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Can I use Medicare and supplemental insurance for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can I self-insure?

Oct 12, 2025
12 hours ago
Russ ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Regarding health insurance requirement for a retirement visa. Can I use my Medicare (USA) and supplement insurance.

I understand the insurance is not allowed to be used in Thailand but I could return if needed.

Secondly, can I self insure? If so how much do I need show?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
For a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand, health insurance is not required. However, for a NON-OA visa, specific health insurance from approved providers is necessary, and Medicare cannot be used for this purpose as it does not cover international care. Self-insuring is an option, but it is recommended to have sufficient funds for medical emergencies, typically suggested to be around $100,000.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
Thomas ***********
True medicare will not cover you outside the usa at all and is not recognised in thailand
Frank **********
Also be aware that Medicare will not cover you in Thailand. Like someone else said maybe a Medicare Advantage Plan might offer some coverage.
Gerg **********
No insurance needed for a non-O retirement visa, but to answer your question, no, Medicare cannot be used to satisfy the insurance requirement for a non-OA retirement visa. There are only specific health providers the government requires you to have in order to satisfy the requirement. As for self insuring, just weigh the benefit of paying a small amount for outpatient services as you need them vs a large health insurance premium that might save you financially if you are ever in a catastrophic accident or have a stroke leaving you in the hospital for months. Up to you.
Bob **********
No
Jay *******
Get the non O so no insurance required. You can get travel insurance up to a year. That gives you plenty time to get here and figure out what you want to do about long term insurance.
Robin *******
You don’t need insurance for a non-o retirement visa, however it is prudent to have when you are here, or have $
*****
0 in the bank ringfenced for a medical emergency
James **********
Don't know what your supplement plan is . Medicare Plan C is a private company of your choice. Some plan C cover limited care for tourists in other countries.
Michael *********
I agree with Brandon above, no insurance needed..
Brandon ************
The non-O visa, which most people use for retirement, does not require any insurance.

It's only the non-OA that requires medical insurance, and you would not be able to use your own insurance.
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