Each year, tens of thousands of
Australians travel to Thailand, which is known as the land of smiles. There are
plenty of positives for tourists in Thailand - it has an amazingly warm and
stable climate, the unique regional economy means that our dollar can buy much
more in Thailand, the locals are generally friendly, and tourism is one of the
backbones of the country. However, there is also plenty to be cautious of in
Thailand. Threats that don't exist at home, from bird flu to frequent and
violent government demonstrations mean that travel insurance is a must for the
region. We look at the considerations for travel insurance holders going to
Thailand.
Terrorism threats
Some travel insurance policies
will cover the costs of a change of plans for terrorist threats, and some will
not. Some will only cover you if the suspicion has been confirmed by the local
police authorities, and may require you to provide proof of this when you make
a travel insurance claim. Australian consulates have received a number of
terrorist threats for Thai regions, including ones relating to popular tourist
spots.
Government demonstrations
These are more prevalent in some
areas of Thailand than in others. Your travel insurance may cover you for any
medical emergencies incurred by public anti-government demonstrations, and
could also cover you for loss of personal belongings, or needing to change your
travel plans due to demonstrations arising in Thailand if they started after
you had bought your insurance. Usually comprehensive travel insurance will be
cover all of these instances.
What travel insurance can't cover
There are daily reports of
bombings and violence in parts of Thailand bordering Malaysia, due to terrorist
activity. More than 3,400 people have been killed in the Yala, Pattani,
Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces since January 2004. Travel insurance will not
bring your life back if you lose it.
Insurance will usually not cover
you for expenses incurred as a result of breaking the law - and in Thailand
seemingly innocuous activities can be illegal. The possession of very small
quantities of soft drugs can result in lengthy jail sentences, and defacing
images of the monarch can result in sentences up to 15 years. This would
include destroying bank notes with the king's image on them.
Bird flu
The World Health Organisation has
confirmed that there have been human deaths from bird flu in Thailand. You
don't necessarily have to eat raw chicken, handle bird droppings or touch a
dead bird to get the disease, either. Improperly cooked meat from roadside
stalls can be a source of bird flu, or you may pick up the bacteria form
another person who has been in contact with infected birds. insurance will be a
necessity if you contract bird flu, not only for the medical treatment but
because you will usually be required to leave Thailand as soon as possible.
Activity-related risks
Diving and snorkeling are common
in Thailand, and stings from jellyfish, rays and octopuses can be fatal. If you
are some regions of Thailand, the expensive but very necessary Japanese
encephalitis vaccination is recommended. Divers should also be aware of
decompression facilities nearby their dive sites. Make sure you familiarize
yourself with local customs - touching the top of someone's head, and showing
the soles of your feet, are taboo activities in Thailand.
Save money on your travel insurance
today. For a free quote, visit Travel Insurance.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Josh_I_Harrison/527026
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