Move to make health insurance compulsory for tourists

On Wednesday Thailand’s Public Health Ministry had a meeting with representatives from the Airports of Thailand, the Royal Thai Police and other government ministries. The meeting was set up, after Thailand’s Government asked the health ministry to address concerns about the financial burden on the country’s state hospitals that are required to provide foreigners with free medical services.

During the meeting the requirement for all foreign tourists to have health insurance was discussed. Pradit Sinthawanarong, Minister for Public Health, suggested that the cost of health insurance could be included in visa fees. Those visiting Thailand without health insurance would be required to buy insurance at immigration checkpoints or as an alternative the cost of the insurance could be added to the cost of airline tickets.
All of those involved agreed to set up a subcommittee to work on the proposal according to Pradit, after the meeting.

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