Mandatory health insurance for Non O-A visa effective from 31 October

[metisdead]

Some inflammatory posts have been removed. 

[Tounge Thaied]

On 10/9/2019 at 12:44 PM, Carlosm said:

I have just got a multi entry from Savannahket based on marriage. Will i need insurance when i leave the country for my 90 days ?

No. The new insurance requirement is for the Non-Immigrant O-A "retirement" VISA only.

[Melbun]

15 hours ago, iJustWanttoKnow said:

Hope this will be made clearer soon. 

 

Been here almost 14 years - not really many issues. But I had always considered that the 800,000 baht in the bank was a de-factor insurance policy. Have a health issue then use this 800,000 baht - it is two times the required insurance policy.

 

What am I missing here?

Mate what you are missing is brains and logic. The 800k is for guaranteed subsistence in Thailand. You must have it  to be able to renew your visa. If you get sick and need to spend it (and more), you won't qualify for renewal when the time comes.

Also some urgent and serious medical/surgical problems can set you back millions. You old hens need to get real or get out- simple! The key words are "compulsory insurance".

[Melbun]

14 hours ago, jollyhangmon said:

 

GFY 'matey'!

Sucking up seems to be your speciality which is fine, you've obviously adapted (to yet another scam) as naturally preferred - just don't draw conclusions there about others ... 

 

Listen richard cranium (matey)

Adapt or go back where you came from. Mr pessimistic thinks compulsory health insurance is a scam. Like many of the dills here, that want to bleat and complain and want to enjoy the spoils of Thailand, and if they get sick want subsidised health care. Right !!!!!!!!!! 

What the Thai government should do is be honorable as quickly as possible, and donate a one way airfare to all the winging old fogies to exit their country if they don't/cant purchase compulsory health insurance. Gosh, they should also hand out free incontinence nappies before departure.

[TheAppletons]

8 hours ago, Tounge Thaied said:

No. The new insurance requirement is for the Non-Immigrant O-A "retirement" VISA only.

Well....unless it isn't just for O-A visas:

"The minister’s comments suggested that the insurance requirement for non-immigrant visas was being extended now to include all foreigners over 50 whereas previously it was understood from briefings by immigration bureau officials that the new provision only applied to retirees in Thailand.

Many foreigners over 50 in Thailand were left confused and perplexed on Thursday after a Reuters report quoted the Thai Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha as suggesting that the insurance requirement approved by the Thai cabinet this year and later confirmed by immigration bureau officials as referring to retirement visas for the over 50s, is now being widened to cover all foreigners over 50 with other forms of non-immigrant visas."

 

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2019/10/10/foreigners-insurance-visa-requirements-over-50s-thai-deputy-public-health-minister-sathit-pitutecha/

[rabas]

3 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

Well....unless it isn't just for O-A visas:

"The minister’s comments suggested that the insurance requirement for non-immigrant visas was being extended now to include all foreigners over 50 whereas previously it was understood from briefings by immigration bureau officials that the new provision only applied to retirees in Thailand.

Many foreigners over 50 in Thailand were left confused and perplexed on Thursday after a Reuters report quoted the Thai Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha as suggesting that the insurance requirement approved by the Thai cabinet this year and later confirmed by immigration bureau officials as referring to retirement visas for the over 50s, is now being widened to cover all foreigners over 50 with other forms of non-immigrant visas."

 

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2019/10/10/foreigners-insurance-visa-requirements-over-50s-thai-deputy-public-health-minister-sathit-pitutecha/

Irresponsible posting! Later in the same article.....

Immigration police chief later confirmed that the requirement applied to retirement visas only

 

[jollyhangmon]

5 hours ago, Melbun said:

Listen richard cranium (matey)

Adapt or go back where you came from. Mr pessimistic thinks compulsory health insurance is a scam. Like many of the dills here, that want to bleat and complain and want to enjoy the spoils of Thailand, and if they get sick want subsidised health care. Right !!!!!!!!!! 

What the Thai government should do is be honorable as quickly as possible, and donate a one way airfare to all the winging old fogies to exit their country if they don't/cant purchase compulsory health insurance. Gosh, they should also hand out free incontinence nappies before departure.

 

...  ... why so exalted insurance-fanboyo?

Never mind, it's slightly amusing ...

 

Ah, now I get it, you're just back from some gangshafting by a couple of your silk clad insurance buddies ... did they also (again) use that rusty wellpipe on ya, I hear it's your favorite ... ???????????? ...  

 

 

 

[Mitkof Island]

5 hours ago, Melbun said:

Listen richard cranium (matey)

Adapt or go back where you came from. Mr pessimistic thinks compulsory health insurance is a scam. Like many of the dills here, that want to bleat and complain and want to enjoy the spoils of Thailand, and if they get sick want subsidised health care. Right !!!!!!!!!! 

What the Thai government should do is be honorable as quickly as possible, and donate a one way airfare to all the winging old fogies to exit their country if they don't/cant purchase compulsory health insurance. Gosh, they should also hand out free incontinence nappies before departure.

You don,t happen to have a certain YouTube channel do you?

[Melbun]

20 minutes ago, jollyhangmon said:

 

...  ... why so exalted insurance-fanboyo?

Never mind, it's slightly amusing ...

 

Ah, now I get it, you're just back from some gangshafting by a couple of your silk clad insurance buddies ... did they use the rusty wellpipe on ya, I hear it'ts your favorite ... ???????????? ... 

 

You may scoff and be amused, but your days are numbered there. But don't worry, your honey will move on and take up with someone in your absence. Your willy is easily replaceable (if it still works :). They don't want "youz" they want your money silly boys. Love isn't in the Thai vocab. PS Let me know when they escort you out and I will bring nappies for you gratis ????

[englishoak]

12 minutes ago, Melbun said:

You may scoff and be amused, but your days are numbered there. But don't worry, your honey will move on and take up with someone in your absence. Your willy is easily replaceable (if it still works :). They don't want "youz" they want your money silly boys. Love isn't in the Thai vocab. PS Let me know when they escort you out and I will bring nappies for you gratis ????

 

Ahh I see now, you got suckered and spat out didnt you ?   How much did you lose ? 

[Mitkof Island]

2 minutes ago, englishoak said:

 

Ahh I see now, you got suckered and spat out didnt you ?   How much did you lose ? 

Damn that guy seems to hate everything about Thailand. Is he one of these foreigners with a 24/7 scowl that has a stick jammed up in the wrong place?

[brewsterbudgen]

Hope this will be made clearer soon. 
 
Been here almost 14 years - not really many issues. But I had always considered that the 800,000 baht in the bank was a de-factor insurance policy. Have a health issue then use this 800,000 baht - it is two times the required insurance policy.
 
What am I missing here?

You're missing the fact that the new compulsory insurance only applies to people who apply or "renew" for OA or OX visas in their home country. If you're on an Extension of Stay based on retirement you are (currently) unaffected. But why wouldn't you take out insurance anyway?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[brewsterbudgen]

There's was a separate article posted in TV yesterday about health insurance and it referred to ALL new Non Imm visas. That's O & O-A.

Don't believe everything you read on ThaiVisa.com or in the media. The Police Order is clear - assuming it's been correctly translated!!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Mitkof Island]

1 minute ago, brewsterbudgen said:

You're missing the fact that the new compulsory insurance only applies to people who apply or "renew" for OA or OX visas in their home country. If you're on an Extension of Stay based on retirement you are (currently) unaffected. But why wouldn't you take out insurance anyway?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Because chances are excellent they won,t pay out when the time comes.

[rabas]

36 minutes ago, Melbun said:

You may scoff and be amused, but your days are numbered there. But don't worry, your honey will move on and take up with someone in your absence. Your willy is easily replaceable (if it still works :). They don't want "youz" they want your money silly boys. Love isn't in the Thai vocab. PS Let me know when they escort you out and I will bring nappies for you gratis ????

 

Wow, you must have been really jilted to be so bitter. Maybe you can't speak Thai, every other word in the Thai language is love, happiness, and well being. All Thais love me. They go to the temple and come back and rub me to bestow wealth, happiness, and good health on me.

 

It's a well known medical fact that a sense of well-being greatly improves health especially in old age when people suffer more from inflammation triggered by your own body. In your case I suggest you quickly buy additional medical insurance and return home asap if not already there. Good luck, keep the doors locked.

 

The rest of us will carry on here.

[Melbun]

3 minutes ago, rabas said:

 

Wow, you must have been really jilted to be so bitter. Maybe you can't speak Thai, every other word in the Thai language is love, happiness, and well being. All Thais love me. They go to the temple and come back and rub me to bestow wealth, happiness, and good health on me.

 

It's a well know medical fact that a sense of well-being greatly improves heath especially in old age when people suffer more from inflammation triggered by your own body. In your case I suggest you quickly buy additional medical insurance and return home asap if not already there. Good luck, keep the doors locked.

 

These rest of use will carry on here.

Trouble is - when she rubs you nothing happens - a wasted effort. Actually, I'm not bitter at all but am finding all these probably  winging poms hilarious.Love Thailand.

[MRToMRT]

52 minutes ago, rabas said:

Irresponsible posting! Later in the same article.....

Immigration police chief later confirmed that the requirement applied to retirement visas only

 

Good spot. It is indeed a very wiered article raising more questions that giving answers and no doubt some liberal translation errors as well.

[mhortig]

The Thai Visa news article says "extention of stay" will not require health insurance. But if you scroll down to the copies of the official immigration notices, you will see criterion for "extention of stay" The first chart criterion #6 clearly specifies the need for health insurance for "extention of stay".  To make it more confusing when you go to the seccond criterion chart under that the wording is extremely confusing.  I plan to wait until after Oct 31 then go talk to my local immigration office, maybe by then it will be  more clear.  Since the official announcement has anyone actualy talked to their immigration office as to whether or not insurance is needed for "Extention of stay" ? I'm glad I have till next September to get this sorted out.  Prior to this announcement my very helpful Immigration officers said that if you have been here 5 years-no insurance needed. But if you do need insurance and cant qualify  just show 3 million in the bank. Go figure...

[theoldgit]

A number of troll posts removed.

[CharlieH]

Reported post removed.

 

7) You will respect fellow members and post in a civil manner. No personal attacks, hateful or insulting towards other members, (flaming) Stalking of members on either the forum or via PM will not be allowed.
 

[Sheryl]

You're missing the fact that the new compulsory insurance only applies to people who apply or "renew" for OA or OX visas in their home country. If you're on an Extension of Stay based on retirement you are (currently) unaffected. But why wouldn't you take out insurance anyway?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Any sensible person would and most of us have. But NOT the policies on that website (and not just 400k cover!). Which are apparently the only thing TI will accept. That is the problem.

In addition some retirees are unable to get insurance due to pre-existing conditions. No solution for them on offer.

And lastly some have lifetime ftee health care through Thai SS, having previously worked in Thailand, or service in the US Military. These have no need of private insurance, they are already fully covered in Thailand.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[mhortig]

I'm 72 years old,relatively healthy but with a lot of preexisting conditions. If I take out insurance they will probably exclude  everything that could happen to me. I'll get nothing from  my insurance except a very large premium 80-90,000 baht, that goes up every year.  I'd rather self insure.

[Thaidream]

5 hours ago, mhortig said:

The Thai Visa news article says "extention of stay" will not require health insurance. But if you scroll down to the copies of the official immigration notices, you will see criterion for "extention of stay" The first chart criterion #6 clearly specifies the need for health insurance for "extention of stay".  To make it more confusing when you go to the seccond criterion chart under that the wording is extremely confusing.  I plan to wait until after Oct 31 then go talk to my local immigration office, maybe by then it will be  more clear.  Since the official announcement has anyone actualy talked to their immigration office as to whether or not insurance is needed for "Extention of stay" ? I'm glad I have till next September to get this sorted out.  Prior to this announcement my very helpful Immigration officers said that if you have been here 5 years-no insurance needed. But if you do need insurance and cant qualify  just show 3 million in the bank. Go figure...

Not so confusing- Number 6- extension of stay refers to an extension of the O-A Visa  and that would apply to anyone who obtains an OA Visa after 31 October 2019. In other words at some point the O-A Visa expires and someone wanting to stay on an extension of stay has to have the new Insurance requirement.  You will notice that the words 'only' are used which means only the O-A and after 31 Oct 2019/

 

Since the O-A Visa must be issued in one's home country- the Embassy will check the Insurance provision along with the other criteria and issue  a multiple entry Non O-A.  At some point -when one asks for an extension- the  'proof' has to be shown to the IO extending.   The unanswered question is what type of proof will be sufficient at that point.  In fact- I don't even think any of this will be an issue as far as extensions go until around the end of October 2020.

[rabas]

1 hour ago, Thaidream said:

Not so confusing- Number 6- extension of stay refers to an extension of the O-A Visa  and that would apply to anyone who obtains an OA Visa after 31 October 2019. In other words at some point the O-A Visa expires and someone wanting to stay on an extension of stay has to have the new Insurance requirement.  You will notice that the words 'only' are used which means only the O-A and after 31 Oct 2019/

 

Since the O-A Visa must be issued in one's home country- the Embassy will check the Insurance provision along with the other criteria and issue  a multiple entry Non O-A.  At some point -when one asks for an extension- the  'proof' has to be shown to the IO extending.   The unanswered question is what type of proof will be sufficient at that point.  In fact- I don't even think any of this will be an issue as far as extensions go until around the end of October 2020.

I am capable of confusing most anything.

 

Hypothetical question. A person gets an O-A visa in his/her home country after October 31, 2019 and enters Thailand. They then stay for 5 years without exiting by using extensions. Do they continue to need insurance each of those 5 years of extensions? In your view.

[SpokaneAl]

I am capable of confusing most anything.
 
Hypothetical question. A person gets an O-A visa in his/her home country after October 31, 2019 and enters Thailand. They then stay for 5 years without exiting by using extensions. Do they continue to need insurance each of those 5 years of extensions? In your view.

At this moment in time, anyone apply for a non imm o-a multi entry visa after October 30 must show proof of insurance. One would need a crystal ball to know what happens after that, let alone in the next five years.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Melbun]

9 hours ago, mhortig said:

I'm 72 years old,relatively healthy but with a lot of preexisting conditions. If I take out insurance they will probably exclude  everything that could happen to me. I'll get nothing from  my insurance except a very large premium 80-90,000 baht, that goes up every year.  I'd rather self insure.

And what happens when/if run out of cash? and maybe can't pay your medical/hospital bills. It's the same story when you have a car and need to insure (just in case) you accidentally smash into an expensive, say Ferrari or Mercedes. Who's going to pick up the bill ?  Thai's are onto all you expats, that think they can have a free handout.

[Straight8]

On 10/10/2019 at 12:01 AM, Dogmatix said:

I guess that compulsory insurance for extensions will follow within a couple of years.  If they believe this is really necessary, there is not much point requiring it for the first year and then allowing unlimited extensions without insurance, as the visa holder gets older and older. 

 

I agree with many that tourists on motorcycles are more of a risk of leaving unpaid bills at government hospitals but uninsured retirees must be some sort of a risk too.  Last time I visited the M-i-L in her village the talk amongst the old ladies about a farang of unspecified nationality who died in the government hospital leaving no money and an unpaid hospital bill of B150,000 for his Thai wife.

 

My hope is that the government will come up with some affordable scheme that will cover treatment at government hospitals before they inevitably require insurance for extensions. They already have something similar for workers from neighbouring countries, although I think it is just like a national insurance fee, which probably just goes into government coffers, rather than a specific insurance scheme.

M.I.L & village... that about says it all.

 

I guess you believe in the tooth fairy??

[Huckenfell]

On 10/9/2019 at 5:00 PM, Tilacme said:

To those many tv posters who smugly criticised farangs in need of medical help who dont have insurance, i say well done, you have won!

Just targeting the wrong people, thats all.

[Huckenfell]

On 10/9/2019 at 7:17 PM, madmen said:

So dump your wife over an insurance policy? its true Thailand does attract the lowest of the low.

Perhaps he has no option, why such a supercilious post.

[Huckenfell]

On 10/9/2019 at 7:20 PM, Surasak said:

It possibly will happen. Its no if but when. Those of a certain age will be very unlikely to qualify for cover from an insurance company. So the question then will be, who will provide the cover? If not the insurance companies, will the government? Or will those unable to acquire cover be deported? I feel sure there are those who will be unable to afford the premiums and are trusting their family will help. Not such a good idea. The government should give very, very serious consideration to enforcing health insurance on long term expats.  

Would'nt it be possible for the government to offer a reasonable basic health insurance for those over a certain age , say 70. Because there are many in this group who have got Thai wives and families who they do not want to desert

.