Thailand has introduced a medical coverage scheme to reassure tourists about their safety while visiting the country. Under the programme, foreign tourists are entitled to medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht (approximately $14,000) for accidents and compensation of up to one million baht for fatalities.
The campaign, launched on February 14, is a collaboration between Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry and its Public Health Ministry. With a budget of 50 million baht, the scheme covers incidents occurring between January 1 and August 31, 2024, with a maximum coverage of one million baht per person for death and 300,000 baht for permanent disabilities.
In 2023, Thailand received 28 million visitors, a significant increase from the previous year’s 11 million but still below the pre-pandemic level of 40 million in 2019. The government targets 35 million visitors in 2024, aiming for $55 billion in revenue.
Foreign tourists can apply for coverage at provincial tourism offices, Bangkok airport assistance centres, or online. Despite postponing a previous tourism fee plan due to the pandemic, Thailand prioritises increasing arrivals and tourism spending. The Thailand Traveller Safety (TTS) platform expedites insurance disbursement, allowing tourists to claim medical expenses within 15 days, with compensation expected in the same timeframe.
