How are the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay Visa) requirements changing?

There is good news for foreigners who wish to stay in Thailand long term after AETNA Thailand refreshed some of their health insurance plans to meet the Thai government's new criteria for Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay Visa).

The changes to the rules for "O-A" visas came in last week and mean expats will need to think again about their insurance coverage.

From October 1st applicants for this visa need health insurance or government welfare with a minimum coverage of US $100,000 or around three million baht for medical expenses and costs related to the treatment of Covid-19.

Previously visa applicants were only required to have health insurance in Thailand with a minimum coverage of 40,000 Thai baht for outpatient medical treatment and 400,000 for in-patient.

This has now all changed.

However, the new requirements are mandated only for an individual's first Long Stay visa application, AETNA informed ASEAN NOW.

Foreigners currently residing in Thailand under a Long Stay visa have until 31st August 2022 to apply for a visa extension under the previous regulations. 

But from September 1st 2022 they will be required to meet the new criteria.

AETNA has updated packages for expats that can be purchased via the AETNA website or Thai General Insurance Association's (TGIA) website, branches (direct and agent), broker partners, worksite marketing, telesales, Customer Loyalty and UOB bancassurance sales channels.

The available packages are as follows:

1. Platinum or Platinum+: These are 3 million, 5 million, 10 million and 30 million baht plans. Deductible options are also available.

2. Beyond Personal Care: Ultimate Plan

3. Crown Diamond (offered exclusively via UOB): 3 million baht and 4.5 million baht plans.

4. Ultracare: Thailand UltraCare, Elite, Comprehensive, Select and Standard. 

Supplementary benefits for more comprehensive insurance coverage including out-patient (OPD) and personal accident cover are also offered as add-ons to the above plans (subject to terms and conditions of each plan) the company told ASEAN NOW this week.

ASEAN NOW readers are advised to contact the above channels to upgrade their insurance within the time frame specified.

More information on Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans can be found here.