Thailand is moving toward a requirement for visitors to obtain accident insurance before entering the country in response to rising costs of unpaid medical bills
The Minister of Health has estimated a cost of 100 million baht, about $3.12 million, in cost of medical and accident care for foreigners that is not paid for. Because emergency care must be given regardless of payment, the cost is absorbed by hospitals and other facilities.
Phuket and Chiang Mai, as major tourism hubs, are the most affected. One hospital in Phuket says its defaults alone are 10 million baht. The hospital’s director told the Bangkok Post that “Many visitors come to Phuket and try riding motorcycles for the first time, which increases accident risks.”
The Thai cabinet initially considered a 300 baht entry fee on air arrivals to address the problem, but has shifted toward compulsory insurance, which is required by a number of other countries as well. One study indicated that a policy for a two week stay would cost about 1100 baht or around $36.
