Thailand’s compulsory travel insurance plan moving forward
It looks like Thailand plans to press ahead with compulsory travel insurance for foreign visitors.
It could begin this year according to the Office of the Insurance Commission, with a THB20 premium payable.
It will provide up to THB1 million coverage in case of death for stays of up to 30 days.
Premiums will go to Thailand’s Tourism Promotion Fund which will disperse payments in the event of claims, said OIC secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn.
The proposal needs agreement from the Tourism and Sports Ministry and then approval from the Thai cabinet before launching.
Foreign travellers will pay for the compulsory insurance at inbound immigration checkpoints at airports.
It is still unclear if and how a waiver will be handled for travellers already with insurance.
Authorities have been keen to impose compulsory insurance cover for many years as the number of unpaid hospital bills has been steadily rising.
The OIC is also rolling out a separate pilot scheme in Nakhon Nayok province.
It is a different scheme whereby tour operators provide insurance to their customers and tour guides.
The area was selected as its main attractions and activities have more inherent risks such as rafting, climbing and mountain biking, Suthiphon said.
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