Insurance For Tuk Tuk Passengers

[NamKangMan]

Just to clarify - I know the vehicle itself - the physical steel, plastic and rubber, is a legal form of transport here.

What I meant, and I know I didn't explain it clearly, is "the vehcile's legal status at the time." What I mean by "legal" is, not the vehicle itself, BUT, is the vehicle registered, has road tax/insurance paid for the year, has it been deemed a roadworthy vehicle under Thai law and is the driver licenced and is not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of any accident?

What I don't know, is, if you are injured, and there's a problem with any of the above mentioned, would a tourist's travel insurance deny the claim and you would be left trying to make a civil claim against a Thai individual, or a Thai Company, in which case, you can forget about it..

See my first answer. No, of course a travel insurance would not deny the claim if the driver is under the influence of something or anything else of the mentioned things. No one can expect a passenger to check things like that, no where in the world.

Insurance companies "recoup' their payout from the at fault party. Usually, the at fault party is insured, however, such insurance is null and void if the driver is unlicenced and/or is under the influence.

So, a tuk-tuk crashes and injures 4 tourists, badly. Their tavel insurance covers them, then, the travel insurance company lodges a claim against the driver's insurance company. When the driver's insurance company say, "He was drunk at the time of the accident, so, we denied liability" then, you may have an issue arise where travel insurance companies will not cover tourist if their are using a tuk-tuk.

[stevenl]

Insurance companies "recoup' their payout from the at fault party. Usually, the at fault party is insured, however, such insurance is null and void if the driver is unlicenced and/or is under the influence.

So, a tuk-tuk crashes and injures 4 tourists, badly. Their tavel insurance covers them, then, the travel insurance company lodges a claim against the driver's insurance company. When the driver's insurance company say, "He was drunk at the time of the accident, so, we denied liability" then, you may have an issue arise where travel insurance companies will not cover tourist if their are using a tuk-tuk.

No, not true. If there is cover there is cover. They will try to recoup from a liable party, but if that liable party has no money and no insurance cover the home insurance company can not change the cover.

With regards to health insurance covering overseas you're right, I just learned that Australians are in general not covered in Thailand by their health insurance, they will need travel insurance. And with the many Australians we have visiting the area that is an important point IMO.

[LivinLOS]

Certainly UK and EU states health insurances wont cover them while travelling either..

Personal travel insurance required, and while it 'should' cover you.. I note they try every weasel way to use the fine print to not pay. What would happen if the driver was shown to be intoxicated (which in reality would not be shown) I have no idea.

However the very idea that some posters 'prefer' that they are uninsured death traps, instead of well insured safe vehicles, well the mind boggles !! Why would you prefer they were dangerous and uninsured instead of safe and insured ??

Edited September 4, 2011 by LivinLOS

[barka]

Certainly UK and EU states health insurances wont cover them while travelling either..

Personal travel insurance required, and while it 'should' cover you.. I note they try every weasel way to use the fine print to not pay. What would happen if the driver was shown to be intoxicated (which in reality would not be shown) I have no idea.

However the very idea that some posters 'prefer' that they are uninsured death traps, instead of well insured safe vehicles, well the mind boggles !! Why would you prefer they were dangerous and uninsured instead of safe and insured ??

Good point..makes sense you got more chance of being insured in a new car taxi,,than a converted pick up [tuk tuk]

[madmitch]

Certainly UK and EU states health insurances wont cover them while travelling either..

Personal travel insurance required, and while it 'should' cover you.. I note they try every weasel way to use the fine print to not pay. What would happen if the driver was shown to be intoxicated (which in reality would not be shown) I have no idea.

However the very idea that some posters 'prefer' that they are uninsured death traps, instead of well insured safe vehicles, well the mind boggles !! Why would you prefer they were dangerous and uninsured instead of safe and insured ??

It is very unlikely that coverage would be denied in such circumstances. It is not the fault of the insured if he gets into a tuktuk where the driver is high on yaabaa. Yes, as stevenl says, if there is available insurance from the tuktuk driver the travel insurers will claim this to offset against their own payment.

There does seem to be an opinion that all insurance companies look for every reason not to pay a valid claim. Believe me, this is not entirely true. Valid claims are valid claims, particularly where there is a finite amount payable, for example medical expenses, and it can be expensive to argue over. But if there's any doubt over the validity or amount of a claim or any possibility of subrogation from another party then they will try to avoid paying the claim or limit the amount of the loss.

If anything, the main message from this thread is to make sure you have travel insurance if you are a visitor to Thailand.

[stevenl]

Certainly UK and EU states health insurances wont cover them while travelling either..

