As always, a good travel insurance policy is a wise idea. Laos is generally considered a high-risk area, and with medical services so limited it's vital to have a policy that covers being evacuated (Medicated), by air if nec­essary, to a hospital in Thailand. Read the small print in any policy to see if hazardous activities are covered; rock-climbing, rafting and motorcycling often are not.

If you undergo medical treatment in Laos or Thailand, be sure to collect all receipts and copies of the medical report, in English if pos­sible, for your insurance company.