Travel Insurance Thailand (Illness, Cancellation, Baggage): Travel with Peace of Mind!

Health risks specific to the destination

Thailand exposes travelers to several health risks that do not exist in Europe. Mosquitoes transmit dengue fever, which is particularly prevalent during the monsoon season, malaria in certain rural areas of the north, and the Zika virus.

Food poisoning is also a frequent reason for medical consultation, as street food requires a gradual adaptation of the body.

Road accidents, also not negligible

Road accidents also represent a significant risk for travelers in Thailand. According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 from WHO, Thailand recorded in 2021 an estimated road mortality rate of 25.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, a high level compared to the global average, placing the country among those with a high number of traffic-related fatalities. Motorized two-wheel vehicles are among the most frequently involved in these incidents.

Scooter rentals, very popular among travelers, moreover cause often serious accidents, notably due to the lack of helmet use and left-hand driving, which is unfamiliar to Europeans.

Official recommendations

The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs clearly states: "Even if you are insured through your mutual health fund, additional travel insurance with a sufficiently high coverage limit (travel assistance, medical repatriation, legal assistance) is necessary."

This recommendation is explained by the absence of a bilateral social security agreement between Europe and Thailand, making any reimbursement by your mutual insurer uncertain and limited to European reimbursement rates, which are far lower than the actual costs incurred locally.

Essential guarantees of travel insurance for Thailand

Medical coverage and hospitalization

Depending on the plan you choose, Europ Assistance can offer full coverage of your medical expenses in Thailand, covering medical consultations, tests and examinations, prescribed medication, hospitalization in a private room, as well as emergency surgical procedures. The reimbursement ceiling starts from €250,000 if you are affiliated with a mutual health insurer, allowing you to access the best medical facilities without financial limitation. You can therefore receive appropriate medical care without having to anticipate enormous upfront costs.

Here is our procedure for tracking reimbursement of your medical expenses

Medical repatriation and 24/7 assistance

Medical repatriation is also a fundamental guarantee of your travel insurance. In the event of a serious illness or accident requiring care unavailable locally, but also in the event of a covered unforeseen situation, Europ Assistance organizes and covers your return to Europe by medical aircraft, accompanied by a medical team if your condition requires it. Our assistance center, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, coordinates all operations: transfer to the most appropriate hospital, contact with your family, organization of repatriation, and medical follow-up. You benefit from a French-speaking contact able to intervene immediately, wherever you are in Thailand.

Protection of your trip

Beyond health coverage, you can opt for different types of protection, including:

cancellation or trip interruption insurance. This reimburses expenses incurred if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason;

baggage insurance. You are compensated if your luggage is delayed, stolen, damaged, or lost, up to certain limits;

search and rescue costs, particularly useful if you plan to engage in water-based activities;

coverage for sports equipment and sports lessons.

Choosing the right plan for your trip

Temporary travel insurance for Thailand, the most flexible option

For a single stay in Thailand, temporary travel insurance covers the exact duration of your stay, from a few days up to 45 days, and up to 364 days with the Long Trip plan. It is perfectly suited to holidays, honeymoons, or extended stays. Pricing varies according to the duration, your age, and the chosen guarantees.

Annual travel insurance, for all your getaways

If you travel several times a year, annual travel insurance quickly becomes more cost-effective. A single subscription covers all your trips throughout the year, worldwide, for stays of up to 3 consecutive months. This plan is ideal for frequent travelers, professionals on frequent business trips, or families going on vacation several times a year.

Price of travel insurance for Thailand

What influences the price of your insurance

The price of travel insurance for Thailand varies according to several measurable criteria. The length of your stay is the main factor: one week will naturally cost less than a month. The age of travelers also plays a role, as insurers assess statistical risks differently depending on age groups. The level of coverage selected also directly impacts the price. A plan with a medical coverage cap limited to €250,000 will be less expensive than an unlimited premium protection. Additional options (cancellation, high‑risk sports, baggage) are added to the base price.

Europ Assistance travel insurance prices for Thailand

Europ Assistance offers several options adapted to stays in Thailand. In this context, temporary travel insurance starts from €12 per day for international plans, for a single trip. For annual plans, which are particularly advantageous if you travel several times a year, prices start from €119 (International Light plan) and go up to €448 for the VIP plan, offering the most extensive coverage. These prices systematically include medical expense coverage from €250,000, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance.

Prepare your departure for Thailand with peace of mind!

