Thailand intends to make travel insurance compulsory, with tourists obliged to buy a special policy from the airport. The new policy, which would cost 20 baht (52p) for 30 days’ cover, is likely to be rolled out later this year, according to the Thai Office of the Insurance Commission.
The policy, available to purchase at immigration offices at Thailand’s airports, would offer up to 1 million baht (£26,000) of cover in case of death.
Following a number of incidents involving visitors, including a boat accident that killed 47 Chinese tourists off the coast of Phuket in 2018, the idea of compulsory insurance is designed to reassure travellers and build their confidence when visiting the country.
Another scheme being piloted in Thailand’s Nakhon Nayok province makes it mandatory for tour operators to provide insurance to cover customers and tour guides. Nakorn Nayok attracted 2.1 million tourists last year thanks to its plethora of outdoor activities, including rafting, climbing and biking.
Tour operators must now provide tourists with a cover of at least 1 million baht (£26,000) in case of death and 500,000 baht (£13,000) in case of injury. Failure to comply could result in a 500,000 baht fine for the tour operator.
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