Thailand Weighs Insurance Rule Amid 100 Million Baht Tourist Costs
Thailand Weighs Insurance Rule Amid 100 Million Baht Tourist Costs
BANGKOK, April 7, 2026 — Thailand is considering requiring international tourists to carry travel insurance, as rising unpaid medical bills from foreign patients place increasing strain on the public healthcare system.
Authorities are exploring measures to mandate proof of insurance prior to entry, potentially linking the requirement to visa applications or airline ticket purchases, local media reported.
Hospitals in major tourist destinations such as Phuket say they face significant financial losses each year from treating uninsured foreign visitors.
Dr Weerasak Lorthongkham, director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, said his facility alone absorbs around 10 million baht (about $270,000) annually in unpaid treatment costs.
Nationwide, total losses are estimated to exceed 100 million baht per year, driven largely by emergency cases.
Motorcycle accidents involving inexperienced tourists are cited as a major factor. Under Thai law, hospitals must provide emergency care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, leaving public facilities to bear the costs.
Despite relatively affordable insurance options, many travellers still arrive without coverage, officials said.
The proposed policy aims to ease financial pressure on public hospitals while improving safety and preparedness among visitors.
Thailand, one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations, is reviewing the measure as part of broader efforts to balance tourism growth with public service sustainability.
