Thailand is considering making accident or health insurance mandatory for foreign visitors.
The proposal emerged after Thai hospitals reported mounting unpaid medical bills from uninsured foreigners, especially in major tourism destinations such as Phuket and Chiang Mai.
The Ministry of Public Health estimates unpaid foreign patient bills now exceed 100 million baht (US$3 million) annually.
A hospital in Phuket reportedly told the Bangkok Post that they shoulder about 10 million baht in treatment costs for uninsured foreign patients – adding that tourists are particularly susceptible to injuries related to inexperienced motorcycle use and substance consumption.
The issue has become increasingly urgent in tourism-heavy provinces. Hospitals say they are legally and ethically obligated to provide emergency care even when patients cannot pay.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has confirmed that authorities are studying compulsory insurance requirements for tourists and other foreign arrivals.
Officials say the aim is to protect hospitals from absorbing emergency treatment costs while ensuring visitors can access healthcare if accidents or illness occur during their stay.
Under the proposal being discussed, foreign tourists could be required to show proof of accident or health insurance before entering Thailand.
Authorities are still reviewing how the system would work, including premium levels, enforcement mechanisms and whether coverage would be bundled into arrival procedures or linked to an entry fee.
The discussions also involve Thailand’s tourism and insurance sectors. Pattana shared that premiums would be kept affordable and targeted at providing protection without discouraging visitors.
Thailand already requires health insurance for certain long-stay visa categories, including some retirement visas. However, short-term tourists currently do not need insurance to enter the country.