Travel Insurance for Thailand
Whether you are island hopping in the south or riding the rail to the north, learn how travel insurance for Thailand can help visiting Americans.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
At a glance:
- Travel insurance benefits for Thailand may include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption
- Coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
- Protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
- Coverage for 250+ adventure and sports activities across Thailand (scuba diving and rock climbing included!)
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply
- Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
- Travel insurance for activities in Thailand
- Travel insurance for motorbiking in Thailand
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Thailand
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Thailand
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Thailand
- Tips for traveling to Thailand from the United States
Thailand welcomes thousands of American travelers each year. Whether you’re checking out the Bangkok nightlife, the water buffalo races in Chonburi, or have your sights set on more off the beaten path spots in Thailand like Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park, there are plenty of adventures to be had in Thailand.
As nomads ourselves, we’ve had our share of fun times. We’ve danced the night away in Ko Pha-Ngan at Thailand’s epic Full Moon Parties, trekked through the jungle, and enjoyed flavorful local dishes like Khao Soi and Pad Thai. And we’ve learned a few things along the way and love to share our Thailand travel tips.
Our first tip: anything can happen on an international adventure, so we encourage you to explore travel insurance* for Thailand to protect your vacation.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
When you’re planning your trip to Thailand, there are some things you just can’t foresee. We had a claim from one of our nomads who needed surgery after they broke their leg in Koh Samui. We had another claim a nomad who had a camera stolen on the crowded streets of Khao San Road in Bangkok. These events definitely weren't planned, but a World Nomads travel insurance plan for Thailand may help if you run into trouble on your overseas adventure.
With any overseas travel, there’s always going to be some things you can’t plan for - like canceled trips, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and delayed baggage. Because of these unforeseen situations, you may want to consider travel insurance. There are four plans to choose from, and when you get a quote, you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in Thailand
Your Thailand adventure may take you surfing in Phuket or kayaking the Run Tee River. You may also decide to hike to Tarn Lod Yai, a massive ancient sea cave. World Nomads travel insurance covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Thailand - including surfing, kayaking, and hiking.
Not all plans cover every activity. We recommend that you think about the types of adventures and activities you’ll be doing before you get a quote for travel insurance for Thailand. This will help you select the best plan for your trip.
For example, if you want to go bungee jumping in the mountains of Chiang Mai, you’ll be covered by all plans, including the Standard Plan. If you plan on upgrading your daredevil adventures envision yourself cliff jumping in Tanote Bay on Koh Tao, go for the Explorer or the Epic Plan which has wider coverage.
Travel insurance for motorbiking in Thailand
Motorbiking is common in Thailand, and in some instances, it could be covered by your travel insurance plan- but it’s not guaranteed. Just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike there doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.
We get a lot of accident claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Thailand because it’s cheap and easy to rent. However, safety is not always top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience are. The rules of the road and the road quality itself can be very different from back home in the United States. Motorbike accidents are quite common (it’s one of our most common claims) and it’s very important to know that if you don’t have the proper license for motorbiking, your travel insurance for Thailand won’t cover you.
If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to look at getting the proper license for motorbiking in Thailand before you leave the USA. You can get specific license requirements for Thailand on the US government’s website.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Thailand
Before you leave the United States, we recommend you book an appointment with our Pre-Departure Telehealth service. This non-insurance service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain necessary medications before you take off for Thailand, such as certain vaccinations or antimalarial medication. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from things like dengue fever and malaria.
While these preparations can help, there’s still a chance you could get sick or injured during your travels in Thailand. If you get lunch from a street vendor and get traveler’s diarrhea or if you're stung by a poisonous jellyfish off Koh Lanta, emergency medical travel insurance could reimburse you for certain medical expenses.
In the event that you get hurt while hiking in a remote jungle in Thailand, you may find limited medical services available. The 24/7 emergency assistance team can refer you to a place that offers the level of care you need. They can also help communicate with your medical team if they don’t speak English.
If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the United States to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Thailand may cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in Thailand
If you’re headed to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands for a beach getaway, you’ve likely packed one (or five) new swimsuits. If you check your bags in the US and then realize that the airline lost your bag, don’t fret.
With some luck, the bag just took a detour and will eventually make its way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, with your travel insurance for Thailand, you may be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact the Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service, which is another of our non-insurance service partners. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Thailand
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip. When you’re choosing your travel insurance for Thailand, look for plans that cover unexpected trip interruptions.
