Travel Insurance for Thailand
Thailand has seen a steady growth in tourism since the 1970s, and becoming extremely popular as a travel destination in the last 20-years. Thailand, like other Southeast Asian destinations, has a rich culture shaped by history and the environment, and a cuisine whose colourful appearance is only surpassed by the taste. But Thailand is still a developing nation, in a tropical location, presenting higher than normal risks in terms of illness, disease, and political turmoil. Anyone planning on visiting Thailand should familiarise themselves with the risks, and areas to avoid, along with taking out comprehensive travel insurance to offer a level of cover that mitigates some of these risks.
Do Australians need a visa for Thailand?
Australian’s travelling to Thailand as tourists can qualify for a visa exemption, depending on how long they will be staying, and how they enter the country. If entering via an international airport, Australians are eligible for a visa exemption for up to 30-days. The visa exemption for Australians entering Thailand through a land border is only for stays of up to 15-days, and is also limited to no more than two entries per calendar year. For anyone not travelling as a tourist, or planning on staying for longer periods, a visa must be applied for in advance through a local Embassy or Consulate of Thailand. Thailand has stiff penalties for anyone overstaying, or found to be in breach of any visa conditions, which could include a prison sentence.
What vaccinations do I need for Thailand?
All travellers to Thailand should be vaccinated against Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid, while also ensuring they have previously been vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. For travellers planning on hiking through the countryside and rural areas, or planning on staying in Thailand for an extended period, vaccinations against Hepatitis B, Rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis, Tuberculosis, and Japanese B Encephalitis are also recommended. Travellers should also take standard precautionary measures to avoid mosquito and other insect bites, with malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus being prevalent throughout the country. There is no vaccination against the Zika virus, so pregnant woman are advised against travelling through areas affected, which includes Bangkok. Standard precautions and vaccinations offer an extra defence against some diseases, but having travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting Thailand to help ensure visitors can access healthcare, and even a medical evacuation, should the need arise.
Is Thailand safe?
The latest official travel advisory can always be viewed using the Smartraveller website, which currently advises a high degree of caution, and further advises travellers to avoid Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Many areas of Thailand have a moderate to high risk of civil unrest, terrorism, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Being aware of the areas most affected, along with the normal precautions foreigners should always exercise can help minimise risk. Natural disasters that can affect Thailand include heavy storms, flooding, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Having appropriate travel insurance is highly recommended to offer a better level of cover when it comes to needing medical treatment, replacing stolen property, or even recovering costs for delayed or cancelled trips.
How long is the flight to Thailand?
Flights to Thailand from Australia vary from just over 6-hours long, to close to 10-hours, depending on where in Australia the flight departs from, whether or not it is a direct flight, and which airport in Thailand it is landing at. Flights from Sydney to Bangkok are usually the longest flights.
When is the wet season in Thailand?
The wet season for most of Thailand stretches from May through to October. However, the islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan are both affected by the south-west monsoon, so can still receive heavy rainfall through November and early December. Travel during the wet season is still possible, but visitors should be aware of the increased risk of flooding, disease, and very high humidity.
We also offer insurance for other destinations such as Fiji