Popular Post webfact Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 File photo for reference only Thailand's New Insurance Plan for Tourists Thailand wants to make sure foreign tourists feel safe when they visit. The government has set aside money to help tourists who are hurt or who die in accidents while visiting the country. Why is this important? Thailand gets a lot of money from tourists. The government wants to protect them so they keep coming back. In the past, there was a special fund to help tourists, but it ended. How much help can tourists get? If a tourist dies in an accident, their family can get up to 1 million baht (around $30,000 USD). For serious injuries, they can get up to 300,000 baht ($9,000 USD). The insurance also covers medical bills up to 500,000 baht ($15,000 USD). Important rules to remember: This insurance won't help if the accident was the tourist's fault (like if they were breaking the law). You have to be in Thailand with a tourist visa to use this plan. More about the plan: The government was thinking about charging tourists a special fee to help pay for this insurance, but they've decided to wait a while. For now, they will use government money to help tourists in need. The government studied how much money they've paid to help tourists in the past. They feel confident that they have enough for now. Remember, most tourists buy extra insurance Many tourists already buy their own travel insurance before they come to Thailand. But this plan from the Thai government is an extra layer of protection. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe 5 5 1 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post webfact Posted February 15 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 15 Thailand allocates 50 million baht for foreign tourist insurance by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry has allocated a budget of 50 million baht (US$1.38) for the fiscal year of 2024 to financially aid foreign tourists in the event of accidents or death. The ministry stated that this amount is likely to cover its expected influx of 35 million foreign visitors this year, in accordance with the average annual claims made over the past five years. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol emphasised the government’s regard for the tourism industry as a key source of revenue. The ministry aims to ensure the safety of foreign tourists. As of February 11, there have been 4.3 million foreign arrivals, putting the country on track to meet its target of 35 million by year-end, said Sudawan. The allocated 50 million baht budget, received from a central fund, is earmarked to compensate foreign tourists for any mishaps that may occur during their travels in Thailand between January 1 and August 31 this year. The coverage includes up to 1 million baht per person in case of death, and 300,000 baht (US$8,296) per person for permanent organ loss, loss of sight, or a permanent disability. Furthermore, a maximum of 500,000 baht (US$13,825) is set aside for medical expenses, reported Bangkok Post. Tourists qualify for coverage if the incidents are not due to their negligence, intention for illegal activity, or risky behaviour. They must be visiting Thailand with a tourist visa or for tourism purposes. The insurance programme fills in the gap left by the expiration of the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Enzian Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 Just going out on the roads on a motorbike should qualify as "risky behaviour." Who decides? 2 1 3 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ChaiyaTH Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 (edited) They were required to cover that anyway by international human rights, what a jokers. Edited February 15 by ChaiyaTH 1 3 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Callmeishmael Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 I would presume that riding a motorcycle without a proper license or not wearing a helmet will constitute "negligence or risky behavior". 6 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post harleyclarkey Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 About darn time - long overdue. A bit unbalanced. If a Thai gets injured in, say, Europe they have free medical. Thailand survives on tourism so mending a few stupid idiots who arrive with no insurance is a drop in the bucket as to costs v spending. 3 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebumbu Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 (edited) Up to one million baht per flying farang. Edited February 15 by Ebumbu 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NemoH Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Asian tourists just stay a few days n go home whereas western tourist stay in for months. The western tourists should buy local insurance 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bangkok Barry Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 2 hours ago, webfact said: You have to be in Thailand with a tourist visa to use this plan Most tourists enter without a visa, don't they? 9 3 2 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Liverpool Lou Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 19 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said: They were required to cover that anyway by international human rights, what a jokers. You're saying that "international human rights" dictates that tourists killed or injured, anywhere in the world, have medical costs covered (up to a certain amount) and compensation mandated by international law? Could you be more specific with that claim and, perhaps, show something to back it up? 4 1 6 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dibbler Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 “The government was thinking about charging tourists a special fee to help pay for this insurance, but they've decided to wait a while. For now, they will usegovernment money to help tourists in need.” Wow, so people who pay tax in Thailand are to foot the medical bills for random tourists who hurt themselves. Knowing this hospitals are free to charge what they want for the misadventures of a few who should have taken out travel insurance. Amazing Thailand indeed! 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post FarangJon Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 The only thing that will happen with fees is that the police and politicians will fill their pockets. 2 4 1 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liverpool Lou Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 5 minutes ago, Ebumbu said: Up to one million baht per flying farang. Depends what started the "flying". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat_4_life Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Hmmm, is this govt "scheme/plan" going to alter the incentive to provide your own accident insurance, maybe? Only time will tell if the plan goes awry/bust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobydog Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 47 minutes ago, Enzian said: Just going out on the roads on a motorbike should qualify as "risky behaviour." Who decides? Government does naturally lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Scott Tracy Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 2 minutes ago, Dibbler said: Wow, so people who pay tax in Thailand are to foot the medical bills for random tourists who hurt themselves. Knowing this hospitals are free to charge what they want for the misadventures of a few who should have taken out travel insurance. Amazing Thailand indeed! Taxpayers elsewhere do exactly the same. 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAArdvark Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 What is their definition of "tourist visa" and what is the length of time of coverage? 1 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post andygrr Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 24 minutes ago, Callmeishmael said: I would presume that riding a motorcycle without a proper license or not wearing a helmet will constitute "negligence or risky behavior". Wouldn't be covered as it's an illegal act 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jippytum Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 (edited) 50 million baht budget for one year is a very small budget. Many insurance companies in Thailand offering health coveragen lost billions during covid some going bankrupt. I know this is for tourist visa holders but go fund me requests for help in Thailand are usually for massive hospital bills following accidents. Edited February 15 by jippytum Addition 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hotchilli Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 2 hours ago, webfact said: The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry has allocated a budget of 50 million baht (US$1.38) for the fiscal year of 2024 to financially aid foreign tourists in the event of accidents or death. The might have to clean up the marine industry... they could clean out that fund in a single month 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post proton Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 26 minutes ago, Callmeishmael said: I would presume that riding a motorcycle without a proper license or not wearing a helmet will constitute "negligence or risky behavior". As well as blatant stupidity or having a death wish 3 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveller101 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 50 Million Baht equivalent $1.4M total budget to compensate Tourists for mishaps occuring that are not their fault. Considering the generous amount of money being put forward, one can confidently assume that not all too many tourists involved in 'mishaps' are deemed not at fault.😉 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectre324 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 4 minutes ago, traveller101 said: 50 Million Baht equivalent $1.4M total budget to compensate Tourists for mishaps occuring that are not their fault. Considering the generous amount of money being put forward, one can confidently assume that not all too many tourists involved in 'mishaps' are deemed not at fault.😉 11 minutes ago, proton said: As well as blatant stupidity or having a death wish perhaps the Gov't could have this Insurance available for purchase by "tourist! this could be an extra layer of protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jippytum Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 A small budget of 50million for one year is a very small budget. The amount indicates very strict small print to refuse claims. There is also a danger of tourists who would buy insurance not doing so because they believe the tourist visa insurance coverage will cover them. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post biggles45 Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 'You have to be in Thailand with a tourist visa to use this plan.' So if I enter Visa Exempt and I am a Tourist on holiday, am I covered? I am too old to get travel insurance now so this would enable me to keep visiting 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post brianthainess Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 (edited) 2 hours ago, webfact said: Thailand wants to make sure foreign tourists feel safe when they visit. The government has set aside money to help tourists who are hurt or who die in accidents while visiting the country. Feel safe? When Thais cause most injuries and deaths then Thailand should pay, why should anybody else have to pay medical bills?, its their problem, stupid lazy RTP, driving test, DUI laws/fines are pathetic, boating accidents, trip hazards everywhere, pub security guards, taxi drivers, low signs, hanging wires, the list is endless.. you need nerves of steel just to drive somewhere. The whole country is an accident waiting to happen. So those of us who live here are not covered, and if a Thai injurers me who has no insurance I'm supposed to stump up my money for the hospital. Disgraceful IMO. Edited February 15 by brianthainess 1 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retarius Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 I don't really understand tourists reluctance to have travel insurance. This scheme goes some way to covering this. But what about riding a motorcycle with no driving license or not wearing a helmet....is that excluded, as are visa exempt tourists excluded? I took out travel insurance yesterday for a 3 week trip to the US (where healthcare is madly expensive.....total cost less than $100). Why on earth don't these creeps buy it or stay away? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Surasak Posted February 15 Popular Post Share Posted February 15 Instead of the government having to pay, why not insist those on tourist visas have accident and health insurance. So many people believe 'It wont happen to me', and don't bother with insurance. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vivananahuahin Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Farang is always in fault, no discussion, never a Thai driver. 1 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Srikcir Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 1 hour ago, Callmeishmael said: I would presume that riding a motorcycle without a proper license or not wearing a helmet will constitute "negligence or risky behavior". Irrelevant. Important rules to remember: This insurance won't help if the accident was the tourist's fault (like if they were breaking the law). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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