- The best travel insurance plans for Thailand
- Is it currently safe to travel to Thailand?
- Is travel insurance a legal requirement for entering Thailand?
- Why take out travel insurance for Thailand?
- What Travel Insurance for Thailand Should Cover
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Thailand
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Thailand
- Relying on your current insurance in Thailand
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Thailand: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Thailand covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and repatriation costs.
2. Warning: Canada advises against all travel to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended due to potential high medical and emergency costs.
4. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is excellent but expensive; a hospital stay can cost over CAD $500 per night.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Thailand typically costs between CAD $40 and CAD $80.
6. Good to know: Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Thailand.
The best travel insurance plans for Thailand
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CAD | Our preferred plan for trips to Thailand. - very high reimbursement limit - repatriation - support in major hospitals |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CAD | Strong protection for Canadian travellers in Thailand. - reliable medical cover - 24/7 helpline - cancellation option |
| Tourist Card | 750K CAD | Effective solution for standard tourism in Thailand. - appropriate medical limit - prompt emergency aid - accessible pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M CAD | Suitable for longer or multi-destination trips. - high medical cap - repatriation - global coverage |
| Globe Partner | 450K CAD | Offers the essentials for international stays. - covers medical needs - civil liability - practical guarantees |
| Globe Traveller | 750K CAD | Balanced contract for typical stays in Thailand. - emergency and medical expenses - efficient claim service - capped benefit |
- very high reimbursement limit
- repatriation
- support in major hospitals
- reliable medical cover
- 24/7 helpline
- cancellation option
- appropriate medical limit
- prompt emergency aid
- accessible pricing
- high medical cap
- repatriation
- global coverage
- covers medical needs
- civil liability
- practical guarantees
- emergency and medical expenses
- efficient claim service
- capped benefit
Is it currently safe to travel to Thailand?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to regional security concerns and ongoing political tensions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala are subject to insurgent attacks and are under an official travel advisory to avoid all travel. Political demonstrations occur regularly in Bangkok at sites such as Victory Monument and can rapidly escalate, sometimes involving authorities or spontaneous street closures.
- Health risks: dengue, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present, particularly during the rainy season in areas like Chiang Mai and Krabi. Canadian travellers sometimes need hospital care for water-related incidents, and private medical treatment in Bangkok’s hospitals is costly, often requiring payment up front.
- Legal constraints: digital Arrival Card registration is mandatory before entry. Prescription drugs such as codeine must be declared on arrival, and possession of vaping devices is prohibited and can result in fines or detention.
- Cultural and environmental factors: at religious sites, modest dress is required and removing shoes is expected, such as at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Dangerous rip currents and jellyfish occur at beaches like Koh Samui, with several deaths recorded annually.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Thailand.
Is travel insurance a legal requirement for entering Thailand?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Thailand for tourism or short stays.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended because medical expenses, hospitalizations, and emergency evacuations in Thailand can be costly. Private hospitals such as Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok require payment up front and fees for emergency care or specialist treatment often reach several thousand Canadian dollars for non-residents.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Thailand. This high percentage is due to both the potential medical costs and the increased risks related to travel accidents, water activities, and regional health issues.
Why take out travel insurance for Thailand?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Thailand.
In Thailand, private hospitals such as Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok or Samitivej Hospital in Pattaya offer advanced care but charge high fees to foreigners. Public hospitals may not always provide English-speaking staff, and payments are often required up front. Costs for hospitalization, surgery, and emergencies can reach several thousand dollars.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medications, ambulance transportation, and repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Thailand.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Bumrungrad International Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 45,000 THB (CA$1,700) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 60,000 THB (CA$2,300) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 500,000 THB (CA$19,500) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 120,000 THB (CA$4,700) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Thailand Should Cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Thailand.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🩺 Medical expenses | Covers doctor, hospital, medication, and outpatient care in case of illness or accident. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$150,000 for Thailand. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | Pays for transport to the nearest suitable medical facility if needed. A recommended reimbursement limit is CA$250,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation to Canada | Covers the costs to return to Canada if medically necessary. Choose a policy with at least CA$150,000 for repatriation expenses. |
| 💊 Prescription medication | Covers prescribed drugs after an illness or injury. A limit of CA$3,000–CA$5,000 is recommended. |
| 🏥 Hospitalization | Pays daily charges for hospital stay in a private or public clinic. Opt for limits of CA$100,000 or more. |
| 💼 Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you must cancel or shorten your trip due to unforeseen events. A recommended limit is CA$5,000–CA$10,000. |
| 🎒 Lost, stolen or delayed baggage | Provides compensation for lost or delayed luggage. Recommended coverage: at least CA$1,500–CA$2,000 per person. |
| 🏄♂️ Personal liability and activities | Protects against costs if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage. Minimum recommended limit: CA$1 million. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$150,000 for Thailand.
A recommended reimbursement limit is CA$250,000.
Choose a policy with at least CA$150,000 for repatriation expenses.
A limit of CA$3,000–CA$5,000 is recommended.
Opt for limits of CA$100,000 or more.
A recommended limit is CA$5,000–CA$10,000.
Recommended coverage: at least CA$1,500–CA$2,000 per person.
