Travel Insurance for Thailand

Known for its pleasant and polite locals, diverse and stunning temples and of course the beautiful white sand beaches; Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for both Indian tourists and foreigners alike.With flight tickets so cheap, it makes for a quick holiday for anyone looking to take some time off. Whether you’re going there for a spiritual retreat, wander off the beaches and experience the underwater life or are just going there for your bachelorette or a massive shopping spree, there’s a lot Thailand has to offer for backpackers, solo travelers, families, couples and even a group of friends!  

Pretty much like the weather in most cities of India, Thailand’s weather too varies across the year, with its three primary seasons being Summer, Monsoons and Winter. The best time to visit Thailand would probably be between October to February, since it won’t be too hot and there won't be the heavy rains to ruin your beach and adventure sports experiences either. 

1. The Pretty Phi Phi Islands - Visit the Phi Phi Islands, an island you can easily get to on a boat from Phuket. From snorkeling and diving in the clear blue waters to just chilling by the beautiful beach, a visit to the Phi Phi Islands is a must! You can also choose to go island hopping if the blues are all that you’re in Thailand for!

2. Beautiful Buddhist Temples - With around 94% of the population following Buddism, Thailand is home to some beautiful Buddhist temples across the country. Right from the gorgeous White Temple in Chiang Rai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai to the Wat Chaiwatthanaram in the capital and Wat Arun in Bangkok, amongst many others.

3. The Glorious Grand Palace - Go back in time and visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where the Emerald Buddha is housed. It is the one place that completely defines Thai Culture & History. 

4. The Divine Thai Food - Who doesn’t love Thai food? Whether you’ve tried it earlier or not, Thai food is best experienced on the streets and of course all the local restaurants. If you like, you could even attend a cooking class or two!

5. Thrilling Adventure Sports & Treks - If you’re into adventure sports, Thailand has a lot to offer! Right from the famous Flight of Gibbon- a ziplining adventure across the rainforest in Pattaya, to scuba diving, kayaking and snorkeling at any of the islands- especially Phi Phi. You can also go on various treks and hiking trails famous across Phuket, Ching Mai and the Sri Phang Nga National Park in Khao Lak.

6. Float & Shop - Experience the ultimate floating and shopping at the Saduak market, about 100 kms southwest of Bangkok. Apart from that, Bangkok too is famous for its shopping, especially those looking for fashionable and affordable clothing!

7. Party in Patong - A popular tourist destination, if you’re someone who enjoys partying and dining across a variety of beach restaurants and cafes, then the Patong beach is for you!

8. Pull an All Nighter at a Full Moon Party - If you’re someone who loves to party, pull an all nighter at the Koh Pha Ngan Island, and experience the full moon party – one of Thailand’s most famous beach party that takes place every month, before or after the full moon.

9. Explore Local Villages - Take the road less travelled and go on a little hike to explore the villages of North Thailand. Akha, Lisu, Hmong and Karen are the tribes you’ll probably come across. Interact with them and learn more about Thailand’s culture upfront!

10. The Famous Thai Massage - After all the island hopping, shopping, wandering, treks, beaches, and water sports- you might just want to unwind and relax with a therapeutic Thai massage. However, do avoid the famous red-light areas where a Thai massage might just mean something else altogether! 

Given the number of adventure sports in Thailand, its chaotic traffic scene, and petty little crimes, it’s best to have a travel insurance that will safeguard you against it all, in the case of anything that comes your way unexpectedly! Additionally, our travel insurance online is cheap, quick, involves zero paperwork and is hassle free. 

No, a travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Indians traveling to Thailand yet. However, like your travel expenses for Thailand, the travel insurance is cheap too (as low as Rs 400!) and will protect you against all odds!  

Whilst comparing travel quotes from different travel insurances for Thailand, make sure you are aware of the following:

a. The benefits available and the limit of the Sum Insured for each. For example, in case of a financial emergency, you’ll need at least 30$ a day in Thailand. Hence, it’s important to see how much your travel insurance plan will cover for in case you fall into any kind of financial emergency. The same goes for medical and other emergencies. Make sure the plan insures you according to Thailand’s standards. 

b. Terms of claims. A lot of times, the terms can be tricky and very rare- that despite the benefit, you’ll never really be able to claim it. 

c. The claims process by checking the company’s previous claim records. After all, that’s the whole point of an insurance, right? 

