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Even in a corner of paradise, unexpected situations can arise: illness, injury, lost luggage or flight cancellation. Medical services for foreigners here can be expensive, and some types of treatment require significant costs. That is why an insurance policy is not just a formality, but an important precautionary measure that allows you to avoid major financial losses and stressful situations. In this article, we will analyze what types of insurance there are, what to pay attention to when choosing a policy and how to insure yourself correctly so that your vacation or long stay in Thailand goes without unnecessary problems.
When choosing insurance for a trip to Thailand, it is important to consider not only the cost of the policy, but also its coverage, payment terms, and the work of assistance companies. Both public and private clinics are available in the country, but medical services for foreigners are expensive. For example, a visit to a doctor will cost 3,000-5,000 baht, and hospitalization - tens of thousands of baht. Good insurance will help you avoid these costs.
In this review, we will look at several reliable insurance companies and assistance services that have proven themselves in Thailand.
Best Insurance in Thailand
1. Euroins (formerly ERV)
Euroins (former ERV) is one of the leaders in travel insurance.
The policy covers a wide range of risks, including allergic reactions, motorcycle accidents, burns, dengue fever, and even alcohol-related injuries. It is also one of the few policies that offers coverage for pregnant women, including complications, premature birth, and subsequent care of the newborn.
Cons:
- High cost of premium tariffs
- Does not cover injuries resulting from riding a motorcycle without an international license
Sberbank Insurance
One of the most affordable options, which is still reliable. Includes coverage for dengue fever treatment, as well as additional options, including insurance for traveling on a moped. Suitable for those who rarely visit doctors and do not need extended coverage.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Includes treatment for dengue fever
- Europ Assistance Support
Cons :
- Purchase is possible only for citizens of the Russian Federation
- You can only get insurance before the start of your trip
- Sometimes there are delays in reviewing insurance claims
Where to buy: Polis812, Cherehapa
AlfaStrakhovanie
Allows you to issue a policy online without having to visit the office. Clients are offered several insurance programs where they can independently select the necessary options. Operators work around the clock, and the policy covers both outpatient and inpatient treatment, hospitalization, emergency dental care.
Additionally, you can insure your luggage, trip cancellation, and injuries sustained during active recreation.
Pros:
- Reliable assistance from Savitar Group
- You can buy insurance during your trip
- Includes treatment for dengue fever and allergies
- 24/7 support
Cons:
- Basic version does not cover sunburn
- The option to insure a bike makes the policy significantly more expensive
Where to buy: Polis812, Instor.travel (cheaper there)
Tinkoff Insurance
It is distinguished by a high level of service and convenient communication with the assistance. Tinkoff Insurance clients can seek help via WhatsApp and Skype, which speeds up the process of settling an insurance claim. The policy covers treatment for dengue fever, and for children under 14, protection against allergies and sunburn is included.
Pros:
- Convenient communication via messengers
- Europ Assistance with a high level of service
- Allergy and Sunburn Coverage for Kids
Cons:
- The maximum period of stay in Thailand under insurance is 90 days per year
- Motorbike insurance increases the cost significantly
Where to buy: Cherekhapa, Instor.travel
Which insurance to choose?
- If you need a budget option: Sberbank Insurance
- For reliable support in Thailand: AlfaStrakhovanie with Savitar Group
Insurance in Thailand when driving a motorbike: important nuances
Motorbikes are the most popular form of transport among tourists in Thailand, but they are also one of the main causes of accidents. Many insurance policies include protection for motorbikes, but there are important conditions that, if violated, may cause the insurance company to refuse payment.
In what cases will insurance NOT cover a motorcycle accident?
1. Lack of a driver's license of the required category
To drive a motorbike in Thailand, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) category A (or equivalent national category).
Category B (car) is NOT suitable for bikes.
If you don't have a license, the insurance will refuse to pay.
2. Alcohol or drugs in the blood
If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, the insurance company will not pay for treatment.
In Thailand, the permissible alcohol level is 0.5 ppm, but for drivers with a license for less than 5 years, it is 0.2 ppm.
3. Speeding and gross violations of traffic rules
If the police record significant speeding or violation of rules (for example, driving on the wrong side of the road), the insurance company may refuse to provide coverage.
4. Refusal to wear a helmet
Wearing a helmet is mandatory in Thailand. If a tourist suffers a head injury without a helmet, insurance may not cover treatment.
5. Driving without insurance for the bike itself
Medical insurance only covers the treatment of the driver and passenger, but not damage to the bike or third parties.
If compensation is required for a damaged bike or medical expenses for another person, those costs will be borne by the driver.
6. Off-road travel
Most insurance policies only cover driving on paved roads. If the accident occurs on a dirt road, in the mountains or in the jungle, the insurance may not cover it.
7. Renting a bike without an official contract
If the bike is taken without a rental agreement (for example, from a private individual), the insurance company may refuse to pay, since formally driving such a vehicle is illegal.
How to choose insurance for riding a bike?
- Check if motorbike driving is included as standard coverage (most companies offer this as an optional extra).
- Choose insurance with a high coverage limit (from €50,000) – medical services in Thailand are expensive.
- Check the franchise terms - some insurance plans require you to pay the first $100-$300 yourself.
Is it possible to buy insurance while in Thailand
Yes, it is possible to get insurance in Thailand, but it is more complicated. Many insurance companies refuse to sell insurance. To find a suitable insurance company, use the service "Polis812", where you can filter companies by this condition.
Telemedicine
This is a Instore tool that allows you to get an online consultation with a doctor anywhere in the world. It is especially useful for travelers, including those in Thailand.
What does Instore offer?
- 24/7 consultations – access to doctors without having to visit a clinic.
- Help in Russian – convenience for Russian-speaking tourists.
- Treatment recommendations – prescription of medications and instructions for further action.
- Works with insurance – can be used within the policy.
The service is convenient for solving simple medical issues, allowing you to avoid a visit to the hospital and save time.
Popular services for purchasing insurance
Polis812 is a convenient aggregator of insurance companies, allowing you to compare the terms of different policies.
Cherehapa is an online platform with a wide range of insurance products.
Instore.travel is a specialized service for tourists, you can get insurance while you are already on your trip.
Buy insurance on Instore.travel
Tripinsurance – offers insurance for travelers, including long-term policies.
Buy insurance from TripInsurance.
[Websites of insurance companies (RESO-Garantiya, AlfaStrakhovanie, Tinkoff Insurance)] – you can apply for a policy directly through the official websites.
