Local insurance in Thailand - Thailand Travel Shield
It makes sense to do travel insurance, even if it is not a requirement to enter the country. You feel safer with it, and if something happens, you can really save money. I have already laid out my mega-useful and detailed post with all the nuances of choosing and an overview of Russian insurance companies (here is the link, be sure to read). But there was a small gap with local insurances, and in particular Thailand Travel Shield..
The content of the article
Cons of this insurance
I decided not to buy this insurance, for me it is inconvenient. But the choice is always yours, consider this option too..
Be sure to read my mega post about insurance, to understand what is what: how to choose, how to use it correctly, which options are useless, what is asistency and why is it more important than insurance.
This is a kind of alternative to Russian insurance, yes. But there are several critical points that can push you away from buying it and you need to know them in advance. In general, it is not a specific product for all travelers. Be sure to read the reviews below from those who used it. And just in case - if you buy, then the policy is sent to the email only about a week later..
- Communication with the insurance company will be in English. And knowing what kind of English (Taiglish) Thai people have, and how difficult it is to resolve any issues with them over the phone, even if I have a good level of language, then I understand that I don't really want to get in touch with her. Moreover, my English is also far from perfect, I'm afraid in a difficult case I won't be able to speak at all because of excitement.
- The insurance is only for Thailand, therefore, if you are planning a trip to several countries of Southeast Asia, or are generally going to buy an annual policy for all countries at once, then it will not be very convenient with it. Well, only if you buy it second.
- The insurance does not cover outdoor activities, there is not even such an option.
- Entry into the country must be carried out by plane, not by land. They may ask to show e-tickets, and when issuing a policy, you will need to write the flight you are arriving on..
- Well, and the last condition is more about winterers - the limit on the time of stay in the country is 60 days, because they usually travel for 3 months. Then I'll tell you more about this in terms of insurance below. And also, if you suddenly decide to leave for a week with a valid policy, then it will be canceled.
The following insurance companies in Thailand are participating in the program, but most likely their names will tell you little. I don't know them, and I can't say anything about them at all..
- Muang Thai Insurance
- Chao Phraya Insurance
- Siam City Insurance
- Krungthai Panich Insurance
Local insurance in Thailand
Insurance conditions
I don't think everyone will start making this Thai insurance en masse, but it makes sense to know about it. For now, I continue to make insurance for myself through the mega-useful Cherehapa service, where you can find out the price for 16 insurance policies at once, and something will be cheaper or with better conditions. So keep our finger on the pulse and track what is happening in the world of insurance..
Insurance «Thailand Travel Shield» can only be issued online in advance and it starts to operate only when entering Thailand. That is, you need to buy it while still in Russia or another country. You will not be able to take advantage of this insurance if you apply for it while in Thailand. In order for it to start working, you will have to get to the nearest border and make a border run. This is a logical precaution, given the huge number of people who are trying by hook or by crook to stay in Thailand longer and cheaper. By this rule, Thais cut off the possibility of shenanigans for longsteers with a product intended exclusively for tourists..
Local insurance in Thailand
- coverage 24 hours 7 days a week for the entire trip
- active recreation (sports) this insurance does not cover
- the age of the insured must be between 1 and 70 years old
- no medical examination required
- arbitrary choice of insurance plan
- insurance coverage period does not exceed 60 days
According to the coverage period in the last paragraph, an interesting picture is obtained. Even if you decide to buy one-year insurance, it is viewed solely as a mutually beneficial business deal. That is, you were offered a product at a discount, and you agreed to buy it. But at the same time, no one turns a blind eye to the fact that a tourist needs to leave after 60 days after his stay in the country. Needed «medical border run». And it's inconvenient.
Service «Traveler support» Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) is provided. The traveler is obliged to provide information about the country of entry of the following nature:
- necessary vaccinations
- current weather
- current exchange rate
- medical consultation by phone
- help with seeking medical attention
- assistance in case of loss of baggage or documents
- assistance when contacting the embassy
Insurance plans
When filling out the application form, you have to choose one of two offered insurance plans, which I will discuss in more detail below. The size of the insurance premium can be up to 2 million baht, with full coverage of such risks as:
- accidents;
- flight cancellation;
- loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings;
- living expenses in case of airport closure;
- 24/7 ambulance service from Allianz Global Assistance
Insured event Plan 1 Plan 2 1. Loss of life, limbs,
partial or complete disability,
received during the trip maximum THB 1 million Maximum THB 2 million 2. Medical expenses for
treatment after accidents or illness Not more than 1 million baht not more than 2 million baht 3. Cancellation of a trip not more than 15,000 baht not more than 30,000 baht 4. Reduction of the trip period not more than 15,000 baht not more than 30,000 baht 5. Robbery
(2,000 baht for every 12 hours) maximum 20,000 baht maximum 40,000 baht 6. Travel delay (more than 6 hours) 3,000 baht per day,
maximum THB 12,000 THB 6,000 per day,
maximum THB 18,000 7.Lost or damage to luggage and personal belongings Actual value of belongings,
but not more than 12,500 baht Actual value of things,
but not more than 25,000 baht 8. Luggage Delay Actual value of items,
but not more than 7,500 baht Actual value of things,
but not more than 15,000 baht 9. Civil liability Actual cost
but not more than 750,000 baht Actual cost
but not more than 1.5 million baht 10. Travel support * maximum 10 million baht maximum 10 million baht
Price list
Travel time Plan 1 Plan 2 1-7 days 650 Baht 1 100 Baht 8-14 days 1000 Baht 1 750 Baht 5-30 days 1 400 Baht 2 850 Baht 31-60 days 1 750 Baht 3 150 Baht Annual travel 6 900 Baht 12,000 baht
The price includes value added tax (VAT) and government fees.
Assistance contacts
• Online shopping
• Telephone: +66 (0) 2342 3255
• Facsimile: +66 (0) 2305 8523
• E-mail: claim@allianz-assistance.co.th
Claiming an insured event
Thailand Travel Shield guarantees protection against a number of potential risks I have listed above. But, as with communicating with any other insurance company, you must first inform about the insured event by phone +66 (0) 2342 3255, and only then wait for where you will be told to go. As I wrote above, they will speak with you in English..
The sooner you contact the representatives of the insurer, the sooner the hospital will receive a letter of guarantee to pay the costs. If necessary, you will have to provide all information about police reports, damage assessment, medical reports, as well as originals of prescriptions or proof of ownership.
Insurance prices are set in Thai Baht. The insurer pays bills from the hospital directly to speed up the process.
If you are damaged, and the police have surpassed themselves and caught the intruder, and he even managed to compensate you for part of the damage, then the insurance company will pay only the difference between the real loss and the reimbursed amount.
P.S. There are few reviews on this insurance. Therefore, if someone used it, please write in the comments how it is, what pitfalls.