Yacht Insurance FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about insuring a yacht for Asian waters.
Do I need insurance to sail in Thailand?
Thai law does not mandate yacht insurance, but all major marinas in Phuket and Thailand require third-party liability cover as a condition of berthing. Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven, Phuket Boat Lagoon, and Ao Po Grand Marina all require valid insurance. We recommend comprehensive hull and liability cover for any vessel in Thai waters.
What is a CAIT and why does it require insurance?
A CAIT (Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territory) is the mandatory permit for foreign yachts entering Indonesian waters. Indonesian authorities require proof of marine insurance — explicitly covering Indonesian waters and including wreck removal coverage — as part of the CAIT application. Without the right insurance documentation, your CAIT will not be issued.
What is Named Storm cover and where do I need it in Asia?
Named Storm cover extends your yacht insurance to include damage caused by officially named tropical cyclones, typhoons, or cyclones. Standard storm cover excludes Named Storms — meaning damage from the most dangerous weather events is excluded. Named Storm cover is essential for the Philippines (June–November), Vietnam's central coast (August–October), and recommended for Thailand's Andaman Sea (year-round) and the Bay of Bengal (India/Sri Lanka passages).
Does my existing yacht policy cover Asia?
Not necessarily. Many standard international policies cover Southeast Asia but exclude specific countries — Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam are commonly excluded. Others cover "Southeast Asia" but not the Indian Ocean (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives). Always verify your policy's geographic coverage against your planned itinerary. Our advisors can review your existing policy and identify any gaps.
How do I get insurance for Indonesia's CAIT permit?
You need a marine insurance certificate that explicitly covers Indonesian waters and includes wreck removal coverage. Many standard policies don't meet these requirements. Our advisors can arrange coverage that satisfies Indonesian CAIT documentation requirements, with the right certificate wording. Allow 4–6 weeks before your planned Indonesian entry — the CAIT takes time to process.
What insurance is required for the Maldives cruise permit?
The Maldives Ministry of Tourism requires hull and machinery insurance plus coverage for salvage and environmental damage as part of the cruise permit application. Environmental coverage is particularly important given the Maldives' protected coral reef ecosystem — grounding costs can run into six figures in environmentally sensitive areas.
Can I charter my yacht commercially in Asian waters?
Commercial charter operations — taking paying guests — require commercial marine insurance, which differs fundamentally from private yacht cover. Operating under a private policy while conducting commercial charter activity typically voids your insurance. Each Asian country also has regulatory requirements for foreign-flagged commercial vessels. Our advisors can arrange appropriate commercial coverage.
What does wreck removal cover and do I need it?
Wreck removal coverage pays for the cost of removing your vessel if it sinks or grounds in a location where authorities require removal — particularly in marine parks and environmentally sensitive areas. It's required for Indonesia's CAIT permit and the Maldives cruise permit, and strongly recommended throughout Asia. Removal costs in remote locations can reach USD 200,000+.
How much does yacht insurance for Asia typically cost?
Hull and machinery insurance typically costs 1.0%–2.5% of the agreed vessel value per year, depending on vessel age, type, navigation area, and skipper experience. Third-party liability and other covers are typically included in a comprehensive policy. Named Storm endorsement adds approximately 10–25%. Submit a quote request — our advisors access multiple markets to find competitive pricing.
Do I need racing cover for Phuket Raceweek or King's Cup?
Yes — both Phuket Raceweek and the King's Cup Regatta require racing insurance as a condition of entry. Standard yacht policies exclude racing. Third-party liability of at least USD 300,000 during racing is typically required. Our advisors can arrange a racing endorsement on your existing policy or stand-alone racing cover for specific events.
What insurance do I need for the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar?
Myanmar requires an MTT permit with insurance documentation showing explicit Myanmar coverage. Many standard policies exclude Myanmar or restrict it due to sanctions considerations. Emergency medical evacuation coverage is also essential — medical facilities in the Mergui region are extremely limited. Contact us to confirm your policy covers Myanmar before applying for an MTT permit.
How do I get a quote for Asian yacht insurance?
Submit a quote request through our form with: vessel name, type, length overall (LOA), year built, current agreed value, your navigation area in Asia, intended travel dates, and skipper details. Our advisors source competitive quotes from multiple markets including Lloyd's syndicates and other leading marine insurers. We typically respond within 1–2 business days.
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