Lucky for you, Thailand allows a tourist visa on arrival for Indians traveling to any part of Thailand for a maximum of 15 days. All you need is:

· Make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months

· Keep 2000 THB cash (INR 4,375) handy to pay for the visa fee. 

· Have all your bookings handy (hotel bookings, return flight tickets)

· Filled in visa on arrival form (given during your flight to Thailand)

· One passport size photograph (4x6 cm)

Proof that you have at least up to 10,000 THB for your trip (not compulsory- but can be asked). 

The other option is to, apply online via any visa agent and get your tourist visa before you get there. 

Note: You can only pay for the visa in Thailand currency. No cards or Indian rupees are permissible.  

· International Travel Insurance for Thailand can be bought by anyone going for the trip. 

· Everything from buying your cheap travel insurance for Thailand to making claims is digital, simple and hassle free with zero paperwork involved. 

· Travel Insurance for Thailand from India should be bought before your travel departure date.

· You will need to carry the International Travel Schedule as a document during the travel. You can also keep our travel summary and policy wording handy for any other details.

Do inform us immediately if there is any unfortunate incident before or during your travel that may cause you to make a claim. 

Thailand is a fairly safe country. However, owing to its large influx of tourists- there are a couple of travel scams and petty crimes you need to be wary of. Also given that Thailand is actually a Kingdom, there are some rules you should be aware of and we’re here to help you with just that. After all, we want nothing to really ruin your holiday. 🙂  

· Avoid the tuktuk drivers in Bangkok. Especially if they’re being over friendly or too pushy! Some of them will lure you in by saying they’ll take you around shopping. Don’t listen to them, plus they’re most likely to overcharge you. Additionally, if they ever say so and so temple is closed, don’t believe them! It’s a scam.

· Similarly, don’t believe anyone who says they’ll take you to the Lucky Buddha Temple in Bangkok. That too is a famous scam, usually by tuktuk drivers and scam tour guides- who will probably lure you into buying fake gems later.

· The road traffic can get a little chaotic in the cities. In fact, Thailand comes second in road fatalities per capita in the world! In case you’re going to rent a scooter to roam about, be very careful (and please wear a helmet!) and make sure you have a travel insurance that can cover you in case of any unforeseen circumstances, including minor road hiccups, own vehicle damage, personal accident, etc. (and yes, we do cover them all!) 

· If you’re going out drinking, be sure of who is making your drinks and be especially careful in tourist heavy spots. There are many travel scams of foreigners being drugged and robbed at bars and clubs.

· If you’re looking at putting together a vlog or travel video using your drone, be careful as there are several restrictions in specific areas on flying drones and you may need permission from the necessary authorities for the same. Moreover, you’ll need an insurance to protect your drone, and an approval from the Civil Aviation Authority Thailand (CAAT)- which can take up to 100 days! 

· Avoid red light areas and even if you’re going there, do not take photos (it’s prohibited in most areas!) and stay cautious of pickpockets and misleading Thai massages, amongst many other scams and rip off tactics that are common in these areas.

· Don’t talk about the King as he’s probably one of the most respected figures in Thailand and even considered as God to many. Talking about him is almost taboo and can get you in a lot trouble with the strict Lese Majeste laws!

· Don’t litter anywhere. There’s a cost for it, especially on the beach! If you’re found littering, authorities in Thailand could fine you between 2000 THB to 100,000 THB (INR 4000 to 2 lakhs!) or you could even face some time in prison!

Smoking is banned in many beaches and public areas, so be careful! Additionally, Electronic cigarettes/vaping have been banned in Thailand since 2014. 

It’s always handy to be aware of the Indian Embassy’s number wherever you’re traveling to. In Thailand, the Indian Embassy is in Bangkok and can be reached on +6622580300.