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Travel insurance for Thailand

Turquoise waters, vibrant culture, lush jungles and Tuk Tuks

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The Land of Smiles attracts scores of sun-seeking British tourists every year. Drawn to the tropical conditions, white sandy beaches, fabulous food, the Full Moon parties, and chaotic appeal of the cities like Bangkok, it’s not hard to see why Thailand rates so highly with British travellers.

Man on boat, Thailand
Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi. Photo credit: Getty / Marco Bottielli

What's covered

World Nomads has two plans - Standard and Explorer - each of them providing cover for a multitude of activities including hiking, kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing and diving.

We also offer cover for key events such as:

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation back to the UK
  • Cancellation/trip interruption
  • Emergency overseas medical
  • Delays or missed flights
  • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
  • Coronavirus-related events

Traveller tip 1: UK travellers aged 18 or over can enter via Thailand Pass, and must have a Covid vaccination certificate, have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before travel. The requirement to take a PCR test before you leave the UK has now been dropped, and instead you are encouraged to take antigen self-tests during your stay. For more information on travelling to Thailand from the UK go to the UK government's FCDO website.

Floating market, Thailand
Aerial view of floating market. Photo credit: Getty / Siwabud Veerapaisarn / EyeEm

How can travel insurance help when visiting Thailand

We know the Brits love their cocktails by the beach, island-hopping explorations, and wildlife encounters, but as much fun as a trip to Thailand always is, it is just as important to consider what could go wrong and be prepared for that as best as any traveller can. The following is a list of travel insurance considerations:

  • Activities and sports cover: Whether its snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, and cycling our policies may cover you for more than 150 activities you may wish to try while in Thailand. We know Brits are an adventurous bunch, and so long as you are with a professional, and adhere to the conditions, instructions, etc, you may be covered.
  • Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team: We know that when travelling in a foreign country, things can get lost in translation. That’s why we have a 24-hour assistance team available to you for the entirety of your trip. Whether you have a query about your cover, the procedures you need to follow if something goes wrong, or you just want to find out about medical providers where you are, the team can assist you.
  • Cover for baggage / personal belongings: World Nomads plans offer cover to UK residents for luggage and personal gear. If your baggage is delayed between Heathrow and Bangkok, we may be able to help you with necessities. Same goes for any gear that may be damaged, stolen or destroyed during your travels, so long as it wasn’t a result of recklessness or negligence. Under the Explorer plan, the policy covers accidental loss or theft of your own money while on your person or stolen from a locked safety deposit box. Unfortunately, we don't cover your activity and sports gear while it's in use.
  • Medical emergencies: No one plans to injure themselves or spend more time in bed than out exploring the sights; that’s the last thing we want. World Nomads can assist with emergency medical transport, evacuation, and repatriation if you’re medically unfit to continue your travels. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Covid 19 and travel insurance: Both our Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for emergency medical assistance should you fall ill with Coronavirus while abroad. It is worth noting though that the Explorer plan factors in cancellation and curtailment before and during your trip as a result of a coronavirus diagnosis. Not only that, if mid-trip you find your pre-booked accommodation is no longer available due to deep cleaning, or you’re unable to board a plane because your suspected of having Covid, we may be able to help recoup some of the costs. On-trip personal quarantine costs as a result of your diagnosis are also considered under our Explorer plan.

Traveller tip 2: It is important that British tourists visiting Thailand understand that a World Nomads policy is not a private medical insurance (PMI) policy and will not cover all your medical expenses, particularly not for those considered unnecessary by our medical specialists.

Motorbike traffic
Motorbike traffic in Bangkok. Photo credit: Getty / Leo Patrizi

What to look out for when travelling around Thailand

Most travellers let their hair down when they head abroad, sometimes so much so that they often forget that they’re in a foreign country and need to always keep their heads in the game.                                                                                                                 

  • Theft: British travellers need to be aware that pickpockets and bag snatchers are active all over Thailand, so be mindful of your personal belongings when travelling in open transport like Tuk Tuks and don’t think a short nap on a bus is without its risks, especially if you haven’t secured your belongings.
  • Drink spiking: Be diligent about not accepting drinks from strangers in bars and don’t leave glasses and cups unattended. Drink spiking has been reported in Thailand, particularly during Full Moon parties. Not only can an incident like this ruin your holiday but it has in the past led to severe illness.
  • Fraud: Think twice before handing your passport to a third party; it’s risky and losing sight of your passport is a big no-no anywhere. Keep a keen eye on your debit and credit cards during transactions, always use an ATM within a bank and keep your PIN to yourself. Skimming is an issue across Thailand, so if something looks untoward, wait and find another option.
backpacker in Khaosan Road
Backpacker in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo credit: Getty / Krisanapong Detraphiphat

What's not covered

  • Costs associated with ignoring UK Government travel warnings or advice. This includes travelling to an area where there is a ‘Do Not Travel’ or ‘Avoid Non-essential Travel’ alert; and/or choosing to remain in a country after such a warning has been issued.
  • Medical expenses incurred in the UK.
  • Any costs associated with a pre-existing medical condition, unless otherwise stated in your policy.
  • Travelling against medical advice.
  • Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unattended.
  • Injury or damage caused by drug abuse or alcohol misuse.
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the Policy Wording or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.

If you have a specific question about World Nomads insurance, please visit our online Help Center or contact us.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

 

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £2,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not (this includes if you're on separate or joint policies). You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion is not removable. 

For travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) Money Helper website, or call 0800 138 7777. BIBA's (The British Insurance Brokers' Association) Find Insurance Service offers information on serious PEMCs and travel insurance providers that may cover these conditions. You can also contact them on 0370 950 1790.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 1 September 2021:
+44 (0) 2030931750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 1 September 2021:
Phone: +353 21 237 8005 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.