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Travel Insurance for Thailand
Travel Insurance for Thailand
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettEasily compare Travel Insurance
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
Long story short
Travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have item
You don’t need travel insurance to enter Thailand, but it could mean the difference between a hiccup and a whole holiday disaster.
Saying ‘accidents happen’ won’t cover you for the bill
Busy roads, bag snatchers, and beach mishaps all happen, but if you want to be protected from forking out the costs, travel insurance can help save your wallet.
Get peace of mind for a small portion of your travel budget
Basic cover for Thailand averages at $47, so for a small amount, it could help save you thousands if something does go wrong on your trip.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
Travel insurance isn’t a requirement for visiting Thailand, but Smartraveller highly recommends it for any overseas trip. With an Australian passport, you can stay in Thailand as a tourist for up to 60 days visa-free, but once you land, you’re on your own if things go sideways. And with Smartraveller currently advising that you take a high degree of caution when visiting Thailand (as of August 2025), having travel insurance in your back pocket could come in handy more than you think.
Of course, visiting any overseas destination comes with risks you might not encounter at home. Whether it’s accidents on busy Phuket roads or stolen bags, travel insurance can come in to save the day. If you encounter any extra costs due to lost luggage or cancelled flights, you can save your wallet from being wiped clean.
Australia doesn’t have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Thailand, so it’s worth thinking about how you’d pay for emergency medical treatment, too. This is something else travel insurance can help with!
Which popular activities in Thailand can travel insurance cover?
Moped and motorcycle riding
Hopping on a moped or motorcycle is a popular way to get around Thailand due to its hectic traffic, so it’s not a surprise that road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury for visitors. Before you leave Australia, check with your insurer to make sure you’re covered. Some policies won’t provide cover if you aren’t licensed to ride a motorcycle back home. Just like at home, you and any passengers should always wear a helmet.
Jet ski riding
Why take a cruisy boat tour in Phuket when you can jump on a jet ski for a more adrenaline-filled adventure? But before you rev up, make sure to check that you’re using a licensed operator and that it’s covered on your policy. In some cases, you might need extra coverage before hitting the water.
Full Moon parties
Attending full moon parties in Thailand is a rite of passage for many travellers. If you’re planning to join in the celebrations, be sensible about your partying choices. Your travel insurance won’t be able to help if you end up in trouble with the law or if you’re under the influence at the time of an incident.
Animal sanctuaries
From elephants to tigers, animal sanctuaries are big drawcards in Thailand. We suggest taking the time to find an ethically run business. That way, you can interact with the animals in a respectful way. It’s worth double checking whether you need extra coverage, just in case your close-up encounter gets a little too close.
Water sports
Snorkelling and scuba diving are fantastic in many areas of Thailand, but safety standards may not always be as rigorous as in Australia. Check that your insurance policy covers these activities and always use available safety equipment such as life jackets.
Martial arts
What’s a visit to Thailand without a Muay Thai match? If you plan to hit the mat and get some tips from the motherland in a hands-on class, make sure your policy will cover this activity as a specific inclusion.
‘I mainly stayed in and around Phuket, but there’s so much to do. The night market in the old town had some of the best food on the whole trip. The drive up to the Big Buddha in Karon was really worth it, too; the views overlooking the city were amazing.
If you’re more into beach days, take a day cruise to the Phi Phi Islands. You get the best views of the islands and get to jump right off the boat and snorkel in crystal clear waters. And make sure not to skip an ethical elephant sanctuary visit. I went to Bukit Elephant Park, where all the elephants are rescued, and feeding them while learning about their past was honestly one of the highlights of the whole trip.’
Rachel Gregg
Digital Writer, iSelect
What’s typically covered in travel insurance for Thailand?
While we all hope we won’t need it, travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars in the unlikely event you get sick or injured in Thailand. Here are a few common things you might find (or not) on your travel policy.
Medical problems
Whether you need medical attention or to be airlifted from regional Thailand to your nearest hospital, your policy will likely include cover for overseas medical bills and evacuation costs.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits
If your travel plans get disrupted or cancelled at the last minute because of factors out of your control, your travel insurance may be able to help.
Luggage and possessions
Theft occurs in Thailand and tourists can be a target. Your travel insurance can cover any stolen items, cash and travel documents, depending on your level of cover.
Personal liability
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you’ve injured someone or damaged property in Thailand, your insurance policy could give you a greater degree of security.
Cover for certain provinces
Certain areas in Thailand have different ratings on Smartraveller. Certain advice levels like ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ and ‘Do not travel’ likely won’t be covered by your policy.
Risky behaviour
If you’re riding a moped without an Australian licence or a helmet and get injured, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered – if you get hurt, you’re liable. Alcohol-related injuries and incidents also generally aren’t covered.
Theft and petty crime
Many policies won’t pay if you leave your bags and goods unattended and they’re stolen. You must report thefts or losses to the police and your insurer within 24 hours.
High-risk activities
Ziplining and elephant treks may not be standard cover for all travel insurers. If you know you’re planning an adventure-filled holiday, make sure you’ve got the right level of cover to protect you.
Medical problems
Whether you need medical attention or to be airlifted from regional Thailand to your nearest hospital, your policy will likely include cover for overseas medical bills and evacuation costs.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits
If your travel plans get disrupted or cancelled at the last minute because of factors out of your control, your travel insurance may be able to help.
