A consortium of 16 insurance companies in Thailand is now offering the mandatory insurance cover valued at USD 100,000 to foreigners who are eligible to travel to Thailand.
Last week, the Thai Insurance Office confirmed that it has established a consortium of insurance companies offering Covid-19 insurance online as the country is preparing to reopen its borders to travellers.
Once the country has reopened all foreigners entering Thailand will be required to purchase Covid-19 insurance. But until the door reopens the scheme will make it easier online for foreigners currently eligible to travel to Thailand to purchase the compulsory insurance cover.
In addition to insurance coverage, travellers must provide a Fit to Fly Health Certificate and a negative RT-PCR swab test valid within 72 hours of flight departure from Thailand to the nearest Thai embassy. When they have fulfilled all the conditions and have a confirmed flight date, they are issued with a certificate of entry. They must also have an appropriate visa which fits the approved travel category. Tourist visas are not issued for leisure travelling.
The Covid-19 insurance policy covers both illness-related deaths and medical expenses for those undergoing treatment.
The policy pays for funeral expenses and the repatriation of the corpse or ashes to the country of origin in case of death caused by the Covid-19. Maximum payout would be THB3.2 million.
For medical expenses associated with Covid-19 treatment, including the hospitalization period (inpatient or outpatient), the maximum payout is THB3.2 million.
Foreigners who purchase insurance cover as part of the requirements for travelling to Thailand must pay the insurance premium from 30 days to a maximum of one year depending on the period of their stay.
The premium is set against benchmarks in the country of origin which identify the Covid-19 risk; the lower the risk, the lower the premium.
Insurance premium cover for low-risk countries starts at THB1,600 and can be as high as THB14,400. Foreigners from moderately risk countries are likely to pay an insurance premium of between THB2.560 and THB23.040. The insurance premium could be as high as THB43,200 if the traveller is from a high-risk country.
Insurance companies that are taking part in the scheme include:
Assets Insurance Co Ltd (Thailand); Chubb Insurance Company Limited (Thailand); Navakij Insurance Co Ltd; Pacific Cross Health Insurance, Thailand) Falcon Insurance Co Ltd (Thailand) East Insurance, Asia Insurance 1950; Bangkok Life Insurance Ltd.
"Developing an insurance policy that provides protection for foreigners entering Thailand will support government policy and help restore the country's economy," the OIC Secretary-General said.
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