Over the past two years, travelers have had to adopt a new mindset. As countries like Thailand introduced strict entry requirements, it wasn’t as easy as grabbing your passport and jumping on a plane. There were registration systems, tests, flight and hotel confirmations, and mandatory “Covid Insurance”. It was hard for Australians to get out of the country, let alone have to worry about all the other stuff.
A flow-on effect of these restrictions is that “Insurance” has become synonymous with “Covid”. Because it is no longer mandatory, many people feel they don’t need “Covid Insurance”, but responsible travelers know that “Travel Insurance” is always a wise choice.
Though Covid is being controlled, other things can happen. Comprehensive travel insurance protects people against these situations.
Travel Insurance for Australian Travelers
From July 1, 2022, Australian travelers to Thailand do not need to provide proof of a valid Covid Insurance policy when entering Thailand.
It is important to know that foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand if something should happen. Whether it be an accident or personal injury, if an Aussie needs medical help, they will need to cover any medical expenses. Depending on the severity, this could be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
This is why comprehensive Travel Insurance is important. It not only covers Covid related incidents but also possible situations like:
- Medical emergencies
- Personal injury & accidents
- Missed or delayed flights
- Damage to belongings
- Lost luggage
Australians are familiar with insurance; Car insurance, Contents insurance, and Life insurance. They understand protection. Travelling is no different. It is something that is better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Buying good Travel Insurance shouldn’t break the bank. You want to budget for great experiences, not potential medical costs or expensive insurance. It will take time, but travelers need to once again think of insurance as “Travel protection”, not “Covid protection”.
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.
Get the best travel insurance with Covid coverage here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal
Benefits of AXA Sawasdee Thailand
It is possible to organize Travel Insurance through Australia, 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 ease the process 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 COVID Insurance
Many travelers have different levels of comfort for traveling and protection. AXA provides multiple packages to cater to any traveler’s needs. Australian 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.
AXA understands that Australian travelers want to feel safe from the moment they land in Thailand. They have removed any 14-day waiting period so that 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 Australian visitors 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. Many Aussies look at Thailand as a potential relocation or long-stay destination, so 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 Aussie travelers will 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. But in the unlikely event, an Australian citizen 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.
Travelers from Australia 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 Australia
There are many insurance companies to buy Travel Insurance from. But the steps for buying Travel insurance from AXA Sawasdee Thailand are simple:
- 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 Validate Travel Insurance
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.
In the end, whether or not Covid is relevant, it is best to protect yourself and your loved ones when traveling abroad. You never plan for things to go wrong, but knowing you are covered with quality Travel Insurance will ease your mind and let you enjoy your time in Thailand.