Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days) and Visa On Arrival (VOA) (15 days)

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Freepik

 

Recent events have highlighted a pressing issue that has left many tourists in Thailand perplexed: medical insurance coverage. Jonathon Cobb, a 28-year-old tourist from the UK, uncovered this muddle firsthand. While travelling in Pattaya, Cobb suffered a severe accident after falling from a motorcycle, resulting in a broken arm and facial injuries.

 

Under the impression that the Thai government offered free medical treatment to foreigners holding tourist visas, he sought assistance, only to find out otherwise. Though the Thai government does provide coverage under the Health Insurance for Non-Thais (HINT) scheme, specifics seem to elude many.

 

Cobb’s insurance was denied due to a clause excluding incidents involving "negligence, intent, illegal acts or risky behaviour," exacerbated by his lack of a crash helmet, reported Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail

 

The scheme covers amounts up to one million baht, roughly £28,000, but his case didn’t qualify. Ultimately, Cobb’s family faced a hospital bill of approximately £7,000, besides another £700 for motorcycle damages. The scenario has drawn attention to the broader misunderstanding many tourists face regarding Thailand's medical insurance provisions.

 

UK-based insurer Worldwide Travelling points out the current inconsistencies: coverage ideally includes major health outcomes like the loss of limbs or death, but the process remains fraught with complexities. An official Thai tourist ministry website offers a registration link that seems compromised, while actual claim data is managed by separate institutions, leaving many foreigners unaware of where to turn.

 

Adding to the complexity, Thailand’s numerous visa types come with varied medical insurance requirements. The newly introduced Destination Visa Thailand, Elite Visa, and Long-Term Residence visa all bear distinct conditions, further clouding the picture for long-stay foreigners. Notably, foreign retirees with an OA visa mandatorily need insurance, whereas others don’t.

 

As this issue garners attention, Thailand aims to streamline its processes. Immigration lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag notes that a governmental committee is reviewing existing visa conditions, but clarity remains awaited since its formation last July. For now, tourists and expats tread carefully amidst policy intricacies, hoping for a more straightforward system soon.

 

-- 2024-10-31

 

 

[Ralf001]

Gofundme already started ?

[watchcat]

29 minutes ago, webfact said:

Under the impression that the Thai government offered free medical treatment to foreigners holding tourist visas, he sought assistance, only to find out otherwise. Though the Thai government does provide coverage under the Health Insurance for Non-Thais (HINT) scheme, specifics seem to elude many.

 

Stay away from insurance companies!

[thesetat2013]

Isn't it obvious. No insurance company wants to pay out and all have hidden clauses that make it easy to disqualify you. Why should Thailand be different. 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Cobb’s insurance was denied due to a clause excluding incidents involving "negligence, intent, illegal acts or risky behaviour," exacerbated by his lack of a crash helmet, reported Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail

So because he was driving illegally without helmet and most likely no Thai license to drive, He was doing an illegal act. I am confused how any tourist insurance can cover anything other than being hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk. If he was in the road at all then he was not on a footpath and hence illegal. Seems these insurance companies Thailand is using are only collecting money for their company form the Thai government. It is easy to say one of the reasons they do not cover your injury can be used in almost any situation. Risky behavior leaves that option open as a last resort to deny your claim. 

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

............ broken arm and facial injuries.

300,000bht seems a little expensive for a broken arm and some cuts.

[quake]

Shock , Horror, Amazement.

Oh, hold on it's an insurance company.

Calm down, Clam down, situation normal, all round the world.