Thailand has initiated a health insurance program for international visitors, providing up to US$14,000 coverage for accidents, as announced by Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
This measure comes as Thailand seeks to rejuvenate its travel industry, which saw a drastic downturn during the global COVID-19 health crisis.
According to a report by SCMP, the program – dubbed the Thailand Traveller Safety scheme – offers medical insurance up to 500,000 baht (equivalent to US$14,000) and up to 1 million baht (around US$28,000) in the event of a visitor's death.
Officially starting on Jan. 1, this initiative will extend through Aug. 31, aiming to bolster tourists' confidence in their safety while in the country.
Wangsuphakijkosol emphasised the plan's goal to communicate to tourists worldwide that Thailand prioritises health and safety.
“The campaign aims to assure foreign tourists that Thailand is safe and everyone will be under good care,” she said.
The Thai government has clarified that the insurance scheme will not cover incidents resulting from the insured's negligence, deliberate actions, illegal activities, or engagement in dangerous activities. Tourists looking to benefit from this insurance can sign up via the Thailand Traveller Safety website.
Tourism numbers have slowly been on the rise post-pandemic, with Thailand hosting 28 million tourists in 2023, a jump from 11 million in the previous year but still short of the 40 million record in 2019, pre-pandemic.
Through the introduction of the Thailand Traveller Safety scheme, the government is targeting 35 million visitors in 2024, aiming for US$55 billion in tourism-related earnings.
