COVID Insurance Thailand: Latest Requirements & Updates

*Note, the information regarding COVID insurance and entry requirements to Thailand is correct and up-to-date at the time of writing. We strive to update this post with the latest information; however, requirements can change. We advise you to check with your local Thai embassy or consulate when planning to enter Thailand and to leave a comment below if you feel any details in this article are outdated.

The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic at the beginning of 2020 shook the tourism industry to its core. Travel was either halted or heavily disrupted worldwide, with Thailand one of the first countries to completely close its international borders.

The blocking of international arrivals to Thailand heavily disrupted the country’s thriving tourism industry with forecasts for 2021 predicting that foreign arrivals to Thailand could be only 15% of the figures from 2019.

Regardless, Thailand is slowly, but steadily, reopening its doors to international travelers in 2021 in an attempt to revive the tourism industry and help the thousands of locals affected by the lack of arrivals into the country.

The Thai government is proceeding carefully, however, and implementing a broad range of eligibility requirements, regulations, and rules for anyone wishing to visit Thailand.

What You’ll Learn in this Article:

• Who Can Enter Thailand During COVID-19?
• What Are The Entry Requirements For Coming To Thailand?
• What’s The Difference Between COVID Insurance, Travel Insurance, and Health Insurance?
• How Do You Buy COVID Insurance For Travel To Thailand?
• How Do You Buy COVID Insurance In Thailand?
• What Hotels Are Offering Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) In Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Prachinburi, and Buriram?

Among these requirements is the need for every traveler to have proof of COVID insurance with coverage of at least USD 100,000.

Below you’ll find useful information about COVID insurance for travelers to Thailand and how to get insured for coronavirus if you are an expat in Thailand.

We will update this article as often as possible with the latest information, so keep it bookmarked as a reference for the latest COVID insurance rules in Thailand!

List of Foreigners Allowed to Enter Thailand During COVID-19

Thailand has placed strict rules on who can enter the country during the ongoing coronavirus situation. Initially, the Thai government placed severe restrictions on who could enter Thailand; however, these rules have been somewhat eased over the past few weeks.

There are several categories of foreigners allowed to enter Thailand as of January 2021. These include:

• Holders of a valid non-immigrant B visa and work permit, including their spouses and children.
• Anyone who gained specific permission from the Thai Ministry of Labor (WP3) to work in Thailand, including their spouses and children.
• Diplomats and their families under the non-immigrant D and F visas.
• Foreigners who are married to a Thai national, have Thai children, or are the children of Thai nationals and hold a non-immigrant O visa.
• Anyone who holds a valid Certificate of Residence for Thailand, including their spouses and children.
• Students who are taking courses at approved educational institutions (such as universities), including their parents or guardians.
• Those seeking to enter Thailand for the purposes of medical tourism, excluding any treatments related to COVID-19.
• Special invitees of the Thai government, including holders of the Thailand Elite Visa.
• Migrant workers from neighboring countries in possession of official documentation.
• Businesspeople visiting Thailand explicitly for business purposes and hold a non-immigrant B visa without a work permit or WP3.
• Retirees and long stay visitors in possession of a non-immigrant O, OA, or OX visa.
• APEC Business Travel Card holders from countries currently classified as “low risk”, including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and China.
• Travelers from selected countries in possession of a valid tourist visa (TRV), including the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Visitors from low-risk countries who qualify for the special tourist visa (STV) according to the latest regulations published by the Thailand Public Health Ministry.

The list above is constantly changing and it is highly advisable to contact your local Thai embassy or consulate to find out if you can qualify for any type of visa that will give you access to Thailand.

Many of the categories listed above have strict regulations and qualifications before getting permission to travel to Thailand. For example, all foreigners must receive a certificate of entry or written permission of entry from their local embassy or consulate before booking flights to Thailand.

It is also worth checking the local coronavirus situation in Thailand before traveling. Some provinces around the country implement individual rules for domestic travel and quarantine.

Thailand Entry Requirements (Updated January 2021)

If you fall into one of the categories above and wish to come to Thailand, you will need to provide a range of documentation and bookings to get permission to travel.

The Thai government is continually refining the requirements list and some of the details below may only apply to specific categories of visitors to Thailand.

