orientfan Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Hi everyone, I'm coming to this topic rather late. Can anyone explain simply when and if it is compulsory to have Health Insurance in Thailand? And if so what level of cover is required? I'm staying on an extension based on Retirement. Thanks a lot for any and all useful informaton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ubonjoe Posted November 4, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted November 4, 2019 It is only required to apply for a OA long stay visa at a embassy or official consulate and the entries that it allows. It is not required for a extension if stay. 5 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orientfan Posted November 4, 2019 Author Share Posted November 4, 2019 Thanks Ubonjoe. So if one is already in Thailand with a few years of RV extensions behind you, Health Insurance is not required at renewal (or for any other official purpose)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 7 minutes ago, orientfan said: So if one is already in Thailand with a few years of RV extensions behind you, Health Insurance is not required at renewal (or for any other official purpose)? Yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orientfan Posted November 4, 2019 Author Share Posted November 4, 2019 Thanks a lot Joe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momofarang Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Seems that this thread could be closed and just moved up from time to time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orientfan Posted November 4, 2019 Author Share Posted November 4, 2019 Dear Momofarang and Ubonjoe, A long-term resident in Jomtien on RV extensions says 'if you have a Cat.O visa you are OK, but if you have an OA visa you need to prove you have insurance.' Please could you comment? Many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJack54 Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 2 minutes ago, orientfan said: Dear Momofarang and Ubonjoe, A long-term resident in Jomtien on RV extensions says 'if you have a Cat.O visa you are OK, but if you have an OA visa you need to prove you have insurance.' Please could you comment? Many thanks I assume RV extensions means retirement visa. He is actually on annual extensions of stay based on retirement. Not extending a visa. IMO he does not require any insurance. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malt25 Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 12 hours ago, orientfan said: Dear Momofarang and Ubonjoe, A long-term resident in Jomtien on RV extensions says 'if you have a Cat.O visa you are OK, but if you have an OA visa you need to prove you have insurance.' Please could you comment? Many thanks How can the replies be any clearer ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwill Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 I believe the only time you have to keep insurance after the initial visa is with the O-X visa. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinot Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 As above, it's not required, but IMHO it will be in the future. The 400/40 policies which was going to be required is a good minimal healthcare policy. I bought one for a couple of reasons. 1. The policies have to be bought before you're 70 years of age. (I'll turn 70 this year) 2. It's a good minimal healthcare policy at a good price. ($1500 USD) I'm saving 2/3 over my previous policy healthcare policy which the premium was rising 10% a year and was going to end when I'm 75 anyway. This new policy will not be cancelled at any age and policy premium increases are minimal. I don't like the fact that I have to go to Thai Public hospitals but there are some good ones and should be adequate. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbrush Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 Has anybody on an existing OA (i.e. utilising a current extension of stay) either (1) re-entered the Kingdom since 31st October or (2) applied for an extension since 31st October? I’d like any information regarding the IO’s attitude to the insurance requirement which some members interpret do apply to OA visas, both on issuance and extension. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Denis Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 1 hour ago, Pinot said: As above, it's not required, but IMHO it will be in the future. The 400/40 policies which was going to be required is a good minimal healthcare policy. I bought one for a couple of reasons. 1. The policies have to be bought before you're 70 years of age. (I'll turn 70 this year) 2. It's a good minimal healthcare policy at a good price. ($1500 USD) I'm saving 2/3 over my previous policy healthcare policy which the premium was rising 10% a year and was going to end when I'm 75 anyway. This new policy will not be cancelled at any age and policy premium increases are minimal. I don't like the fact that I have to go to Thai Public hospitals but there are some good ones and should be adequate. Thanks for your post. Hmmm, till now I just dismissed the thai-approved health insurance options as ridiculous since the annual premium is so high that over a period of 4-7 years (depending on your age) you would have paid the maximum coverage they offer. If you compare with travel insurance - yes, is not same - the premium there is just a tiny fraction of the coverage which is way beyond 400K bath. Two questions: 1. Was your decision also driven by the present uncertainty whether health insurance would be required when applying for an extension of stay based on original OA Visa. 2. Can you please share the name of the policy and the health insurance company you selected. And was this one of the thai-approved companies for 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 5 hours ago, malt25 said: How can the replies be any clearer ? Because the appear wrong !! While its new and things are subject to change, it would appear that retirement extensions that come from an initial OA visa generated permission of stay DO require insurance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thingamabob Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 5 hours ago, Pinot said: As above, it's not required, but IMHO it will be in the future. The 400/40 policies which was going to be required is a good minimal healthcare policy. I bought one for a couple of reasons. 1. The policies have to be bought before you're 70 years of age. (I'll turn 70 this year) 2. It's a good minimal healthcare policy at a good price. ($1500 USD) I'm saving 2/3 over my previous policy healthcare policy which the premium was rising 10% a year and was going to end when I'm 75 anyway. This new policy will not be cancelled at any age and policy premium increases are minimal. I don't like the fact that I have to go to Thai Public hospitals but there are some good ones and should be adequate. What is the basis for your opinion that it will be required in future ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoppyone Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 1 hour ago, Thingamabob said: What is the basis for your opinion that it will be required in future ? At a guess it would be called guess work .Ummh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbrush Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 That’s certainly encouraging; it will be more so if a few more members can report their experiences so a pattern of behaviour by Immigration can be established.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Bob Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 I called 1178 today the Immigrations hotline and stated that I arrived in Thailand 13 years ago on an O/A visa. I asked if I would required health insurance when my extension of stay is due. The gentleman told me yes I will need to show that I have insurance. So this is different than what Jib was told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishtank Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 22 hours ago, orientfan said: Dear Momofarang and Ubonjoe, A long-term resident in Jomtien on RV extensions says 'if you have a Cat.O visa you are OK, but if you have an OA visa you need to prove you have insurance.' Please could you comment? Many thanks Wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 post referring to and quoting a post made in error have been removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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