No Insurance

[stewynne]

I am leaving manchester on the 5th of may tahts only a week away.

but today because the gov has put a statment saying that they advise that no one travels to thailand.

No insrance company will cover me for my holiday.

 

WHAT THE HELL DO I DO ???

Edited April 28, 2010 by gogo dog
Please use correct capitalisation in title

[tommyg]

i fly on 30th of june,i have just been told the same,if the fco keeps this status you are not covered.

[praf974]

up to you! some airlines will refund your flight because of this, check with them and then decide.

 

i would still go but then ive never seen the inside of a thai hospital in 20 years of trips .. my stomach is cast iron to bugs, i never overdo alcohol and never ever get into any kind of confrontation, my work is flexible so dont mind getting stranded and wouldnt be the end of the world to find alternative transport to a neighbouring country and fly back from there.

 

weigh up the risks : are you a newbie or unfased by all of this? if you end up in hospital can you pay for it yourself? would you be fine if stranded?

[stewynne]

no i couldnt get away with just been stranded there. to be honest i dont think i could afford being there any longer.

But i do like taking risks. my friend who is coming out with me on the 5th , I know will not travel without any travel insurance. So it looks like if i cant get any for him i will have to come on my own.

[Noud]

I am leaving manchester on the 5th of may tahts only a week away.

but today because the gov has put a statment saying that they advise that no one travels to thailand.

No insrance company will cover me for my holiday.

 

WHAT THE HELL DO I DO ???

 

It is a risk. one that I personally would not take.

You might think it is pretty safe, and that you will stay out of trouble. That's when your appendix will start to give you trouble, happened to me in my last trip. Or some tosser will wreck his MC just were you are standing, seen that happen, though not to me.

 

The odds for nothing to happen are in your favor, but, It can still go bad, I've spent roughly 3 months of my 30 years alive abroad and that is when my appendix packs up. With an insurance that is not a problem, without one, I would have had to call home to get a loan like the poor bastard from France in the room next to me that had broken his foot somehow, apparently 2000€ to get them to treat him.

 

Do you know if the insurance doesn't cover anything or if it is just injuries related to the recent trouble?

[stewynne]

It is a risk. one that I personally would not take.

You might think it is pretty safe, and that you will stay out of trouble. That's when your appendix will start to give you trouble, happened to me in my last trip. Or some tosser will wreck his MC just were you are standing, seen that happen, though not to me.

 

The odds for nothing to happen are in your favor, but, It can still go bad, I've spent roughly 3 months of my 30 years alive abroad and that is when my appendix packs up. With an insurance that is not a problem, without one, I would have had to call home to get a loan like the poor bastard from France in the room next to me that had broken his foot somehow, apparently 2000€ to get them to treat him.

 

Do you know if the insurance doesn't cover anything or if it is just injuries related to the recent trouble?

 

they are saying they are just not covering people who travel to thailand.

[xerive]

so if you get injured the best bet is to get across the boarder and seek medical treatment

[riki]

I'm not 100% on this but I know you can get insurance locally...ie if you bank with Kasikorn when you open your account they try to sell you accident insurance etc.

 

Something i intend to look into later this month.

[kpdxxx]

sadly, the real insurance you are getting is not so much the treatment for a little accident, but for repatriation after death or serious care.

 

to fly your body home is £50k, im in a similar situation myself. i fly end of may. hope things turn around asap!

[Archer4]

Insurance Info Update:

 

As some BM's may have read, I have just cancelled a trip to Pattaya because of the damned FCO advice for no travel to anywhere in Thailand. If you are concerned call you travel insurers straight away to see if you are covered. Some good news for me was that Emirates gave me a no questions asked full refund on my flight, but only because it was booked in February. Not sure if this is standard, but check with your airline. If you have recently booked you may not get such good service.

 

I have an annual travel insurance plan and they are not covering any trips to Thailand whilst the FCO advises against travel.

 

To save any BM's unessecary calls I have today made enquries with the following, as I would still like to travel to Pattaya, but won't do it without Insurance.

