
Worried about COVID-19?
You're not the only one. Travel insurance companies are now offering some cover for coronavirus. So you can travel with more peace of mind.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Laos is one of Asia's tourism hubs, attracting visitors from all over the region, including Australia. Travel insurance for Laos offers crucial financial protection against a range of risks including medical emergencies, lost or stolen belongings and delays or cancellations to your trip.
Travel insurance is not compulsory when visiting Laos but the Australian Government strongly recommends it. Purchasing at least a basic policy provides protection for medical emergencies that can become almost unaffordable without insurance but a comprehensive policy will cover you for much more:
Read on for further information about finding travel insurance for Laos, or if you'd like to compare travel insurance quotes.
Made a search before? Retrieve your search results
Popular Destinations
You're not the only one. Travel insurance companies are now offering some cover for coronavirus. So you can travel with more peace of mind.
All travel insurance policies have exclusions. If you violate them the insurer has the right to refuse claims. Some exclusions to look for in your policy include:
Without travel insurance, an overseas emergency could see you facing extreme costs. This is particularly true in Laos as you will generally need to be medically evacuated to Thailand at a cost of up to $20,000, depending on circumstances.
You will also need to be able to pay in advance for emergency medical treatment, either out of pocket or with a travel insurance policy that pays up-front for emergencies. This is because many doctors and hospitals in Laos require cash first, even in matters of life and death. Without an upfront policy, you need to be able to afford the cost of treatment yourself and then claim it from your insurer at a later date.
In the event of an emergency:
To make an up-front claim, provide your travel insurance details to the doctor or hospital at the time and they'll be paid directly by the insurer. If your policy does not allow this, pay with cash as needed and send in a claims application to your insurer as soon as you are able. This should include your policy information, details of the emergency or medical event and all supporting documentation.
In the event of an emergency in Laos, you have several points of contact depending on the situation.
Tourist visas valid for 30 days can be obtained on arrival at Vientiane and Luang Prabang international airports, and at the Friendship Bridge between Thailand and Laos. You are required to have passport photographs with you to get a visa on arrival. All other entry points require you to obtain a visa in advance at any Laos embassy. Fees will apply.
To extend your visa past 30 days, visit the Bureau of Immigration in Vientiane.
Read our complete guide to travel money for South East Asia
Your adventures in Laos are just a few clicks away. Find savings on accommodation, holiday packages and tours.
Receive travel insurance quotes for Laos
Picture: Shutterstock
Here's how travel insurers are responding to the pandemic.
Travel insurance can protect policyholders in multiple different ways, including trip cancellations and cover for expensive medical costs if you get sick or hurt on your trip.
Over 70 and need travel insurance? Compare your options to get affordable cover for what matters.
Travel insurance is an essential expense for anyone planning a trip overseas, though sometimes it can be difficult to find cover if you are over 80 years of age.
Guide to finding travel insurance if you're over 85 years of age.
Trek confidently with one of these 10+ brands that offer trekking insurance.
Are you an Australian currently residing overseas and looking for travel insurance cover? Find cover options from international travel insurance providers and make a secure enquiry for cover.
We take a look to see if you are fully protected by insurance if your Airbnb trip goes wrong.
Finder's Travel Report explores what Australians want from travel, how they’re paying for it, and how COVID has changed their holiday habits.
A handful of countries, including Indonesia, have made COVID travel insurance a mandatory requirement.