Thailand is moving forward with plans to implement regulations requiring international tourists to obtain accident insurance before entering the country. The proposal comes amid a growing number of unpaid medical bills, which are placing increasing strain on the public healthcare system.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health estimates that unpaid medical bills from foreign patients amount to at least THB100m ($3m) annually, with Phuket and Chiang Mai among the most affected areas, reported The Bangkok Post.
Hospitals are unable to refuse emergency treatment on ethical grounds and are therefore required to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay, often absorbing the resulting costs.
Industry data indicate that travel insurance premiums for a two-week trip are around THB1,100, with health coverage ranging from THB3.6m to 9m. Despite the relatively low cost, insurance uptake among travellers remains inconsistent.
For years, Thailand has prioritised tourism volume overprotective measures, allowing many visitors to enter without insurance, particularly under visa-free arrangements.
A proposed THB300 entry fee for air passengers is still pending Cabinet approval, while policymakers are increasingly considering mandatory insurance as a more viable solution.