Personal travel insurance required, and while it 'should' cover you.. I note they try every weasel way to use the fine print to not pay. What would happen if the driver was shown to be intoxicated (which in reality would not be shown) I have no idea.

However the very idea that some posters 'prefer' that they are uninsured death traps, instead of well insured safe vehicles, well the mind boggles !! Why would you prefer they were dangerous and uninsured instead of safe and insured ??

EU states health insurance will. After all the corrections I'm not sure about UK at the moment.

Again the intoxication, same issue back home. Not a problem for the insured, maybe a problem for the insurer to reclaim though .

Where did you get the idea that some posters prefer they are uninsured death traps?

[steelepulse]

>>If anything, the main message from this thread is to make sure you have travel insurance if you are a visitor to Thailand.

Correct as has been stated here is that the standard health care policy will not cover most cases here, whether you're Russian, Chinese, Indian, Australian, American or most other nationalities. I'm glad someone knows about insurance as another poster said I don't know zilch.

[LivinLOS]

EU states health insurance will. After all the corrections I'm not sure about UK at the moment.

I used to cross border supply workers through the EU.. And how it was then was each person would need to get an E101 medical form, which enabled cross border medical cover, through the EU.

But if they didnt have that form with them they wouldnt get emergency medical cover, and it was only inside the EU that this pro rata medical cover worked.

So I dont see how any EU citizen is going to get a private Phuket hosptial to claim on that medical system.

Where did you get the idea that some posters prefer they are uninsured death traps?

I personally am more than happy to accept when I climb in to a tuk tuk, that I'm 100% financially responsible for taking care of myself if I were to be in an accident. And that's just the way I like it.

[stevenl]

EU states health insurance will. After all the corrections I'm not sure about UK at the moment.

I used to cross border supply workers through the EU.. And how it was then was each person would need to get an E101 medical form, which enabled cross border medical cover, through the EU.

But if they didnt have that form with them they wouldnt get emergency medical cover, and it was only inside the EU that this pro rata medical cover worked.

So I dont see how any EU citizen is going to get a private Phuket hosptial to claim on that medical system.

Where did you get the idea that some posters prefer they are uninsured death traps?

I personally am more than happy to accept when I climb in to a tuk tuk, that I'm 100% financially responsible for taking care of myself if I were to be in an accident. And that's just the way I like it.

So maybe one poster, if you're interpretation is correct.

Regarding the insurance: I know for sure that most European countries these days do have automatic cover overseas, not limited countrywise. The only limitation in general will be the amount covered, normally the same amount as the home country. So that may be a problem for US coverage consideirng the high costs of healthcare there, but no problem here in Thailand.

[stevenl]

>>If anything, the main message from this thread is to make sure you have travel insurance if you are a visitor to Thailand.

Correct as has been stated here is that the standard health care policy will not cover most cases here, whether you're Russian, Chinese, Indian, Australian, American or most other nationalities. I'm glad someone knows about insurance as another poster said I don't know zilch.

My earlier statement was not correct, but I seriously doubt your 'in most cases' is correct. It might be though, depending on the percentages we're talking about.

Do agree with the advice to make sure one has travel insurance, anywhere in the world basically, if only because of emergency evacuation cases.

Edited September 4, 2011 by stevenl

[steelepulse]

>> but I seriously doubt your 'in most cases' is correct

So besides the Europe you're referring to, how many other countries give their nationals full coverage for overseas accidents? It certainly can't be "most"can it?

Back to the topic, has anyone asked their friendly tuk tuk driver about their insurance coverage?

[barka]

i dont think that the majority of insurance companies would cover customers in a Phuket tuk tuk,...also heath or holiday insurers,once there assesers see these tuk tuks..they would dismiss there claims...i wonder if any have passenger insurance...or if ther have,, is it worth the paper its written on...there are so many clauses written in the policies..a bit like the Jet ski insurance.

[NamKangMan]

Insurance companies "recoup' their payout from the at fault party. Usually, the at fault party is insured, however, such insurance is null and void if the driver is unlicenced and/or is under the influence.

So, a tuk-tuk crashes and injures 4 tourists, badly. Their tavel insurance covers them, then, the travel insurance company lodges a claim against the driver's insurance company. When the driver's insurance company say, "He was drunk at the time of the accident, so, we denied liability" then, you may have an issue arise where travel insurance companies will not cover tourist if their are using a tuk-tuk.

No, not true. If there is cover there is cover. They will try to recoup from a liable party, but if that liable party has no money and no insurance cover the home insurance company can not change the cover.

With regards to health insurance covering overseas you're right, I just learned that Australians are in general not covered in Thailand by their health insurance, they will need travel insurance. And with the many Australians we have visiting the area that is an important point IMO.

I agree that, currently, tourists are covered if they get in a tuk-tuk and get injured. What I am saying is, if the amount of injuries, and how serious those injuries are, increase to a point the insurance companies see using a tuk-tuk as a bad risk, (payouts effecting their profits) they may put a tuk-tuk exclusion into the policy. Most travel insurance policies do not cover parachuting, bungee etc etc - usually, the adrenaline sports.

The bill for the 53 year old German who was bashed recently by tuk-tuk drivers will not be cheap. If the insurance companies keep getting claims involving tuk-tuks, it may not be long before tourists are not covered if they use them, especially because they have no chance of recouping the payout from the at fault party because they are Thai and have no money.

[NamKangMan]

Insurance companies "recoup' their payout from the at fault party. Usually, the at fault party is insured, however, such insurance is null and void if the driver is unlicenced and/or is under the influence.

So, a tuk-tuk crashes and injures 4 tourists, badly. Their tavel insurance covers them, then, the travel insurance company lodges a claim against the driver's insurance company. When the driver's insurance company say, "He was drunk at the time of the accident, so, we denied liability" then, you may have an issue arise where travel insurance companies will not cover tourist if their are using a tuk-tuk.

No, not true. If there is cover there is cover. They will try to recoup from a liable party, but if that liable party has no money and no insurance cover the home insurance company can not change the cover.

With regards to health insurance covering overseas you're right, I just learned that Australians are in general not covered in Thailand by their health insurance, they will need travel insurance. And with the many Australians we have visiting the area that is an important point IMO.

I forgot to ask which countries have private health insurance that covers you whilst overseas?I thought the UK and EU private health insurance only covers you when you are in different countries of the EU or UK, but not anywhere else. Eg. a French insurance policy will cover you in Italy, but not in Thailand and an Irish policy will cover you in England, but not Thailad.

Edited September 4, 2011 by NamKangMan

[madmitch]

i dont think that the majority of insurance companies would cover customers in a Phuket tuk tuk,...also heath or holiday insurers,once there assesers see these tuk tuks..they would dismiss there claims...i wonder if any have passenger insurance...or if ther have,, is it worth the paper its written on...there are so many clauses written in the policies..a bit like the Jet ski insurance.

You are completely wrong regarding companies not paying claims following an accident in a tuktuk. And I doubt if any travel insurance policies specifically exclude accidents occurring whilst a passenger in a tuktuk. Unless there is a specific exclusion for tuktuks or similar you are covered under an accident, health or travel policy. And I shouldn't think the number of tuktuk accidents is worrying the insurers.

Despite what is written, tourists are far more likely to have an accident whilst riding a motorbike and that's where you really need to read the small print of your policy.

[barka]

i dont think that the majority of insurance companies would cover customers in a Phuket tuk tuk,...also heath or holiday insurers,once there assesers see these tuk tuks..they would dismiss there claims...i wonder if any have passenger insurance...or if ther have,, is it worth the paper its written on...there are so many clauses written in the policies..a bit like the Jet ski insurance.

You are completely wrong regarding companies not paying claims following an accident in a tuktuk. And I doubt if any travel insurance policies specifically exclude accidents occurring whilst a passenger in a tuktuk. Unless there is a specific exclusion for tuktuks or similar you are covered under an accident, health or travel policy. And I shouldn't think the number of tuktuk accidents is worrying the insurers.

Despite what is written, tourists are far more likely to have an accident whilst riding a motorbike and that's where you really need to read the small print of your policy.

i dont think i am wrong,,,,i agree with what you say about the amount of accidents worrying the insurers, because they dont have insurance, and

the amount of claims if any are low...if any ....the proof would be if a major claim by tourists in a major accident,,this could then set a precedent.[but lets not forget TIT and the LAW works in funny ways]

[LivinLOS]

Insurance companies "recoup' their payout from the at fault party. Usually, the at fault party is insured, however, such insurance is null and void if the driver is unlicenced and/or is under the influence.

So, a tuk-tuk crashes and injures 4 tourists, badly. Their tavel insurance covers them, then, the travel insurance company lodges a claim against the driver's insurance company. When the driver's insurance company say, "He was drunk at the time of the accident, so, we denied liability" then, you may have an issue arise where travel insurance companies will not cover tourist if their are using a tuk-tuk.

No, not true. If there is cover there is cover. They will try to recoup from a liable party, but if that liable party has no money and no insurance cover the home insurance company can not change the cover.

With regards to health insurance covering overseas you're right, I just learned that Australians are in general not covered in Thailand by their health insurance, they will need travel insurance. And with the many Australians we have visiting the area that is an important point IMO.