Certificate of Entry (COE) or Written Permission of Entry

The Certificate of Entry, or COE, for Thailand, is obtained via your local Thai embassy or consulate, or online. All visitors to Thailand must hold a valid COE before arriving in the country. To get approval for a COE, you will need to show evidence of many of the requirements listed below.

COVID-19 Insurance

It is now mandatory to have health insurance that specifically covers COVID-19 before traveling to Thailand. The Thai government has implemented strict rules concerning COVID insurance for travelers to Thailand, with two main factors relating to the policy:

1. The COVID insurance must provide coverage for at least USD 100,000 of medical expenses. This ensures that if you should catch the virus while in Thailand you will not end up with hefty hospital bills.
2. The insurance policy for coronavirus must also provide coverage in the event of death for at least USD 100,000. This COVID life insurance requirement is designed to compensate your beneficiary in the event of death caused by the virus.

Usually, COVID-specific insurance is available at a reasonable rate and covers periods up to 12 months. In addition to the policy, your insurance provider must provide a certificate stating that you are insured for the amounts mentioned above.

While you could find COVID insurance for Thailand from a provider in your home country, it is highly advisable to seek this insurance from a local insurance provider in Thailand.

Use a comparison service based in Thailand such as Mister Prakan, which offers Thai government approved COVID policies from the most trusted insurance companies in the country. The service also provides a valid and approved insurance certificate immediately after policy approval.

Other Health Insurance Requirements

Some visa types require additional insurance policies for entry approval to Thailand. For instance, special tourist visa (STV) holders, and some retirement and long-stay visa holders (non-immigrant OA and OX) will need to present proof of health insurance in addition to COVID insurance.

The current requirements state that people in these categories must have health insurance with out-patient coverage of at least 40,000 Thai baht and in-patient coverage of at least 400,000 Thai baht.

Travelers to Thailand who fall into some other categories may also need additional insurance coverage. You should check with your local Thai embassy or consulate for the latest Thailand insurance requirements.

If you do need health insurance in addition to COVID insurance, we highly recommend using Mister Prakan which offers government-approved packages designed especially for retirees and special tourist visa visitors to Thailand.

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Reservation

All arrivals to Thailand must stay in an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotel for 14 days after arrival. You will need to find and book your ASQ hotel before applying for a certificate of entry to Thailand.   

At the time of writing, there are 108 ASQ hotels in Bangkok, 18 ASQ hotels in Phuket, six ASQ hotels in Pattaya, and one ASQ hotel each in Prachinburi and Buriram. However, new locations are constantly approved by the Thai Health Ministry and added to the list.

The price of ASQ hotels can vary significantly depending on the hotel quality and location. Prices range from around 28,000 Thai baht to 220,000 Thai baht for the full 14-day stay.

Each hotel is partnered with a hospital that provides staff to carry out COVID-19 tests during your quarantine. After the quarantine period, you are free to go anywhere in Thailand while following the local and provincial rules.

We have provided a full list of the hotel certified by the Thai Ministry of Health at the end of this article.

Proof of COVID-19 Negative Test Result

All visitors to Thailand must produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate to the staff at the airport check-in to board their flight.

The COVID-19 test must use the RT-PCR method and clearly show that there is no indication of the coronavirus. This test should be available in your local hospital or clinic.

It is important to ensure the test results and certificate are issued no more than 72 hours before your departure date to Thailand.

Fit-To-Fly Certification

Another certification required by the Thai government is the fit-to-fly certificate. This slightly differs from a COVID-19 test as it is issued by your doctor and states that you are not showing any symptoms which might stop you from flying.

Again, this certificate needs to have a date that is no more than 72 hours before your departure to Thailand.

T.8 Health Form

The T.8 health form is a general declaration that you present to authorities upon arrival in Thailand. It is a relatively simple and straightforward form with a request for information such as personal information, passport number, nationality, contact details, and any symptoms you have displayed in the two weeks leading up to your arrival in Thailand.  

If you display symptoms such as breathing difficulty, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, or fever, you should declare these on your T.8 health form and notify authorities on your arrival.

Installation of Mandatory Mobile App

Travelers to Thailand are also required to install the “AOT Airport of Thailand” application onto their phones. This app records information during the duration of your stay in an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility.

After completing quarantine, you may also need to download the “Mor Chana” app which is used by the Thai government to locally monitor and track people’s movements and assist with the prevention of spreading COVID-19.

