Thailand tourists to get medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht

The Thai government pledged unprecedented medical insurance and compensation packages, promising travellers a worry-free experience.

Under the scheme, tourists will receive medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht in case of accidents, along with compensation of up to 1 million baht in the unfortunate event of death.

At the campaign launch, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the initiative, a joint effort between the Tourism and Sports and Public Health ministries, aimed to fortify tourists’ confidence during their Thai adventures.

Sudawan elucidated that with an allocated budget of 50 million baht, the scheme seeks to bolster Thailand’s global image as a premier vacation hotspot.

Eligible for tourists travelling between January 1 and August 31 this year, the coverage encompasses a maximum of 1 million baht per individual in case of fatality and 300,000 baht for permanent disabilities or organ loss. Medical expenses will be reimbursed up to 500,000 baht, ensuring adequate care for tourists.

However, exclusions apply; tourists engaging in reckless behaviour, illegal activities, or displaying negligence forfeit their eligibility for coverage.

To avail themselves of this safety net, tourists holding valid tourist visas can submit requisite documents at provincial tourism and sports offices or designated assistance centres at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Applications are also accepted via post or email.

Sudawan expressed confidence that this initiative would not only enhance tourist security but also amplify revenue from tourism. With foreign arrivals surpassing 4.3 million as of February 11, Thailand remains on course to achieve its target of hosting 35 million tourists this year, aiming for a revenue of 3.5 trillion baht.

This insurance programme bridges the gap between the dissolution of the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund and the delayed implementation of the tourism fee scheme. Though postponed indefinitely, the proposed fee intends to finance tourism insurance and attraction development.

While confirming the continuation of the 300-baht landing fee, Sudawan stressed its postponement to prioritise tourism resurgence post-Covid-19, reported The Nation.

Facilitating insurance disbursement, the ministry utilises the Thailand Traveller Safety (TTS) platform, ensuring swift processing of claims. With a streamlined procedure, tourists can expect medical expense reimbursement within 15 days of the incident and compensation settlement within an additional 15 days, assured Deputy Permanent Secretary Mongkon Wimonrat.