 

UK Travel Insurers

 

SAGA - No Cover

Fortis - No Cover

Directline - No Cover

Tesco - No Cover

Post Office - No General Cover *

Insure and Go - No Cover

TravelInsurance.co.uk - No Cover

 

Of interest is that InsureandGo said they are in receipt of an email from their European Underwriters who cover the majority of the UK companies (she claimed), to say that while the FCO advice is in place they will not underwrite any claims for travel to Thailand.

 

* The Post Office did say they would cover Medical Only with the proviso it was not related to the current civil unrest. They can be called on 0800 294 2292

 

Hope this helps?

Edited May 2, 2010 by Archer4

[stewynne]

* The Post Office did say they would cover Medical Only with the proviso it was not related to the current civil unrest. They can be called on 0800 294 2292

 

 

I have just spoke to the post office and this is not correct.

Only if you have purchased your insurance before the fco has advised on not to travel would you be coverd for medical care.

 

never mind .

back to the drawing board.

[wimpy]

I am leaving manchester on the 5th of may tahts only a week away.

but today because the gov has put a statment saying that they advise that no one travels to thailand.

No insrance company will cover me for my holiday.

 

WHAT THE HELL DO I DO ???

 

Just go. Medical expenses arent that much. 1500baht for a broken ankle, it wasn't mine but thats what I was told. Dont use motorbike taxis, dont drink too much so you can stay aware.

 

I've been on countless holidays and never needed insurance, take the chance. I would.

[likerdup]

I've been traveling to Pattaya, since 1999 and haven't ever gotten any "travel" insurance. My USA medical insurance covers me. Seems most of the British travelers are concerned about not getting "travel" insurance. Just wondering why it is felt to be so essential? What does it cover that is important to UK residents?

 

May 17th and I'm there dude ( from a Californian )

 

Cheers!

[Vortex]

I've been traveling to Pattaya, since 1999 and haven't ever gotten any "travel" insurance. My USA medical insurance covers me. Seems most of the British travelers are concerned about not getting "travel" insurance. Just wondering why it is felt to be so essential? What does it cover that is important to UK residents?

 

May 17th and I'm there dude ( from a Californian )

 

Cheers!

 

In the UK the majority of medical care is free (paid for in your taxes), so when you visit the doctor or hospital you are just treated and no insurance to cover the cost is required, this only covers/ applies for them in the UK.

It is possible to register and extend this to all EU countries but does not cover UK/ EU citizens outside the UK/ EU.

 

So unlike your insurance in the U.S. when a UK citizen is travelling outside of the UK they have no medical insurance, so their main concern is what happens if they have a serious accident or illness and not only want to be treated but also need specialist care, flights, etc to get them home, unless they are very wealthy there would be no way to pay for it without the additional purchased “travel insurance”.

 

I hope this helps to answer your question.

Edited May 3, 2010 by Vortex

[likerdup]

In the UK the majority of medical care is free (paid for in your taxes), so when you visit the doctor or hospital you are just treated and no insurance to cover the cost is required, this only covers/ applies for them in the UK.

It is possible to register and extend this to all EU countries but does not cover UK/ EU citizens outside the UK/ EU.

 

So unlike your insurance in the U.S. when a UK citizen is travelling outside of the UK they have no medical insurance, so their main concern is what happens if they have a serious accident or illness and not only want to be treated but also need specialist care, flights, etc to get them home, unless they are very wealthy there would be no way to pay for it without the additional purchased “travel insurance”.

 

I hope this helps to answer your question.

 

Ah, I see. Well I think it's great that health care is provided for any citizen in the UK and travel is the only instance when you need be concerned your not.

 

This will perhaps be true in the future for Americans as the health care bill becomes law and steps towards a similar health care system as UK (probably really far off). For now I'm at least happy I'm covered abroad and it doesn't hinge on where I visit or the conditions.

 

Cheers and thanks for the good answer to my question.

[mikeycar]

Check this for insurance

 

Wild Frontiers

 

They provide cover for places gov advise not to go- Have not checked out myself as waiting a week or so to see what happens- but anyone going very soon may be worth a look- someone has advised about £65 for single trip

 

 

 

http://www.wildfront...s/insurance.jsf

 

"As of April 2008 we have our own bespoke insurance policy, provided by Travel & General, which will cover you for all of our trips. This insurance is available for anyone up to the age of 75-years-old (after which additional quotes may be needed), covers horse riding, mountain walking, trekking, white-water rafting and all other activities we offer as part of our tours and, most importantly, will cover you even if you travel to a region advised against by the FCO.

