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Answered4 months ago

Can I use foreign health insurance for the OA retirement visa in Thailand?

Eloi **********
asked Jun 23, 2026
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OA retirement visa question: for the health insurance requirement, can I use a foreign/overseas insurer that is not on the official TGIA-approved company list, as long as the policy meets the required coverage and the insurer fills in and signs the TGIA Foreign Insurance Certificate? Has anyone here actually done this, and at which embassy/consulate? Thanks!
Answer summary
The question revolves around whether one can use a foreign insurer not on the TGIA-approved list for the health insurance requirement for the OA retirement visa, provided the coverage meets specific criteria and the insurer signs the TGIA Foreign Insurance Certificate. Based on responses, it appears this is possible initially; however, issues may arise when extending the visa, as only approved Thai companies are accepted for that process. Clarifications about the terminology for different visa types indicate that the Non-O/A is sometimes confused with the actual retirement visa.
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Greg ***********
Greg ***********
sorry, but the Non-O/A Visa is NOT the "Retirement Visa". . . . . . The only REAL "retirement visa" is the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa, or the LTR version. . . . . . . . The 1-year multi entry Non-Imm-O/A is a "Long-Stay" visa
Kyle ********
Kyle ********
Greg Alexander Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (long stay/retirement) from the Thai embassy
Greg ***********
Greg ***********
Kyle Brents yes! The Non-O/A Longstay Visa is NOT the "Retirement Visa". This would be the Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa
Jon *******
Jon *******
For the visa it’s very possible if they sign the form meeting or exceeding the coverage requirements. I did it in 2021.

HOWEVER, if you choose to extend, only the approved Thai insurance companies qualify
John **********
John **********
Yes in the unlikely event they will sign the certificate. You can't pick and choose where to apply for a Non-OA visa, you can only apply in your home country (or somewhere you are officially resident).

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