I forgot to ask which countries have private health insurance that covers you whilst overseas?I thought the UK and EU private health insurance only covers you when you are in different countries of the EU or UK, but not anywhere else. Eg. a French insurance policy will cover you in Italy, but not in Thailand and an Irish policy will cover you in England, but not Thailad.

Thats exactly my understanding.. And while its been more than a decade since I was involved with it.. I was involved with 100's of cases as it was something that came up every few months with cross border EU employees.

I am happy to hear its changed.. But surprised..

How does the mechanics work ?? You pay and then claim it back when you return to the EU ?? I am 99% sure the UK wont pay it.

[stevenl]

The elsewhere mentioned negative travel advisory for tuktuk's would mean both health insurance and travel insurance becomes invalid.

[barka]

The elsewhere mentioned negative travel advisory for tuktuk's would mean both health insurance and travel insurance becomes invalid.

i AGREE..i think if you get in a tuk tuk there is no passenger cover....another reason not to use them

[stevenl]

The elsewhere mentioned negative travel advisory for tuktuk's would mean both health insurance and travel insurance becomes invalid.

i AGREE..i think if you get in a tuk tuk there is no passenger cover....another reason not to use them

That is not what I am saying, and what you're saying is simply not true.

[katabeachbum]

The elsewhere mentioned negative travel advisory for tuktuk's would mean both health insurance and travel insurance becomes invalid.

i AGREE..i think if you get in a tuk tuk there is no passenger cover....another reason not to use them

That is not what I am saying, and what you're saying is simply not true.

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

so as with anything here, a private accident/health insurance is an advantage to have, unless you are able to come up with a few million baht for hospitaltreatment

[steelepulse]

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

so as with anything here, a private accident/health insurance is an advantage to have, unless you are able to come up with a few million baht for hospitaltreatment

Good to know KBB and good to see you back posting.

[stevenl]

Where were you?

Good to see the original question answered.

[LivinginKata]

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

Just like I said way back in post #4

[barka]

The elsewhere mentioned negative travel advisory for tuktuk's would mean both health insurance and travel insurance becomes invalid.

i AGREE..i think if you get in a tuk tuk there is no passenger cover....another reason not to use them

That is not what I am saying, and what you're saying is simply not true.

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

so as with anything here, a private accident/health insurance is an advantage to have, unless you are able to come up with a few million baht for hospitaltreatment

,having been dealing with them for many years and listening and talkng to them i would not use them..WE CAN ALL SAY WHAT WE WANT..Its only our opinion,like i said before the proof woudlbe in the claim...i certainly would not trust them being insured

..

[katabeachbum]

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

Just like I said way back in post #4

sorry :jap:

havent read the topic, simply jumped in to mention the requirement for all road legal vehicles in Thailand to obtain annual tax sticker placed visible in windscreen. 2554 is still good for 4 months, then 2555 will be required. any tuk tuk without it, dont ride with it as it has not likely been insured or tested for roadworthiness. This insurance cost approx 1-2k baht/year to cover 10 people, for a motocy taxi its 100 baht/year. But as said, it covers close to nothing

organised tuk tuk drivers/owners may think they are above several of Thaiand laws, but for someone to think tuk tuks are above this law, is simply silly

[steelepulse]

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

Just like I said way back in post #4

The way I read it way back then was your statement was conditional, saying that was the best possible outcome, but not nencessarily the outcome for all tuk tuks. KBB has cleared things up nicely, including that people should not be in these unless they want to risk only having 50K of insurance if they don't have their own insurance.

[LivinginKata]

tuk tuks must have compulsory insurance like all other vehicles in Thailand. For a tuk tuk with yellow plates it covers max 10 persons, and limited to 50.000 baht per passenger,

Just like I said way back in post #4

The way I read it way back then was your statement was conditional, saying that was the best possible outcome, but not nencessarily the outcome for all tuk tuks. KBB has cleared things up nicely, including that people should not be in these unless they want to risk only having 50K of insurance if they don't have their own insurance.

Quite right, and in a later post I stated that I was waiting for KBB to confirm as this is his field of expertise. And now he has responded agreeing with what I thought. So now we all know ....

[steelepulse]

The story is a bit old, but confirms that you better have your own coverage if you're in the back of a tuk tuk and you get injured. http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/reader/reader358.html

[stevenl]

The story is a bit old, but confirms that you better have your own coverage if you're in the back of a tuk tuk and you get injured. http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/reader/reader358.html

With the limited compulsory insurance, I would guess the same goes for all taxi's and tuktuk's all over Thailand.