Thailand Office of Insurance Commission clarifies catastrophe insurance claims for 30 million homes with cover up to THB 100,000 per event

The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission has clarified coverage and claims conditions under the national catastrophe insurance scheme, which covers approximately 30 million homes against floods, windstorms and earthquakes. The government pays all premiums, with no application or additional payment required from residents. Coverage runs from Oct. 1, 2026, to Oct. 1, 2027. The clarification follows initial claims coordination after disasters in Lamphun and Chiang Mai earlier in October, rather than introducing a new scheme. Housing insurance provides up to THB 100,000 per home per event, subject to policy conditions and an annual aggregate scheme limit of approximately THB 75 billion. Eligible homes must be in an officially declared disaster area and have sustained covered damage or otherwise meet policy conditions. Location within a declared area alone does not establish entitlement. Separate group accident insurance covers disaster-related accidental death at THB 2 million per person and total permanent disability at THB 200,000 per person. Eleven insurers participate in the scheme, which supplements government disaster assistance with insurance arranged in advance. Housing claims are paid in two stages. For floods, an initial THB 10,000 is payable within 15 days once eligibility conditions are met and necessary information or documents are complete. Further compensation for actual damage, supported by artificial intelligence assessments, is capped at THB 90,000 within a further 15 days. Windstorm and earthquake claims provide an initial THB 5,000 and up to THB 95,000 more for actual damage. Claims can be lodged through online services, a call center, local reporting points or participating insurers’ branches. Missing damage photographs do not disqualify a claimant from reporting a loss for assessment.