When you need insurance for all of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia rarely means just one country. Two weeks in Thailand easily turn into a route with a side trip to Cambodia, and a winter in Vietnam into a trip to Bali or the Philippines with a stopover in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Buying a separate policy for each country is inconvenient, and it is easy to get the dates wrong. The Southeast Asia territory in the calculator solves this: one policy is valid in all countries of the group.
The group includes:
- Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore;
- Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand;
- Indonesia and the Philippines.
Visas and whether insurance is mandatory
The region has no single visa regime: each country has its own rules for Russians, its own visa-free periods and visa procedures. Check the requirements for every country on your route before you travel. Details on the most popular destinations are on the pages for insurance to Thailand, to Vietnam and to Indonesia.
Even where no policy is required at the border, you need one during the trip. A tropical climate, unfamiliar food and active leisure make a doctor's visit quite likely, and private medical care for tourists is paid.
What to check in the policy
We recommend a sum insured of USD 50,000. It is enough for emergency care, hospitalisation and transport home. Before paying, make sure that:
- the selected territory includes every country on your route;
- the policy covers the whole trip, including flights between countries;
- medical repatriation is included;
- there is no deductible, or you understand how much you will pay towards each claim.
The region's main risks and how to cover them
| Risk | What to do |
|---|---|
| Riding a motorbike or scooter | Check the conditions and required licence category in the rules |
| Dengue fever | Add the Dengue Fever option |
| Intestinal infections | Included in the basic medical programme |
| Diving and snorkelling | Select diving and, if needed, Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment |
| Heat and the rainy season | Baggage, flight delay, accident cover |
Motorbikes
Renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around islands and resort towns, and also a frequent cause of injury. Whether riding a motorcycle or scooter is covered depends on the rules of the specific insurer. As a rule, insurers look at whether you hold a driving licence of the appropriate category, wear a helmet and are sober. Read these conditions carefully before your trip.
Dengue and other infections
Dengue fever is carried by mosquitoes, especially in the rainy season. The calculator has a separate Dengue Fever option. Intestinal infections from street food and water are the most common reason to see a doctor in the tropics.
Diving
The region is famous for its reefs. Scuba diving is added to the policy separately, and the Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment option is needed in case of decompression sickness.
How to choose a programme
If you are going to one country, a policy for that country is more convenient. If there are several countries or your route is still changing, choose the Southeast Asia territory. If you have stopovers in other regions or travel further around the world, consider the Worldwide territory. For wintering abroad and long trips, check the maximum policy period available.
What to do in an insured event
Call the assistance company on the number in your policy, name the country and describe the situation. The assistance company will refer you to a clinic and approve treatment. Do not pay for care yourself without approval, and keep all medical documents, invoices and receipts. A step-by-step guide is in the Insured Event section.
How to buy a policy online at polisre.ru
Calculation and purchase go through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner). You compare programmes from 16 insurance companies, and the policy is issued by the company you choose.
- Select the Southeast Asia territory in the calculator, then enter dates and travellers' ages.
- Add options: dengue, diving, active leisure, baggage.
- Compare the offers.
- Enter your details in Latin letters, as in your international passport.
- Pay and receive the policy by e-mail.
If you are already in Asia, some insurers offer programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. Other destinations are in the travel insurance section.