Thailand proposes mandatory health insurance for tourists
The Ministry of Public Health is considering mandatory health insurance for tourists visiting Thailand as part of a plan to improve healthcare safety and reduce unpaid medical bills.
The proposal was discussed by Public Health Minister Pattana Prompat on April 30, following the announcement of the ministry’s policy direction for 2026–2030.
Mr Pattana said the ministry was looking at ways to make healthcare-related procedures faster, more efficient and more supportive of foreign investment. He said the issue was not necessarily a lack of legal authority, but the need to improve processes that could help attract investment.
The ministry’s priorities include medicine security, medical equipment security and future healthcare technology, he said.
The proposed tourist health insurance scheme forms part of wider discussions on healthcare coverage for foreigners entering Thailand, including tourists, workers and those crossing the border for short visits.
Mr Pattana said foreigners who come to Thailand, whether for tourism, work or same-day travel, could create a financial burden if they require medical treatment but are unable to pay.
Health insurance, he said, could help close that gap by ensuring medical costs are covered.
Tourist health insurance plan under review
The ministry is considering making health insurance mandatory for tourists who are able to buy cover before or during their visit to Thailand.
Mr Pattana said the cost of any mandatory insurance premium was still being reviewed. He said the rate should not be so high that it becomes an excessive burden for travellers, but should offer worthwhile protection if visitors become ill while in the country.
The proposal comes as Thailand continues to position itself as a destination for tourism, healthcare and medical services.
Mr Pattana said Thailand’s public health system was more developed than those of several neighbouring countries, with transparency and readiness to provide medical care. He said the government would present Thailand’s healthcare standards and service system to the international community.
Asked about foreign nationals who receive treatment in Thailand but do not pay, Mr Pattana said he had discussed the issue with the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health.
He said Thailand was willing to play a role in supporting healthcare in border areas and helping people who may lack access to services, regardless of nationality. This could include domestic support or funding from international organisations, he said.
Mr Pattana said he was due to travel to Geneva soon, where several countries had scheduled talks with Thailand.
Border hospitals and elderly care also discussed
On challenges facing border hospitals, Mr Pattana said people awaiting verification of their legal status would need the relevant agencies to clarify their rights and nationality before they could enter the health security system.
He said he had instructed the National Health Security Office to allocate sufficient funding to border areas and oversee rights under the Tor 99 scheme.
The minister also discussed efforts to push forward proposed laws related to village health volunteers and the separation of the Ministry of Public Health from the Office of the Civil Service Commission.
Mr Pattana said he intended to submit the proposals to the Cabinet and hoped to see progress during the current government’s term.
He said the volunteer nurse policy promoted by the Bhumjaithai Party during the election campaign was part of an action plan to care for elderly people and bedridden patients. Some parts of the plan could begin immediately, with the number of volunteers to be increased gradually.
The ministry is also looking at expanding elderly care centres through private sector joint investment. Mr Pattana said officials were still considering the most suitable model.