Entry requirements and mandatory documents

Since July 2024, tourist stays of less than 60 days no longer require a prior visa for Europeans. Your passport must simply be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. If this is not your situation (purpose of stay other than tourism or travel exceeding 60 days), remember draft a visa application before your departure. In addition, since May 1, 2025, all visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, starting 3 days before their arrival. To discover all practical information for your stay, consult our complete guide to traveling in Thailand, which details climate, culture, transport, and local best practices.

Vaccinations and health precautions

No vaccination is mandatory to enter Thailand for a tourist stay from Belgium, unless you arrive from a country where yellow fever is present. However, it is recommended to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, or MMR. For most travelers, vaccinations such as hepatitis A are recommended due to risks related to food and water, and others (hepatitis B, typhoid fever, rabies, or Japanese encephalitis) may be recommended depending on the length of stay, the areas visited (especially rural areas), and planned activities. Also protect yourself against mosquitoes, which transmit diseases such as dengue or chikungunya, by using effective repellents, wearing long clothing in the evening and, if necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net in at‑risk areas. Finally, avoid drinking tap water and prefer bottled water, wash your hands regularly, and be cautious with street food, especially during the first few days.

Learn more about current risks and ongoing epidemics

Areas to avoid and safety recommendations

The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs recommends avoiding all travel to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, as well as certain districts of Songkhla (Chana, Na Thawi, Thepa, Saba Yoi), due to risks of attacks and insecurity. Border areas with Cambodia (Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat, including certain islands such as Ko Chang, Ko Kood, and Ko Maak) are also subject to increased vigilance. For the rest of the country, security is generally acceptable, but it is advisable to remain vigilant: do not leave your personal belongings unattended, beware of tourist transport scams (taxis, tuk‑tuks), and strictly respect local laws.

Take out your Thailand travel insurance in 3 simple steps

With Europ Assistance, subscription is carried out 100% online in just a few minutes. Select the plan that suits your needs, simply enter your travel dates and the number of people to insure: our simulator will immediately provide you with the personalized price corresponding to your subscription. Confirm your choice, then make secure payment by credit card.

You can then access your insurance certificate by logging into your customer portal. Keep these documents on your phone and print out a paper copy to keep in your luggage.

Yes, traveling to Thailand is an unforgettable experience. But the right travel insurance will allow you to fully enjoy every moment, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected against all health risks and other unforeseen events!

So don’t let a medical issue ruin your stay or have a lasting impact on your finances: choose Europ Assistance!

Frequently asked questions about our travel insurance for Thailand

Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Thailand?

No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory to enter Thailand for a tourist stay. That said, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends taking out travel insurance due to high medical costs. Without appropriate coverage, all medical, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses remain entirely at your expense and can reach several tens of thousands of euros. Moreover, beyond a simple trip, certain long‑stay visa categories clearly require such insurance. For example, for the O‑A type visa (valid for one year) or the O‑X visa (up to 5 years), Thai authorities require proof of health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay, with minimum guaranteed amounts for medical care and hospitalization. Without compliant insurance, the visa application may be refused or renewal blocked, as health coverage must be valid throughout the planned period of residence.

How much does travel insurance for Thailand cost?

The price of travel insurance for Thailand varies according to the length of the stay, the age of the insured travelers, and the level of coverage. For a single stay of less than 45 days, the temporary World plan is available from €12 per day with Europ Assistance. An annual multi‑trip insurance policy, ideal if you travel several times a year, starts from €119 and covers all your international trips.

Is my Premium bank card enough to travel to Thailand?

Travel insurance included with Premium bank cards can be useful in some cases, but they often come with significant limitations. Coverage may depend on whether the trip was paid for with the card, is generally limited to stays of a certain duration, and conditions vary greatly depending on the provider. Some cards also impose age restrictions or other specific exclusions, but this depends on the exact contract and is not automatic for all premium cards. For a trip to Thailand, dedicated travel insurance remains recommended, as it offers broader and more robust coverage adapted to the needs of a long‑haul stay.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Thailand?

In the event of a medical emergency, immediately contact our assistance center at the number indicated on your insurance certificate, available 24/7. Our team will assess your situation, direct you to the most appropriate hospital, and organize direct care without any upfront payment.

What documents are required to travel to Thailand?

To travel to Thailand, you must present a passport valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry and in good condition. No visa is required for tourist stays of less than 60 days. Since May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory and must be completed online before departure. Also plan for a return or onward ticket to another country, which may be requested at immigration. Keep a copy of your travel insurance certificate.