COVID Insurance Vs Travel Insurance Vs Health Insurance

It is important to know the difference between COVID-19 insurance, travel insurance, and health insurance before you travel to Thailand.

COVID insurance differs from travel or health insurance as it specifically covers medical expenses related to the coronavirus. It is generally quite affordable with plans from local Thai companies offering coverage for as little as 1,000 Thai baht per year.

Due to the COVID pandemic, some travel insurance issuers have now started adding coverage for COVID to their plans. If you have Thailand travel insurance already you can check with your provider whether your policy covers the coronavirus.

However, if you are using your travel insurance to meet the COVID insurance requirements, make sure that your insurance broker can provide a certificate stating you are covered for the minimum USD 100,000.

If you have purchased ex-pat health insurance in Thailand during the past few months, the chances are that you have some form of insurance coverage for COVID. Most health insurance packages today will include costs relating to the coronavirus.

Once again, if you are planning to use a health insurance policy that you have either purchased from your home country or purchased from a local Thai company, make sure that your provider can issue a COVID insurance certificate stating you are covered for the required amount.

How to Buy COVID-19 Insurance for Travel to Thailand

Almost every insurance agent and broker will offer some form of COVID insurance policy. However, not all policies are created equal, and not all COVID coverage plans are accepted by the Thai government.

If you plan to use an insurance provider from your home country to cover COVID while in Thailand, you need to confirm a few details.

Firstly, make sure the insurance provider you choose can give coronavirus insurance coverage for medical expenses at a minimum of USD 100,000 in addition to life insurance for COVID at a minimum of USD 100,000.

Secondly, before you purchase COVID insurance from your local provider, ask if they can produce a certificate stating that you are covered for the required amount – both for health and life.

An easier option for buying COVID-19 travel insurance is to use a company that has Thai government approval and can issue you a COVID certificate immediately after activating your policy.

You may find that by using an insurance company in Thailand, the process of both purchasing and using your insurance is much easier and hassle-free.

Buying COVID Insurance While Already in Thailand

If you are already in Thailand and require COVID insurance you have a couple of options to explore.

The first option is for those who already have an ex-pat health insurance plan in Thailand either through their employer or privately. If you already have health insurance in Thailand you can contact your insurance provider and check if your policy includes COVID-19.

If it doesn’t, you can request the addition of coronavirus coverage to your plan. It shouldn’t increase your premium by much and you can rest easy knowing that you and your family are protected.

The second option is for those who don’t have any health insurance in Thailand. If you fall into this category, I highly recommend you explore expat health insurance options as medical care in Thailand can be rather expensive.

If, however, you wish to find an insurance plan that covers you for only COVID-19, you can compare a wide range of options on Mister Prakan with pricing starting from just 1,000 Thai baht per year.

Top Tips for Buying COVID Health Insurance

1. Check If Your Current Health Insurance Policy Covers COVID-19
2. Make Sure You Are Covered for A Minimum of USD 100,000 Medical Expenses
3. Make Sure You Are Covered for A Minimum of USD 100,000 Life Insurance
4. Shop Around and Compare – Not All Providers Are Equal!
5. Request A COVID Insurance Certificate with Your Policy

List of Approved Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels in Thailand

Below is a full list of ASQ hotels that are currently approved by the Thai Ministry of Health. You can book an ASQ hotel by contacting the venue directly.

We will update this list as new facilities are added by the Thai government.

