Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Thailand. Healthcare costs for uninsured visitors can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

How much travel insurance coverage do I need for Thailand?

For Thailand we recommend a minimum of USD 100,000 in medical coverage, plus trip cancellation and emergency evacuation cover.

What is the emergency number in Thailand?

In Thailand the emergency number is 1669 (medical) / 191 (police) / 1155 (tourist police).

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Thailand Travel Insurance: Cost, Coverage & Requirements (2026)

Travel insurance for Thailand: recommended minimum USD 100,000 medical cover, emergency number 1669 (medical) / 191 (police) / 1155 (tourist police), insurance is strongly recommended though not legally required.

Thailand has excellent private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, many internationally accredited and used for medical tourism. Public hospitals provide adequate emergency care, but most travellers prefer Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital or Samitivej for serious treatment.

Common travel risks in Thailand

Motorbike and scooter accidents — the single largest cause of traveller injury
Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illness year-round
Drowning and jet-ski incidents on Phuket and Koh Phangan beaches
Food-borne illness from street stalls without high turnover

Safety tips for visiting Thailand

Never rent a scooter without an International Driving Permit — claims are denied without one
Drink only sealed bottled water; avoid ice in roadside stalls
Use DEET-based repellent at dawn and dusk in all regions
Settle jet-ski 'damage' disputes only through the tourist police — common scam

Related Thailand resources

Thailand passport photo Thailand visa photo Thailand photo checker