Which number should I call in case of emergency in Thailand?

If you are in an emergency situation in Thailand, whether for health‑related reasons or otherwise, here are some numbers you can call:

191: General emergency (police, ambulance, fire services), available 24/7

1155: Tourist police (English‑speaking staff)

199: Fire brigade

1669: Medical emergencies and ambulance services (1646 in Bangkok, 1554 alternative)

Belgian Embassy in Bangkok: +66 2 108 18 00

Consular emergency (outside office hours): +66 81 833 99 87

Card Stop (lost or stolen credit cards): +32 78 170 170

Doc Stop (lost or stolen Belgian ID card or passport): +32 2 488 21 23

How can I get reimbursed for medical expenses after a stay in Thailand?

After a stay in Thailand, if you had to advance medical expenses, it is essential to keep all supporting documents, including detailed invoices, prescriptions, hospitalization reports, and payment receipts. Upon your return, you can report your claim directly from your Europ Assistance customer area by uploading all the required documents. Europ Assistance will review your file and proceed with reimbursement according to the guarantees of your contract, generally within a few weeks.

Can I take out travel insurance once I arrive in Thailand?

No, it is impossible to take out travel insurance once your stay has begun. The subscription must be completed before your departure, ideally at the time of booking your trip. This rule aims to prevent opportunistic subscriptions after an issue has occurred. Do not take the risk of traveling without protection: the financial consequences of a serious accident or illness could be very heavy.

Does travel insurance cover scuba diving and water sports?

Are you planning to go snorkeling around Koh Tao, kayak through the mangroves of Krabi, or try paddleboarding on the beaches of Phuket? Europ Assistance standard plans cover these recreational water activities, allowing you to enjoy your stay without worry.

And if you would like to explore the underwater world through scuba diving, no problem: this activity is also covered, provided you comply with the rules and use approved organizations. Before each activity, check your contract to make sure your activity is included in the coverage.

What exactly does medical repatriation cover?

Medical repatriation applies when your health condition requires care that is unavailable locally or when prolonged hospitalization in Thailand is considered medically inadvisable. Europ Assistance then organizes your return to a suitable European hospital, either by commercial flight with medical assistance or by air ambulance depending on the severity. This service includes medical accompaniment during transport, coordination with healthcare teams, and post‑repatriation follow‑up. Please note: the cost of repatriation ranges between €15,000 and €50,000, fully covered by your insurance.

Do I need cancellation insurance for Thailand?

Cancellation insurance reimburses expenses incurred (air tickets, hotels, excursions) if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason: serious illness, accident, death of a relative, etc. For a trip to Thailand representing a significant financial investment (often several thousand euros per person), this coverage is highly advisable.

What should I do if my luggage is lost or stolen?

Europ Assistance does not automatically cover your luggage in all contracts: for the loss, theft, or damage of your baggage to be reimbursed, you must have taken out the “baggage insurance” option included in certain annual contracts. This option protects your personal belongings against theft, loss, or damage occurring during transport or your stay. In the event of a claim, you must file a report with the local authorities (police, carrier, airline) and obtain the necessary supporting documents (official statement, police report, carrier notices). You must then submit these documents along with purchase receipts for the items concerned to Europ Assistance to complete your file and be reimbursed according to the limits and conditions stipulated in your contract.

Everything you need to know about what to do in the event of lost or stolen luggage

Can I extend my insurance if I stay longer than planned in Thailand?

If your stay is extended for reasons beyond your control (medical issue, natural disaster, flight cancellation), contact our customer service immediately. Depending on the circumstances, an extension of coverage may be granted. However, if you simply decide to stay longer, you must take out a new insurance policy before the expiration of the first one. In any case, do not hesitate to contact us to find out what options are available.

Why is Europ Assistance one of the best travel insurance providers for Thailand?

Whether you are traveling to discover Bangkok, enjoy the beaches of Phuket, or explore the mountains of the north, Europ Assistance offers you comprehensive coverage adapted to all types of stays. You benefit from 24/7 international medical assistance, organized repatriation if necessary, and fast reimbursement of advanced medical expenses. The guarantees also cover your luggage, cancellation or interruption of your trip under certain conditions, as well as certain leisure activities, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation. Subscription is simple and 100% online, with certificates and attestations immediately available, enabling you to leave with peace of mind and experience your trip in complete tranquility.