Holidays to Thailand Set to Become More Expensive, Tourists Required to Have Insurance

The Thai government is considering a new regulation that requires foreign tourists to have accident insurance before entering the country. This policy emerges amid rising unpaid medical bills that burden the public health system.

Vachira Phuket Hospital Director, Dr. Weerasak Lorthongkham, revealed that his facility absorbs treatment costs for uninsured foreign patients amounting to around 10 million baht each year. The hospital serves approximately 400,000 residents and over 1 million tourists in the Phuket area.

“Many tourists try riding motorbikes for the first time in Phuket, increasing the risk of accidents,” he said, quoted from the Bangkok Post on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

He also recounted the case of a Russian tourist who suffered severe spinal injuries, leaving him able to move only his head. The treatment cost exceeded 1 million baht but was never paid. The hospital eventually had to fund the patient’s repatriation.

This issue is not confined to one area. The Thai Ministry of Health estimates that total unpaid medical bills from foreign patients reach at least 100 million baht per year, particularly in major tourist destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Somruk Jungsaman, stated that the government is gathering detailed data to design an appropriate policy, including insurance schemes and payment mechanisms.

In practice, hospitals are still required to provide emergency services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. As a result, healthcare facilities must bear those costs.

Accidents as the Main Cause

Data shows that traffic accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles, are the primary reason tourists end up in hospital. The risk increases because many tourists are unfamiliar with road conditions in Thailand.

Globally, emergency medical claims in 2025 averaged 60,000 baht. Ironically, many tourists still travel without insurance protection.

However, travel insurance premiums for two weeks cost only about 1,100 baht, with coverage up to 3.6 million to 9 million baht.

Thailand has previously focused on increasing tourist numbers, including through visa-free policies. However, this approach is now being reviewed.

Chairman of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, noted that previous policies overlooked risk management.

“Travel insurance is now affordable, but a verification system is needed to ensure tourists are truly protected,” he said.

In addition to the mandatory insurance proposal, the government has also suggested a 300 baht entry fee for air travellers, though it is still under cabinet discussion.

Efforts to collect medical fees through diplomatic channels are deemed ineffective. Embassies generally view medical costs as a personal responsibility.

Thailand also cannot detain patients over medical debts, as it would damage the country’s image. In comparison, regions such as the Schengen Area, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Cuba already require travel insurance as an entry condition.

Thailand is now considering a similar model, for example, by integrating insurance into the visa or travel ticket process.

Strong Signal from the Government

Thai Health Minister Pattana Promphat affirmed that the government is ready to proceed with this policy.

“We are ready to promote this policy and already have a plan,” he said.

However, he emphasised the importance of determining the appropriate level of insurance coverage and considering various groups, including tourists and migrant workers. If implemented, the policy is expected not only to protect the country’s finances but also to enhance the safety of tourists visiting Thailand.