It’s been a while since you could travel. The feeling of “Saudade” took over your day, and you remember days when everything was okay and people had the freedom to travel anywhere they wanted. To be in a place where once they felt happy.
Traveling to a country like Thailand took time to plan. There was paperwork to complete and approvals to get. Like many countries, Thailand requires visitors to have “Covid Insurance”. If people were diagnosed with Covid, they would need medical attention, and this is never free. This left a bad taste in many people’s mouths. Insurance became linked to “Covid” and it was something you “had” to have.
The good news is that from July 1, 2022, the restriction has been removed. Portuguese visitors do not need to show any proof of Covid insurance to enter Thailand. But there are still some things to consider when traveling abroad. There is personal safety and responsibility during a time that is still a little shaky.
Travel Insurance for Portuguese Travelers
Before Covid and Covid Insurance, there was travel and Travel Insurance. People plan trips and want to have a good time. This is why they holiday. Any traveler who has been overseas understands the importance of Travel Insurance. It is the protection you need in case something goes wrong. People can still be diagnosed with Covid and need help, but comprehensive travel insurance covers you for so much more.
- Medical emergencies
- Personal injury & accidents
- Missed or delayed flights
- Damage to belongings
- Lost luggage
There is nothing worse than having a holiday cut short, or spending your time needing help. People want to budget for an enjoyable time, not setting money aside for unexpected bills.
It is important to know that foreign visitors cannot receive free medical care in Thailand. If something should happen, whether it be an accident or personal injury, a Portuguese citizen will need to cover any medical expenses themselves. If they lose their luggage, or a flight is delayed, they have to cover any personal costs. Depending on the severity, this could be hundreds, if not thousands, of Euros.
People spend a little money on Insurance to make sure they don’t have to pay a lot if the worst happens. Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind about the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘maybes’.
AXA Thailand: AXA Sawasdee Thailand
AXA Sawasdee Thailand is a well-known and respected insurance company in Thailand that caters to travelers from around the world. Their policies are straightforward and trusted by Thai authorities and medical institutions.
You may get your COVID-19 Insurance here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal
Benefits of AXA Sawasdee Thailand
It is possible to organize Travel Insurance through your home country, but there are many advantages to using an international company that is based in the country you are visiting.
Thai Approved
Using a local insurance company that is respected and trusted can simplify processes in the unfortunate event you need to make a claim. AXA staff are familiar with medical institutions in the country and are trained to deal directly with these institutions. AXA staff speak the Thai language and are familiar with local laws.
Using an insurance company from your local country may present issues internationally, or have certain exclusions when making a claim in Thailand. AXA Sawasdee is designed for Thailand.
Offered Packages of Travel Insurance
Many travelers have different levels of comfort for traveling and protection. AXA provides multiple packages to cater to any traveler’s needs. Portuguese travelers can choose between 2 insurance packages for their trip:
Each package offers a different level of cover and claim amounts.
No Waiting Period
Many insurers will have a 14-day waiting period for their conditions. This means that you either need to purchase your insurance weeks in advance or risk not being covered until the day you finish your vacation.
Because AXA understands that Portuguese citizens want to feel safe from the moment they land in Thailand, they have removed any 14-day waiting period, so visitors are protected from day one.
Choice of Policy Duration
Many insurance companies offer limited choices for the length of their policies.
Holiday makers want to know they are covered until they safely land home, so visitors from Portugal can select the duration of their AXA Insurance policy.
Whether you stay for 15, 30, 60, 90, or 180 days, you are covered while visiting. If you are looking at Thailand as a potential relocation or long-stay destination, AXA has coverage for those looking long-term.
AXA knows plans change, so if you decide to extend your holiday you don’t have to worry about canceling and reapplying. Just call them and extend your existing policy.
Days in Quarantine and Covid Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with Covid while in Thailand, AXA Sawasdee Thailand covers days spent in quarantine. If you require medical attention while in quarantine, AXA Sawasdee Thailand can assist with organizing professional medical care and emergency transport.
Though many insurance companies now include Covid cover as standard practice, some companies will place exclusions if a traveler is diagnosed as Asymptomatic. This is not the case with AXA Sawasdee. You can make a claim on your policy if you are diagnosed as Symptomatic or Asymptomatic.
24/7 Dependable Service
AXA Sawasdee Thailand’s insured travelers have access to their 24/7 helpline. Any time of the day, helpful staff are available to address your concerns and offer assistance.
They pride themselves on the quick service you can depend on. If you need the insurance policy and certificate quickly, AXA Sawasdee Thailand can do that.
Certificate of Insurance
Foreign visitors are no longer required to provide proof that they have insurance when in Thailand. But in the unlikely event that a citizen of Portugal needs to make a claim or provide insurance documents to a doctor or hospital, the last thing they want is to be searching through a multi-page policy.
Portuguese travelers will receive a convenient 1-Page Certificate of Insurance when they purchase Travel Insurance with AXA Sawasdee Thailand. The certificate contains all relevant policy details and can save time and frustration in a stressful situation.
Refundable
You can get a full refund of the insurance premium if the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulates do not accept your AXA Sawasdee Thailand insurance. You must provide proof that the policy was not accepted by the Embassy, e.g. a web page of the Embassy listing the requirement, or a leaflet with the Embassy header/logo.
How to Buy Travel Insurance from Portugal
Distance is irrelevant. A Portuguese traveler can organize their AXA Sawasdee Thailand COVID insurance online.
To successfully buy travel insurance, follow these steps:
- Go to the AXA Sawasdee Thailand website and apply.
- Pick between the 2 packages: AXA Insurance Package 1 or Package 2.
- Pay for your policy.
- Receive the insurance policy and certificate by email moments after your payment.
- You can then print your 1-Page certificate if you like to carry a hard copy.
Tips to Make Sure your Insurance is Approved
Before traveling, it is always best to check the details of your policy. You want to make sure that:
- Incidents relating to COVID-19 are not excluded.
- Your policy covers your entire stay in Thailand.
- Your details are correct.
Making sure you have good insurance coverage will ease your mind and allow you to soak it all in without having to worry about “what ifs” and “maybes”.
Thailand is the perfect country to explore and find unique experiences. It offers many things that Portuguese travelers love. In the past, many Portuguese would come to Thailand year after year. Now that Covid is under control and countries have eased their travel restrictions, making Thailand a regular holiday destination is easy.
Get your Travel Insurance here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal