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels in Bangkok

1. Movenpick Wellness BDMS Resort Hotel
2. Qiu Hotel
3. The Idle Residence
4. Grand Richmond Hotel
5. Royal Benja Hotel
6. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
7. Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55
8. Amara Hotel
9. The Kinn Bangkok Hotel
10. Siam Mandarina Hotel
11. Two Three A Homely Hotel
12. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
13. Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
14. Grande Centre Point Terminal 21
15. O2 Luxury Hotel
16. Three Sukhumvit Hotel 55
17. Princeton Hotel Bangkok
18. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok
19. The Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57
20. Salil Hotel Soi Thonglor 121. Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18
21. ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit Phra Khanong
22. Maple Hotel
23. Royal Rattanakosin Hotel
24. Conrad Bangkok Hotel
25. Royal Suite Hotel
26. Amanta Hotel & Residence Sathorn
27. Ozone Hotel@Samyarn
28. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
29. Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
30. Hotel Clover Asoke
31. Belaire Bangkok Hotel
32. SC Park Hotel
33. Avani Atrium Hotel Bangkok
34. Le Meridien Hotel Bangkok
35. The Landmark Bangkok Hotel
36. Zenith Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok
37. ChorCher Hotel
38. Solitaire Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
39. Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri
40. Hotel Amber Sukhumvit 85
41. The Vertical Suite Hotel
42. Dusit Princess Srinakarin Bangkok
43. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
44. Miloft Sathorn Hotel
45. Lancaster Bangkok
46. DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
47. Royal President Hotel
48. Eleven Hotel Bangkok
49. SureStayPlus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2
50. Goldentulip Sovereign Hotel Bangkok
51. Cinnamon Residence
52. Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam
53. Casa Nithra Hotel Bangkok
54. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
55. H5 Luxury Hotel
56. The Sukosol Bangkok Hotel
57. Anya Nana @Sukhumvit – Bangkok
58. Rembrandt Hotel and Suites Bangkok
59. Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18
60. Hotel Icon Sukhumvit 2 Bangkok
61. Aspira Sky Sukhumvit 1
62. Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
63. Nouvo City Hotel
64. Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
65. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok
66. Ambassador Hotel Bangkok
67. Silom Serene a boutique Hotel
68. Amaranth Suvarnabhumi Airport by Best Western
69. Graceland Bangkok by Grace Hotel
70. Arize Hotel Sukhumvit
71. Hyatt Place
72. Best Western Premier Sukhumvit
73. Movenpick Sukhumvit 15
74. Centre Point Silom
75. The Canal Hotel
76. Citadines Sukhumvit 8
77. Centre Point Pratunam
78. Fraser Suites Sukhumvit
79. Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit
80. The Silver Palm
81. Lohas Sukhumvit
82. Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok
83. The Green View Hotel
84. The Cotai Luxury Design Hotel
85. Hotel de Trojan
86. S Ram Leisure Hotel
87. Citrus Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok Hotel
88. Furama Xclusive Sukhumvit
89. So Boutique Hotel
90. The Metropole Bangkok
91. The Sukhothai Bangkok
92. Mii Hotel Srinakarin
93. Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok
94. Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
95. The Bazaar Hotel
96. GLOW Sukhumvit 5
97. Arte Hotel
98. Bandara Suites Silom Bangkok
99. Divalux Resort and Spa
100. Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
101. Aspira Hana Residence Thonglor
102. A One Bangkok
103. Ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai
104. Citrus Suites Sukhumvit 6, Bangkok
105. 56 Surawong Hotel & Residence
106. Como Metropolitan Bangkok
107. Seasons Siam Hotel
108. Novotel Ibis styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 4
109. Maduzi Hotel

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels in Phuket

1. Anantara Phuket Suites & Villas
2. Phuket GRACELAND Resort & Spa
3. Metadee Resort & Villas
4. Banyan Tree Phuket
5. Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort
6. The Sense Resort and Poll Villas
7. Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa
8. The LifeCo Phuket Well-Being Detox Center
9. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Hotel
10. Andakira Resort & Spa
11. The Gig Hotel
12. Sleep with me Design Hotel @Patong
13. Ramada Phuket Deevana
14. Best Western Patong
15. Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort
16. Peach Blossom Resort and Pool Villa Beach Resort
17. The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa
18. Oakwood Hotel Journeyhub Phuket

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels in Pattaya

1. Best Bella Pattaya Hotel
2. Avani Pattaya Resort
3. Hotel J Residence
4. Tropicana
5. Grand Bella
6. Bella Express

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels in Prachinburi

1. Tawa Ravadee Resort

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotels in Buriram

1. Amari Buriram United Hotel

Useful Links

Online Application for a Certificate of Entry to Thailand – https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/

Tourist Authority of Thailand Updates – https://www.tatnews.org/

Latest COVID-19 Situation in Thailand – https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php

List of Thai Embassies and Consulates – https://www.thaiembassy.org/

T.8 Health Form Download – https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/umufy3EgqL/T8new.pdf

I hope the information above can help you if you are planning on visiting Thailand and are unsure about the entry requirements and COVID insurance policies. If you spot any details that are outdated or think I missed something, please let me know in the comments below.