Overseas travel has become an integral part of Thai people's lifestyles. In 2025, a record 13.06 million Thais travelled abroad, up 11.4% year on year, while total spending exceeded THB 559 billion, an increase of 29.5%. Average spending reached THB 42,790 per trip. China remained the most popular destination, welcoming approximately 3.1 million Thai travellers, followed by Malaysia with 1.7 million and Laos with 1.4 million. Japan received around 1.2 million Thai visitors, up 15.7%, reflecting its continued popularity. Long-haul destinations also saw notable growth, with the United Kingdom up 39.7%, while travel to South Korea declined by 13.8% amid uncertainty. Overall, the figures show that Thai travellers continue to favour destinations that are convenient, offer good value and provide diverse experiences. As overseas travel grows, so does the importance of preparing for unexpected risks along the way.
*Source: Bnomics by Bangkok Bank, "Thais Travel Abroad in Record Numbers"; 2025 outbound travel and spending data based on information from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
In the first half of 2026, MSIG recorded approximately 24% growth, with total policies reaching 606,461, up around 19% compared with the same period in 2025. During the same period, MSIG recorded 12,560 travel insurance claims, highlighting that unexpected incidents can happen to anyone while travellingand the resulting costs may be far higher than anticipated.
Why Travel Insurance Should Not Be Overlooked
Risks can arise without warning, and an incident overseas can lead to expenses ranging from tens of thousands to millions of baht. Hospitalisation or surgery can place a significant financial burden on travellers, particularly in countries where medical care is expensive and no travel insurance is in place.
Travel insurance can cover more than accidental death or medical expenses. Depending on the policy, it may also provide protection for travel emergencies and disruptions, including lost or damaged baggage and belongings, flight delays, robbery, and emergency medical evacuation in the event of a serious illness or injury.
Claims Data Reveal Two Different Types of Risk
MSIG's claims data for January to June 2026 shows two broad categories: incidents that occur frequently, and less frequent incidents that can result in high-value claims.
Among the more frequent claims, general medical expensesincluding treatment for minor illnessesaccounted for 3,743 claims, with costs ranging from just over THB 1,000 to several hundred thousand baht, potentially up to the policy limit. Claims for lost or damaged baggage and personal belongings totalled 3,474, followed by 2,596 claims for flight delays and 1,197 for delayed baggage.
Less frequent but potentially high-cost incidents include serious illnesses, major accidents, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains. In the first half of 2026, the highest claim for a single case reached THB 5 million.
Travel Insurance Is Not Just an Option it Is a Necessity
Mr. Rattapol Gitisakchaiyakul, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, said:
"When choosing travel insurance, the most important considerations are not only the benefit for accidental death, but also medical expenses and emergency evacuation. If an unexpected incident occurs overseas, medical costs can be extremely high. Our first-half claims data shows that a serious illness or major accident can result in a claim of up to THB 5 millionthe full sum insured. Travellers should therefore choose travel insurance based primarily on the risks associated with their destination and the nature of their trip, together with an appropriate level of coverage."
Medical Emergencies Abroad Can Cost Millions
MSIG's actual claims illustrate the potential scale of overseas medical expenses. In one case, a customer developed sepsis that led to multiple organ failure, with actual medical costs exceeding THB 20 million. Under the customer's MSIG policy, the company paid the claim up to the sum insured of THB 5 million.
In another case, a customer suffered a serious fall from a cliff in a special administrative region. MSIG Assist coordinated with military authorities to arrange a special air ambulance charter to transfer the patient to a hospital with the appropriate medical team and equipment. Once the customer's condition improved, arrangements were made for the patient to continue treatment in Thailand. The customer received the full insured benefit of THB 2 million. MSIG is also preparing to introduce a new insurance plan with a higher level of coverage in the near future.
How to Choose Travel Insurance for Greater Peace of Mind
Before travelling, choose coverage that matches your destination and the nature of your trip. Focus on the level of protection needed for the risks involved, rather than price alone. This is particularly important when visiting countries with high medical costs, where the policy's medical benefit should be sufficient. Travellers should also check whether planned activities and belongings are covered, and make sure the policy covers the entire trip. Consider adding one or two extra days to allow for possible flight delays or cancellations, helping ensure that coverage remains in place.
24/7 Emergency Assistance: An MSIG Advantage
MSIG travel insurance offers services designed to support customers before and during emergencies. MSIG Assist provides 24-hour travel and medical assistance, including coordination with hospitals and medical teams and arrangements for medical transfers to Thailand for continued treatment.
Other services include online consultations with Thai doctors through the MorDee app; MSIG Worldwide Cashless OPD, which helps arrange outpatient appointments worldwide without requiring customers to pay upfront; a complimentary airport lounge access when a flight is delayed by more than 60 minutes or MSIG Easy Lifestyle, your 24/7 personal concierge service for recommendations and bookings overseas.
Travel with Confidence. The World Is Bigger Than You Think.
Let MSIG take care of you every step of the way, with medical expense coverage of up to THB 5,000,000 for accidents and illnesses; emergency medical evacuation or repatriation to Thailand of up to THB 2,000,000; and repatriation of mortal remains to Thailand of up to THB 2,000,000 in the event of accidental death.
For more information or to purchase MSIG Travel Easy Plus, visit www.msig-thai.com, call the MSIG Contact Centre at 0 2007 9000, or contact Line Official Account: @MSIGThailand.