for this activity.
• Unattended Belongings: You will not be covered for any personal luggage or belongings if you leave them unattended in a public place such as a beach.
• High Risk Activities: InsureandGo policies automatically cover 90 different sports and activities, but make sure to check that your chosen activity is covered.
• Reporting Incidents: Be sure to report any instance such as theft or loss of belongings within 24 hours to the appropriate authority or risk your claim being denied.
• Natural Disasters: To make a claim due to a natural disaster, you must have purchased InsureandGo’s policy upgrade option and the option must be shown on your policy. Note that there is no coverage for costs incurred relating to a natural disaster if an event is already known prior to purchasing a policy.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: InsureandGo considers all pre-existing medical conditions so long as they are reported at time of purchase. Failure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions may void any claim relating to that condition.

Travel Tips for Thailand

Visas for Thailand

Australians may visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. Should you wish to stay longer you should apply for a tourist visa which will allow you up to 60 days in the country. Thailand also offers several non-immigrant visas, allowing for even longer stays.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Temperatures stay warm in Thailand throughout the year but the country does have a definitive wet and dry season.

Dry Season (November-March): Considered the peak season, expect a lot of tourists especially around the Christmas/New Year holidays. Many festivals take place during this period where monsoons have ended and more comfortable weather can be enjoyed.

Wet Season (July-October): As the rains return, the tourists begin to leave making for less competition when it comes to enjoying all of Thailand’s beauty. Be advised that some activities and services may not be operational during this time. Travelling before the rains during shoulder season (April- May) may be a better option despite hot temperatures and note that the month of June sees an influx of tourists from Europe and Australian students.

Health Concerns

There are several factors that can impact your health when holidaying in Thailand, an important reason to take out comprehensive travel insurance. InsureandGo offers cheap travel insurance¹ options which include unlimited overseas medical expenses along with considering all pre-existing medical conditions. To ensure you receive the best medical coverage from InsureandGo, you should declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions when you apply for travel insurance with us.

Tips for Remaining Healthy in Thailand

• Gastro issues can be common in Thailand therefore avoid tap water (including ice for drinks) and be weary of street vendor food that may not be cooked fresh or adequately.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses are quite common so it is important to use effective repellent or cover yourself with clothing as much as possible.
• Avoid contact with animals such as monkeys and dogs as they may carry diseases or viruses such as rabies.

Crime & Safety

If you plan to travel to Thailand, it is imperative that you pay attention to the news and check Smartraveller on a regular basis for up to date safety information and travel advice. If you travel against government advice, it may mean your travel insurance with InsureandGo will be void.

Tips for Remaining Safe in Thailand

• Scooters are a great way to travel around Thailand but be sure to wear a helmet, obey road rules and scooter hire rules at all times, ensure belongings are safely locked away, have coverage for medical, hospital and personal accident, and be prepared should you damage your scooter (excesses for scooters and motorcycles will not be covered by your insurance policy)
• InsureandGo provides cover for a high number of water activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling, It is essential that you check the terms and conditions for the specific activities you will be participating in while in Thailand to make sure you are covered. Special terms often apply to scuba divers. To keep your insurance valid, you must ensure that you are a qualified scuba diver or that you only dive with a certified instructor, you only dive to depths of up to 30 metres, and you always scuba dive with at least one other person
• Theft and pick-pocketing can be common in Thailand, so keep a close eye on your belongings at all times. Lock valuables away whenever possible and carry anti-theft bags, purses, or wallets.
• Civil unrest or terrorist attack is possible in Thailand so avoid demonstrations and be aware of the latest safety advice.
• Thailand’s roads are some of the most dangerous in the world. Take care at all times and make sure you are covered with suitable insurance.
• Avoid all drug use as penalties for being caught can be extreme and harsh. Medications allowed in Australia may be considered narcotics according to Thailand.

Respecting Thai Customs

Thailand is tourist friendly, but there are some customs you should be aware of while travelling

• When visiting temples, make sure to cover yourself and avoid touching or giving/taking anything from monks.
• Avoid engaging in any offensive or sacrilegious acts in relation to God, Buddha or Thai Royalty, as these can result in imprisonment
• Refrain from making physical contact with locals as touching can be considered inappropriate depending on the circumstances.
• Do not engage in excessive public displays of affection in Thailand
• If a local ‘wais’ you (bows and presses both hands together at the chest), you should wai them back, unless they are a child
• Avoid pointing at things and refrain from using your left hand for actions in public as Thais consider the left hand “dirty”.
• Defacing images of the king is illegal and you could face jail time should you disrespect anything including currency which may portray the king’s image.
• Expect fines for any littering.