Is COVID-19 Insurance Still Mandatory for Thailand Travel?

As Thailand gradually reopens to visitors, one of the newest stipulations is the compulsory COVID-19 insurance plan for foreigners. This insurance must cover the traveler for at least $20,000 (approximately 750 thousand Thai baht). Besides fulfilling all the required conditions, travelers must obtain a Thailand Pass QR code and a valid visa.

Travel insurance for visitors to Thailand should include medical expenses coverage. It’s crucial to confirm that hospitals recognize your travel insurance and to verify that your policy allows you to select your own healthcare facility. It’s important to note that healthcare facilities may be more rudimentary off the well-trodden tourist paths.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to international travel, leading to a complete standstill and prompting countries to enforce stringent entry procedures to curb the virus’s spread. Thailand introduced quarantine measures and the Thailand Pass, which necessitates visitors registering details such as vaccination status, flight, and hotel bookings.

The Thai Elite Visa presents a unique opportunity for American citizens to reside in Thailand for extended periods, spanning 5, 10, or even 20 years. Holders of the Thai Elite visa can enjoy numerous privileges and are exempt from some of the eligibility criteria required for other long-term visas.

Recently, Thai authorities lifted the travel insurance requirements previously imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, visitors from the U.S. no longer legally require insurance to travel to Thailand.

When considering travel medical insurance for trips to Thailand, be aware of the policy details, such as the waiting period required before benefits like baggage delay come into effect.

However, Thailand is reinstating the mandate for COVID insurance for foreign visitors from countries that demand a negative RT-PCR test result before returning home. This reinstatement comes as the country anticipates an increase in visitors.

Thailand Mandates Covid Insurance for Visitors From Some Nations