Thailand is in an active seismic zone, and there’s the possibility of natural disasters that can affect your travels. If your trip to Krabi is canceled because an earthquake has destroyed your destination residence or the US government issues an advisory against travel to the destination, country, or region listed on your itinerary (and the advisory is issued after the date you paid for your prepaid travel arrangement and after the date you purchased your plan), your travel insurance for Thailand could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
Natural disasters can cause all sorts of delays along the way, too. Say you have a missed connection when traveling to southern Thailand to catch a cruise due to a storm. The Explorer or Epic Plan can help reimburse costs if you must pay to catch up to your planned group tour.
Or, maybe you arrive home later than anticipated because your flights back to the US are canceled or delayed due to a natural disaster and you incur additional fees to keep your pet at the kennel longer. The Explorer or Epic Plan helps cover those costs as well.
Sometimes a situation out of your control arises or you just simply change your mind about a trip. CFAR (cancel for any reason) is an optional add-on benefit to your Explorer or Epic Plan that will give you an extra safety net on your vacation. You must purchase this during the time sensitive period, though. If you need to cancel your trip for any reason not covered by your existing plan, this benefit allows you to cancel and get back a portion of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses, whether that be a cruise, flights or a cultural excursion.
Tips for traveling to Thailand from the United States
Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Thailand to review their up-to-date warnings that may include advisories on weather or political situations.
If you purchase travel insurance for Thailand, it’s also a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
You may have opportunities to see exotic animals such as elephants, tigers, and gibbons. You don’t want to contribute to the suffering of these majestic creatures so make sure to educate yourself on ethical wildlife encounters before you go. A few tips: never ride an elephant or take selfies with captive animals – doing so only harms their species.
Read up on what to know before you go to Thailand—and remember to have fun!
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance for China
A guide for Canadians travelling to China
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to China. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in China like hiking, biking and whitewater rafting.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip issues and lost luggage.
China is comparable in size to Canada, but that’s where the similarities end. High-speed trains link major cities, but the pace slows through smaller towns and rural regions. In Beijing, visit the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City, join the throng of daily life on Gui Street, trying street food as you wander, and hop a train to the Great Wall of China. Shanghai is all glass towers and neon-lit streets, but you can walk into the city’s colonial past along the Bund. It’s also worth travelling to see the underground army of Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, cruising between the limestone peaks of the Li River near Guilin, and a whole lot more. Wherever you’re headed, being prepared makes all the difference.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to China. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in China
Getting your heart rate up in China is easy. Hike rugged sections of the Great Wall, where steep stone steps and uneven paths make it far more challenging than it looks. In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, challenging trails wind between towering sandstone pillars and cliffside walkways add to the thrill. Further west, in Yunnan, take a multi-day trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river canyons in the world (walk over the glass bridge if you dare), while in Sichuan, Mount Emei combines hiking with steep ascents and dramatic viewpoints (go in spring or autumn for the best weather). Winter brings skiing to resorts near Beijing and in the northeast around Harbin, while warmer months lend themselves to cycling through Yangshuo’s karst landscapes or rafting sections of the Yulong River.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for China
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Fell down some steps at the Great Wall of China? Wiped out rafting the Yulong River and ended up in hospital? Ate dodgy dumplings and got a bad bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re in hospital for three days or more, it may also include the transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips for travelling to China
- Set up key apps before you arrive, including translation tools and mobile payment platforms like WeChat and Alipay, as cash is used less often in cities
- Download maps for offline use or use a VPN if needed, as some websites and apps are restricted
- Carry your passport with you, as ID checks are required for trains, hotels and some attractions
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or have them saved on your phone – English isn’t widely spoken outside major tourist areas.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for China. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to visit China?
Yes, Canadians generally need a visa to visit China however sometimes there are ‘visa-free periods’ (there is a visa-free period going from February to December 2026, for instance). You’ll need to apply in advance, and requirements can change, so check the latest information before you travel.
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Is China safe for travellers?
China is generally considered safe, with low levels of violent crime. Petty theft can occur in busy areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. You may want to consider travel insurance for unexpected situations.
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What is the best time to visit China?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable times to visit. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold, especially in the north.
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Can I use Google, Instagram and other apps in China?
Many Western apps and websites are restricted in China. Travellers often use a VPN to access them, but regulations can change.
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What currency is used in China?
China uses the Chinese yuan (RMB). Mobile payments via apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, especially in cities.
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What is the best way to get around China?
High-speed trains are one of the easiest and fastest ways to travel between cities. Domestic flights are useful for longer distances.
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Can I drink tap water in China?
Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled or boiled water.
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Do I need travel insurance for China?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
