Government Offers COVID-19 Insurance Options To Foreign Tourists

Thailand wants to expand the availability of COVID-19 insurance to foreign travelers whose own insurance does not cover hotel isolation or hospitels in asymptomatic cases. The Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said authorities reached out to the Office of Insurance Commission.  He added that premiums could cost around 800 baht per person for hotel isolation costs which typically cost around 30,000 baht.

According to CCSA, travelers who are not completely covered by their own insurance coverage must bear the charges themselves. This means that if hotels allow visitors to slip through the cracks, as seems to have occurred in a number of recent incidents, they and the runaway tourists will face legal consequences.

“Previously, we coordinated with hotels to monitor and ensure the safety of guests throughout the health screening procedure. The new guidelines require strict compliance with health standards. Hotels can’t be lax with the procedure or face the risk of being delisted from Thailand Pass registration, therefore making them unable to accept any incoming tourists.”

The head of the Thai Hotels Association takes a contrary position on the threat of legal action against hotels. According to Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, such consequences will significantly impact small hotels.  She added that some infected visitors have previously declined to go to the hospital, citing concerns about the costs and the possibility that their insurance would not cover the costs of hospitalization since they were asymptomatic.

For more information on how to get into Thailand hassle-free using a Thailand Elite Visa, CLICK HERE. Apply now and get a free 3 months visa extension.

Source: Bangkok Post