Minimum recommended limit: CA$1 million.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often includes limited coverage, with low maximums and many exclusions. For better protection, choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive benefits. You can compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate proof of coverage.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Thailand
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$25 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$37 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$52 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$109 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance is influenced by several key factors. These include your age, the duration of your trip, your destination, the amount of coverage you select, and any add-ons like trip cancellation. Understanding these elements is crucial for finding a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you're properly protected while abroad.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Thailand
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Thailand while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕑 Trip duration | Insurance prices increase for longer trips, especially beyond 30 days, which is common for Thailand. | Limit coverage to exact travel dates and avoid extending your policy if not necessary for a stopover. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical care and evacuation in Thailand can be expensive in private hospitals. | A CA$100,000–CA$200,000 cap provides serious protection and is usually less expensive than opting for unlimited coverage. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travelers | Family or group travel policies can significantly reduce the price per traveler. | Look for group or family options as some insurers offer discounted child or companion rates. |
| 🚴♂️ Activities planned | Adventure sports and scooters are frequent in Thailand and often excluded from basic plans. | Only add adventure coverage if needed rather than choosing a broadening plan for standard beach travel. |
| 💳 Deductible | Opting for a moderate deductible can reduce your fare without excessively increasing out-of-pocket risk. | A CA$100–CA$150 deductible strikes a balance for Thailand trips and keeps premiums reasonable. |
| 📱 Purchase method | Buying online is typically cheaper and gives you faster access to documents. | Use online comparison platforms or insurer websites to access exclusive web offers unavailable to agencies. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Some insurers significantly raise rates after age 60. | If you are 62 or above, Heymondo does not increase its prices. Always compare several quotes before purchasing. |
Relying on your current insurance in Thailand
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your credit card insurance, private health insurance, or the public health system in Canada can protect you on a trip to Thailand. Unfortunately, these options usually provide only limited or inadequate coverage abroad.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Thailand? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer) | Never | No coverage for overseas medical, hospital, or evacuation costs. | Travel insurance pays up to CA$1,000,000+ for hospital care, repatriation, and 24/7 emergency assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Outpatient care after return, excludes hospitalization and repatriation. Max: CA$10,000–CA$50,000. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for emergencies, hospital, medical evacuation, and on-site help. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Visa Classic) | Limited coverage | Emergencies up to CA$15,000, no trip cancellation, minimal baggage or delay coverage. | Travel insurance provides CA$1,000,000+ in coverage, including baggage, trip cancellation, and real support. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, ScotiaGold, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Emergencies up to CA$100,000, some baggage and delay, limited cancellation and interruption coverage. | Travel insurance offers CA$1,000,000+ for medical costs, CA$5,000+ for cancellation, and comprehensive help. |
Example
After a scooter accident in Chiang Mai, Liam's emergency surgery and hospital stay cost CA$30,000. His premium credit card's travel insurance had a CA$5,000 limit and excluded scooter incidents, while his provincial plan covered nothing. He was left with a shocking CA$25,000 bill for what seemed like a simple day trip.
Expert advice
Essential coverage like trip interruption for a relative's illness is often excluded from your credit card or provincial health plan. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 60 days in Thailand. You must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online prior to your trip and have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Thailand?
First, compare travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, review the coverage limits and exclusions, especially for tropical diseases and medical evacuation from Thailand. Buy your chosen policy online. Once purchased, your certificate will be sent to you, typically by email.
Are there specific health risks in Thailand that affect insurance needs?
Yes, Thailand has risks such as dengue, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Medical facilities in cities are good, but rural areas may lack advanced care. Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation, a minimum of CA$200,000 in medical expenses, and 24/7 assistance.
Does travel insurance for Thailand cover adventure activities?
Not all basic policies include coverage for adventure sports like scuba diving, motorbike riding, or trekking. If you plan these activities, check your chosen policy for exclusions and consider an add-on or specific plan that includes these risks to ensure full protection.
What should I do if I need medical care in Thailand?
If you need medical treatment, contact your insurer or their emergency assistance provider immediately. Use approved local clinics or international hospitals when possible. Keep all medical records, receipts, and your insurance certificate handy, as these will be required when you file your claim.
How quickly can I get travel insurance for Thailand?
Most travel insurance providers in Canada offer instant purchase online. After you compare offers and select your coverage, you can pay securely and immediately receive your insurance certificate by email, often within minutes. It is best to arrange insurance before departure.
Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 60 days in Thailand. You must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online prior to your trip and have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Thailand?
First, compare travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, review the coverage limits and exclusions, especially for tropical diseases and medical evacuation from Thailand. Buy your chosen policy online. Once purchased, your certificate will be sent to you, typically by email.
Are there specific health risks in Thailand that affect insurance needs?
Yes, Thailand has risks such as dengue, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Medical facilities in cities are good, but rural areas may lack advanced care. Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation, a minimum of CA$200,000 in medical expenses, and 24/7 assistance.
Does travel insurance for Thailand cover adventure activities?
Not all basic policies include coverage for adventure sports like scuba diving, motorbike riding, or trekking. If you plan these activities, check your chosen policy for exclusions and consider an add-on or specific plan that includes these risks to ensure full protection.
What should I do if I need medical care in Thailand?
If you need medical treatment, contact your insurer or their emergency assistance provider immediately. Use approved local clinics or international hospitals when possible. Keep all medical records, receipts, and your insurance certificate handy, as these will be required when you file your claim.
How quickly can I get travel insurance for Thailand?
Most travel insurance providers in Canada offer instant purchase online. After you compare offers and select your coverage, you can pay securely and immediately receive your insurance certificate by email, often within minutes. It is best to arrange insurance before departure.
On the same topic
