Travel insurance for Thailand holidays
Buzzing street markets, world-famous cuisine, island escapes and peaceful temples are just some of the attractions that make Thailand a favourite for Aussie travellers. No matter if you prefer exploring the cultural landmarks or unwinding by the beach, travel insurance can help you focus on the experience, and not the what-ifs.
For Australians travelling to Thailand, Medibank Travel Insurance can help cover you for a range of unexpected events, including travel delays, missing luggage and medical emergencies. You can also apply for additional cover for certain activities, such as riding a scooter or motorbike.
Thailand travel insurance options
Choosing travel insurance for your next trip to Thailand is simple, just select 'Thailand' as your destination when getting your quote. All Medibank International Travel Insurance includes overseas hospital, accident and medical expense cover.6
International Comprehensive Plan
Travel cover for overseas medical and dental emergencies, plus inclusions for unforeseen cancellations and valuables like laptops and cameras.
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- 21 day cooling off period1
- Overseas medical/dental expenses
- COVID-19 benefits
- Up to $25k luggage cover2
- Rental car insurance excess
- Cancellation & amendment fees3
- Cover for missed connections4
International Annual Multi-Trip
Annual Multi Trip Plan includes the same benefits as International Comprehensive Plan for multiple trips (up to the duration specified) within 12 months.5
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- 21 day cooling off period1
- Overseas medical/dental expenses
- COVID-19 benefits
- Up to $25k luggage cover2
- Rental car insurance excess
- Cancellation & amendment fees3
- Cover for missed connections4
International Medical Only Plan
Our basic international travel insurance provides cover for Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses that occur whilst you're travelling.
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- 21 day cooling off period1
- Overseas medical/dental expenses
- COVID-19 benefits
- Cover for luggage
- Rental car insurance excess
- Cancellation & amendment fees
- Cover for missed connections
Thailand is one of the most visited destinations for Australians, and for good reason, bustling cities, delicious street food, and postcard-perfect beaches. But just like any trip, things can go wrong. Here's why travel insurance could be a smart move on your next trip:
$Unlimited cancellation costs on an International Comprehensive Plan
What happens if you have to cancel your overseas adventure due to certain unforeseen circumstances like a family emergency? With Medibank's Comprehensive Travel Insurance plans, you'll have cover for the unused portion of accommodation and other prepaid costs.3
COVID-19 cover
COVID-19 can disrupt even the best laid travel plans. All Medibank's international policies include benefits related to COVID-19 - such as $unlimited cover for overseas medical costs6 if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner while travelling.
Luggage insurance and personal effects cover
You can help protect your belongings while travelling in Thailand, with cover for items that are lost, stolen or damaged. With the International Comprehensive Plan, you can be covered for up to $25,000.2
Emergency assistance whilst travelling
Every travel insurance policy with Medibank comes with 24-hour emergency assistance. That means you can speak to our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, travel consultants and case managers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Multi-award winning travel insurance
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Thailand travel advice
Ride smart if you're hiring a scooter or moped
Motorbike and scooter accidents can be a cause of hospitalisation for Australians in Thailand. If you are planning to ride:
- always wear a helmet
- obey local laws and regulations
- carry an appropriate Australian licence and valid international driving permit
- avoid unsealed roads or poor visibility.
To be insured while riding a moped, scooter or motorbike while travelling you need to purchase motorcycle and moped travel insurance. Check the PDS for exclusions, including riding without a helmet, unlicensed driving, intoxicated driving, engine capacity restrictions, and professional, motorcross or race driving.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Australian passport holders can visit Thailand for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 60 days. You’ll need at least six months’ passport validity, proof of onward travel, and enough funds to support yourself. For longer stays or non-tourist purposes, apply for the correct visa before departure. Overstaying your welcome can lead to fines or detention, and may affect your travel insurance. Visit Smartraveller for more information.
Staying aware of your surroundings
- From buzzing street markets to postcard-perfect beaches, Thailand is a magnet for Australian travellers looking to unwind, explore, or dive into local culture. Whether you're wandering the alleyways of Chiang Mai’s old town or chasing sunsets in the Phi Phi Islands, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. But like any popular destination, Thailand comes with its own set of travel risks.
- Petty crime: Tourist-heavy areas such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya can attract pickpockets and petty criminals. Distractions in nightlife venues, crowded transport hubs, and beach parties are common scenarios where theft can occur. Stay street smart and keep valuables out of sight and secure your belongings.
- Severe weather and flooding: Thailand's wet season runs from May to October and brings the potential for flash floods and transport disruptions, particularly in coastal or rural regions. Ferry services and flights to the islands can be delayed or cancelled during storms, so it’s wise to keep an eye on weather updates and travel advisories.
- Security threats: While generally safe, Thailand has experienced isolated incidents of political unrest. The Australian Government advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution and to avoid any protests or large gatherings.
For the latest travel alerts and safety guidance, always check Smartraveller before and during your trip.
Respect the culture
Thailand is known for its welcoming spirit, but cultural misunderstandings and legal missteps can land travellers in serious trouble. Taking time to understand local etiquette and knowing what’s not allowed in the country can help you avoid awkward situations, fines, or worse.
Dress respectfully at temples and religious sites. Cover your shoulders, avoid short skirts or shorts, and ask about removing shoes before entering temples or someone’s home. Public displays of affection, loud behaviour, or swearing may be considered disrespectful in sacred spaces.
Casual or unintentional criticism towards the Thai Royal Family can lead to arrest and even jail time
Don’t touch anyone’s head or point your feet at people or religious objects. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture, while feet are the lowest and should never be used to point or rest near people or icons.
Learn what not to bring. Thailand has strict laws around vaping, some prescription medication and drones. Before you visit, make sure to do your research on what you intend to bring.
Riding moped or scooters? Add extra cover for that.
If you're hiring a scooter or moped on your trip, you can add optional moped or motorbike riding cover to your policy. To make sure you are covered, you must:
- The engine capacity is 250cc or less
- While in control of a motorcycle or moped, you hold a valid Australian motorcycle licence or Australian motor vehicle driver licence
- While you are a passenger, the driver holds a valid licence, for riding that vehicle
- You are wearing a helmet; not participating in a professional capacity; not racing; and not participating in motocross.
You can select moped/motorcycle cover option when getting a quote to be covered for incidents while riding. Conditions and exclusions apply. See the PDS for full details.
Love adventure? You're already covered for loads of activities.
Medibank Travel Insurance policies automatically include cover for a wide range of activities, no need to add anything extra to your policy to be covered. This includes:
- Kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling
- Parasailing, jet skiing and abseiling
- Recreational cycling and guided hikes
- Amusement park rides, dancing, and zip-lining.
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. See the Combined FSG /PDS for more information on included activities and for full list of activities.
Things you should know
1 21 day cooling off period applies if you cancel your policy within 21 days of purchase provided you have not made a claim or travelled on the policy.
2 Item limits and sub-limits apply. See the Combined FSG/PDS for terms, conditions and more information.
3 Conditions and sub-limits apply. See the Combined FSG/PDS for more information.
4 Limits apply. See the Combined FSG/PDS for terms, conditions and more information.
5 Cover is limited to a maximum duration of up to 30, 45 or 60 days for international trips or 15 or 30 days on domestic trips depending on the duration choice you make. International policies include trips within Australia too.
6 Cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.
Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations, visit medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/