Luggage and possessions
Theft occurs in Thailand and tourists can be a target. Your travel insurance can cover any stolen items, cash and travel documents, depending on your level of cover.
Personal liability
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you’ve injured someone or damaged property in Thailand, your insurance policy could give you a greater degree of security.
Cover for certain provinces
Certain areas in Thailand have different ratings on Smartraveller. Certain advice levels like ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ and ‘Do not travel’ likely won’t be covered by your policy.
Risky behaviour
If you’re riding a moped without an Australian licence or a helmet and get injured, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered – if you get hurt, you’re liable. Alcohol-related injuries and incidents also generally aren’t covered.
Theft and petty crime
Many policies won’t pay if you leave your bags and goods unattended and they’re stolen. You must report thefts or losses to the police and your insurer within 24 hours.
High-risk activities
Ziplining and elephant treks may not be standard cover for all travel insurers. If you know you’re planning an adventure-filled holiday, make sure you’ve got the right level of cover to protect you.
How much does travel insurance typically cost for Thailand?
Basic or medical-only travel insurance for a week in Thailand comes to an average of around $47, while comprehensive travel policies sit at around $99.1Indicative pricing based on a 30-year-old solo traveller with no extra coverage needed. Comparison conducted via the iSelect website, August 2025. This comes in as cheaper than destinations like the UK, and a little more expensive than Fiji or Vietnam. In most cases, your premiums will go up as you age or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, so just keep that in mind when looking at policy quotes.
Additional travel tips for Thailand
Safety
As of August 2025, Smartraveller recommends all travellers to Thailand exercise a high degree of caution due to safety and security risks. Southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat (on the border of Malaysia) carry a ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ rating due to attacks and bombings. Also, 50 km along the Thailand/Cambodia border is currently rated as a ‘Do not travel’ area due to armed conflict. While a ceasefire has been agreed, it’s still not recommended for travellers to venture to this area.
Violent and petty crimes are common in Thailand, especially in nighttime entertainment areas. Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are common, so try and avoid home-made or local cocktails and keep an eye on your drinks. Road accidents are also very high in Thailand, so be cautious when on the road or around busy streets. Thieves on motorcycles often try and snatch pedestrian bags while walking by.
Health
Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and filariasis, are present in parts of Thailand, as is rabies. It’s important to pack insect repellent and avoid contact with stray animals, like dogs and monkeys, while travelling. Air pollution is also high in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It’s worth having a chat with your doctor if you’ve got asthma or sinus issues.
Local laws
Drug offences are severe in Thailand and can even include the death penalty. E-cigarettes, vapes, and refills are also illegal, along with smoking of any sort on popular beaches like Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Hua Hin. No matter where you’re travelling or what your plans are, it’s important to make sure you’re aware of all local laws; it could save you a serious headache.
Local travel
If you plan on hitting the road Thailand-style on a motorbike or moped, you need to make sure you have the right license on you. You’ll need both an Australian licence and an international driving permit (IDP). If you don’t drive with the right license, wear a helmet, or get the right travel insurance coverage, in the case of an accident, you likely won’t be covered.
Thailand also has one of the highest traffic-related accident rates in the world. If you’re driving yourself around or just trying to get from A to B on foot, make sure to stay alert near busy roads. If you don’t feel confident, take the scenic route on quieter roads.
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer travel insurance for Thailand?
You can find as many travel insurers for your trip as there are serene beaches to find in Thailand. Some insurers that iSelect can help you compare include:
- Fast Cover
- Huddle Insurance
- Insure4less
- InsureandGo
- ReadySet Travel Insurance
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance
- Tick Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Saver
- Travel Insuranz
- Travel Protect
- WAS Insurance
- World2Cover
- Zoom Travel Insurance
Other travel insurers in the market include:
- 1Cover
- Allianz
- Blue Insurance
- Budget Direct
- Bupa Travel Insurance
- Cover-More
- Everyday Travel Insurance
- Medibank
- Nib
- RACV Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Direct
Note: iSelect does not compare all travel insurance providers in the market, or all products offered by our partners in your area.
What travel insurance do I need for Thailand?
Finding a travel insurance policy that works is all about finding one that matches your trip plans. If you want something simple to match your low-risk holiday, sipping on cocktails by your Thailand resort beach, a basic policy might suit you better. But if your holiday plans are a little extra with plans for scuba diving or paraplaning over Chiang Mai, you need something that covers all bases (with a few extras on top). The main point to focus on finding a policy that covers you for all the activities you’ve got planned, as well as anything else that’s important to you.
Does travel insurance for Thailand cover COVID-19?
Most insurers include some COVID-19 coverage within their policies, just in case it hits you when you least expect it to. Just make sure to have a good read over the conditions of your policies COVID-19 cover, since not all conditions will look the same. You might find that some travel insurance policies will include medical costs and extra accommodation expenses, but will leave costs for your initial RAT tests or self isolation out of the picture.
Travel insurance for Thailand, your true holiday essential
Your Thailand trip should be all scenery, sunsets, and street markets – not surprise bills. Travel insurance is the unsung hero that keeps your Thai holiday running smoothly when things don’t go to plan. From lost luggage to medical bills, you could be protected from unexpected costs and hassles with one policy. Compare travel insurance quotes online today to start shrinking that pre trip to-do list.
Easily compare Travel insurance quotes
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
iSelect General Pty Limited ABN 90 131 798 126, AFS Licence Number: 334115. Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold.