Many tourists –especially in times of political turbulences- hesitate to come to Thailand as they are not covered by their own insurance when there is a travel warning. Thailand is finally coming up with a solution: its own insurance scheme…
BANGKOK – A leading tour operator in Bangkok, dealing mostly with inbound markets, recently shared his worries about one of his fastest growing market, Spain. “Since Spain has issued travel warnings for Spanish travelling to Thailand, we have seen a blow in the number of our Spanish guests. Most of them do not want to come as they are not covered by insurance. And if they are, they have to pay a very high premium”, explains one of the managing director of the TO.
It will soon be all passe. From today, anyone coming to Thailand will be able to apply online for an insurance coverage. Known as the “Thailand Travel Shield”, it has been set up by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with four reputed Thai insurance companies, Muang Thai Insurance, Chao Phaya Insurance, Siam City Insurance, and Krungthai Panich Insurance. All are reputable, publicly-listed companies.
Effective July 25, 2014, visitors will then be able to buy the insurance coverage online for a broad range of unforeseen events ranging from accidents, trip cancellation, loss or damage of baggage / personal belongings, emergency hotel accommodation, etc. These travel insurance policies provide instant coverage up to the value of 1,000,000 Baht for the packages starting at 650 Baht, and up to the value of 2,000,000 Baht for the packages starting at 1,100 Baht. The period of coverage ranges up to 60 days, but it can also cover visitors making annual trips to Thailand.
The scheme will be publicised worldwide by TAT through its international offices, as well as marketed online through its website. Commenting on the new product on offer, TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “TAT has initiated the creation of an alternative insurance scheme that could be offered by Thai companies. We are now happy to report that such a scheme has now been set in place. This is to ensure that travellers enjoy their visit to the kingdom with great peace of mind, knowing that should anything go wrong, they’ll be covered.”
In addition, everyone purchasing this insurance can take advantage of the 24-hour emergency assistance offered by the well-known Allianz Global Assistance. The Medical and Travel Assistance Services will allow visitors to get pre-trip information such as inoculation, weather, exchange rates, telephone medical advice, medical service provider referral, assistance in case of loss of luggage/passport assistance, and embassy referral.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
