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Can I re-enter Thailand with a new international health insurance policy while on a Non-O-A visa?

Jun 13, 2025
a day ago
Stefan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I hope someone can help me here please as I found so many contradicting information. I have a Thai visa (Non-O-A), which I used to first enter Thailand on September 16, 2024. A stamp in my passport granted me a stay until September 14, 2025, in accordance with the validity of my German international health insurance. The visa allows multiple entries. I left the country on February 24, 2025. I will re-enter on September 10, 2025. Can I re-enter with a new international health insurance policy valid for one year from Germany to obtain an additional year of stay, corresponding to the validity of the international health insurance policy, or does the health insurance policy have to be based in Thailand?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks clarity on whether they can re-enter Thailand on a Non-O-A visa with a new international health insurance policy from Germany, after having originally entered Thailand with a valid insurance policy. According to various comments, the health insurance must meet specific criteria: it should cover at least 100,000 USD and include COVID-19 treatment. While insurance policies from foreign companies can be accepted, it is advisable to ensure the new policy aligns with Thai regulations. Re-entry must occur before the visa's expiry to extend the stay potentially for another year.
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Wannikea *********
The visa is valid for one year from the date of issue You need to re-enter before that 1-year date expires, effectively stretching it to 2 years. If you plan to travel in and out of Thailand after that expiry date then you must buy a reentry permit.
Bernd ***********
Hanse Merkur Versicherung ( German insurance ) was willing to sign the foreign insurance certificate when I first used the O-A Visa .(Later I switched to O Visa.)
Bjørn *********
For a Thailand Non-Immigrant "O-A" visa (retirement), insurance is a mandatory requirement. Applicants must have a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 100,000 USD (or 3,000,000 Baht) for the entire period of stay, and it must include COVID-19 treatment coverage. This insurance must be issued by either a Thai or a foreign insurance company and be accompanied by a Foreign Insurance Certificate for Alien to apply for Non-Immigrant Visa Type O-A, signed with an approval stamp.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Minimum Coverage:

The insurance policy must cover at least 100,000 USD (or 3,000,000 Baht) for medical expenses.

COVID-19 Coverage:

The insurance must specifically cover the treatment of COVID-19.

Duration:

The insurance must cover the entire duration of the stay in Thailand, which is typically one year for an O-A visa.

Insurance Certificate:

A Foreign Insurance Certificate for Alien, signed and stamped by the insurance company, is required as a supporting document for the visa application.

Thai or Foreign Insurance:

The insurance can be issued by either a Thai insurance company or a foreign insurance company.

For more information and a list of Thai insurance companies participating in the scheme, you can visit the Thai General Insurance Association website.

Non-Immigrant O-A (Long-stay) - สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุง ...

For medical insurance documents, the applicant must meet one of the following requirements: 7.1 The holder of a health insurance policy, issued by a Thai insura...

สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงออสโล
Graham ******
No, you re-enter before the expiry of your initial Non-OA Visa (not your entry stamp) with new 12 month insurance to get another year entry stamp
Peter ****************
@Graham *****
Y'r right. And if I see his dates, then most probably his visa is already void when he comes back.
Stefan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you
Brandon ************
Normally it would need to be one of the approved policies with from the list of Thai companies. But you say the policy worked to enter originally back in 2024, so it might work again now? The immigration officers are likely not experts at checking insurance policies, so it's hard to say.
Stefan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
When you apply for the visa in your home country you do not need a Thai insurance, only if you apply for an extension at an immigration office in Thailand you need a Thai insurance
Brandon ************
@Stefan ******
but you need a specific signed letter to get the approval from the embassy to be able to use a foreign insurance policy. And that letter is so difficult to get that 99.9% of people have to get the Thai insurance to apply for the non-OA visa from the embassy. Perhaps you can get that letter again for your new year of insurance and that might help you enter and get a fresh year stamp.
Stefan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for your comments but trust me. If you apply at a consulate in your home country you neither need a thai insurance nor an approval. Myself and many friends from Europe have done it this way
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