 

Please note this insurance policy is only available to UK residents."

[missinginaction]

I think the UK FCO needs to sort itself out and change the advice based on current circumstances.

 

I know there are still issues in Bangkok with the reds. But the government appear to have agreed in principle with the reds and are going to dissolve parliament in September. The UK embassy in Bangkok need to get a grip and revise their travel advice asap because people who are due to fly out cannot do so (unless they want to go without insurance) and anyone thinking of booking a holiday in the next few months to Thailand will think again and look elsewhere in the world. From what I see there is no need to keep this stupid advice to all of Thailand.

[mikeycar]

Looks like they have changed advice - see other threads- and now advisng not to go to certain parts (including parts of bangkok)- but Pattaye looks OK

 

 

HAPPY DAYS

[The Mentalist]

Well IMO if you travel without insurance you are just as fucked in the head as those that bareback.

 

2 years ago I spent 3 days in Bangkok Hospital, Phuket, as a result of 3 broken ribs from a fall down some stairs.

I had a copy of the policy with me and soon as the hospital sighted that I got 5 star treatment

Cost me nothing, other than the precious time and the pain.

 

If I had not been insured my bill would have been over $3,000.

and all I had to do was sign the claim form, the hospital did all the paperwork.

 

If you are totally loaded, then don't worry about insurance, but if not I don't see how you can even contemplate

travel uninsured.

[DJW]

Check this for insurance

 

Wild Frontiers

 

They provide cover for places gov advise not to go- Have not checked out myself as waiting a week or so to see what happens- but anyone going very soon may be worth a look- someone has advised about £65 for single trip

 

 

 

http://www.wildfront...s/insurance.jsf

 

"As of April 2008 we have our own bespoke insurance policy, provided by Travel & General, which will cover you for all of our trips. This insurance is available for anyone up to the age of 75-years-old (after which additional quotes may be needed), covers horse riding, mountain walking, trekking, white-water rafting and all other activities we offer as part of our tours and, most importantly, will cover you even if you travel to a region advised against by the FCO.

 

Please note this insurance policy is only available to UK residents."

 

Had a look at this Wild Frontiers and you need to go for the Terrorism OPtion at an additional £40 quote was a total of £106 with a small excess and £115 with no excess

[mikeycar]

OK- £100-£115- I guess its a personal decision- for me if things dont change I will pay this for piece of mind- rather than cancelling

[tripone]

You do know that the advice against all but essential travel to the

whole of Thailand has been changed back again to Bangkok and

few other specific area's .

 

Pattaya is now exercise caution and avoid any large gatherings etc

 

So travel insurance ok..........at the moment !

[banksy]

Check this for insurance

 

Wild Frontiers

 

They provide cover for places gov advise not to go- Have not checked out myself as waiting a week or so to see what happens- but anyone going very soon may be worth a look- someone has advised about £65 for single trip

 

 

 

http://www.wildfront...s/insurance.jsf

 

"As of April 2008 we have our own bespoke insurance policy, provided by Travel & General, which will cover you for all of our trips. This insurance is available for anyone up to the age of 75-years-old (after which additional quotes may be needed), covers horse riding, mountain walking, trekking, white-water rafting and all other activities we offer as part of our tours and, most importantly, will cover you even if you travel to a region advised against by the FCO.

 

Please note this insurance policy is only available to UK residents."

thanks for the advice but this link does not work

[Archer4]

* The Post Office did say they would cover Medical Only with the proviso it was not related to the current civil unrest. They can be called on 0800 294 2292

 

 

I have just spoke to the post office and this is not correct.

Only if you have purchased your insurance before the fco has advised on not to travel would you be coverd for medical care.

 

As I said, what one advisor will tell you another will say something different, it all depends on how clued up they are and if they read all the company emails! If anything contentious you need to get it confirmed in writing/email, or record the conversation and get the advisor's name.