This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I switch health insurance while on an LTR visa in Thailand, and what are the implications?

LTR Visa Health Insurance in Thailand Insurance Refunds Visa Requirements Health Coverage Monitoring

Jul 11, 2025

3 days ago

James *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

About switching a health insurance while being on a visa that requires a health insurance at least for the initial  qualification and issuance stages. More specifically LTR visa. My existing insurance has a huge deductible, I will never benefit from it, it helped me qualify for the LTR. I like to get a much better insurance. I am curious if Thai insurance firms make a refund in case of an early termination. Do they have to notify any government entity in case of cancellation. Did anyone cancel their healthy insurance after getting the visa ?  There is no mechanism or enforcement in place to monitor  insurance coverage of a LTR holder once they get their visa. They just have to get a coverage during the second 5 yr qualification stage.

655

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around switching health insurance for those with an LTR visa in Thailand, particularly focusing on the ability to cancel a current policy that has a high deductible and the potential for refunds from insurance companies. Participants noted that after obtaining the LTR visa, there are no checks on insurance coverage, leading to flexibility in choosing insurance. Additionally, concerns were raised about the necessity of maintaining coverage during the second qualification stage of five years and the impact of insurance on the visa application process.

LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic Long Term Resident (LTR) Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted LTR Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Marty *********

No one has reached five years yet. They may look at all the first 5 years to check that you met the requirements.

2 days ago

James *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marty ********

that is a good point

2 days ago

Reply to

James *******

Shane ********

You can compare health insurance options in Thailand here

*****************************************

comparison site from

@Insurance **************

2 days ago

Francois ********

Look into

LMG Thai health insurance

2 days ago

Todd *********

For LTR it seemed more prudent to simply show $100k in a bank and allow yourself the flexibility to choose whatever insurance you wish

3 days ago

James *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

most of us had well over $100k but in a brokerage account, BOI did not accept it even if it was $1M in cash

2 days ago

Todd *********

@James ******

I’m sure pretty much everyone who qualifies has $100k lying around somewhere.

Mine was brokerage account. No issues with acceptance

2 days ago

James *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

I had tons of uninvested cash in Fidelity and BofA brokerage, not accepted a few months ago. I know a few others who had same issue, possibly BOI recently changed the policy on this requirement.

2 days ago

Reply to

James *******

Keith *******

Insurance companies will generally give a refund on each remaining full month plus a cancellation fee, which might be equal to one month's amount. You would need to look at the T&C of your policy under "cancellation"

3 days ago

Tony **********

Good luck getting a refund for a policy that has been in force!

3 days ago

Brandon ************

There's no checks on your insurance for LTR. And no one has applied for the second 5 years yet so no one knows how that will go.

3 days ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.