Do I Need Travel Insurance for Thailand?
Travelers are no longer required to purchase travel medical insurance for trips to Thailand. Previously visitors to the country were required to secure coverage of at least $100,000 USD for COVID-19-related treatments and hospitalization for authorized entry. Although the requirement has been lifted, we continue to recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance for Thailand to protect against not only medical issues but also other common travel hiccups. For example, if your baggage gets lost or delayed along your trip, several comprehensive plans offer benefits to help cover essential items you need to comfortably enjoy your vacation while you wait for your bags to arrive or reimburse you for lost items. Another common reason travelers consider Thailand trip insurance is to protect against travel delays, like flight disruptions or even missed cruise connections. It is important to consider the nature of your trip and the types of activities you have planned when comparing and choosing the right insurance option.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Thailand?
U.S. citizens who have a valid passport are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter Thailand. Travelers coming from the United States, UK or the EU all benefit from the visa exemption rule. This allows tourists from 55 countries who arrive via land or air, a 30-day stay in Thailand. This visa-free travel is easily extendable if tourists are planning a longer stay. Instead of a visa, travelers will need a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months. ASEAN passport holders are also granted a 30-day stay, but not always eligible for an extension.
If you wish to go on an extended trip, you can apply for a 60-day tourist visa in any Thai embassy. Generally, the tourist visa must be obtained before arriving in Thailand and must be used within 90 days from the date of issue. At the discretion of a Thai immigration officer, the tourist visa can be extended an additional 30 days for an additional fee. Be aware that many southeast countries such as Thailand require travelers to show proof of onward flights before they are allowed to enter the country. It is best to make sure your booking arrangements are in line before you depart, and that you have the necessary travel documents to show your itinerary.
What is The Best Travel Insurance for Thailand?
Customers often seek our advice for the best travel insurance for their trip to Thailand. Unfortunately, there is no “best” plan for everyone, but there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help determine your coverage needs. What, if any, pre-paid trip costs are you willing to lose? Are there unexpected travel expenses you would not be able to cover? Are there reasons such as poor weather near home or your destination that could cause to your cancel your trip unexpectedly? This is a good starting point to determine what level of coverage you need, though you will likely have unique concerns to consider.
How Much is Travel Insurance for Thailand Trips?
Another common question we get is “how much is travel insurance to Thailand?” The cost largely depends on your answers to the amount of coverage you need for your trip. There are travel insurance plans available for every journey and every budget. As travel insurance is not one-size-fits-all, the cost and coverage will vary based on the travelers in your party and the details of your trip itself. The more travelers in your party and the longer your trip is, the higher the rates tend to be. This is simply because with more variables there is more risk to insure. Some travelers choose to insure their full trip cost which can also raise the cost of coverage.
Luckily for those wondering how to get travel insurance, you can easily get a free quote online from InsureMyTrip. InsureMyTrip has searched through the details of over a thousand plans to provide the best plans for our customers.