Step by Step Process for Retirement Visa Extension?

[TSF]

There have been countless threads on countless forums about how much you need per month to live in LOS. It's highly subjective and there's no real answer.

I think most guys can live very cheaply when they are alone. Their budgets can really go haywire when they add a TGF to their life. As inzman points out a TGF gambling, drinking...plus constantly taking money for her family will totally wreck a well-planned monthly budget.

[Liquorice]

Quote owenm: Either way, I'm going to want multiple entry, so I still have the freedom to come and go at will, providing I'm in the country for 90 day reporting and 1yr renewal.

Get a multi re-entry permit when you get your extension based on retirement, that will allow you the freedom to come and go as you please.

You don't have to stay in the Country for 90 day reports, only for the renewal of your extension.

If you leave the Country, your next 90 day report will be due 90 days from the date you re-entered Thailand.

If you miss the extension date then you have to start the whole process again.

[TSF]

I've had a couple of BMs send me PMs asking for more details about accident insurance in Thailand, so as it seems there's an interest in this matter I've decided to paste my reply into this main thread for everyone's benefit.

My accident cover is with Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited. I took the cover out about 8 years ago and have never made a claim (thank God) the annual cost is 2,640 bt and has never been increased in the 8 years I've had it.

The cover is for 100,000 Bt, not much if you had an accident and were taken to one of those expensive Bangkok hospitals, but adequate if you went to a regional/government hospital.

I have no idea how it stacks up against other companies. But I believe these basic accident covers are all very similar. My TGF told me she had one for a few years, and I've heard about similar policies being offered by banks.

It's not a fantastic policy but better than nothing at all. It's good to know that if I ever had an accident then I'm covered for 100,000 Bt in medical treatment & medicines.

I also seem to remember the company telling me the policy covers me for other ASEAN countries as well.

[canda]

I read on other forums that people from Australia have problem get there pension if outside Australia more then 6 month per year, have you look into that ?

Remember to account for XX.XXX - XXX.XXX baht per year for a Health / Accident insurance.

Getting the Australian Aged Pension was an issue in the past, but from Sept 2014 changes came into effect. Yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permanently, and if was a resident of Australia and of taxpayer age for 30+ years, will be paid the full aged pension. For 25, and 20 years the pension will reduce by about 20 or 25% .

I won't however reach 67.5yrs to be eligible for another 11yrs so anything can change between now and then. I'll be using my superannuation funds, paid as a monthly amount, rather than lump sum, to see me through to Government Pension age. I don't want to touch my Superannuation until 60yrs otherwise it's taxed at 15% . And I have saved funds to last me till then hopefully.

I've read debate on whether to self insure, or pay for a Private Insurance policy, which has exclusions for pre- existing conditions, namely my rheumatoid arthritis. And with the choice of policies and limits and the expensive cost to insure, I think I'd take the punt to cover myself.

Hi Owenm,

I'm an expat of 8 years happily living in Phuket, my partner & myself are both on retirement extentions & have no problems with the 90 day reporting etc,.

A couple of points I'd like to add in regards to the Australian Age Pension & Health Insurance here in Thailand...as we are both at the age that claiming the pension will soon be a possibility (5yrs & 8 yrs) we have been looking into the difficulties in doing just that, we have checked into the changes that were brought in in Sept'14. but the major issue with us is the fact that unless you are qualified as a "Resident" at the time you are lodging (therefore living full time in Australia for 2 years prior)or are residing in one of several recriprocating countries, you will not be granted a pension nor portability in regard to said pension, or, if you are recently returned to Australia & lodge the pension application & are granted the pension you must remain in Australia for a period of 2 years without a break or your pension will be cancelled until such time as you return to finish the 2 year period.

The above information you mention is mostly correct,though the reference to quote "yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permenantly" we fear is not true & unless we missed the changes we will live in hope of a policy change in the future... If you could verify the quote we would be most appreciative... as it's the stumbling block a great many of us are worried about.

In regard to Accident & Medical insurance, a recent issue that I had might encourage you to reconsider, again we both have full cover insurance, which we set up soon after we arrived in Thailand, we both had pre exixting issues & we stated that, we had no problem with setting up the policies, nor were there any additional costs incurred. Recently I had a health scare & it was necessary for me to have an overnight in one of the better hospitals here in Phuket, exploratory surgery was involved & though it wasn't invasive I was quoted over 400,000 baht for the costs, after the medical insurance was sorted out it ended up costing me just over 10,000 baht excess.

As you are about to make the move here, you might want to take some time to look at the various insurance companies, bearing in mind setting up a policy well prior to your 60th birthday (as some companies won't cover you if you decide after you turn 60) though have no issue of continuing insurance to an existing client who is turning 60.

Hope the above is some help.

Best regards,

CANDA

[Liquorice]

TSF, on 13 Dec 2014 - 09:20, said:

I've had a couple of BMs send me PMs asking for more details about accident insurance in Thailand, so as it seems there's an interest in this matter I've decided to paste my reply into this main thread for everyone's benefit.

My accident cover is with Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited. I took the cover out about 8 years ago and have never made a claim (thank God) the annual cost is 2,640 bt and has never been increased in the 8 years I've had it.

The cover is for 100,000 Bt, not much if you had an accident and were taken to one of those expensive Bangkok hospitals, but adequate if you went to a regional/government hospital.

I have no idea how it stacks up against other companies. But I believe these basic accident covers are all very similar. My TGF told me she had one for a few years, and I've heard about similar policies being offered by banks.

It's not a fantastic policy but better than nothing at all. It's good to know that if I ever had an accident then I'm covered for 100,000 Bt in medical treatment & medicines.

I also seem to remember the company telling me the policy covers me for other ASEAN countries as well.

Doesn't cover motorcycle accidents, I was informed.

[owenm]

I read on other forums that people from Australia have problem get there pension if outside Australia more then 6 month per year, have you look into that ?

Remember to account for XX.XXX - XXX.XXX baht per year for a Health / Accident insurance.

Getting the Australian Aged Pension was an issue in the past, but from Sept 2014 changes came into effect. Yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permanently, and if was a resident of Australia and of taxpayer age for 30+ years, will be paid the full aged pension. For 25, and 20 years the pension will reduce by about 20 or 25% .

I won't however reach 67.5yrs to be eligible for another 11yrs so anything can change between now and then. I'll be using my superannuation funds, paid as a monthly amount, rather than lump sum, to see me through to Government Pension age. I don't want to touch my Superannuation until 60yrs otherwise it's taxed at 15% . And I have saved funds to last me till then hopefully.

I've read debate on whether to self insure, or pay for a Private Insurance policy, which has exclusions for pre- existing conditions, namely my rheumatoid arthritis. And with the choice of policies and limits and the expensive cost to insure, I think I'd take the punt to cover myself.

Hi Owenm,

I'm an expat of 8 years happily living in Phuket, my partner & myself are both on retirement extentions & have no problems with the 90 day reporting etc,.

A couple of points I'd like to add in regards to the Australian Age Pension & Health Insurance here in Thailand...as we are both at the age that claiming the pension will soon be a possibility (5yrs & 8 yrs) we have been looking into the difficulties in doing just that, we have checked into the changes that were brought in in Sept'14. but the major issue with us is the fact that unless you are qualified as a "Resident" at the time you are lodging (therefore living full time in Australia for 2 years prior)or are residing in one of several recriprocating countries, you will not be granted a pension nor portability in regard to said pension, or, if you are recently returned to Australia & lodge the pension application & are granted the pension you must remain in Australia for a period of 2 years without a break or your pension will be cancelled until such time as you return to finish the 2 year period.

The above information you mention is mostly correct,though the reference to quote "yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permenantly" we fear is not true & unless we missed the changes we will live in hope of a policy change in the future... If you could verify the quote we would be most appreciative... as it's the stumbling block a great many of us are worried about.

In regard to Accident & Medical insurance, a recent issue that I had might encourage you to reconsider, again we both have full cover insurance, which we set up soon after we arrived in Thailand, we both had pre exixting issues & we stated that, we had no problem with setting up the policies, nor were there any additional costs incurred. Recently I had a health scare & it was necessary for me to have an overnight in one of the better hospitals here in Phuket, exploratory surgery was involved & though it wasn't invasive I was quoted over 400,000 baht for the costs, after the medical insurance was sorted out it ended up costing me just over 10,000 baht excess.

As you are about to make the move here, you might want to take some time to look at the various insurance companies, bearing in mind setting up a policy well prior to your 60th birthday (as some companies won't cover you if you decide after you turn 60) though have no issue of continuing insurance to an existing client who is turning 60.

Hope the above is some help.

Best regards,

CANDA

Thanks Canda

One thing I love about TV is that although nobody knows everything on every subject, but collectively everyone who contributes assists other members greatly.

I did some research, and on the topic of eligibility for the Australian Aged Pension if living outside of Australia, in a country that doesn't have a reciprocal agreement, namely Thailand, it would in fact require the recipient to return and reside in Australia for a period of 2 years either prior to or after reaching retirement age, which can vary depending on DOB, but would fall between ages of 65-70yrs currently. As you stated, which if left unchanged by government legislation, can cause a major disruption to one's long term retirement plans in LOS. It would however be a good excuse to return home for 2 years, on a shoestring budget, and realise what one has left behind in LOS.

If one had a postal residential address, back in Australia, and if one applied for the pension in Australia, would Human Services be aware of one's travels? If one left Australia to NZ, would the Australian Customs not think that they were residing there, which is a reciprocal country, and be unaware that another flight is booked from NZ and continued the journey to Thailand long term? The Australian pension could be paid into an Aussie bank account, transferred online to another Aussie bank account with a different bank, and withdrawn or transferred monthly to a Thai bank.

I don't know whether what I've surmised is possible or been attempted before.

And thanks for your advise on health insurance prior to 60yrs, and checking if pre-existing conditions can be covered. I'll now definitely look into this when I make the move next year.

[strabel23]

TSF, on 13 Dec 2014 - 09:20, said:

I've had a couple of BMs send me PMs asking for more details about accident insurance in Thailand, so as it seems there's an interest in this matter I've decided to paste my reply into this main thread for everyone's benefit.

My accident cover is with Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited. I took the cover out about 8 years ago and have never made a claim (thank God) the annual cost is 2,640 bt and has never been increased in the 8 years I've had it.

The cover is for 100,000 Bt, not much if you had an accident and were taken to one of those expensive Bangkok hospitals, but adequate if you went to a regional/government hospital.

I have no idea how it stacks up against other companies. But I believe these basic accident covers are all very similar. My TGF told me she had one for a few years, and I've heard about similar policies being offered by banks.

It's not a fantastic policy but better than nothing at all. It's good to know that if I ever had an accident then I'm covered for 100,000 Bt in medical treatment & medicines.

I also seem to remember the company telling me the policy covers me for other ASEAN countries as well.

Doesn't cover motorcycle accidents, I was informed.

Wouldn't your motorcycle insurance cover your medical expenses if you were involved in a motorcycle accident? Surely it would if the accident caused injuries to the other party and you were to blame?

[Will27]

I read on other forums that people from Australia have problem get there pension if outside Australia more then 6 month per year, have you look into that ?

Remember to account for XX.XXX - XXX.XXX baht per year for a Health / Accident insurance.

Getting the Australian Aged Pension was an issue in the past, but from Sept 2014 changes came into effect. Yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permanently, and if was a resident of Australia and of taxpayer age for 30+ years, will be paid the full aged pension. For 25, and 20 years the pension will reduce by about 20 or 25% .

I won't however reach 67.5yrs to be eligible for another 11yrs so anything can change between now and then. I'll be using my superannuation funds, paid as a monthly amount, rather than lump sum, to see me through to Government Pension age. I don't want to touch my Superannuation until 60yrs otherwise it's taxed at 15% . And I have saved funds to last me till then hopefully.

I've read debate on whether to self insure, or pay for a Private Insurance policy, which has exclusions for pre- existing conditions, namely my rheumatoid arthritis. And with the choice of policies and limits and the expensive cost to insure, I think I'd take the punt to cover myself.

Mate

Going on the scenario you've given, I'm pretty sure you won't be eligible for the OAP.

You have to be a resident on the day you lodge your claim and on the info you've provided,

you won't be classed as one as you will be living in Thailand.

Once you've qualified for the pension, you can then move abroad.

[Liquorice]

steven roberts, on 14 Dec 2014 - 09:04, said:

Faz, on 13 Dec 2014 - 12:28, said:

TSF, on 13 Dec 2014 - 09:20, said:TSF, on 13 Dec 2014 - 09:20, said:

I've had a couple of BMs send me PMs asking for more details about accident insurance in Thailand, so as it seems there's an interest in this matter I've decided to paste my reply into this main thread for everyone's benefit.

My accident cover is with Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited. I took the cover out about 8 years ago and have never made a claim (thank God) the annual cost is 2,640 bt and has never been increased in the 8 years I've had it.

The cover is for 100,000 Bt, not much if you had an accident and were taken to one of those expensive Bangkok hospitals, but adequate if you went to a regional/government hospital.

I have no idea how it stacks up against other companies. But I believe these basic accident covers are all very similar. My TGF told me she had one for a few years, and I've heard about similar policies being offered by banks.

It's not a fantastic policy but better than nothing at all. It's good to know that if I ever had an accident then I'm covered for 100,000 Bt in medical treatment & medicines.

I also seem to remember the company telling me the policy covers me for other ASEAN countries as well.

Doesn't cover motorcycle accidents, I was informed.

Wouldn't your motorcycle insurance cover your medical expenses if you were involved in a motorcycle accident? Surely it would if the accident caused injuries to the other party and you were to blame?

I hope so. I took out first class insurance when I bought the motorcycle but not sure to what extent it covers me as it's all in Thai.

I looked at the Accident Insurance from Bangkok Bank but considered the risk against accidents other than on a motorcycle likely to be minimum.

I suppose you take your chances compared to the risk.

[canda]

I read on other forums that people from Australia have problem get there pension if outside Australia more then 6 month per year, have you look into that ?

Remember to account for XX.XXX - XXX.XXX baht per year for a Health / Accident insurance.

Getting the Australian Aged Pension was an issue in the past, but from Sept 2014 changes came into effect. Yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permanently, and if was a resident of Australia and of taxpayer age for 30+ years, will be paid the full aged pension. For 25, and 20 years the pension will reduce by about 20 or 25% .

I won't however reach 67.5yrs to be eligible for another 11yrs so anything can change between now and then. I'll be using my superannuation funds, paid as a monthly amount, rather than lump sum, to see me through to Government Pension age. I don't want to touch my Superannuation until 60yrs otherwise it's taxed at 15% . And I have saved funds to last me till then hopefully.

I've read debate on whether to self insure, or pay for a Private Insurance policy, which has exclusions for pre- existing conditions, namely my rheumatoid arthritis. And with the choice of policies and limits and the expensive cost to insure, I think I'd take the punt to cover myself.

Hi Owenm,

I'm an expat of 8 years happily living in Phuket, my partner & myself are both on retirement extentions & have no problems with the 90 day reporting etc,.

A couple of points I'd like to add in regards to the Australian Age Pension & Health Insurance here in Thailand...as we are both at the age that claiming the pension will soon be a possibility (5yrs & 8 yrs) we have been looking into the difficulties in doing just that, we have checked into the changes that were brought in in Sept'14. but the major issue with us is the fact that unless you are qualified as a "Resident" at the time you are lodging (therefore living full time in Australia for 2 years prior)or are residing in one of several recriprocating countries, you will not be granted a pension nor portability in regard to said pension, or, if you are recently returned to Australia & lodge the pension application & are granted the pension you must remain in Australia for a period of 2 years without a break or your pension will be cancelled until such time as you return to finish the 2 year period.

The above information you mention is mostly correct,though the reference to quote "yes, full pension is paid if living abroad permenantly" we fear is not true & unless we missed the changes we will live in hope of a policy change in the future... If you could verify the quote we would be most appreciative... as it's the stumbling block a great many of us are worried about.

In regard to Accident & Medical insurance, a recent issue that I had might encourage you to reconsider, again we both have full cover insurance, which we set up soon after we arrived in Thailand, we both had pre exixting issues & we stated that, we had no problem with setting up the policies, nor were there any additional costs incurred. Recently I had a health scare & it was necessary for me to have an overnight in one of the better hospitals here in Phuket, exploratory surgery was involved & though it wasn't invasive I was quoted over 400,000 baht for the costs, after the medical insurance was sorted out it ended up costing me just over 10,000 baht excess.

As you are about to make the move here, you might want to take some time to look at the various insurance companies, bearing in mind setting up a policy well prior to your 60th birthday (as some companies won't cover you if you decide after you turn 60) though have no issue of continuing insurance to an existing client who is turning 60.

Hope the above is some help.

Best regards,

CANDA

Thanks Canda

One thing I love about TV is that although nobody knows everything on every subject, but collectively everyone who contributes assists other members greatly.

I did some research, and on the topic of eligibility for the Australian Aged Pension if living outside of Australia, in a country that doesn't have a reciprocal agreement, namely Thailand, it would in fact require the recipient to return and reside in Australia for a period of 2 years either prior to or after reaching retirement age, which can vary depending on DOB, but would fall between ages of 65-70yrs currently. As you stated, which if left unchanged by government legislation, can cause a major disruption to one's long term retirement plans in LOS. It would however be a good excuse to return home for 2 years, on a shoestring budget, and realise what one has left behind in LOS.

If one had a postal residential address, back in Australia, and if one applied for the pension in Australia, would Human Services be aware of one's travels? If one left Australia to NZ, would the Australian Customs not think that they were residing there, which is a reciprocal country, and be unaware that another flight is booked from NZ and continued the journey to Thailand long term? The Australian pension could be paid into an Aussie bank account, transferred online to another Aussie bank account with a different bank, and withdrawn or transferred monthly to a Thai bank.

I don't know whether what I've surmised is possible or been attempted before.

And thanks for your advise on health insurance prior to 60yrs, and checking if pre-existing conditions can be covered. I'll now definitely look into this when I make the move next year.

Cheers Owenm,

Glad I could offer you some help, I remember when we took the leap of faith & made the move from Australia how many questions we had. I agree with you the Thaivisa Forum has a lot of helpful advice available.

It's quite interesting trying to research the Australian government's web sites re the Aged Pension, it's almost like certain info isn't mentioned, if you get what I mean.

I like your thoughts re flying via a reciprical country & then onwards to LOS etc... you sound like a man who thinks outside the box. Not sure if you have had a look on Thaivisa Forum into.. Visas for other countries, (subsection) Australian visa etc, Aged Pension, well worth a look on the latest of several hundred pages of questions & answers.

As I mentioned, we have a couple of years to contemplate what our plan of attack is, we still have family & friends In Australia & visit at least once a year, but other than existing bank & non property investments, we have cut ties with Australia overall, financially we are pretty well off, but are determined to do what ever is needed to qualify for what we believe we have well and truelly paid for with taxes etc over the 35+ years we worked, we won't be forced back to Aust. to grovel on benefits for a couple of years prior to the OAP date so if worst case scenerio we plan to do a couple of 1 year stints in Greece, apparently, you can even apply for the Aust. OAP there. We have a couple of properties here, one is permanently rented out & our current home was recently built & is in a resort situation & we can either close it up or add it to the rental pool etc,. long term visas in Greece are similar to Thailand, not working, having a reasonable amount in a bank account etc,. applying via a Greek embassy & Bob's you uncle. Foretunately, we have friends that spend every season in there second home on the island of Paros & we tend to head there for holidays most years, so for us an extended stay my be a way around things...the cost of living there is reasonable & we can have access to good accomadation,again at a reasonable cost... our main issue with that plan is we would prefer to keep our current retirement extention visas here, so it would mean timing renewals before flying out from here & then returning just prior to the next years extention date, so could be interesting... anyway it would show the determination to gain the pension is there !

Anyway, I would be keen to know of your thoughts re the above, again just a plan at this stage, but unless the Australian Government don't start giving rather than taking it might be a necessary, I applaud your advance planning re your big move next year, Thailand is an amazing place to live & like yourself we decided a far better place to retire to. Please feel free keep this post open or P.M me if I can be of any further help.

Best Regards,

CANDA

[ubonjoe]

Any further discussion of Oz pensions should be done in this topic Australian Aged Pension on the Home Country Forum